843-725-6393Since the advent of the hybrid workplace, the home office movement has taken hold and changed the way that many contractors, corporate workers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners get work done. While working remotely certainly has its benefits, many professionals are beginning to find that spending 40 hours or more a week in a home office isn't the best choice. According to the INAA, working remotely can blur the line between professional working environments and a person's personal life.
As it turns out, having a dedicated, safe space to work privately or collaborate with others can boost efficiency and increase morale. Working in an office environment with readily-available resources like printers and meeting rooms makes accomplishing tasks and making progress much more manageable. For business owners and startups, the prospect of being unproductive at home just won't cut it.
That's where The Runway's co-working space comes into play.
What is a Co-Working Space in Seabrook Island, SC?
A new take on the modern-day office, co-working spaces give individuals, entrepreneurs, startups, and business owners access to private desks, office resources, inclusive amenities, and exclusive perks. Imagine a purpose-built space filled with hardworking professionals, all employed by different organizations with different goals and tasks. The building has many different rooms, from communal areas with shared workspaces to large, private offices with frosted glass. Here, workers from every background can network with like-minded colleagues while having a dedicated place to work and collaborate.
From exciting startups owners working seven days a week to individuals needing a quiet place to do research, co-working office spaces offer help provide:
- More Productivity
- Collaboration and Networking Opportunities
- In-House Resources
- More Productivity
- Collaboration and Networking Opportunities
- In-House Resources
Service Areas
If you're looking for an affordable office space for rent in Seabrook Island, SC, a co-working space might be the perfect solution. But with more than 17,000 co-working spaces around the globe, what makes The Runway so special?
DifferenceThe Runway Difference
At The Runway, renters get to experience the synergy of collaborating with other companies in our state-of-the-art lounge or at our high-top desks. Enjoy the privacy of a fully furnished executive office. Or, have the convenience of a private desk and personal locker in our communal space. Whether you are relaxing in our fully stocked Pilot's Lounge or rallying your team in our conference room, your business will reach new heights of success at The Runway.
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All of our membership options offer:
Ultra-Fast Wi-Fi
Business Center with Scanning and Printing
Secure, 24/7 Access to Your Co-Working Space
Access to Onsite Networking Events
Friendly and Productive Atmosphere
Onsite Utilities
When you rent with The Runway, you'll enjoy modern workspaces, shared and private desks, and private office options. Plus, with access to our fully-stocked Pilot's lounge and even a business address, you'll be set up for success on day one.
Whether you're looking for a co-working space for your new startup or you simply need a one room office space for rent in Seabrook Island, SC, we have all the amenities you'd expect and more. Our goal is to provide our clients with a professional atmosphere where business-minded individuals and teams can work independently while still being a part of something bigger. It all starts by choosing the best office space rental options for your business needs.
PlansPlans at the Runway
At The Runway, we offer a wide variety of rental options to best suit your needs, whether you're looking for a quick day pass for a few hours of work or you need a frequent monthly commitment. Plans at The Runway include the following:
Day Passes
Don't need to spend much time at The Runway? With our day pass, you can enjoy access at any time of day to our state-of-the-art lobby, conference room with frosted privacy glass, and convenient business center with printing and scanning. Relax in our fully-stocked Pilot's Lounge or get straight to work at the high tops.
Meeting Rooms
Sometimes you need a clean, impressive meeting room for those big clients, but you don't want to sign a monthly contract. We get it! Our meeting room rental options are fully equipped for modern meetings with plenty of seating, privacy glass, high-speed internet, natural light, flat-screen TVs, and more. This option allows you to impress your business partners or guests without breaking the bank.
Co-Working Hot Desks
Our hot-desk options are perfect for individuals who may only need to use our co-working space a few times a week. Members can choose from a part-time hot desk with three days per week access or a full-time hot desk with five days per week access. Unlike our day passes, our hot desk rental options include access to the Pilot's Lounge and Conference Room.
Renters can also enjoy access to our state-of-the-art lobby any time of day, conference room with frosted privacy glass, and convenient business center with printing and scanning. When it's time to take a break, relax in our fully-stocked Pilot's Lounge before you get back to work. If you're looking for an office space for entrepreneurs in Seabrook Island, SC, this option is a great choice.
