A registration center is a “one-stop shop” for parents in Charleston County School District’s (CCSD’s) Constituent District 4 (which includes North Charleston and Ladson). Each center acts as a service hub during the summer for parents and guardians. Instead of traveling to multiple locations and calling multiple people, you will be able to speak directly with highly-trained staff.
Who needs to visit one of our centers?
The families of students who are new to CCSD and reside in North Charleston or Ladson
The families of current CCSD students who have moved or are moving to North Charleston or Ladson
What services are provided at the centers?
Assistance with the registration process for students age pre-K through 12th grade, who plan to attend any school (excluding countywide magnet schools) located in North Charleston or Ladson
Information about bus transportation
Options for English Language Learners
Information about resources for special needs students
Information about the federal lunch program
Information about important medical requirements (immunizations, etc.)
What important things do I need to know before visiting a center?
Parents/guardians in North Charleston and Ladson need to register their child at the closest service center and not at your child’s home school or a partial magnet school. It is strongly recommended that you call and make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but your wait time may be longer.
To reduce your enrollment center visit time, go to www.ccsdschools.com, click on “Student Registration” under Quick Links, and use InfoSnap to begin your registration process.
If you are registering your child, please bring the following items with you to the registration center:
Child’s Legal Birth Certificate or Certificate of Live Birth
Child’s SC Certificate of Immunization
Proof of Parent’s Residency (i.e. signed current lease or most recent tax bill)
Plus, one of the following recent documents: utility bill, water bill, car registration, pay stub, or piece of local/state/federal agency mail
You will be asked to submit a notarized affidavit. The form is available and can be notarized at the registration center.
Charleston County Government announces the following traffic alert for nighttime lane closures in North Charleston:
International Boulevard
Nighttime lane closures will occur April 23-26 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on International Boulevard between S. Aviation Avenue and Michaux Parkway so workers can resurface the road.
Workers will be present to direct traffic through the closures.
All road work is dependent on weather. If the weather is poor April 23-26, work will continue on the next weather-permitting night.
E. Montague Avenue
Nighttime lane closures will occur April 24-29 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on E. Montague Avenue between Rivers Avenue and Gaynor Avenue so workers can resurface the road.
Workers will be present to direct traffic through the closures.
All road work is dependent on weather. If the weather is poor April 24-29, work will continue on the next weather-permitting night.
Drivers traveling through the project’s construction zone are asked to be aware of equipment and crews working in the area at all times. The public is also asked to notice traffic control signs, reductions in speed limit and message board information.
The 14th Annual Earth Day Festival is a celebration of Charleston County’s environmental community. The festival provides hands-on educational opportunities for all ages, and highlights the County’s environmental programs.
“Our annual Earth Day Festival provides an ideal opportunity for Lowcountry residents to learn how they can make a difference in our community at home, work and play,” said Carolyn Carusos, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Recycling Programs Manager. “Riverfront Park offers a beautiful waterfront setting to enjoy the diverse, fun and family-oriented activities.”
Charleston County’s Earth Day Festival attracts as many as 8,000 people each year. All participants are asked to commit to reducing waste at the event. Resource Recovery Centers will be strategically located throughout the park to collect recyclable materials and organic waste generated during the festival.
Charleston County’s Annual Earth Day Art Contest was held again this year, and students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade submitted drawings for the theme: “One Earth, One Future.” The winning artwork will be featured at the event and will be printed on the back of all festival T-shirts.
Over 60 environmental activities and educational displays on alternative energy, conservation, local and organic agriculture, animals and habitat preservation, litter, water and air quality, seedlings, recycling and composting
FREE shredding services (located in the parking lot)
Collection of electronic waste, such as old TVs and computers, for recycling (located in the parking lot). Bring old/unwanted electronic items to be recycled and avoid these items being disposed of in the landfill.
