Groundbreaking on newest community facility improvements

The City of North Charleston began facility improvements at the Murray Hill Community Center with a groundbreaking on Friday, October 4, 2013.

The improvements include a new press box and concession stand with restrooms to accompany the existing multipurpose baseball/softball/football field at the location. The project will enhance the ongoing Recreation Department athletic programs at the Murray Hill Community Center.

The $375,000 project is expected to be completed in March 2014.

Sponsored Fall Decorations on East Montague to Benefit Needy Families

The Olde North Charleston Merchants Association and the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department are collaborating once again to decorate the Olde Village section of East Montague Avenue with decorative grapevine wreaths for Fall. Schools, community groups, churches, businesses and individuals are invited to participate in this third annual beautification effort by sponsoring a wreath. Proceeds from wreath sponsorships will go toward the City of North Charleston’s Christmas Charity benefiting needy families.

Wreath sponsors may purchase a 24” grapevine wreath with two sided orange ribbon for $25 and personalize it with decorations of their choosing, or purchase a pre-decorated wreath for $50. Past participants have the option of redecorating last year’s wreath for $15. Wreaths with sponsor signage will be displayed on light poles lining the Olde Village section of East Montague Avenue throughout October and November.

Sponsorship commitments should be made by 5:00pm on Friday, September 20, 2013, and wreaths must be decorated and ready to hang by Tuesday, October 1. To sponsor a wreath or for more information contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org.

Oak Terrace Preserve residents launch North Charleston's community video series

The City of North Charleston has released two video shorts, which depict residents of the City's Oak Terrace Preserve neighborhood discussing quality of life issues in their community. The videos, entitled "Community", and "Schools" were recorded in August, following a voluntary, unscripted format. The videos, on the City's YouTube Channel, are the first in a series of videos chronicling the progress of revitalization in the neighborhood.

"The videos illustrate a major impact of the City's efforts at attracting young homebuyers to Park Circle," says North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. "The influx of young families moving to the Park Circle area, and North Charleston, has been impressive. It's a sign that our revitalization strategy is working, even in relatively lean economic times. The number of young, white collar professionals coming to Oak Terrace, and the greater Park Circle area, has been fueled by major employers, as well as up-and-coming entrepreneurs".

Oak Terrace Preserve is a City-owned green residential project, which is privately developed by a team of builders and architects. Homes at the neighborhood are market rate, and combine the latest innovations in sustainable living with neo-traditional neighborhood design.

Community
Oak Terrace Preserve residents comment on their community's recognition as one of the nation's 'coolest, trendiest' neighborhoods, with its unique combination of green living, quality of life, and central location.



Schools
Parents and future parents see family-friendly Oak Terrace Preserve as uniquely positioned for their children's education, as the nationally-ranked Academic Magnet High School and the upcoming arts-infused elementary are within walking distance of the neighborhood.

North Charleston neighborhoods turn out to Stomp out Crime

On August 7, citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the 29th Annual National Night Out.  Locally, the North Charleston Police Department will host National Night Out in conjunction with Target, the national sponsor, on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

At 6:00 pm, Police Chief Jon Zumalt, along with Councilman Michael Brown and residents of the Accabee community, will kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention education activities at the Accabee Community Center on Appleton Avenue. The event will conclude with a neighborhood walk.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms, Union Heights, Olde Village, and Indigo on the Ashley to name a few. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights as a sign of unity and to let the criminals know that the City of North Charleston is organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit, police and community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods around the world are organized and fighting back. Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

Schedule of events

Ferndale - Community cook-out from 6-8 pm at the Community Center on Bolton and Piedmont.

Stall/MidlandPark/Pepperhill - Neighborhood- Watch Block Party from 6–8 pm. Games, food, and community/vendors invited. The event will take place at the Stall Road Community Center.

Accabee - The community will be hosting a cookout and a walk. The event will take place at the Accabee Community center from 6 – 8 pm. The North Charleston Police department will be hosting a bicycle rodeo.