Private Dedicated Desks
If having a private desk to yourself is non-negotiable, The Runway has plenty of options for you to consider. Our private desks are an affordable solution for anyone who wants a budget-friendly option and requires a private space. When you rent one of our private desks, you'll get more perks than our day pass options, like a business address, mail service, conference room access, and access to the fully stocked Pilot's Lounge. It's all included in your monthly rate!
Small, Medium, and Large Private Offices
Whether you're working on a top-secret digital marketing campaign or you're just an introverted professional, our private office rentals are for you. In fact, many workers use 3300 W Montague Ave as their business address. When you rent a private office on a monthly basis, you'll enjoy a fully-furnished executive office with janitorial and valet trash services, 24/7 access to both our facility and an online Co-working Hub, and invitations to exclusive networking events. If you're looking for an alternative to the premium pricing found in most office parks and corporate centers, consider this option.
Co-Working Spaces vs Traditional Office Spaces
If you're like many of our clients at The Runway, you're probably wondering, "Why should I choose a co-working space in Seabrook Island, SC, near me instead of a traditional office space?"
The truth is co-working spaces with flexible workplace options have drastically changed the way professionals work. Over the last few years, more self-employed business owners and companies have taken advantage of the savings and convenience co-working spaces offer. In the past, the only options on the table were limited by nature, at rates that seemed ridiculous, even for major companies.
On the other hand, co-working spaces offer professionals the chance to move right away to a fully-functioning, comfortable workspace in a business-centric part of town. Unlike traditional office space rentals, The Runway provides you with everything you need to be successful and grow your business, whether you're a sole proprietor or have several employees.
With a properly equipped co-working space, you can focus on accomplishing your goals and finishing your day-to-day tasks without the headaches of moving into and maintaining an expensive office. Co-working spaces offered by The Runway provide:
- Flexible spaces and private offices to grow your business
- No Lease Agreements
- Utilities like power and high-speed internet included
- Access to copiers, printers, and scanners
- Move-in ready setups when you need them the most
- An affordable monthly investment
- Incredible networking and brainstorming opportunities
- Free maintenance and cleaning services
- Free refreshments like water and coffee
On the other hand, traditional office spaces often feature:
- Limited workspace options
- Long-term commitments
- Additional cost for utilities
- Printer, scanner, and copier setup needed
- Expensive monthly investment
- More restrictive opportunities to network and brainstorm
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Who Uses Co-Working Spaces in Seabrook Island, SC?
With the growing popularity of office rooms for rent in Seabrook Island, SC, many types of businesses and people are inhabiting these spaces, from popular companies to self-starters and everyone in between. Here is a quick glance at some of the most common professionals using The Runway's co-working office space.
Remote Workers
Yes, you read that correctly. Remote work is often associated with Zoom calls and home offices, but remote employees can benefit greatly from co-working offices. Most remotely-employed workers enjoy having more freedom but want to use it responsibly. They choose co-working spaces because, unlike working from home, they benefit from socialization, structure, and the ability to brainstorm with others.
Freelancers
As is the case with remote workers, freelancing doesn't inherently mean you have a dedicated workspace or home office. Since having a home office isn't always a guarantee, we find that many freelancers flourish at The Runway. Even freelancers who have home offices often prefer to work in a more structured environment to reduce distractions and downtime. For hardworking freelancers, co-working spaces present an opportunity for more productivity and career progress. When you add access to client meeting rooms, printers, scanners, free Wi-Fi, and even a business mailing address, co-working offices are often no-brainers for freelancers.
Entrepreneurs
Especially in the early stages of growth, entrepreneurs need a dedicated, productive space to grow their business and determine the next steps to success. Depending on the industry, entrepreneurial work can quickly clutter your personal space, both physically at home and mentally, in your head. That's often the first reason why entrepreneurs flock to co-working spaces – they're away from home, where they're more inclined to relax and be unproductive. Whether you're looking for a private office or simply a desk where you can work away from home, The Runway is the solution you need.
