North Charleston seeking sculptor for Performing Arts Center Monument Busts

Mayor Bourne & Mayor Summey
at the City's 40th Anniversary celebration

The City of North Charleston seeks to commission a sculptor to create depictions of the city’s two prominent mayors. The commissioned busts will be permanently featured on granite outdoor pedestals at the newly built outdoor monument at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston, SC. Each sculpture should be at least two feet tall and cast in bronze or another metal suitable for outdoor exhibition. Professional sculptors nationwide are invited to submit their qualifications and proposals for this unique public art opportunity via the online application. There is a $7 application fee and submissions are due by April 8, 2014.

A Selection Committee comprised of city officials and community leaders will choose one artist to create both sculptures. The committee is looking for design proposals that will generate excitement and interest for the community and compliment the outdoor monument where the busts will be installed. The total budget for this project is yet to be determined. Artists’ proposals should include all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: artist's design fees, materials, production costs, travel, documentation, shipping, and any permits, license, or insurance. Artists will be notified of the commission award by April 15, 2014. The sculpture installation will be approximately 120 days from the April 8 submission deadline.

In order to be considered for the commission, sculptors must prepare and submit the following RFP materials using the Slideroom.com online application:
A. Statement of Interest describing pecific interest in the project, potential approach, and any relevant past experience
B. Thorough proposal including costs, materials, process, and timeline for creating the busts.
C. Current resume/CV
D. A maximum of five quality digital photographs of artist’s previous work that accurately represent the artist’s aesthetics and style. All images must be accompanied by a brief description of the artwork, title, location, size, and completion date.
E. Optional: The artist’s web site may be listed. The artist may include up to three additional materials such as references, reviews, news articles, awards or other related information.
F. Application fee of $7.00, payable online

The City of North Charleston reserves the right to reject all applications and/or adjust the project time line. For more information about this public art project, contact Cultural Arts Director, Marty Besancon, at 843-740-5850 or mbesancon@northcharleston.org. For technical assistance, contact Arts Coordinator, AnneTrabue Nelson, at 843-740-5852 or anelson@northcharleston.org. To learn more about other programs and artist opportunities offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts.

Merry Christmas, North Charleston!

On behalf of the City of North Charleston, Mayor Keith Summey wishes all a very Merry Christmas.
**be sure to watch until the end**

Darius Rucker gets his own street & day in North Charleston

With country music superstar Darius Rucker and his wife Beth looking on, City of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey officially renamed a portion of Coliseum Drive to Darius Rucker Boulevard this morning at a ceremony at the North Charleston Coliseum. Rucker, a proud Lowcountry native and resident, has performed many concerts at the Coliseum as a solo artist and as the front man for Hootie & the Blowfish.

“It has been great to see Darius Rucker become a first class and world renowned musician, while always embracing the Lowcountry,” said Mayor Summey. “However, it gives me a larger sense of pride to see Darius come back to the Lowcountry, time and time again, and put forth a meaningful effort to make our community a better place. Over the years his goodwill has truly benefited a countless number of our residents, and for that we are ever thankful. It is a pleasure and honor to recognize Darius Rucker, someone who has never forgot the Lowcountry.”

“It’s crazy,” Rucker said. “You never do anything with the intention of getting something in return, so I never expect anything but when I heard they wanted to name a street after me, I have to admit I was flattered. I’m truly honored that they’re doing that. It’s massive…just incredible. I’m totally over the moon about the whole thing. It’s just amazing to be recognized like that.”

The renaming of the street was initiated by country music radio station WEZL 103.5 FM. Morning show co-hosts TJ Phillips and Ric Rush floated the idea on air of naming a street after Darius back in the spring. North Charleston Mayor Summey was listening. He loved the idea and called into the show to tell Rush and Phillips that he was going to work on the idea. On June 10, 2013 the North Charleston Planning Commission approved the name change of a Coliseum Drive to Darius Rucker Boulevard. 

“The WEZL Crew is humbled by the fact that we have incredible listeners which includes North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey,” Rush said. “He heard us talking about this idea on the air and teamed with WEZL to make the naming of Darius Rucker Boulevard a reality. We are proud that we had a small part in making this happen.”

Exchange Club funds 650 North Charleston kids for Patriots Point visit

Thanks to the generosity of the Exchange Club of Charleston, 650 North Charleston children get to visit Patriots Point this week at no charge. The opportunity comes through the Exchange Club of Charleston’s $6,500 contribution in support of Patriots Point’s Institute of History of History, Science and Technology.

