DI News History - May 25, 2023
Wed, 05/24/2023 - 9:11am
admin
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO – Boating in the Lowcountry
A featured article suggested if you’re looking to get hooked on boating the first step is to find yourself a boat. Chris Meredith, co-owner and general manager of Longshore Marine on Clements Ferry Road, is one of several boat dealers in the area who was interviewed for the story.
Also in the news was an article about a positive economic forecast. While many in the Lowcountry had undoubtedly felt the struggling effects of the national economy during what was deemed a “recession,” local economic forecasters weren’t convinced at the time that the penny-pinching conditions in 2008 warranted using the dreaded “R” word.
TEN YEARS AGO – Plans for a community garden on the table
Plans were in the works for a community garden on Daniel Island. Over the preceding few years, several plans were scrapped for different reasons. The original plan was a location in an area off the bike path near Blakeway and Grand Council streets. Nearby residents opposed the location, complaining about potential foul smells, increased traffic congestion and vandalism.
The City and POA continued to work together and decided to look at the area parks as potential sites. Three parks were viable options: Freedom Park (located behind Daniel Island School), Etiwan Park and Governor’s Park.
It was a consensus at the time from those in the community that Governor’s Park would be a better choice, since it is not in someone’s “backyard.” While that plan eventually died as well, today the community garden sits on the property of Daniel Island School and has become a vibrant learning tool for the school as well as a wonderful community garden.
FIVE YEARS AGO – Westbound lanes of bridge shut down
After the westbound lanes of the James B. Edwards Bridge over the Wando River were shut down for an entire week due to a ruptured cable, local businesses were feeling the impact. While the S.C. Department of Transportation completed crossover lanes, paving the way for “two way” traffic on the eastbound, traffic was a nightmare during the shutdown.
Daniel Island Ferry stepped up to the plate and offered commuters an alternative mode of transportation to downtown Charleston. Daniel Island Shuttle also felt the effects of the bridge closure. “I’m getting a lot more phone calls,” said owner Ben Tonon. “People don’t want to deal with the traffic and they’re looking to me for some answers!”
The centerspread was a piece about the job market on Daniel Island. With springtime usually comes a hiring frenzy and local job seekers and employees were interviewed. Those interviewed at the time said they did not have any problem finding work on Daniel Island or in Charleston.
Compiled by Katherine Smith