Startups
A co-working space for startups in Seabrook Island, SC, is a great idea because it provides a central location for full-time work, office meetings, and more. Startups are often defined by a team's ability to come together, brainstorm, produce a product, and fill a need. With The Runway's co-working office for startups, you can do exactly that.
Plus, having a co-working office space for a startup team saves money. If you've ever had the chance to grow a company from the ground up, you know first-hand how important budgets are for your business. When you rent from The Runway, you won't have to worry about expenses like management fees, insurance, power, internet, reinstatement fees, and other overhead costs.
Businesses
If you own or manage a small to mid-size business, you know how expensive office space is in Seabrook Island. As is the case with startups, many businesses use The Runway's private meeting rooms and offices to conduct business at a fraction of the cost of a traditional office. Plus, they use the space to connect with other businesses, professionals, and freelancers who often become valuable resources. As an added bonus, co-working spaces like those at The Runway have been shown to boost morale and provide a sense of camaraderie, collaboration, and community.
FAQs about Co-Working Spaces
Co-working and shared workspaces from The Runway are cost-effective, convenient, and full of value for hardworking people looking to get ahead. Though co-working offices have grown in popularity, with approximately 24,000 locations globally, they're still a mystery to many. If you still have questions, we invite you to contact our office today to learn more about The Runway. Until we speak, here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions we encounter.
Q. Do co-working spaces actually work? My friend uses a desk from The Runway and swears by it, but I'm not convinced.
A. The short answer to this question is a resounding "Yes!" Thousands of people use co-working offices as a reliable way to stay productive and professional. In fact, research from Harvard Business Review states that surveyed workers benefit from more motivation, higher productivity, and more valuable social interactions.
Q. What does The Runway's co-working space offer?
A. The Runway is a co-working office space and community that offers clients a modern, purpose-built place to work and succeed. Depending on their needs, members enjoy many options and perks, including:
- Secure 24/7 Access to the Facility
- Ultra-Fast Internet
- Access to Printers, Scanners, and Copiers
- Private Offices
- Private Meeting Rooms
- Private Lockers
- Fully-Stocked Lounge Area
- Much More
Q. What is the point of co-working spaces?
A. Co-working spaces like The Runway give professionals a chance to work in a professional setting without the overhead costs and headaches of a traditional office. Whether solo or in a team, The Runway offers diverse groups of workers the opportunity to thrive professionally while connecting with others.
Let The Runway be Your Launching Pad to Business Success
At The Runway, we're passionate about empowering risk-takers, dreamers, and businesspeople of all backgrounds with affordable office space for rent in Seabrook Island, SC. Whether you're just starting a new venture or you're a veteran freelancer, The Runway is where your business can take off. Contact our office today to reserve your co-working space or to learn more about our day passes and monthly options.
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Latest News in Seabrook Island, SC
Editorial: We dodged a bullet on Seabrook. Make sure it doesn’t happen again.
THE EDITORIAL STAFFhttps://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-we-dodged-a-bullet-on-seabrook-make-sure-it-doesnt-happen-again/article_1c525744-4282-11ee-98c5-a71ff022b55a.html
Everyone who cares about southern Johns Island should be pleased that a controversial annexation was pulled from the Seabrook Island Town Council’s agenda last week in the face of mounting opposition over what the annexation would help create — a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages — and the likelihood that it would add more traffic and pollution to the rural side of Charleston County’s urban growth boundary.But those same folks, particularly leaders on Kiawah and Seab...
Everyone who cares about southern Johns Island should be pleased that a controversial annexation was pulled from the Seabrook Island Town Council’s agenda last week in the face of mounting opposition over what the annexation would help create — a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages — and the likelihood that it would add more traffic and pollution to the rural side of Charleston County’s urban growth boundary.
But those same folks, particularly leaders on Kiawah and Seabrook islands and Charleston County Council, should not get complacent. Instead, they need to work together on better planning to guide development in and around where those two sea islands meet up with southern Johns Island.