Olde Village - The community will be hosting a cookout and walk. The walk will start at 5:30 pm meeting place is Triangle Park at Justice/Beaver. The cookout is from 1830-until.

Charleston Farms - The community will be hosting a cookout at the community center (1633 Sumner Ave). The event will take place from 6 pm.

Indigo on the Ashley - The neighborhood will be hosting a family movie night under the stars. The event will take place in a community common area from 6–9 pm.

Taylor Plantation - Community cook-out at the amenity center from 6–8 pm.

Forest Hills - The neighborhood is having a “Going Away Party” for crimes and drugs. They will be conducting a walk starting at the Lil’ Cricket at 7 pm.

Wando Woods - Community Walk starting at 7 pm. Meet at the Community center.

Chicora/ Cherokee - Community cookout from 6–8 pm at the Community center.

Union Heights - Community cookout at the Community Center at 6 pm.

Coosaw Commons - Community Cookout at the Pool House starting at 6:30 pm.

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.

Plant swap at Park Circle

On April 28, 2012 a community inspired Plant Swap will take place at the Gazebo in Park Circle.  Set up and browse at 10:00am, with the swap beginning at 11:00am.

So how will this work? Bring ALL of your extra plants, if it grows it will go. Both outdoor and indoor plants, edible and decorative.  Also, bring any garden related items, hoses, garden art, containers, etc. The swap is a fun and exciting free-for-all.  The organizers will prompt the attendees to grab one item, and after everyone has a plant, the process is repeated.  Nice and simple!

There will be a potluck style picnic after the plant swap.  Plates, napkins and hot dogs will be provided, but bring your own drinks and your favorite hot dog side dish to share amongst the group.

For more details, visit http://www.facebook.com/NorthCharlestonPlantSwap, email thecitrusguy@netzero.com, or call 200-5818.

Police Community Panel Announces Annual Gun Buy Back Initiative

Update: Postponed until March 31, 10:00am - noon.

The North Charleston Community and Police Panel will hold its 4th annual Gun Buyback Initiative on Saturday, March 24, 2012 Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 10 a.m. until Noon, as part of its commitment to reducing gun violence in the City of North Charleston. The gun buy-back initiative is an opportunity for people to turn in weapons to authorities with no questions asked. Residents must be 18 years or older and must follow state concealed weapons laws when transporting weapons to a buy back site. No identification will be required to participate.

The program is open only to residents of North Charleston and limited to 3 weapons per vehicle. No payments will be made to gun dealers. Only weapons in working order will receive payment.

2012 Site Locations

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Avenue 

St. Matthew Baptist Church, 2005 Reynolds Avenue

Schedule of payment

$100 gift card for hand-guns 

$50 gift card for long guns|shot guns

Since 2008, nearly 500 weapons have been collected (handguns, shotguns, rifles and assault weapons) during the annual event.

The collected weapons are processed by the police department before destruction, in accordance with the department’s policies.

Bill Stanfield named North Charleston Citizen of the Year

After numerous nominations received, the North Charleston Citizen Advisory Council has selected Bill Stanfield as the 2011 North Charleston Citizen of the Year.  Each year, North Charleston residents are nominated to identify, honor, and reinforce the activities of exceptional citizens whose service or performance positively contributes to the quality of life in North Charleston.

It is necessary for Citizen of the Year recipients to possess and demonstrate a generous community spirit, prove their commitment, and display a consistent effort of positively impacting the community, thereby raising the standards of social responsibility.

Bill Stanfield resides in the Chicora-Cherokee community with his wife Evelyn and two sons.  He is an associate minister at St. Matthew Baptist Church and the cofounder of the Metanoia Community Development Corporation.

Mr. Stanfield’s work with Metanoia has been instrumental in implementing many programs leading to direct advancements of our communities, including student leadership programs, housing development for depressed neighborhoods, minority contractor training, and a production kitchen for culinary arts job training.  In addition, Metanoia is currently renovating two buildings on Reynolds Avenue in an effort to spark commercial revitalization.