Goodwill donation center (located in the parking lot)
Composting Awareness Center, a focal point tent emphasizing “Are you in the Loop?” where attendees can learn about the composting cycle. Guests will receive home composting information, commercial food waste information and free compost samples.
Hands-on fun with Mad Science play stations
Water buffalo by Charleston Water Systems
Nature walks with a local naturalist Pet Helpers will be on site providing information on animal rescue and adoptable animals
Local food vendors and food trucks offering classic festival fare plus some vegetarian options
Returning Trash-to-Treasure guest, The Yo Art Project, to assist with craft-making using recycled materials Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department staff will:
Provide reusable bag giveaways for the first 500 attendees
Feature demonstrations showing the new single stream recycling truck
Host a recycling tent with information, giveaways and prizes
Plus a whole day of fun activities, prize drawings, contests and interactive live performances
Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department thanks their contributors:
Millard Refrigerated Services today announced plans to develop and operate a new cold storage distribution facility in North Charleston. The $42 million investment is expected to generate 87 new jobs.
“The team at Millard is excited about the business opportunities with our new operation in Charleston County. The facility will give us access to the world-class port in Charleston and provide an efficient hub for our customers along the East Coast and throughout the Southeast. We look forward to getting our new facility up and running, and appreciate the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Lance Larsen, president and CEO of Millard Refrigerated Services.
Millard Refrigerated Services will construct a state-of-the-art cold storage facility in the Palmetto Commerce Park, located at 7748 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, North Charleston. The company will use the facility to freeze and store poultry, pork and beef products that will be exported to foreign markets.
“We celebrate Millard Refrigerated Services decision to put down roots in South Carolina with a $42 million investment that will create 87 new jobs in North Charleston. We are working hard every day to attract investments like this one from companies across the nation and around the globe. We appreciate Millard’s decision to join the Palmetto State’s business community,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Millard Refrigerated Services expects to begin work on the building in the spring of 2013, and start operations by 2014.
“Distribution and logistics companies are increasingly coming to understand that South Carolina is just right for their operations. Being centrally located between Miami and New York City, having solid infrastructure and one of the busiest ports on the East Coast makes the Palmetto State ideal for reaching customers and markets,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Our heartiest of congratulations go out today to Millard Refrigerated Services,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “Millard fills a void in our region’s intermodal transportation offerings, and their capabilities will help our efforts to recruit many other industry sectors. We believe that our world-class port, excellent workforce, and pro-business environment will ensure that their new venture will be a highly successful and profitable one. We think the future here is very bright for both the company and our citizens.”
“Millard Refrigerated Services is a welcomed addition to the growing list of world-class businesses to locate within the City of North Charleston along Palmetto Commerce Parkway,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summery. “It is our commitment to Millard to remain a business friendly community and a location for all of our businesses to flourish.”
“As one of the nation’s top refrigeration and logistics services providers, Millard will be a tremendous asset to the Charleston region,” said Wayne Hall, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board chairman. “The Port of Charleston and our business friendly climate are critical factors in Millard’s decision to locate here, and we’re glad they have.”
Last year, South Carolina’s exports jumped more than 21 percent to $24.6 billion in goods sold to 198 countries around the world.
“The port community welcomes Millard to the area, as their presence will mean increased activity through the Port of Charleston’s container facilities,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “Exports of refrigerated cargo have continued to rise, and these heavy exports must find their way to ports with deep-water capabilities, like Charleston. We congratulate Secretary Hitt and Commerce’s partners for bringing Millard to South Carolina.”
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in mid-2013. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit the careers section of Millard website (www.millardref.com).
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant of $3.75 million.
About Millard Refrigerated Services Millard Refrigerated Services was founded in 1963, in Omaha, NE. The company remains family owned and operated. Millard currently serves all of North America through the operation of 36 regional facilities, and is the second-largest refrigerated warehouse and distribution company in the United States. In addition to cold storage warehousing and transportation, Millard provides clients with a wide variety of other value-added services including High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP), logistics support and import/export assistance. To learn more about Millard’s full line of value added services, please visit www.millardref.com or call 402-896-6600.