It’s unclear when, or if, the developer’s annexation request might resurface. Even if it doesn’t, there undoubtedly will be other development plans that will expose the tensions between those living on rural Johns Island and those living beyond the gates at Kiawah and Seabrook. This moment offers an important reset, one that should begin with getting all these local governments to recommit to the vision of an urban growth boundary — a line past which suburban development would not be supported through zoning, infrastructure or other local policies.
Such a recommitment wouldn’t bind future councils any more than their respective comprehensive plans do, but it would send a unified message about their mutual commitment to respect the natural beauty and environmental sensitivity of the area.
It’s clear that development pressures at Kiawah’s and Seabrook’s doorstep are increasing. A fresh series of new developments, including a senior living facility and an emergency medical facility, is cropping up. Elected officials, neighborhood leaders and county planners need to come up with a mutually agreed-upon zoning overlay for the area, one that would guide future development to ensure new uses and the size and scale of new buildings are appropriate. Such an overlay also would prevent developers from trying to play one jurisdiction against another to get the permits they seek, a tactic sometimes used in other parts of the tri-county area.
The mutual interests of everyone became clear during this recent annexation controversy, as the mayor of Kiawah Island took the unusual step of sending a letter to Seabrook’s mayor and council urging them to reject the annexation and respect the urban growth boundary, which Mayor John Labriola noted “serves as a guide to direct appropriate urban and suburban development while preserving and cherishing the rural charm of the Sea Islands that we all hold dear.”
Given what we’ve seen this summer, the existing urban growth boundary line may not continue to be enough on its own, and we believe a joint planning effort could help pin down the following: to what extent commercial development in the greater Freshfields area should be allowed to inch its way north on Betsy Kerrison; whether the towns should annex any more of Johns Island; whether any upzoning in the area might be appropriate; and how new building would affect the net traffic and drainage needs around Kiawah and Seabrook. While residents live only on Kiawah or Seabrook or in the unincorporated area, they have a stake in the answers to all those questions. This area deserves a new zoning overlay and conservation goals that offer a shared vision of how the southern part of Johns Island will — and will not — change.
Regional planning needs to take place on a large scale — such as our greater metro area from Seabrook to Awendaw to Summerville and Moncks Corner — but it’s also necessary on a smaller scale, especially in those places such as southern Johns Island where multiple local governmental jurisdictions meet.
Decades ago, the city of Charleston and Charleston County came up with the urban growth boundary across Johns Island and other areas where the suburbs ended to ensure their zoning and other policies worked together to protect rural areas that residents wanted to remain rural. Kiawah and Seabrook were once seen as too distant to bring into the conversation about that line. That’s not the case any more.
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10 of The Best Charleston SC Beaches for a Sunny Escape!
Jeremyhttps://oceanbeachbulletin.com/10-of-the-best-charleston-sc-beaches-for-a-sunny-escape/
June 6, 2023 0 Comments Beach Tips, Best Beaches in The World, Boating, ...
June 6, 2023 0 Comments Beach Tips, Best Beaches in The World, Boating, Destinations
Charleston South Carolina is known for its coastal Southern charm and historical architecture but did you know the beaches near Charleston, South Carolina are worth a visit as well?
Get ready to explore some of the most stunning beaches near Charleston, SC! The beautiful coastlines and pristine shores are perfect for a relaxing vacation or a fun-filled day trip. With so many Charleston SC beaches to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to visit.
To help you find the perfect beach for your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Charleston SC beaches, complete with details on their unique features, distance from downtown Charleston, and available activities. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a towel, and let’s dive into the mesmerizing world of Charleston SC beaches!
1. Folly Beach: The Eclectic Beach Community
How far is Charleston from Folly Beach?
Located just 12 miles and a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is the closest beach town to the city. This eclectic beach community is popular among surfers, college students, and vacationers alike.
With approximately six miles of shoreline, Folly Beach offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, hunt for seashells, or watch a breathtaking sunset from the fishing pier.
Folly Beach is an oceanfront community known as the “Edge of America” and is home to the East Coast’s second-largest fishing pier and some of the best waves on the South Carolina coast.