“We want the children of this area to go back to school with exciting stories to tell about their summer,” Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette said. “We’re thrilled the Exchange Club of Charleston is making Patriots Point part of the excitement for so many North Charleston kids.”

“Many thanks are due to the Exchange Club of Charleston and Patriots Point for the positive impact being made on the young people of our community,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said. “Through their generosity, hundreds of North Charleston youths will be afforded a one of a kind, hands-on educational experience that is unrivaled by many Lowcountry programs. Simply boarding the USS Yorktown will be something never before experienced by many of our summer camp participants.”

Mayor Summey announces Intellectual Property for the Arts Workshop

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey announces an Intellectual Property (IP) workshop for the Arts Community to occur on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 1:00pm - 5:30pm at the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms, SC. The event is set to attract artists, authors, journalists, script writers, singers/song writers, musicians and others working in, and managing the arts.

The workshop is produced in association with the City of North Charleston, City of Charleston, the National IP Taskforce, South Carolina Film Council, Youth Endowment for the Arts, the Darla Moore School of Business, and the Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts.

Highlights of the workshop will cover: the creation and protection of copyrights, the realities of royalties, marketing, setting financial goals and structuring agreements. The program will feature a mix of national and state leaders and their success stories, as well as provide the opportunity for artists to interact with state and local entertainment industry business leaders and executives. The cost of $65 per person will cover the half-day workshop registration and reception that follows.

Mayor Summey maintains active support of the regional group. He stated, “The collective mix of co-producers, who have stepped forward are vital partners in the event’s success. Bringing focus to the knowledge of Intellectual Property will help build a stronger arts and entertainment community with more opportunity for commercial success and prosperity.”

IP deals are art forms in their own right, the structuring of deals in the arts and entertainment industry can be unique and creative. Workshop participants will see that creativity extends to the business aspects of their talents, learning to realize value from their creative works and how to market that value. 

Program details and registration information are available at: http://www.ipbusinesssummit.com/IPArtsWorkshop.html.

North Charleston Police Department Again Receives National Accreditation

On Saturday, March 23, 2013 the City of North Charleston Police Department was awarded re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (C.A.L.E.A) during the organization’s spring conference in North Charleston, South Carolina. 

Police Chief Eddie Driggers, along with members of his staff appeared before the commission to complete the re-accreditation process. The accreditation program requires the Police Department to comply with 446 state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. North Charleston Police Department received initial accreditation in 2007 and was reaccredited in 2010. 

During the re-accreditation process, members of the commission praised the Police department for its commitment to completing the extensive process; and strengthening community relations while at the same time reducing crime. 

National Accreditation strengthens crime prevention and control capabilities; formalizes essential management procedures; establishes fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; improves service delivery; solidifies interagency cooperation and coordination; and increases community and staff confidence in the agency. 

Chief Eddie Driggers said, “This is a proud moment for the employees of our agency and citizens of North Charleston. It proves that we continue to make tremendous strides in building trust with our citizens while improving our delivery of service. If citizens trust law enforcement they will work with us, and this is what we work at everyday developing trust in the community. 

Mayor Keith Summey said, “Once again, this is a defining moment not only for the hard working men and women of the police department, but for our entire City and residents. “Receiving re-accreditation ensures our citizens that they are receiving the best public safety service from a professional agency.”

Red Cross breaks ground on new facility by City Hall

Today, the American Red Cross and Mayor Keith Summey joined Owner, Mall Drive 2424 LLC and Lender, National Bank of South Carolina as they broke ground on their new building that will be the future home of the Red Cross in the City of North Charleston.

The new building will be centrally located in the City of North Charleston at 2424 City Hall Drive and will provide the Red Cross with over 10,000 square-feet of office, educational, training and storage space to better serve its clients across the Lowcountry. The new building is scheduled to open in December 2013.

“The new facility will be a place for our volunteers to come together and learn,” said Mason Holland, board chair, American Red Cross, Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. “The opportunity to expand our volunteer base and their knowledge will increase our capacity to support our Lowcountry 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through lifesaving education and response. The centralized location in North Charleston will allow for a more efficient response to disasters across our region and will allow us to better serve our community.”

The Carolina Lowcountry Chapter serves Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton and Jasper counties and is part of the Palmetto SC Region. The Red Cross provides food, shelter and emotional support after disasters, assists members of our armed forces and their families, teaches lifesaving skills and supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. A financial donation can be made by sending a check to the American Red Cross, Charleston, SC Region, 8085 Rivers Ave., Suite F. North Charleston, SC 29406 or by calling (843) 764-2323 ext. 368. For more information or to make a secure online donation, please visit www.LowcountryRedCross.org.