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey stated, “I met Bill years ago through his work in the community, where he remains a source of encouragement for the Chicora-Cherokee area.”  He continued, “It is wonderful to have leaders, like Bill, working in concert to improve the quality of life in the southern end of the City.  I cannot think of a more deserving individual to receive this honor.”

North Charleston chosen as award finalist by the International Award for Livable Communities

The City of North Charleston was named a finalist in two categories for the International LivCom awards, which were selected based on applications submitted to the Board of the International Awards for Livable Communities, based in Berkshire, UK earlier this year.

The LivCom awards  are a United Nations Environment Program-backed competition designed to recognize civic environmental achievement. Since the awards competition was held in Songpa, South Korea this year, it was decided to defer any presentations until the competition is held in North America.

“No question, it is an honor to be selected as a leading city for sustainability in the world,” says North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey. “We hope to participate in future LivCom competitions. Nonetheless, this announcement is on a par with the National League of Cities and Home Depot Foundation awards of the past two years.”

Only two other American cities were finalists in the global awards program, Carmel, Indiana, and, Albuquerque, New Mexico. No American cities won awards in their respective categories at the competition in South Korea. Overall, the competition involved three days of intensive evaluation for 77 finalist cities from 26 countries. This was the largest awards event yet for LivCom.

North Charleston was a finalist for Category C (cities with populations from 75,001 to 150,000) in the Whole City awards, for its efforts at sustainable revitalization and urban planning of the East Montague Corridor and Park Circle. The City’s Oak Terrace Preserve residential project was a finalist for the Project Award, for its role as a prototype for sustainable, urban infill development.

KaBOOM! designates North Charleston a “Playful City USA” Community

The City of North Charleston was recently named a “Playful City USA” community by KaBOOM!, the national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America’s children. 151 cities and towns across the country received the designation of which only 5 were recognized from the State of South Carolina. 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.

“The power of play can impact many of the urgent problems facing our cities, from the epidemic of childhood obesity to poor school performance,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! Founder and CEO. “When leaders support the cause of play, children live happier and healthier lives.”

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.”

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. View photos of the build day.

The 151 Playful City USA communities are now eligible for grants via Let’s Play - a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to get kids active nationwide. The first Let’s Play initiative is a $15 million, three year commitment to KaBOOM!. Together, through Let’s Play, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and KaBOOM! will build or fix up 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013, benefiting an estimated five million children across North America.

For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, including Let’s Play grants and applications for 2012, visit www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa.

North Charleston seeks “Citizen of the Year” nominations

The North Charleston Citizen Advisory Council is seeking nominations for the 2011 “Citizen of the Year.” Each year, North Charleston citizens are nominated to identify, honor, and reinforce the activities of exceptional citizens whose service or performance positively contributes to the quality of life in North Charleston.

All applications are welcome, and should include a detailed explanation for the nomination along with the nominee’s name, address, and phone number. Also, the individual(s) submitting the application should include their name, address, and phone number as well. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by Tuesday, November 1, 2011 for consideration.

Nominations may be submitted below or mailed to:

City of North Charleston
Citizens Advisory Council
c/o Executive Department

P.O. Box 190016

North Charleston, SC 29419-9016

Help shape the future of the Neck Area - public meetings Sept 26-30

Flickr User Saikofish

Do you live or work in the Neck Area?  Help define the future of key locations in the Neck Area of North Charleston and Charleston and capture their stories through pictures, words, and design.

The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments’ (BCDCOG) Partnership for Prosperity: A Master Plan for the Neck Area of North Charleston and Charleston invites residents, employees, property owners, business owners, and neighborhood friends to participate in a community design charrette during the week of September 26 to September 30th, 2011 at Sterett Hall -1530 7th Street and Hobson Avenue on the former Navy Base.

