DINA members updated on construction project and safety issues

Last week members of the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association were briefed on a variety of construction projects, safety issues, crime, and on the plans and progress of the Daniel Island Performing Arts Center (DIPAC).

Following a brief approval of prior meeting’s minutes, treasurer’s report, and Daniel Island police team 5’s recount of three recent burglaries (two of the same golf cart at one Smythe Park residence within 36 hours and a break-in at the office of Bishop England High School), DINA President Glenn Williman welcomed DIPAC founder and CEO Mary Gould to the podium. For coverage of the DIPAC presentation, see pages 32-33.

Moving on to remaining DINA business, Williman announced that DINA would be providing committee updates on a regular basis through a “DINA Dashboard” column in The Daniel Island News. He also reported that a new “transition committee” was being formed for the purpose of researching and facilitating the process of transitioning Daniel Island from a community that is developer-managed to one that is resident-managed. DINA is seeking volunteers for that new committee, as well as all others.

Stepping briefly to the podium, City of Charleston Councilman Gary White stated that he had met for an hour the previous week with Mayor John Tecklenburg to discuss current Daniel Island area projects and deliver to the new mayor a brief history on the community’s initiatives and concerns.

“I’m glad to say that he’s on board with all the projects we have going on,” expressed White, “and he is prepared to help us move forward without any stumblings.”

Updating DINA on several capital projects, White began with the Wando boat landing. Following a late March meeting with officials from the City of Charleston, Berkeley County, and the Department of Natural Resources, it was determined that the City will manage the construction project – which is expected to commence in 2017 – and Berkeley County will ultimately manage the day-to-day operations of the boat landing, White reported.

Other Daniel Island projects addressed by Councilman White included an August 2016 expected completion for the new pavilion at Freedom Park, the commencement of a shoreline stabilization project along the Wando River, an April 11 delivery of first-run planning documents for an island community center, continued enhancements of Governors Park, replacement of Daniel Island trail and bridge lights, and the City’s receipt of full tree pruning responsibility following a multi-year partnership with the DINA tree trimming committee.

Speaking on the latter, tree trimming committee chair Bob Sauer confirmed that his group’s duties had been turned over to the City of Charleston as of March 31. He also explained that residents with trees of concern can contact the City to determine if the tree needs to be removed. If it does, the homeowner incurs the cost of the replacement tree, but the City will pay for the old tree removal and installation of the replacement. Sauer suggested that a resident pruning clinic could be in the works, provided there is sufficient interest expressed.

Land use and zoning chair Clyde Rush reported that the addition of two proposed apartment projects (Four Corners adjacent the BB&T building and the 210 River Landing property) would bring the number of apartment complexes under development on Daniel Island to seven, yielding 1,368 additional apartment units and approximately 2,700 new island residents.

As the final speaker of the evening, new safety committee chair Marie Delcioppo introduced herself and indicated that she has already met with City officials regarding island safety initiatives. She was pleased to announce that the new school safety program would commence on April 11, and that volunteers were trained and ready to man their morning and afternoon posts with bright orange flags to bring more awareness to both drivers and students. Delcioppo also explained that the safety committee would operate with four sub-committees going forward, each of which was in need of volunteers: 1) school safety patrol, 2) pedestrians and cyclists, 3) new developments and initiatives, and 4) maintenance.

Residents interested in joining DINA and/or participating on a committee can visit the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association website, www.dineighborhoodassociation.org, or contact Williman at president@dineighborhoodassociation.org.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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