Shimano American Corporation, a maker of fishing tackle and bicycle components, today announced the expansion of its distribution center in North Charleston. The expansion will double the company’s original investment and increase employment at the facility by 50 percent. The company broke ground on the new construction today.
“With this investment, it’s much more than just doubling the size at our South Carolina facility – we'll also be prepared for both current and future distribution needs for all our brands,” said Dave Pfeiffer, president of Shimano American Corp. “Taking our original investment in 2003 in a 25,000-square-foot distribution center in North Charleston’s Benchmark Industrial Park to another level again, this a needed positive step in order to increase services to our business partners up and down the East Coast, and throughout the Midwest and Southern states. We look forward to our South Carolina facility playing a larger role in Shimano’s operations in the U.S., and we appreciate the cooperation we’ve received from local, regional and state agencies in our expansion plans.”
The new construction adds nearly 99,000-square-feet to the current 102,000-square-foot facility at 9550 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, built by Shimano in 2006. The addition will be ready in August 2013.
“It’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses increase its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Shimano’s decision to expand its North Charleston facility with an additional investment and the creation of new jobs. We work hard every day to strengthen our business-friendly climate so we will continue to see South Carolina companies expand and create more jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Along with the added capacity, the expanded facility “will allow Shimano to improve our material handling automation processes, and will also provide us with nearly 3,000-square-feet of needed office space,” said Shimano’s senior manager of operations Allen Johnston. He notes that along with Shimano bicycle components and fishing tackle, the company distributes its G.Loomis fishing rods and PowerPro fishing line from the North Charleston facility. When the improvements are complete, Shimano will add the distribution of its Pearl Izumi technical cycling and running products, and also Jackall brand fishing lures, to the facility.
“When companies need to get products to customers on the East Coast or throughout the Southeast, South Carolina offers the best options for reaching those markets. Shimano’s decision to expand its Charleston County facility provides another example of that, and we look forward to the company’s continued growth here,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Our congratulations go out today to the entire Shimano team on the momentous occasion of their expansion,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “An expansion is the ultimate corporate testimonial that a community can receive, and we are happy to see that the Port of Charleston, the Charleston area workforce, and our business climate have proven to be fertile soil for the company’s success. We at Charleston County have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship, and we will remain steadfast partners to Shimano in the years to come.”
“In 2003, North Charleston welcomed Shimano to our great city, and since that time we have been fortunate to see the company’s growth within our community. Today, we congratulate Shimano on its second expansion at Palmetto Commerce Park,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “It is our commitment to maintain a local environment that is friendly to commerce and accommodating to the needs of Shimano and all of our North Charleston businesses.”
Shimano American Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Shimano, Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of fishing tackle and bicycle components. Along with its Irvine, Calif. sales, service and distribution operations and its Pearl Izumi USA headquarters in Louisville, Colo., Shimano manufactures its PowerPro braided fishing line in Grand Junction, Colo., and its G.Loomis fishing rods in Woodland, Wash. Beginning in January 2013, it will also handle the sales, marketing and distribution of Jackall Lures in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.shimano.com.
Drivers should expect lane closures on Rivers Avenue (U.S. Highway 52) between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night from Wednesday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Sept. 30, except on Friday and Saturday nights when there will be no closures.
The lane closures will occur in either direction of Rivers Avenue between Ashley Phosphate Road and Northbrook Boulevard.
Only one portion of the road will be closed at a time.
Workers with flags will direct traffic through the closures.
The closures are necessary due to the construction of new sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signal improvements on Rivers Avenue.
All road work is dependent on weather. If the weather is poor during Aug. 29 – Sept. 30 and more work is needed, it will continue on the next weather-permitting night (other than a Friday or Saturday).