2013 State of the City Address

North Charleston's 2013 State of the City Address presented by Mayor R. Keith Summey at City Council on Thursday, January 24, 2013.

Mayor Summey releases statement on Rep. Scott's selection to US Senate

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey released the following statement today, December 17, 2012, regarding Representative Tim Scott’s selection to serve South Carolina in the United State Senate.

From Mayor Summey:

“Today is a proud day for the City of North Charleston. On behalf of our City, I offer heartfelt congratulations to Representative Tim Scott as Governor Nikki Haley’s selection to replace Senator Jim DeMint in the United States Senate. 

There are few stories as inspiring as Tim Scott’s. He grew up here in North Charleston in a single-parent household of humble means, but through hard work and determination, he became a successful businessman and is now set to serve as North Charleston’s first United States Senator. 

I have had the pleasure of working with Representative Scott for many, many years, and have learned that at his core, it is the community and his fellow South Carolinians that he works for every day. We can all be assured that North Charleston and our great state will continue to be well represented in Washington.”

North Charleston sets path for revitalization of former Naval Hospital and Shipwatch Square

The City of North Charleston and Chicora Gardens Holding LLC are set to enter into a purchase agreement, which will transfer approximately 40 acres from the City for $9.2 million.  In October of this year, the City of North Charleston was the high bidder in an online auction conducted by the General Services Administration (GSA) for the former Naval Hospital located at 3600 Rivers Avenue.  After negotiations with GSA, the City purchased the 10-story, 368,000 square foot hospital on 23 acres for $2 million.

The developer will begin a due diligence period and will present a master plan for a Planned Development District to the City of North Charleston’s Planning and Zoning Department.

The project is expected to be a collaborative effort along with private businesses to utilize the best talents, innovation, and ideas to create a destination to bring together the community.  The area’s master plan is focused on attracting commerce and residents to the area with a plan for a sustainable interactive environment. 

An initial plan is to develop a mixed use project that will include a grocery store, office building, bank, restaurants, medical and dental services, pharmacy, library, and a continuing care retirement community with senior apartments, assisted living, and hospice services.  The project will also contain extensive public parks and gardens.

Chicora Gardens Holdings LLC has engaged Davis and Floyd for engineering work to include the initial site plan, structural analysis, and for the parks and gardens landscape architecture and design. Chicora Gardens is represented by Rick Brownyard of Mt Pleasant, SC.

North Charleston City Council approves rail settlement with State of South Carolina - an open letter from Mayor Summey

Citizens of North Charleston,

I am pleased to announce a resolution to the rail dispute that has consumed our community for the past several years.  The fight was at times bitter; however, the strong will of this community has led the state to a compromise that will ensure equitable treatment of our citizens.  We could not have reached this point without you.

Grass roots efforts led to thousands of citizens rallying together in town hall meetings, letters written to Columbia demanding a reasonable solution, and an equal amount of phone calls to public officials expressing concerns.  We fought in every forum, from the court of public opinion to courts of law.

We now have a great opportunity to resolve many of the lingering surface transportation issues which have plagued the greater North Charleston region for many, many years.  I can assure you that I have been relentless in achieving the best possible outcome for the community.

As with any settlement, compromises were required from both sides.  In the settlement, South Carolina Public Railways will establish an intermodal facility on a portion of the property the City gave to Clemson University. The facility will service both Class I railroads and will be operated by South Carolina Public Railways.  

We were able to stop approximately half, but not all, of the rail from being placed on land at the former Navy Base.  We did have to yield and allow northern rail access.  Keep in mind that rail off the base is subject to federal jurisdiction and was never something the City could control.  I believe that rail line reduction on the former Navy Base, along with other concessions made by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, will allow for appropriate mitigation for ill effects of increased rail traffic through our community.

First and foremost, a study will be commissioned to find a solution to many of our area’s surface transportation problems and lessen port traffic impacts on our community.  Anyone driving along our major thoroughfares has at some point been stuck in gridlock traffic or stopped by a train, unfortunately far too often.  This fight has been over rail, but I believe that the city has really objected to the human impact of rail more than to rail itself.