Public sessions include:

Kick-Off Meeting from 6:00-8:00pm on September 26th

Public Pin-Up Session from 5:00-8:00pm on September 28th

Open House with a Closing Presentation from 5:00-8:00pm on September 30th.
all sessions at Sterett Hall, 1530 7th Street and Hobson Ave, N. Chas, SC 29405
Easily accessible by CARTA Routes 10 and 101

Sponsored by the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG), the Charleston Neck Partnership for Prosperity Plan is a cooperative effort to shape the future of the tri-county region's core area. The plan will include strategies to spur economic vitality, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance quality of life for people and businesses within the historic neighborhoods, new communities, and emerging job centers between the Charleston International Airport and US 17-Crosstown in Charleston. more.

Between now and the fall of 2012, the people of Charleston and North Charleston will create a plan that answers the following questions:

What do we want the core of our entire region to look like in 10 years - 25 years- 50 years?

• Neighborhoods & schools
• Shopping & job centers
• Sidewalks, bike routes & transit services
• Streets, highways & rail lines
• Greenways, blueways, & parks

How can we work together to achieve our vision?

• Public investments
• Private development
• Plans and policies
• Desired Outcomes

The plan will be...

• A shared vision of this region's residents
• A guide for decisions about growth & development
• A resource for updating local plans & policies

The plan will NOT be...

• A replacement of the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC) Revitalization Plan or local comprehensive plans
• A zoning ordinance
• A rigid "prescription" for regional growth

Find complete information at http://www.neckprosperity.org

Community back to school initiative and supply give-a-way

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.

2010 Citizen of the Year

The Citizens Advisory Council has chosen Mr. Donald “Mule” to receive the 2010 Citizen of the Year Award.  Mr. Skinner is a thirty-nine year resident of the Forest Hills community and is actively involved in the Neighborhood Association, working to improve his neighborhood and the City of North Charleston.  He serves as a Block Captain, and is an advocate in assisting the Police Department and Code Enforcement to reduce crime and neighborhood blight.  Mr. Skinner provides assistance to friends and neighbors in need, doing house repairs, yard work, landscape beautification, and ensuring the wellbeing of senior citizens.

Mr. Skinner is a veteran and works as a civilian at the Charleston Navy Base.  He is a member of St. Thomas Church and Warden of Knights of Columbus Council 8900 and is a volunteer for Project Hope Fund Drive.  We congratulate Mr. Skinner as the 2010 Citizen of the Year.

A brief of the past 10 years

Ten years ago, North Charleston was known as a great place to work, but an industrial city where most did not want to live.

Today, we remain South Carolina's economic boomtown, but our traditional neighborhoods are now bustling with young families and professionals, our strong retail sector has become more vibrant, our citizen and visitor amenities abound, and crime has drastically declined. New life has swept through our community.

Unheard of 10 years ago, North Charleston now receives national recognition for its green practices and sustainable historic core revitalization.

Today's North Charleston is a great place to live, work and play.

- R. Keith Summey, Mayor

Police Community Panel Announces Annual Gun Buy Back Initiative

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST 

The North Charleston Community and Police Panel will hold its 3rd annual Gun Buyback Initiative in January 2011, as part of their commitment to reducing gun violence in the City of North Charleston. The gun buy-back initiative is an opportunity for people to turn in weapons to authorities with no questions asked. Residents must be 18 years or older and must follow state concealed weapons laws when transporting weapons to a buy back site. No identification will be required to participate.

The program is open only to residents of North Charleston and limited to 3 weapons per vehicle. No payments will be made to gun dealers. Only weapons in working order will receive payment.

2010 Site Locations

View Gun Buy Back Initiative in a larger map

Schedule of payment
$100 gift card for hand-guns
$50 gift card for long guns | shot guns

Last year, 127 weapons were collected (handguns, shotguns, rifles and assault weapons)

The collected weapons are processed by the police department before destruction, in accordance with the
department’s policies.

Project CLUE - Communities Lighting Up with Energy Efficiency

The goal of the project is to implement a lighting initiative aimed at helping communities illuminate their porch areas, while at the same time become familiar with greener living.  Many communities are dimly lit and inviting to the criminal element.



Program Objective

• Distribute new CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs to residents.
• Officers will issue light bulbs and literature at civic club meetings and to any resident that requests the bulb.
• Contractors will donate time and supplies, free of charge, to residents requiring upgraded wiring for the CFL bulb.