Serious surfers will love “The Washout,” a stretch of coast known for its exceptional waves. After a day of riding the waves, unwind at one of the many colorful and funky restaurants and bars along Center Street, such as Taco Boy and Rita’s Seaside Grille.
2. Sullivan’s Island Beach: The Charming Barrier Island
How far is Charleston from Sullivan’s Island Beach?
Sullivan’s Island Beach is a popular beach, only 9 miles and about an hour and a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, making it a convenient option for a beach getaway.
This 3-mile-long barrier island boasts a charming and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The private beachfront community on the northern tip of Sullivan’s Island is the least commercialized of the area’s beaches and is home to the unique Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Free parking is available along the streets leading up to the bridge.
Sullivan’s Island is also rich in history, with a Revolutionary War fort and the iconic lighthouse adding to its appeal. And if you’re feeling peckish after a day on the white sand beaches, indulge in a delicious burger at Poe’s Tavern on Middle Street.
3. Isle of Palms Beach: A Family-Friendly Paradise
How far is Charleston from Isle of Palms Beach?
Isle of Palms Beach is 17 miles and a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston.
This relaxing beach community is located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston and offers 6 miles of pristine coastline.
Isle of Palms is the perfect spot for a family vacation, with public restrooms, available parking, and plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby.
The island also features a county park, a fishing pier, and a sand volleyball court, ensuring that there is no shortage of fun activities for the whole family. Paddle the intercoastal waterway from Isle of Palms, where you may encounter dolphins and explore the hidden coves and marshes.
4. Kiawah Island Beach: A Tranquil Retreat
How far is Charleston from Kiawah Island Beach?
Kiawah Island Beach is 28 miles and a 50-minute drive from downtown Charleston.
Kiawah Island is one of the least developed and natural beaches in the area, boasting 10 miles of white sand beaches and preserved maritime forests and marshes.
The tranquil atmosphere and stunning scenery make it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.
The only public beach access on Kiawah Island is located at the county park, Beachwalker Park, which is well worth the visit. If you’re looking to stay on the island, consider renting a house or villa or booking a stay at the Sanctuary, the kiawah island itself’s luxurious oceanfront hotel.
5. Seabrook Island Beach: An Exclusive Getaway
How far is Charleston from Seabrook Island Beach?
Seabrook Island Beach is 25 miles and a 45-minute drive from downtown Charleston.
Seabrook Island is a private beachfront community just thirty minutes from downtown Charleston.
This exclusive island, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Edisto River, boasts nearly four miles of the widest beaches in South Carolina.
As an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, bobcats, deer, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins.
Access to the private island that’s nearly 4 miles of unspoiled beaches is private to residents and rental guests only, so be sure to book your stay in advance.
6. Edisto Island Beach: A Pristine Escape
How far is Charleston from Edisto Island Beach?
Edisto Island Beach is 45 miles and a 1-hour drive from downtown Charleston.
Edisto Beach is one of the few non-commercialized beaches left in South Carolina. The 4.5 miles of pristine beach are usually less crowded than other beaches in the area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, hunting for shells and sharks’ teeth, or fishing at Edisto Beach State Park. After a day of outdoor adventure, dine on sumptuous seafood at Waterfront Restaurant or savor tasty tacos at McConkey’s Jungle Shack.
7. Bulls Island: A Wild and Untouched Paradise
How far is Charleston from Bulls Island?
Bulls Island is 45 minutes away from downtown Charleston and is only accessible by ferry.
This untouched barrier island offers a truly unique and wild beach experience. A guided paddling tour is the perfect way to explore the island’s diverse ecosystem, observe the abundant birdlife, and perhaps even spot a playful dolphin.
Bulls Island is home to the awe-inspiring Boneyard Beach, where a forest is being reclaimed by the sea. You can also track foxes, bobcats, and deer as you wander through the island’s untouched island landscape.
8. Morris Island: A Picturesque Island Retreat
How far is Charleston from Morris Island?
Morris Island is just minutes from Charleston and is only accessible by boat.