I have fought for a compromise designed to lessen the impact of container movement on our daily lives as much as possible.  If containers can exit our community by rail with less impact than exiting by truck, I believe there will be an improvement to our quality of life.  The study will identify mitigation (overpasses, quiet zones, routing, and sound barriers), determine exactly how we can climb out of our transportation debacle, and finally, paint a true picture of “rail done right.”

As additional parts of the mitigation, the community will receive $8 million.  The City will also receive 104 acres on the former Navy Base for restoration, which includes all of the former officer’s housing area adjacent to our park.  Public Railways has also agreed to assume $6.5 million of bonds that were issued for the construction of Riverfront Park.

To avoid future differences of opinion as to whether these promises to the City and its citizens are binding, this settlement will come as a court order, not a Memorandum of Understanding.  With the involvement of Governor Nikki Haley, Senator and Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman of Florence, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and others, this community has been given every possible assurance that Columbia will not turn its back on our community.

When contemplating this settlement, I challenge you to consider the opportunity we have to improve our community.  Also consider the consequences the residents of the City would face absent an agreement.  The result would have been disastrous, even if the City won every court battle and stopped the rail yard. 

We were faced with two options for handling containers from the Post-Panamax cargo ships that will service the new port facility.  One option allowed all containers from the new port to travel through our community by truck, one at a time.  I-26 is already failing in terms of its ability to handle current traffic.  Forcing the exponential increase of containers onto local roads by truck would cause North Charleston roadways to resemble a Los Angeles-like parking lot for hours each day.

The other option was to allow the State to move forward with constructing an intermodal facility to carry the containers away from our community on rail, hundreds of containers at a time.  This plan has obvious appeal, provided that rail routes can be developed in a way that would work around the community instead of rolling over it.

The latter option was chosen.  As a result, we are receiving a number of evenhanded concessions for the improvement of our community and we now have a seat at the table to make real, lasting changes to our region’s transportation system.

I hope you, the citizens of North Charleston, can stand with me.  It is unfortunate that we have had to adapt from our original vision for the former Navy Base.  Unfortunately, times have changed, the economy has changed, and ownership of the majority of the Base has changed.  What has not changed is my commitment to North Charleston.

I believe that North Charleston will emerge as a better community, and that all of the citizens of the State of South Carolina will realize that it was this community that made the tough decisions for their economic growth.  North Charleston is and will always be a great place to live, work, and play, no matter the obstacles we face.

Sincerely,

R. Keith Summey

Mayor

Additional information regarding the rail settlement can be found here, including:

1 – Rail Settlement Agreement NOT SIGNED

2 – Rail Settlement - Press Release from the SC Department of Commerce

3 – Rail Settlement - open letter from Mayor Summey

4 – Rail Settlement - Press Briefing

5 – Rail Settlement - map with key

Mayor Summey cooks breakfast to support the Teachers' Supply Closet

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey served up free breakfast at Cork Neighborhood Bistro on Friday, September 14 to benefit the Teachers' Supply Closet (TSC), but donations were accepted.

94.3 WSC morning host, Kelly Golden, hosted her show live from the event.



Mayor Summey began planning the fundraiser after meeting with TSC leaders over the summer about their expansion plans that serve greater North Charleston area schools. However, the event was more important than ever. The Teachers’ Supply Closet suffered extensive water damage and loss of supplies on Tuesday, August 28 when heavy rains and flooding throughout the area caused a blockage in a drain pipe which flooded the roof and subsequently the ‘Closet.’

“We have been working hard to get our facility back up and running and are so grateful to Mayor Summey and his staff for holding this event to help us recover. We look forward to meeting some new supporters!” said TSC Executive Director Deborah Hanlon.

Teachers' Supply Closet (TSC) is a non-profit organization that provides free school supplies to teachers in the Tri-County area who work at schools where 88 percent of the students are on the free or reduced lunch program. Currently 34 schools at the 88% poverty index (based on free and reduced lunch program statistics) from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties are invited to shop.

Police make donation to victim service agencies

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey along with Police Chief Jon Zumalt presented monetary donations to three Victim Services Agencies. Checks were presented to People Against Rape ($15,000.00); The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center ($15,000.00); and The South Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network ($10,000.00).

Police Chief Jon Zumalt says, “We are pleased to support these very important victim service agencies that are vital to victims of crime in North Charleston.” Mayor Keith Summey calls the donations “vital” to the continuation of victim services from these agencies and goes on to say, "In these difficult financial times it is important that we do everything to maintain and provide these services to our citizens."