Drivers traveling through the project’s construction zone are asked to be aware of equipment and crews working in the area at all times. The public is also asked to notice traffic control signs, message board information, and to note that all road work is dependent on the weather.
The goal of the project, which is expected to be completed November 18, 2012, includes sidewalk, crosswalks and pedestrian signalization improvements along the west and east ends of Rivers Avenue from Ashley Phosphate Road to Northbrook Boulevard.
The public can get more information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax road projects at the official website at www.ccroadwise.org.
June 1 marks the beginning of the 2012 hurricane season, but are most people prepared? Are you prepared?
The Charleston County Emergency Management Department wants residents to get their family’s emergency plan in place and put their emergency supply kit together prior to a storm. Residents are also encouraged to “like” the department’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/EMDChasCo so they can have immediate access to new information in the event of an emergency.
“Charleston County Government is always preparing for a storm and working with other local and state agencies to do so, but everyone has an individual responsibility to get prepared and make sure their family has a plan,” said Cathy Haynes, Charleston County Emergency Management Department’s Chief of Operations. “Churches and civic groups can also help by printing the guide for those who do not have access to the Internet. Our entire community needs to help spread the word.”
In anticipation of an evacuation order, which can only be given by the governor, Haynes also reminds the public that they should plan to leave town if at all possible, and everyone along the coast is strongly encouraged to make travel arrangements well in advance.
“Because of the low-lying areas in our county, we will never have enough safe shelter space for all of Charleston County’s residents,” said Jason Patno, Charleston County Emergency Management Director. “Therefore, we encourage everyone who has the means to leave town to do so and to consider shelters only as a last resort when they have nowhere else to go.”
Also, those who have the ability to leave should do so as early as possible.
“You don’t have to wait until an evacuation order is issued,” Patno said. “If you can, leave as early as possible to make your trip easier and to help relieve the traffic congestion on our roads.”
Citizens who do not have transportation should learn where their nearest evacuation pick-up point is located. The evacuation pick-up points are noted by blue signs with a hurricane and bus symbol, and are located across the county at many CARTA bus stops and popular areas like schools, churches and shopping centers. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, buses will transport citizens from the 79 pick-up points to the nearest available Red Cross shelter.
“It is vital for residents in our community who don’t have transportation to know where their nearest pick-up point is before the next hurricane approaches our coast,” Haynes said. “It takes all of us working together to make sure our citizens and neighbors are prepared and safe.”
The procedures for opening shelters have changed for the 2012 hurricane season. Rather than having a list of shelters in advance, emergency shelters will be determined with the approach of a hurricane to South Carolina. In the event of a hurricane or other major disaster, residents are asked to monitor local media outlets for a current list of open shelters. During an evacuation, listen for emergency alerts on the radio and look for road signs for shelter information.
Information in the 2012 Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide includes:
What to have in your emergency supplies kit
Evacuation information and routes out of Charleston County
Shelter procedures
What to do if you don’t have transportation – look for pick-up point signs posted around the county!
Definitions and what you need to do during hurricane watches, warnings and tropical storms
Rules to know and items to bring if you and your pet need to stay at the pet shelter
Preparations for your home and your family before the storm
What to do after a storm, including safety measures and handling debris
A family communications plan form to fill out
Important phone numbers, including ones that will be activated in the event of an emergency
The 2012 Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide will also run throughout hurricane season on Comcast’s education and government channel 60.
The County’s 13th Annual Earth Day Festival is a celebration of Charleston County’s environmental community. The festival provides hands-on educational opportunities highlighting Charleston County’s environmental programs and community in an entertaining atmosphere.
“Our Annual Earth Day Festival provides an ideal opportunity for Lowcountry residents to learn how they can make a difference in our community at home, work and play,” said Carolyn Carusos, Charleston County’s Environmental Management Recycling Programs Manager. “The new location for this year’s festival at Riverfront Park offers a beautiful waterfront setting to enjoy all the diverse, fun, family-oriented activities.”
