POA addresses community improvement ideas suggested by our readers
In January of this year, as part of a “101 ways to improve our community” survey, we asked you how we could make our terrific island town even better. And you responded with more than 90 suggestions.
The Daniel Island News recently sat down with Jane Baker, Vice President of Community Services for the Daniel Island Property Owners Association, to learn about which of those improvements the POA plans to address, those that the association is already at work on - and even a few that it would enthusiastically support should residents take the lead.
In certain instances, Baker details why a suggestion would not work well on Daniel Island. Other improvements would actually be the responsibility of the City of Charleston and/or Berkeley County (look for responses to those suggestions in a future issue of The Daniel Island News). Baker urges residents to make certain requests through the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association (DINA).
Below, in bold, are some of the suggestions made in our survey and Baker’s update on the status of each.
“More trash and dog waste receptacles are needed on the path along the Wando River and in the area around Simmons Park Apartments.”
Jane Baker (JB): The Daniel Island Town Association (DITA) will be taking over Wando River trail maintenance from the city pursuant to the 4th Amendment to the Development Agreement that was passed last October. The Wando River Trail is historically the City of Charleston’s responsibility, but DITA will be taking over the responsibility in 60-90 days and will then be able to install more receptacles once we take it over from the city.
“Have more activities for adults and senior citizens.”
JB: We currently have three adult activities: Wine & Design (a relaxed social event where attendees sip wine while creating beautiful works of art). Lunch Box Learning (quarterly lunches that feature a variety of speakers), currently at Wharf 7 but which will eventually take place at Edgefield Park’s screened-in porch. And there’s Bocce Ball at Pierce Park Pavilion on the green lawn. We plan to expand the scope of our programming but we need more indoor space for that. Fortunately, Daniel Island will be getting its own recreation center as a result of the 4th Amendment to the Development Agreement. The plans are going through the review process and shovels should break ground by October of 2018. In the meantime, we welcome any ideas from residents.
“More street sweeping/cleaning!”
JB: Currently, the POA charges builders a street-sweeping fee for the streets within areas that have construction going on. Wherever you see a house or commercial building being built, we pay for street sweeping to be done in that area once a week (the builders are actually paying the fee). Every other street on the island is supposed to be swept by the City of Charleston once per month, but may not even happen this often. DINA might want to look into this to ensure the City is keeping to this commitment, especially important when construction on Daniel Island is complete.
“Create a garden and or children’s garden (similar to the big backyard garden in the Memphis Botanical Garden).”
JB: There is a community garden at Daniel Island School. Also, the POA worked with the Rotary to build a commemorative park by the pond next to Family Circle. If there is an opportunity for a “pocket” children’s garden - or a special location in mind, we’d be happy to study it.
“Develop an efficient infrastructure and improve the road system to support development.”
JB: The existing road system designed for Daniel Island is fully adequate for the total number of houses proposed to be built here. Right now, at 4600 homes, we’re not even close to the 7500 allowed by the Master Plan. Naturally, traffic may be slower on the island due to the increase in the number of cars, and residents used to emptier roads are feeling frustrated. But residents will not have to deal with grid-lock on Daniel Island or even traffic comparable with other parts of Charleston.
“Keep ponds clean and free of trash.”
JB: The POA has stepped up our pond maintenance in the past six months. We’re already looking at possible contractors to do erosion control and beautification in certain ponds. Aquaculture is an important environmental and filtering component to pond management. So we are looking to bring more aquaculture to our ponds to increase beauty and cleanliness. If residents see any problems with the ponds, they can let us know on the POA website or by contacting our office.
“Repair all green space where grass is missing.”
JB: Daniel Island has planted 20,000 street trees since its inception 20 years ago. Once tree canopies mature, they tend to block the sun from the grass below. We’re looking at different ground turf options in lieu of grass that don’t require as much sun. We’ve also done some selective pruning along traffic islands along Daniel Island Drive to increase the health of the trees there. There are some opportunities for turf improvement or the addition of ground cover that we budget for each year and will continue to do so.
