Mortgage Broker in Seabrook Island, SC

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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South Carolina has 35 barrier islands (also called sea islands,) more than any other state except Florida. Barrier islands run parallel to the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and shield the mainland from the brunt of sea storms. The islands are home to wide sandy beaches, sea grass beds, vegetated uplands, and Lowcountry marshes.

At 84 square miles in area, St. Johns is the largest Island in South Carolina. Located in Charleston County, it’s the fourth largest island on the East Coast. Situated between the city of Charleston and the barrier island beaches that border the Atlantic Coast, a portion of the island is located within the city limits of Charleston.

Technically an island, yet not bordered by the open sea, the Stono and Kiawah Rivers are what separates Johns Island from its border islands and the mainland.

What Is the History of Johns Island?

Colonialists arrived on Johns Island from English settlements in the Caribbean and named it after Saint John Parish in Barbados. However, Native American tribes, including the Stono, Bohicket, and Kiawah Indians, were already living on the island.

The settlers brought the crop, indigo, from Barbados and cultivated it in the Lowcountry of Johns Island. By the mid-1700s, indigo became the main export for the island. A popular bright blue dye, indigo grown on Johns Island was commonly sold to England. During the height of indigo production, the Stono Rebellion occurred. The settlers relied on slaves to grow and produce their crops. In 1739, a group of slaves on Johns Island rebelled and attempted to escape to Florida, which was under the rule of the Spanish at the time.

However, the uprising was unsuccessful and plantation owners captured the slaves before they could reach freedom. During the Revolutionary War, the British market for indigo was disrupted, and England began to turn to India for its indigo supply. By the 1800s, indigo was no longer listed as a crop for Johns Island.

Johns Island has been the site of several important historical events. Occupied by British troops during the Revolutionary War, Johns Island also endured the Battle of Bloody Bridge during the Civil War. Today, visitors can view the historical site marking the Civil War battle at the Burdens Causeway.

Currently, Johns Island has a population of 21,500 and growing. The nearness of downtown Charleston, the beautiful scenery of the Lowcountry, and the nearby sandy beaches of the barrier islands make Johns Island a popular spot for new development.

What Do People Do at Johns Island?

Today, Johns Island is known for local farmers’ markets, historical parks, and towering oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Although new developments are cropping up on the island, about 75% of the island remains rural with agricultural and horse farms, large acreage estates, and waterfront communities. Just a few miles south is the resort community of Kiawah Island.

One of the main attractions on Johns Island is the Angel Oak, a live oak tree that is thought to be the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River. Estimated to be around 400 years old, it’s the oldest tree in South Carolina. The massive tree is 65 feet tall and 25.5 feet around. Further, it provides shade to a staggering 17,000 square foot area. Surrounding the tree is a small park with a visitor’s center and a gift shop.

Another popular activity on the island is shopping at the Freshfields Village, an open-air shopping center with over 30 shops, numerous restaurants, and a boutique hotel.

The Goatery at Kiawah River is a small artisan goat dairy farm specializing in goat cheese and soaps. The farm offers private tours, classes for children, and goat yoga. The farm also doubles as a goat sanctuary, offering many goats a forever home.

Where Is Johns Island on a Map?

Johns Island is in between Charleston and the barrier islands. It’s surrounded by Kiawah, Seabrook, Wadmalaw, Edisto, James, and Folly Islands. The Stono and Kiawah Rivers separate Johns Island from the mainland and the barrier islands.

What Animals Live on Johns Island?

Johns Island is teeming with wildlife. Although there are many homes, shops, and restaurants on the island, much of the land remains undeveloped, providing habitat for numerous species. On the island, it’s common to see deer, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, otters, wild hogs, and even alligators.

The rivers and marshes on the island are abundant with oysters, trout, black sea bass, bluefish, and bottlenose dolphins. Birds found in the area include many species such as osprey, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and egrets.

SEABROOK ISLAND — Three decades after a plan to create a 400-slip marina through a canal and lock project on Johns Island was rejected, a scaled-down proposal calls for a private yacht club on nearly 18 acres in the same general area on Bohicket Creek.

Conservationists and several area residents oppose the development called Andell, but Seabook Island’s Planning Commission voted 4-1 on July 12 to recommend annexing the site and zoning the property for a mixed-used development. Town council will have final say.