Charleston County’s Earth Day Festival has attracted as many as 8,000 people to the free event each year. All participants are asked to commit to reducing waste at the event. Resource Recycling Centers will be strategically located throughout the park to collect recyclable materials and organic waste generated by attendees.
Charleston County’s Earth Day Art Contest was held again this year. Students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade were asked to submit drawings on Earth Day subjects with the theme of “Put Your Green Foot Forward.” The winning artwork will be featured at the event and will be printed on the back of the volunteers’ T-shirts.
Schedule of Events:
Main Stage
11:30 a.m.: Event kickoff with Bishop England’s Marching Band
12 p.m.: Opening remarks by Charleston County Council Representatives in attendance / Awards & recognition of Earth Day art contest winners and recognition of festival volunteers
12:30 p.m.: “We All Live Downstream” by speaker Kim Counts with the Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium
1 p.m.: Live performance by Shrimp City Slim, piano/vocals, specializing in Lowcountry blues & original songs
2 p.m.: Live performance by The 3 Dudes, Charleston’s youngest & most rocking rock band
3 p.m.: Live performance by Yeehaw Junction, Charleston's premier bluegrass band specializing in playing traditional bluegrass music
4 p.m.: Live performance by Adande African Drum & Dance Company, exploring the elements of history and entertainment combined in a single musical experience
Educational Stage
12:30 p.m.: Nature walk with Christine Poole / Music provided by singer, songwriter Estee Gabay
Over 60 environmental activities and educational displays on alternative energy, conservation, local and organic agriculture, animals and habitat preservation, litter, water and air quality, seedlings, recycling and composting
Pet Helpers will be on site providing information on animal rescue and adoptable animals
Local food vendors and food trucks offering classic festival fare plus some vegetarian options
Returning Trash-to-Treasure guest, The Yo Art Project, to assist with craft-making using recycled materials
Charleston County Environmental Management staff will:
Collect electronic waste, such as old TVs and computers for recycling. Bring your unwanted electronic items with you to avoid these items being disposed of in the landfill.
Provide reusable bag giveaways for first 100 attendees
Feature demonstrations showing the new single stream recycling truck
Host a recycling tent with information, giveaways and prizes
Have recycling bins for available for residents to take home
Provide home compost information, backyard composting demonstrations and free compost samples
Plus a whole day of fun activities, prize drawings, contests and interactive live performances
Give feedback at R.B. Stall High School on February 13, 2012 at 6:00 pm.
Charleston County School District's (CCSD’s) current strategic plan Charleston Achieving Excellence centers on four priorities: Literacy Improvement, Effective Teaching and Leadership, World-Class Schools & Systems, and Strategic Partnerships. CCSD has three goals: 1) Close the achievement gap; 2) Elevate achievement overall; and 3) Raise the graduation rate.
In the 2011-2012 school year, CCSD is launching community engagement to prepare for the next stage of the plan—Charleston Achieving Excellence: Vision 2016. This next phase will strengthen the district’s emphasis on literacy improvement and teacher effectiveness and create bold annual performance targets for all students.
In fall 2011, the CCSD Board of Trustees met with various stakeholder groups. In January and February 2012, the district held community meetings deisgned to garner feedback from the public. The League of Women Voters has compiled notes from the meetings.
Parent & Employee Survey Results: The district is taking steps to better support students and implement a more comprehensive performance-based accountability system across the district. The Studer Education Group is helping the district set and achieve Vision 2016 goals, improve supports for staff and parents, and identify opportunities for improvement. In December 2011, parents and employees were asked to complete engagement surveys. These are "baseline" surveys, giving the district a starting point for discussion. The Board of Trustees received copies of the survey results, and department heads and principals are being trained on the roll-out of survey results and next steps.
America Recycles Day is recognized annually on November 15 to celebrate the successes of recycling while providing an educational platform to raise awareness about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling – every day throughout the year. America Recycles Day is a national initiative of nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB).
