Opinions

Massive development on Cainhoy fails to balance growth, environmental protections

Recently, former Mayor Joe Riley commented that Charleston’s continuous growth requires careful and deliberate planning. As conservation leaders, we are mindful of the balance between preserving our community and its natural resources while acknowledging that growth will happen. Mayor Riley...

Responsible, smart growth on Cainhoy Peninsula

Reports of recent, unfortunate litigation compel me to address the facts regarding planned development on the Cainhoy Peninsula. As mayor of the City of Charleston for 40 years, I considered one of my most important duties to be planning for responsible growth to ensure that the city would...

Art community expresses support for equal rights

Last month, you may have seen a giant lavender RV roaming the streets of our neighborhood donning colorful artwork, quotes and signatures from Americans across the south. Artists4ERA and Vote Equality partnered up with other nonpartisan groups like the League of Women Voters to activate...

Magnificent mollusks

A very long time ago, in some coastal marsh or creek, an event took place that changed many lives, including mine, forever. Some human being discovered a jagged, broken, muddy shell with a translucent mass of slimy flesh inside. Perhaps a hunter was spearing fish and cracked the shell...

Patriotism is the tranquil, steady dedication of a lifetime

The 11th hour has become synonymous with Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, in recognition of the document signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. In reality, the Armistice ending the war to end all wars was signed around 5 a.m. on Nov. 11th. Over the course of...

Rules of engagement for short-term rentals on DI

In 2022, the popularity of websites and apps easily allow Daniel Island property owners to rent out rooms and frogs to strangers from around the world for periods of time as short as one night. Rather than learning how to tax such transactions or ensure that permanent residents do not suffer,...

Battle for democracy begins at ballot box

Just five days and counting until the 2022 midterm General Election concludes. Will you be counted? Historically, midterm elections attract fewer voters than when a presidential race is on the ballot. In 2014, the Berkeley County turnout was just 42%, while in 2018 the number rose only slightly to...

Fishing in Brody's shadow

The other day, Brody and I were fishing in Beresford Creek and several boats stopped to say hello. To Brody. It was like I was invisible. As the boats pulled away, I could hear people say, “who is the guy in the boat with Brody.” Life with a fish-finding and stock-trading dog can be humbling....

City still cleaning, collecting storm debris from Hurricane Ian

Greetings friends and neighbors, As we move into fall, I wanted to provide a few updates on some of the items we are working on at the City. First, I’m thankful that Hurricane Ian missed us. I am also thankful for the modern infrastructure on Daniel Island that minimized any impacts...

The Shoebox

My mother handed me a shoebox wrapped in colorful paper. It was my sixth birthday and my parents had invited some neighborhood kids over for a party. As I took the box, one kid remarked, “Is that all?” To this day, I remember my change of emotion. Should there be more? I wasn’t expecting...