Bohicket Creek Investors LLC of Charleston wants to build a boat dock with a private clubhouse, boathouse and poolhouse along with outdoor amenities and 10 rental cottages for members and the public at 4484 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

“Annexing gives Seabrook future control of the site,” said Mike Shuler, the property owner’s principal and managing partner. “It will substantially limit future development of the site.”

The property, currently zoned for agricultural and residential use in unincorporated Charleston County, would allow “a variety of agricultural and light industrial uses ... which could have significantly greater impact on the existing natural features than the proposed development,” according to the town’s planning staff, which recommended conditional project approval.

Among those opposing the project is the Coastal Conservation League.

Robby Maynor, the Charleston-based environmental group’s communities and transportation program director, said the project is outside the region’s “urban growth boundary” and called the proposed development “a step in the opposite direction” of protecting rural acreage.

He also cited potentially adverse effects from pollution runoff into Bohicket Creek, increased boat traffic and encroachment into critical habitat areas.

A half dozen others cited similar concerns before the Planning Commission’s vote. The board also noted it had received more than 500 comments about the proposal with the vast majority in opposition.

Proponents of the project said that the property’s current zoning allows multiple uses than what’s being proposed, that the town will have more control over the property if it is annexed and that the development will provide recreational opportunities.

The project’s name is similar to a proposed development from 30 years ago called Andell Harbor that called for a massive earth-moving operation with a man-made channel connecting to a large marina. State environmental regulators eventually nixed the idea in the mid-1990s.

The yacht club site is beside Bohicket Marina, which also is owned by Shuler’s group, and the two would be connected by a boardwalk and road. The planned entrance to the new development is across from Kiawah Island Town Hall.

Cottages would flank both sides of the drive leading to the yacht club.

Plans show the development on about 4 acres of the site near the creek. The rest of the property would be set aside as open space, including a 75-foot wooded buffer next to the parkway and a 20-foot vegetated area next to the northwest parcel in the county.

The site also would include a public boardwalk, pathways and a community crabbing dock.

Bohicket Creek Investors bought the tract in 2021 for $5.6 million, according to Charleston County land records. Nearby properties include Freshfields Village Shopping Center.

Bohicket Marina, which is in the town of Seabrook Island, is southwest of the proposed development.

If the property is annexed into the town, it would tie into the town’s sewer system, with St. John’s Water Co. proving water service

The yacht club would be separate from the community and recreational facilities provided by Seabrook Island Property Owners Association and Seabrook Island Club.

Town Council is scheduled to review the proposal on Aug. 22. The measure requires a public hearing and two majority votes in separate meetings to pass.

A longtime supermarket that serves shoppers of Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns islands could be relocated and enlarged under proposed plans.

The existing 38,000-square-foot Harris Teeter Village Market grocery store could expand to nearly 54,000 square feet in a newly built store as part of a proposed retail development on a nearly 22-acre parcel behind the existing Freshfields Village Shopping Center.

Property owner Riverstone Properties LLC of Richmond, Va., wants to rezone the undeveloped site on Kiawah Island Parkway from low-density residential use to a commercial planned development. The Charleston County Planning Commission recently deadlocked 4-4 on changing the land use and the effort failed.

County spokeswoman Kelsey Barlow said the commission only makes recommendations. The proposed change will now be considered by County Council’s Planning and Public Works Committee on March 16.

Representatives of Riverstone Properties, which is affiliated with the owner of Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and Harris Teeter did not respond to requests for comment on the plans.

Planning commission member Logan Davis said developers indicated at an earlier meeting one reason the supermarket chain wants to relocate to a larger store is so the grocer will have better entry and exit space for deliveries.

Some planning board members wanted a new traffic study while others were concerned about a lack of clarity for the proposed connection to Freshfields Village. The shopping center is owned by Columbia-based Edens, which paid nearly $125 million for the property in June.

One board member expressed concerns that the connection to Freshfields appeared to be near the entrance to a convenience store off Hedgerow Lane and he was worried about the connection across a planted median on Freshfields Drive. He preferred a different connection point.

The development would allow drive-thrus for a pharmacy but not fast food under the current proposal.

The property proposed to be developed most recently was used as a parking area for people attending the PGA Championship Tournament at the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island in 2021.

Site plans also show 10,000 square feet of retail space set aside for future expansion of Harris Teeter and 10,000 additional square feet of other retail space on the opposite side of the planned grocery store.

Another 46,400 square feet of retail space would be clustered in seven smaller buildings while a gas station also is part of the site plan.