Benefits to the Resident

• Four times more efficient, late 10 times longer. 50-80% less energy than incandescent.
• Uses 1/3 less energy (heat) therefore cost .02 cents daily to operate.
• CFLs give high quality light and do not flicker or hum.
• Saving electricity reduces carbon dioxide emission for pollution reduction.
• Assists financially challenged residents.
• New wiring for residents with a need supplied by professional electricians.

Benefits to the Police

• Increased positive interaction with community members.
• Deterrence of the criminal element in some inviting areas.
• Bridging relationships with citizens
• Increased visibility for any potential witnesses of crime.

Project CLUE Pilot Locations

• Chicora Cherokee – Florida Street/Carlton Street
• Glynn Terrace – Eva Street
• Union Heights – Delaware Street/Forest Avenue
• Charleston Farms – Read Street/Greenbay Street
• Midland Park – Stall Road/South Kenwood
• Dubois MHP
• Dorchester Village MHP
• Accabee – Filmore Street/Baker Street
• Dorchester Terrace – South Allen

Project Coordinator

• Lieutenant Joyce Smith

Sponsors

• SCANA
• Wal-Mart
• local electricians

North Charleston Neighborhoods Turn out to Stomp out Crime

On Tuesday, August 3rd citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the 27th Annual National Night Out.

Locally, the North Charleston Police Department, in conjunction with national sponsor Target Stores, will sponsor the 27th Annual National Night Out event Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

At 6:00 pm, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob King, along with Ferndale neighborhood president Charlynne Smith, will join residents to kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention walk. The event will take place at the Ferndale Gym located on Piedmont Avenue.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms | Singing Pines, Oak Preserve, Union Heights, Accabee, Dorchester Waylyn, Wescott, Horizon Village. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights as a sign of unity and to let the criminals know that the City of North Charleston is organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit, police and community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods around the world are
organized and vigilant against crime.

Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

Full Schedule of Events by Neighborhood

Accabee
Cookout at the Accabee community center starting at 6:00 pm.

Ashley Shores
Community cookout beginning at 6:00 pm

Charleston Farms and Singing Pines
These two communities will hold a block party/cookout at the Charleston Farms Community Center beginning at 6:00 pm

Dorchester Waylyn
Neighborhood walk beginning at 6:00 pm at the Geanne Batten community center.

Ferndale
Cookout at the Ferndale Gym parking lot on Piedmont Avenue beginning at 6:00 pm. Mayor Pro-tem Bob King to kick off the event.

Forest Hills I
Neighborhood flashlight walk through the community beginning at 7:00 pm at the Lil Cricket at the corner of Foxwood and Dorchester.

Horizon Village
Nieghborhood cookout.

Lakes of Northwoods
Neighborhood flashlight walk starting at 8:00 pm at the neighborhood pool on Brookforest Dr.

Oak Terrace Preserve
This Cookout in the park in front of the school off Lackawanna starting at 6:00 pm.

Pines at Charleston Park
Cookout in their community in a culdesac starting at 6:00 pm. This community is located off Dorchester Rd across from Whitehall.

Stall Rd, Midland Park, Colony North, and Pepperhill
Four neighborhoods will combine for a cookout at the New Covenant Church on Stall Rd beginning at 7:00 pm.

Union Heights
Flashlight walk within the community following their monthly community meeting. The walk is expected to begin around 7:00 pm.

Wescott
Cookout to be held in the parking lot of Lowes beginning at 6:00 pm.

Community Input Sought on LAMC Revitalization Plan

The Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC) is holding a public meeting and open house on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, at the Military Magnet School, located at 2950 Carner Avenue in the Chicora/Cherokee neighborhood, to gather input on its Revitalization Plan. The revitalization study is funded from the South Carolina State Ports Authority Community Mitigation Plan.

Attendees will receive information regarding the Plan and have an opportunity to make written or verbal comments. EDAW/AECOM will provide a brief, formal presentation of the Plan development process and proposed implementation strategies. Displays highlighting the Plan will be set up in the school auditorium with project team members from EDAW/AECOM, LAMC, and the City of North Charleston to answer questions.