“Return to more vibrant flowers in garden areas.”
JB: We’re very pleased with the beautiful flower gardens we’ve created - especially the perennials at Guggenheim Park. We’ve selected a natural garden palette instead of the straight row look of the commercial garden palette. Of course, there are always a few weeks here and there when garden areas are not as vibrant, like right before spring planting ...and after a sudden cold snap after a hint of spring weather. But all in all, we are really proud of our gardens.
“Pave a bike and stroller path all the way to the street from the Wando River dock.”
JB: The POA is happy to study this as part of the waterfront park planning. However, we will use pervious materials, like the plantation mix currently on the trails, which is more forgiving and easier to maintain.
“All traffic lights need dedicated left turn arrows in all directions given the volume of traffic now moving through.”
JB: The City of Charleston and/or the South Carolina State Department of Transportation makes decisions regarding dedicated left turn areas. The POA has requested the DOT add turn signals at Fairchild and River Landing Drive on all sides of the intersection. Currently there’s only one left turn signal.
“New location for the Farmers Market.”
JB: The POA has partnered with ReFuel to host the Farmers Market this summer. Residents will enjoy sampling local produce and other products from a few new vendors, alongside long-time favorites, underneath the front porches of the store. Local talent from Black Tie Music Academy and other local musicians will provide entertainment.
“Complete cleaning of island trails impacted by Hurricane Matthew.”
JB: The POA has been heavily invested in the cleanup of the island after Matthew - it’s been a major event. We’ve completed about 80 percent of our goal. Residents should advise the POA of any potentially hazardous areas that need immediate attention.
“Eliminate street parking.”
JB: The POA is in accordance with the City of Charleston’s ordinance that requires on-street parking. Urban planning specialists have found that streets are safer when cars are parked along the side, whereas streets empty of parked cars tend to encourage speeding. Safety is very important on DI, so cars will remain parked on at least one side of every street.
“Take care of the graves along the path under the Wando bridge.”
JB: We are currently working with the Daniel Island Historical Society and representatives of families who are buried at the Simmons Cemetery to make necessary improvements.
“Eliminate the water fountains at the playgrounds - they are never working properly.”
JB: The POA is currently working to replace the old water fountains. At a cost of $4,000 for each fountain, one to two fountains will be replaced every year.
“Create a community orchestra/band of volunteer musicians who can perform at parades, events, and also hold indoor concerts.”
JB: We hope to partner with Black Tie Music Academy on several upcoming events in addition to the Farmers Market.
Kris Manning, co-owner of Black Tie, adds: “We are very fortunate to have such a collaborative and philanthropic POA in our community. I’m particularly impressed with their support of the arts.”
“Beautify the downtown area.”
JB: We encourage business owners to enhance front doors with planters as part of our street-scape improvements. Also, we are studying sidewalk-to-street connections as a way to delineate curb to sidewalk paths along some of the wide grass-filled right of ways. If 2018 budget allows, we will create a few sidewalk-to-street connections in strategic areas, using pervious surface strips for the pathways and plants along the side of the paths.
“Create more ways to meet new neighbors - bring back welcome packets and goody bags!”
JB: The POA will support events geared to meeting new neighbors; we encourage residents to take up the banner to lead block parties and other welcome events and the POA will support such events in any way it can. Unfortunately, the welcome packets of Daniel Island’s early days are no longer feasible for us to distribute among a rapidly growing community of over 10,000 people.
“More trash cans in public areas.”
JB: The POA is aware of this need and is continuing to add new trash cans as needed.
“Form singles/over 50 groups and have activities that welcome single people, not just families.”
JB: While, currently, there are no dedicated programs for singles, we would definitely support such events and welcome ideas from residents. In the meantime, social events like TGIFF, advertised on the POA website and in the Daniel Island News, are a great way to meet other DI residents.
“Add ping pong tables to the island’s community pool amenity areas.”
JB: The POA will be installing a ping-pong table at Edgefield Park this summer.