People Against Rape and Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center provides counseling, safe haven, personal support and other services to victim. The South Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network provides enhanced advocacy and other forms of service to victims.

Officer DeCorte honored for off duty actions

Office Jason Lee DeCorte of the North Charleston Police Department was honored at City Council on July 27, 2012 as the City's employee of the quarter for his off duty actions last spring.

On May 15, 2012, Officer DeCorte traveling on Dorchester Road when he observed a vehicle swerving across all lanes of traffic.  Although off duty, Officer DeCorte went forth with a standard traffic stop to prevent the car's occupant from injuring himself, other motorist, or pedestrians.

When Officer DeCorte approached the vehicle, the motorist would not roll his window down or open the driver's door as was instructed and appeared to be in a daze with his eyes opening and closing very slowly.  When the door was finally opened, the motorist's legs appeared to be very swollen, his shirt and pants soaked from sweat, and his reactions delayed.  In addition, the motorist could not answer any of Officer DeCorte's questions.

Quickly realizing the motorist needed medical treatment, Officer DeCorte requested an EMS Unit to respond immediately.  After their arrival it was discovered that the motorist's blood sugar was dangerously low.  If a few more minutes had passed, the motorist could have lost his life.

Officer DeCorte, while off duty, prevented what could have been a tragic ending.  His actions saved a life and removed a very dangerous situation from our community's roadway.

Patriots Point Scholarship Program sponsors North Charleston students for educational programs aboard Yorktown

The Patriots Point Institute of History and Science is partnering with the City of North Charleston to host 550 students for educational programs aboard the USS YORKTOWN July 2-9 (not including weekend dates and the Fourth of July). The students – all participants in the North Charleston Recreation Department’s Summer Camp – will participate in a cross-curricular, standards-based program that features history, science, math, literacy, and art components in a setting that underscores patriotism, dedication and sacrifice.

A group of approximately 100 students will visit Patriots Point each day. Their participation in this program has been made possible thanks to the Patriots Point Scholarship Program, funded by the generous support of community partners and organizations such as the USS Yorktown (CV-10) Association and local volunteer Mike Sudzina and his wife, Mary. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these students to visit Patriots Point and to take part in our multi-faceted educational programs,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “In addition to serving as Charleston’s only floating science lab, Patriots Point represents some of the very best qualities of our nation – duty, honor, service, and sacrifice,” Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette said. 

“We recognize that challenges presented by today’s economic climate make it difficult for various youth programs to afford to travel for off-site education programs and we want to do our part to help,” Burdette continued. “Thanks to our Scholarship Program, we have been able to subsidize travel and admission costs for more than 5,000 students in the past year alone. For most of these children, it was their first trip to the USS YORKTOWN and to Charleston. These are experiences they will remember for a lifetime.” 

The Patriots Point Scholarship Program depends on support from the community. Qualifying schools and programs are eligible to apply for funding; and every $10 donation means that a student is able to participate in the Patriots Point Institute of History and Science’s education programs. During the past school year, Patriots Point welcomed students from 26 counties in South Carolina to participate in the Institute of History and Science education programs. If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to this fund, please contact the Patriots Point Education Department at 843-971-5046. 

On the final day of the camp, Monday, July 9, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey will visit Patriots Point to view the History and Science program in action and to speak with the students. 

“Many thanks are due to Patriots Point and its Scholarship Program donors for the positive impact being made on the young people of our community,” Mayor Summey said. “Through their generosity, hundreds of North Charleston youths will be afforded a one of a kind, hands-on educational experience that is unrivaled by many Lowcountry programs. Simply boarding the USS Yorktown will be something never before experienced by many of our summer camp participants.” 

Town of Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails, who serves as a member of the Patriots Point Development Authority Board, will also join the students on July 9. For three weeks this summer, June 11-15, July 23-27 and August 6-10, Patriots Point is partnering with the Town of Mount Pleasant to offer summer educational programs for students. Parents registered their children for this week-long program through the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Department of Parks and Recreation. 

“I commend Patriots Point for its stewardship and commitment to educating the next generations of leaders, patriots and scientists,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails. “Patriots Point Institute of History and Science offers a unique educational experience for our Lowcountry children and beyond. The Patriots Point Scholarship Program ensures that our children can benefit from the time-tested values of honor, duty and courage that this fine institution embodies. As Patriots Point moves forward, it will continue to inspire and engage our youth in new and innovative ways to preserve this rich military heritage.” 