Over the past eight months, LAMC and the City have worked to create a unified community vision and implementation strategy for long-term growth and equitable development in seven neighborhoods in North Charleston’s Neck area, including Liberty Hill, Accabee, Union Heights, Howard Heights, Windsor, Five Mile, and Chicora/Cherokee. “Neighborhoods deserve to participate as partners with policymakers, service providers, regulatory agencies, industry, and developers to improve the community,” said Coakley Hilton, LAMC President. “The LAMC Revitalization Plan gave us an opportunity to do that. How we act on that opportunity is up to us.”

The Revitalization Plan identifies a number of strategies and goals for economic development, housing, community facilities, and land use. Issues of concern include affordable housing, improving neighborhood appearance, increasing parks and greenspace, preserving existing neighborhoods, redeveloping vacant and dilapidated properties, and identifying traffic and transportation improvements.

The community was involved early in the planning process to help formulate the vision for the LAMC neighborhoods. More than 25 organizations and business leaders were interviewed to gain various perspectives about the future of the LAMC neighborhoods, followed by a series of public community visioning workshops that involved hands-on exercises and discussions.

LAMC is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of advocating environmental justice and promoting community development, education, quality housing, and community involvement. The LAMC Revitalization Plan is a component of the Community Mitigation Plan between LAMC, the South Carolina State Ports Authority, and the City of North Charleston to mitigate potential impacts of the new port terminal development at the former Navy Base in North Charleston. LAMC now serves as the primary community liaison between elected officials, public agencies, planners, private developers, and the neighborhoods it represents.

More information on LAMC can be found on its official website http://lamcnc.org/.

North Charleston Neighborhoods Turn out to Stomp out Crime

Citizens across North Charleston will hit the streets to take back their communities. On Tuesday, August 4th from 6:00-9:00 pm, citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses, and local officials in over 10,000 communities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the 26th Annual National Night Out.

At 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th, Mayor Keith Summey, along with Police Chief Jon Zumalt and Housing Authority Executive Director George Saldana, will join residents of the Horizon Village community to kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention walk.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Wando Woods, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms, Olde North Charleston, Cameron Terrace, Oak Preserve, Union Heights and Accabee. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights as a sign of unity and to let the criminals know that the City of North Charleston is organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit, police and community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods around the world are organized and fighting back.

Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

--Schedule of Events--
Horizon Village
Mayor Summey, along with Chief Jon Zumalt and Housing Authority Executive Director George Saldana, will kick off the event at 6:00 pm. Residents will take part in a neighborhood walk and cookout . Back to School activities will also take place. The event will take place at the Activity Center, 3800 Spruill Avenue.

Forest Hills
Residents of Forest Hills I will meet at 6:30 pm at Foxwood Drive and Dorchester Road (beside the Lil Cricket) then walk through the neighborhood with banners and hand held signs accompanied by police and fire vehicles and others.

Cameron Terrace, Oak Preserve, Charleston Farms, and Oakdale
Residents will host a cookout in front of the School of the Arts beginning at 6:00 pm. Seacoast Church will be providing assistance.

Wando Woods
Residents will participate in a community flashlight walk beginning at 6:30 pm.

Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor
These two communities will come together beginning at 7:00 pm at New Covenant Church on Stall Road. A cookout is scheduled to be followed by a community meeting.

Accabee
Residents will host a picnic at the community center starting at 6:00 pm.

Union Heights
At 6:00 pm residents will host a walk through the community followed by meeting at the Gethsemane community center.

The Lakes at Northwoods
Residents will meet at the pool area on Brookforest at Lake Marion Drive at 8:00 pm for a flashlight walk through the community.

Olde North Charleston
Residents of Olde North Charleston Neighborhood Council will meet at 4722 O’Hear Avenue to celebrate National Night Out! Refreshments will be served at 6:30 pm followed by a walk down O’Hear to Oakwood, Glenshaw, Bexley and Buist Avenues.