Hunt for shells and fossils near the candy cane-striped lighthouse on this uninhabited island. Visitors can choose from several tour options, with boat tours including a 55-foot power catamaran for the more adventurous traveler.
Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning views of the lighthouse from the shores of Folly Beach. Morris Island offers a peaceful and secluded escape from the bustling city life of Charleston.
9. Pawleys Island: A Serene Barrier Island
How far is Charleston from Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island is a bit further from Charleston compared to other beaches but is still worth the drive.
This coastal barrier island offers a slow-paced atmosphere and packs a lot into its four-mile stretch. Explore the salt marsh that separates the island from the mainland in a canoe or kayak, or settle in for a day at the public beach, with shelling, fishing, and crabbing opportunities. This is one of South Carolina’s great family friendly beaches near charleston sc.
Sign up for surfing lessons near Pawleys Island Pier and ride some of the best waves in the area.
10. Capers Island: An Undeveloped Gem
How far is Charleston from Capers Island?
Capers Island is located a short distance from Charleston and is only accessible by chartered, boat ride or kayak.
This undeveloped island is home to a diverse ecosystem and offers unique experiences for nature lovers. Walk along the beach and discover tide pools, hike the island to see gators and deer in their natural habitat, or paddle along the shores to observe jellyfish and crabs. This might be your new favorite best beach!
With its untouched beauty, pristine beaches and serene atmosphere, Capers Island is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
The best Charleston SC beaches offer a wide variety of experiences and activities for all types of travelers. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway, a tranquil retreat, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the beaches near Charleston have something for everyone.
So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to explore the beautiful Charleston SC beaches and create unforgettable memories!
Do you have any other Charleston SC beaches we missed you think we should add to the list?
Editorial: Seabrook Island, other beach towns, should respect Johns Island growth boundary
THE EDITORIAL STAFFhttps://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-seabrook-island-other-beach-towns-should-respect-johns-island-growth-boundary/article_3f452f3c-2578-11ee-9aa0-1fa7a0456ce2.html
There are several powerful reasons why Seabrook Island Town Council should reject a proposed annexation that would pave the way for a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages near the town’s northern limits.The additional boat and car traffic would create more congestion on Betsy Kerrison Parkway in particular and Johns Island in general, as well as more pollution to the otherwise pristine Bohicket Creek. But the biggest reason Town Council should reject the 18-acre annexation is the dangero...
There are several powerful reasons why Seabrook Island Town Council should reject a proposed annexation that would pave the way for a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages near the town’s northern limits.
The additional boat and car traffic would create more congestion on Betsy Kerrison Parkway in particular and Johns Island in general, as well as more pollution to the otherwise pristine Bohicket Creek. But the biggest reason Town Council should reject the 18-acre annexation is the dangerous precedent it would set, a precedent that would erode the rural character of southern Johns Island.
Decades ago, local governments, led by the city of Charleston and Charleston County, agreed on an urban growth boundary across Johns Island and other areas. The big idea was to ensure their zoning and other policies were synchronized to allow suburban development to continue to spread, but only up to a point, beyond which the existing rural nature would be preserved. The boundary has generally worked well, but as with so much other conservation work, it needs to be embraced and reaffirmed by each new generation.
Seabrook Island’s potential move would mark one of the first and most dramatic annexations by a municipality into the rural portion of the island; if it succeeds, it almost assuredly wouldn’t be the last, and it could hasten the unraveling of the boundary line — and increase development pressures on the shrinking amount of land on the rural side of the boundary.
Robby Maynor of the Coastal Conservation League agrees that annexing and rezoning this property on the rural side of the urban growth boundary would set a disastrous precedent on the county’s Sea Islands and could lead to annexation battles such as those that are playing out along the most rural stretches of the upper Ashley River, whose rural historic district remains in jeopardy from encroaching homes, stores and the traffic they bring. Approving the marina project would be “like kicking an anthill and hoping you don’t get bit,” he says.
The case that the property’s owner and other supporters have made for the annexation is that it would give Seabrook Island future control of the site and limit future development there, according to reporter Warren Wise. But the proposal appears to us as designed to facilitate development, not to curb it. Annexing the site, which is next to Bohicket Marina, would allow it to tie into the town’s sewer system.