“Reusing materials and using them as supplies to make artwork helps to close the recycling loop – reduce, reuse, recycle and buy recycled. The purpose of this contest is to encourage people to think creatively about our recyclables,” said Bronwyn Santos, Recycling Educator for Charleston County Environmental Management.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the County’s Creative Recycling Art Contest. An awards reception will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, at the Charleston County Main Library (68 Calhoun Street, Charleston).
There are two categories to enter:
Students, grades 7-12
Adults (18 years and older)
Students in grades 7-12 and adults may enter artwork that is created with a minimum of 70 percent recycled materials. First place winners in each category will receive a $300 gift card.
The deadline to submit artwork is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 4.
Detailed Criteria for Grades 7-12 and Adults (18 years and older) Categories:
At least 70 percent of the materials used in the creation of your entry must be material diverted from disposal and reused. Art supplies such as glue, paint, markers, nails and staples are allowed.
Art entries can be in any medium and take any visual form, including but not limited to sculpture, weaving, fashion, mosaics, ceramics, painting, etc.
The size of art entries must not exceed 24 inches in height x 24 inches in width x 24 inches in diameter.
Only one entry per person.
All art entries must be labeled so that each entry can be easily identified. Labels must be securely attached with name, address, phone number, school name, grade, art teacher, name of entry and medium description.
Prizes:
First place student, grades 7-12: $300 gift card.
First place in the adult (18 years and older) category: $300 gift card.
Runner-up and Honorable Mention awards will be named in each category.
This art contest supports Charleston County’s recycling partnership with the Charleston County School District. Recently announced, this partnership will foster environmental sustainability within the school system and across the community. In addition to collecting recyclable materials, Charleston County will be conducting waste assessments and providing a comprehensive education and outreach program for teachers and students through a school recycling representative. These actions in conjunction with CCSD Sustainable Schools Initiative will ultimately lead to a reduction in the amount of garbage generated and support County Council’s goal of a 40% recycling rate.
For more information on the Charleston County Creative Recycling Art Contest or to submit your contest entry, contact Bronwyn Santos, Charleston County Recycling,13 Romney Street, Charleston, SC 29403 or call (843) 720-7112
Those who haven’t received notices need to call the County Assessor’s Office at (843) 958-4100.
Charleston County Government’s Assessor’s Office has remailed over 8,100 reassessment notices due to address changes. The follow-up mailing comes after the office mailed 170,000 real property notices and 9,000 mobile home notices on June 30 to implement a required, countywide real property reassessment.
The opportunity to appeal the reassessment expires on Wednesday, Sept. 28. If a taxpayer has not received a notice they need to contact the Charleston County Assessor’s Office at (843) 958-4100 as soon as possible. County staff will instruct callers on how to file a change of address and will mail them a copy of their notice.
“These assessment notices may ultimately affect property owners’ taxes, so we’re making special efforts to reach everybody,” said Toy Glennon, Charleston County Assessor. “Even though it is the owner’s responsibility to update mailing addresses, we’re making special efforts to reach as many people as we can.”
Other notices that had to be resent were due to the owner being temporarily away and having their mail stopped, notices being returned even after a second attempt to reach the owners at an updated address, and notices to LLC’s being returned because the U.S. Post Office was not aware the LLC was housed at a particular address (as did some notices to trusts).
“Our office is required to send reassessment notices to the most recent address of record. And although we are not required to track down changed addresses, we have done so to the extent that we can,” Glennon said.
The Charleston County website has information and answers to general questions about reassessment notices.
The City of North Charleston Community & Police Panel, along with area churches and businesses, announce its 4th annual “It’s Cool to Be In School” initiative. The free back to school supply give-a-way will take place on Saturday, August 13 from 10 am until noon at the Charleston Area Convention Center, while supplies last. Parents must bring the student with them.
The campaign is designed to ensure that North Charleston students in Charleston County Schools are present on the first day of school on August 16th.