About Patriots Point 

Patriots Point, on the Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, SC, is home of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, including the USS YORKTOWN, USS LAFFEY and USS CLAMAGORE, Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Support Base Camp in the U.S. Patriots Point is also headquarters to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum. As an agency, the Naval and Maritime Museum strives to preserve the living history of our nation’s bravest men and women while telling their stories in honorable, educational and engaging ways. Stay up to date on what’s happening at Patriots Point by visiting www.patriotspoint.org and ‘liking’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatriotsPoint.org.

KaBOOM! designates North Charleston a “Playful City USA” Community for 2nd consecutive year

The City of North Charleston was once again named a “Playful City USA” community by KaBOOM!, the national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America’s children. KaBOOM! created “Playful City USA” in 2007 to help local governments address the play deficit by ensuring children have the time and space they need to play.

This is the 2nd consecutive year the City has earned this honor. 213 cities and towns across the country received the designation of which only 6 were recognized from the State of South Carolina. 

"Some of the most innovative concepts and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities," says Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM!. “They are key allies in the fight to combat the play deficit and serve as outstanding role models for government and community leaders across the country." 

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey stated, “The North Charleston Recreation Department offers a wealth of activities and space for play that promotes healthy lifestyles including sports for all ages at our many athletic complexes, senior programming in our community centers, afterschool and summer camps for our city’s youth, and passive play at the numerous playgrounds dotting the city.” Mayor Summey continued, “We take great pride in providing our citizens with play areas and programming that rival the best in the nation.” 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is critical to healthy brain development. It allows children to use their creativity while simultaneously developing imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Yet today's children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation in part because only 1-in-5 live within walking distance of a park or playground. The resulting play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically, socially and academically. 

In November 2009, KaBOOM! donated and assisted in building a state of the art, handicap accessible playground on Brookside Drive in North Charleston. KaBOOM! representatives, local non-profit The Sustainability Institute, community volunteers, and civic leaders participated in the single-day build of the playground.

For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa.

City of North Charleston leases former city hall

The City of North Charleston is pleased to announce that the former city hall has been leased to CreateSpace, a DBA of On-Demand Publishing LLC, part of the Amazon group of companies.

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey stated, “Leasing the former city hall for the expansion of CreateSpace is certainly terrific news for the City of North Charleston with the added benefits of jobs and an investment that will resound throughout the region.  We look forward to a long lasting relationship with CreateSpace and remain committed to being a business-friendly community.”

Mayor Summey wants to cook you breakfast to support the MDA

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey is serving up free breakfast to the public at Cork Neighborhood Bistro on Friday, March 16 from 8:00 am - 10:00 am to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Donations will be welcomed. In addition, Mayor Summey will be promoting the City’s annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party and Parade (Saturday, March 17 from 12 noon to 8:00 pm), the biggest street party in the Lowcountry.

WTMA’s host of the Morning Buzz, Richard Todd, will broadcast live from the event and will feature interviews with prominent local figures alongside his normal political punditry.

Cork Neighborhood Bistro is located at 1067 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405.

Throughout the month of March, merchants in the Olde Village of North Charleston will be participating in the MDA’s Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign, selling shamrocks for $1.00 or $5.00. Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the nation’s largest charity-related fundraiser associated with St. Patrick’s Day.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

Mayor Summey punks Madra Rua owners for Madra Rua Day

Under the guise of complaints from DHEC and questions from a local news station, Mayor Summey sets up a meeting with the owners of Madra Rua Irish Pub. Little do they know that the Mayor will be presenting a proclamation to them, naming March 3, 2012 Madra Rua Day in the City of North Charleston in celebration of their 9th anniversary of operation on East Montague in Park Circle.

North Charleston receives Above and Beyond Award from ESGR

The City of North Charleston was recently awarded the Above and Beyond Award by the South Carolina Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

The Above and Beyond Award is given  to a select few out of thousands of employers throughout the state and presented annually by each ESGR Committee.  This award recognizes those employers at the state and local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty by their Guard and Reserve employees.

North Charleston was nominated by Petty Officer First Class Scott Perry, US Navy Reserve of the Navy Security Force who is stationed at Joint Base Charleston.  Petty Officer Perry is also an employee of the City of North Charleston Police Department.

The award was accepted at the ESGR's Annual Banquet in Columbia, SC on February 10, 2012.

ESGR is a Department of Defense organization. It is a staff group within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, which is in itself a part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. It is the lead DoD organization for this mission under DoD Directive 1250.1.

Today, ESGR operates through a network of thousands of volunteers throughout the nation and Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.