Unfortunately, Seabrook Island’s Planning Commission has recommended annexing the site and rezoning it for a mixed-used development. We urge Town Council members to reject that move when they consider the matter Aug. 22.
As Mr. Wise noted, the project is a scaled-down version of a 30-year-old Andell Harbor project that state environmental regulators rightly and mercifully rejected. While this is smaller, with only about 4 acres of development near the creek and the rest set aside for open space, it still would represent an unwelcome and disturbing encroachment into the rural area between the barrier islands of Kiawah and Seabrook and the suburban growth from the city of Charleston.
Last year, we urged elected officials, neighborhood leaders and planners with Charleston County and the two beach towns to come up with a mutually agreed-upon overlay for their shared area at the southern tip of Johns Island. That overlay should guide future development toward the kinds of uses — and the sizes and scale — residents of all three jurisdictions would most like to see, and help address growing real estate pressures in a way residents prefer. We repeat the call for regional cooperation, and Seabrook Island’s rejection of this annexation would be an important first step.
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Hicks: No smooth sailing in the forecast for Seabrook annexation plan
Brian Hickshttps://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/hicks-no-smooth-sailing-in-the-forecast-for-seabrook-annexation-plan/article_ffc62394-3845-11ee-8d6a-3b05f6c164e7.html
For its first annexation in more than 30 years, Seabrook Island’s Town Council picked a real doozy.Next week, council will likely vote to annex nearly 18 acres on Bohicket Creek — just across from neighboring Kiawah Island’s Town Hall — for a mixed-use development designed around a marina and private yacht club.The details are a tad fuzzy (well, as much as they can be with a 200-page proposal), but public sentiment is not.Nearly 600 residents have expressed concerns about the project’s poten...
For its first annexation in more than 30 years, Seabrook Island’s Town Council picked a real doozy.
Next week, council will likely vote to annex nearly 18 acres on Bohicket Creek — just across from neighboring Kiawah Island’s Town Hall — for a mixed-use development designed around a marina and private yacht club.
The details are a tad fuzzy (well, as much as they can be with a 200-page proposal), but public sentiment is not.
Nearly 600 residents have expressed concerns about the project’s potential environmental, traffic and flooding impact. That’s more than a quarter of the island’s full-time residents.
They’ve made it clear they don’t want this, but feel like no one’s listening.
“The vast majority of people have been opposed to this,” says island resident Paul McLaughlin. “They don’t have to listen to us, but don’t go and ask for our opinion if you don’t listen to the answers. It offers no benefit to us; it’s a private club.”
His frustration is understandable, because a lot of people have valid concerns.
The state already considers that stretch of Bohicket too contaminated for oyster harvesting; the feds say it’s not safe to eat fish caught there. The state turned down similar plans 30 years ago … which is about the last time Seabrook gave any thought to expanding its borders.
McLaughlin notes the developer’s plan may address flooding on the property, but what does it do to the rest of the island?
Residents can’t leverage their usual influence over local officials, several of whom publicly support the plan, because most of them aren’t running for reelection.
It’s sort of a perfect storm — and, on Seabrook, it’s definitely storm season.
Local government is usually the most responsive to local citizens. A couple dozen bicyclists can — and did — derail Charleston’s carefully negotiated plans to redesign downtown’s King Street. But hundreds of well-heeled retirees can’t move the needle?
The island’s planning commission recommended the annexation on a 4-1 vote in July over vocal opposition. Residents get one more chance next week at a public hearing prior to an initial annexation vote, but aren’t optimistic.
They’ll get 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker — to relay their concerns in a room that holds an audience of about 60. That’s pretty standard operating procedure for local governments, but Seabrook residents are livid. The town, they say, has ignored repeated calls for a larger venue and more time.
Seabrook Mayor John Gregg says the developer has held informational meetings with residents for the past year, and when the island got the proposal in June, the town posted all documents online.
He says the alternative meeting venues suggested are all behind Seabrook’s private gate — and council meetings must be accessible to the public. Besides, he says, Town Hall is fitted with equipment to broadcast the meeting to the entire island.