Community & Police Panel Chairman Pastor Augustus Robinson calls the event a “great opportunity to help parents in need of assistance.” Churches sponsoring this year’s event include: Cathedral of Praise, Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Evening of Prayer Church of God In Christ, Truth and Fellowship Ministry, Royal Baptist Church, and others.
Any organization that would like to become a sponsor should contact the Police Community Panel at 740-2845.
On Tuesday, July 26, officials from multiple jurisdictions in Charleston County gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for the future building planned to house the County's Consolidated 9-1-1 Center and Emergency Operations Center. The new structure, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2013, will enable the full consolidation of 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch operations in Charleston County, and will also serve as the new location for the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
An Intergovernmental Agreement signed in January 2008 joins all local jurisdictions within Charleston County in the plan toward consolidating 9-1-1 and dispatch services. Steps toward consolidation have already been taken, with some jurisdictions opting for early consolidation into the current center located in the County’s Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building in North Charleston. The remaining jurisdictions plan to transition their dispatchers to the new Consolidated 9-1-1 Center once it is completed.
“Consolidation benefits the public by providing dispatchers the ability to talk directly to each other as they are handling emergency calls requiring multi-jurisdictional response, ultimately reducing response times and saving lives,” said Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Board Chairman Jon Zumalt, who is also the North Charleston Police Chief.
The early consolidation of some jurisdictions into the current 9-1-1 center was a move fully supported by the Consolidated Dispatch Board. Consolidation is already proving to offer many benefits, including:
New efficiencies allow a call taker to remain on the line with the caller to gather more information and to provide additional scene safety or medical instructions while responders are being sent by a separate dispatcher.
Faster response times are documented.
Interoperability and cooperation among response agencies is enhanced.
Delays and dropped calls due to the transferring of calls to other agencies are reduced.
“The new Consolidated 9-1-1 Center will have many advantages, including the latest in 9-1-1 technology and a better working environment for the Call Takers and Dispatchers that will help them continue providing excellent service under increasing responsibilities,” Lake said. “This building has also been designed for potential growth.”
In addition to 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch operations in Charleston County, the new center will be the location of the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is also currently located at the County’s Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building in North Charleston. During large, complex incidents, the EOC assumes a coordination role. As an incident expands in size or increases in complexity, central coordination is needed and is provided by the EOC.
“Information from incident commanders is relayed from the Consolidated 9-1-1 Center to the EOC following the occurrence of a disaster, so having both functions under one roof will result in increased efficiency,” said Jason Patno, Charleston County’s Emergency Management Department Director. “Also, staff mandated to work during an emergency incident, such as a hurricane, will benefit from the safety component that the new building will offer.”
FACTS ABOUT THE NEW 9-1-1 AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER:
Location: 8500 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, North Charleston, S.C.
Size: approximately 38,000 square feet.
Estimated opening date: spring 2013.
Facility: two-story structure with backup electrical, water and sewer to ensure continuous operation.
“Green” features: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification goal, rainwater collection, water efficient landscaping and use of recycled materials.
Approved budget: $26,780,000.
Safety: the building is designed to be occupied during disasters, with the ability to withstand winds of 191 mph and resist earthquake forces. The first floor will be at elevation 49 feet, which is outside of the 500 year flood plain.
“About 25 percent more waste is generated this time of year, but much of it is recyclable and need not be destined for the landfill,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative. “Recyclable products have value and will generate revenue that flows back into the county. Recycling also provides jobs in addition to many environmental and health benefits.”
Christmas trees and greenery can be recycled (please remember to remove all tinsel and ornaments). North Charleston will pick them up curbside. The trees picked up curbside are transported to the Bees Ferry Landfill to be ground and composted. Residents who drop off a tree at the Bees Ferry Landfill from January 2-9 will receive a free bag of compost.
Residents should note changes in the schedule over the holidays. All convenience centers will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24 except for Bees Ferry Landfill, which will close at 2 p.m., and all will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Curbside recycling schedules will not change during the holidays.
For more information on recycling, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.
The event marks the start of Charleston County’s Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, which is designed to engage business participation and gather data on commercial recycling within strategic areas of the County. The program is expected to run for several months.
“Although the pilot program is currently free of charge to participating businesses, an analysis of the data will provide a framework for developing a comprehensive commercial recycling program in the future, as well as determine any potential collection fees,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative.
Materials that will be recycled for the pilot program are cardboard, mixed paper and commingled products (plastics #1-7, glass containers and aluminum and steel cans). All materials will be processed at the County’s recycling center located at 13 Romney Street in downtown Charleston.
The East Montague Business District represents a variety of businesses that include restaurants and bars, professional offices, financial institutions and retailers.
For more information on the Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.
Construction is underway on this 4,600-foot sidewalk and a pedestrian bridge in North Charleston.
All motorists traveling through the project area are asked to be aware of equipment and crews during construction. The public is asked to take notice of traffic control signs and to note that all road work is dependent on the weather.
The project description is as follows:
The sidewalk will be 4,600 feet in length and will be five feet wide
It will begin at the intersection of Park Place and North Rhett Avenue, and will be constructed along the north side of Park Place to Victoria Avenue.
It will continue along the east side of Victoria Avenue ending at the existing sidewalk on Maxwell Street.
Portions of the existing ditch on Victoria Avenue will be filled with drainage pipes to accommodate the new sidewalk.
A pedestrian bridge will be constructed over the existing canal.
As other work on the project that could disrupt traffic arises, notifications will be announced through news releases issued to local media and posted on both the Charleston County Government and Charleston County RoadWise Web sites.Click here to view the 2008 public meeting handout for more details.
Construction begins this week on Greenridge Road from the Rivers Avenue intersection to Antler Drive in North Charleston. The work is expected to be completed by mid-December 2010.
Greenridge Road improvements will include:
Adding a left turn lane on Greenridge Road at St. Ives Road
Extending the left turn lane from Rivers Avenue onto Greenridge Road
Adding a right turn lane on Greenridge Road at the Rivers Avenue intersection
Some daytime road work will occur, however, any roadwork that requires lane closures will only occur at night from 9 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. to minimize effects on traffic. At no point will the entire roadway be blocked to traffic. The public is asked to take notice of traffic control signs and message board information. All road work is dependent on the weather.
Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Sales Tax.
Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax road projects.
The Jerry Zucker Middle School of Science, grades 6-8, is the newest school to serve the residents of North Charleston, and will be opening for the upcoming school year. Zucker Middle will be a catalyst for young minds that are interested in pursuing careers in science and math.
North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey took a tour of the school as construction nears completion. Here are the photos from his tour:
According to the Charleston County School District, “Teachers at Jerry Zucker Middle School of Science teach the state standards and Charleston County School District's Coherent Core Curriculum.” Interwoven amongst their standard classes, are highly specialized courses that will be challenging, yet comprehensive in the field of science. “Students observe situations, ask questions, develop hypotheses, conduct tests, and analyze data to draw conclusions. This approach is integrated into all core subject areas for a hands-on and comprehensive education.”
The school has been built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, offering energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
The library is one of the most charming features of the school. It is arranged in a lounge type setting that is similar to a coffee shop or café. The beautiful woodwork and perched view of the school’s courtyard will provide a comforting setting for the students to study.
Zucker Middle will be home to all students zoned for the school with 100 available seats for students zoned for Morningside Middle and Alice Birney Middle.
Since Zucker Middle is designed, from the curriculum to the classroom, to foster the study of science, Principal Sheryl Biss and her assistant principals are all science educators. This will provide a unique perspective to administering a school of this type.
Jerry Zucker Middle School of Science is located at 6401 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, SC 29418. School will commence at 9:00am and will dismiss at 4:00pm.