If more people want to speak than time allows, the mayor says, speakers will be chosen by a random number algorithm generator.
That probably won’t make residents, or others, happy. Because this isn’t just some not-in-my-backyard grousing. The Coastal Conservation League, the nonprofit Kiawah Conservancy and various Johns Island advocates have also objected. Even Kiawah has taken an unprecedented stand.
Earlier this month, Kiawah Mayor John D. Labriola and Town Council members sent a letter to Seabrook, publicly opposing the annexation.
“We strongly believe that maintaining the current [urban growth boundary] is critically important to protect the unique Sea Islands ecosystem and the rural character of the land outside the boundary for future generations,” Labriola wrote.
That’s called foreshadowing.
Seabrook Councilwoman Jeri Finke wrote in the most recent issue of The Seabrooker that annexing the land gives the town control over it, which is better than allowing Charleston County or Kiawah to make the decisions. Her argument hasn’t moved many.
That’s because Kiawah Mayor Labriola hit on a salient point. Since the land falls outside the urban growth boundary, its potential development would be fairly limited … if Seabrook just stayed out of this.
See, right now that land falls under county jurisdiction, and County Council would never ignore such a large and influential group of citizens.
But Seabrook’s annexation blocks county intervention because the town isn’t party to the urban growth boundary agreement. That allows a few outgoing public officials to open the door to new development.
The Andell tract, as this land is called, sits at the end of Betsy Kerrison Parkway — an area just outside two wealthy communities under tremendous development pressure. Already, more businesses, a retirement community and an entire medical district are in the works.
But that land was never meant to be developed, at least not to this extent. That’s what the urban growth boundary dictates. The overdevelopment of Maybank Highway was meant as a trade-off to leave the rest of Johns Island largely rural.
Such plans often shrivel when there’s money to be made — this is proof of that. But the marina development could also bring renewed scrutiny to the urban growth boundary and spark radical change ... because people are sick of overdevelopment.
But that’s a story for another day.
At the hyper-local level, Seabrook officials should know their audience ... er, constituents. These are people who know how to get things done. They know how to file lawsuits. And they don’t give up.
So don’t expect next week’s vote to be the last word.
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Explore Charleston's Picturesque Barrier Islands On This Epic Multi-Day Road Trip
AnneMariehttps://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/multi-day-road-trip-exploring-charleston-barrier-islands-sc/
Everyone loves Charleston. It’s like the crown jewel of South Carolina, having been voted for 10 straight years by Travel + Leisure readers as the #1 city to visit in the United States and the only one in America included in the top 25 best cities in the world. That’s quite the recognition in the travel industry! And those who have been to Charleston certainly understand its allure. From beautiful sights to delicious restaurants to historical charm and southern hospitality, what’s not to love? Not to mention, there are alwa...
Everyone loves Charleston. It’s like the crown jewel of South Carolina, having been voted for 10 straight years by Travel + Leisure readers as the #1 city to visit in the United States and the only one in America included in the top 25 best cities in the world. That’s quite the recognition in the travel industry! And those who have been to Charleston certainly understand its allure. From beautiful sights to delicious restaurants to historical charm and southern hospitality, what’s not to love? Not to mention, there are always so many fun things to do in Charleston and its surrounding area. We’ve got a fabulous road trip for you to take that will get you a little farther out from downtown when you’re ready to branch out and explore more beyond, specifically, the stunning barrier islands of Charleston.
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We only included the inhabited islands in our trip. Morris Island is a sixth barrier island of Charleston that’s uninhabited.
If you’d like to stay on each of the islands overnight, be sure to check on whether or not any of the places you’re looking at have a minimum number of nights required. That may be the case especially if your trip is during peak travel seasons, in such case, you may have to choose one location as your base to explore from.
Have you been to any of Charleston’s barrier islands? Which is your favorite if you’ve been to more than one, and why?
If you’re looking for other fun things to do in Charleston, check out the nighttime award-winning tour where you can see some of the city’s incredible sites while learning some fascinating things about the history of this popular locale!
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