Chris Corrada of Riverstone Properties told commission members the fuel site would be set 100 feet off of Kiawah Island Parkway and would be buffered by trees and other foliage.

An additional entryway into the site is planned off the parkway. No homes are being proposed for the property.

Note: This story has been updated with a new date for the proposal to be considered by County Council’s Planning and Public Works Committee.

The United States has plenty of ocean-side states to visit for a beach vacation, but South Carolina easily has some of the best tourist spots on the east coast! From resort options to RV camp sides and everything in between, there's not a shortage of vacation spots for this summer. Trying to evade crowded beaches or looking for the perfect place to paddle-board? There's a South Carolina beach town for everyone! Whether searching for something with a hip city-like shopping district or if parasailing and paragliding are more the vibe for this vacation, one of these ten beach towns can provide the ideal oasis for families, lovers, and adventurers of all sorts.

Bluffton

Located halfway between Hilton Head and Savannah, Bluffton is a great destination for beach lovers looking to relax and soak in the sun this summer. Start the morning here at The Corner Perk Cafe before taking in all the joy the coast has to offer. After tanning on the beach, kayaking, shopping, or exploring the art gallery, get dinner at Southern Barrel Brewing Co. or The Roasting Room. For dessert, check out Joe's Ice Cream & Beverage Company.

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Isle Of Palms

Isle of Palms is one of South Carolina's best towns, with its beach always featuring volleyball, live music, and picnics. This island has incredible ocean-facing golf courses to offer those who visit, as well as two shopping centers to meet everybody's souvenir-needs. In between shopping, tanning, and water-sporting, get a meal at the Caribbean-themed Coconut Joe's Beach Grill. Be sure to explore some of the nightlife this town has to offer!

Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is known for its uncrowded beaches and deep blue water. Some of its more unique attractions include the full-service Equestrian Center and 36-hole golf course. Who doesn't want to horseback ride on the beach? Other fun activities include booking a tour through Captain Jack's Kiawah Sailing and Dolphin Watching or giving paddleboarding a try with Water Dog Paddle Co. Plus; there are plenty of options for places to eat while guests enjoy their stay.

Related: Palm Springs Beyond The Golf Course: 10 Adventurous Things To Do In The Desert Oasis

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach has a lot of fun amenities that make it the perfect vacation destination for families. From mini-golf to a fishing pier, this town has something fun for every child (and child at heart!) not to mention the shops this beach town has to offer visitors! While there are lots of local options for antiquing or thrifting, the open-air Hudson's Flea Market is easily the most unique. After a day of exploration and relaxation, get dinner at Surfside Jenny's or Bubba's Fish Shack.

6 Pawley's Island

Pawleys Island, SC, USA

Pawley's Island is the perfect beach destination for a more laid-back traveler. One of the coast's oldest beach towns, Pawley's Island has everything a classic Carolina town has to offer: boutiques, beaches, and water sports. It is known for its quiet calmness and massive sand dunes, and is ideal for those looking to evade large crowds. Specific attractions include the Brookgreen Gardens, which hosts the best post-dinner activity on the island each summer: an extravagant light show!

5 Hilton Head

Ranked as the #1Island in the Continental United States by Travel & Leisure Magazine's World Best Awards, Hilton Head is a great family beach town with plenty of guided and unguided outdoor activities to explore. Why not give zip-lining a try? Or try some low-country cuisine? Or pedal around the island? While summer may be the obvious choice, visiting in the fall allows for fewer crowds while still having all the best accommodations available.

Related: These Italian Restaurants Prove Hilton Head Is More Than Just (Great) Seafood

4 Beaufort

Located on Port Royal Island, Beaufort is best associated with its downtown historic district. Lined with mossy oak trees and just moments away from the water, downtown Beaufort offers historical landmarks like the National Cemetery, the Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve, and the Saint Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins. In between sightseeing and beach-laying, guests can get luxury treatment at one of the nearby spas! This is the perfect destination for travelers looking for more cultural experiences and educational opportunities than some of the other beach towns have to offer.

3 Kiawah Island

Sunset near Kiawah Island, South Carolina, on the marsh.

An island just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah Island is associated with its many adventurous activities. Take photos of the water at Beachwalker Park, go fishing at Mingo Point, or explore the Rockville Historic District before getting dinner at Jasmine Porch or The Ryder Cup Bar. No matter what itinerary a guest is following, no one should miss the wild-life at Marsh Island Park, which is only accessible via boat!

2 Murrells Inlet

Known as the seafood capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet is a great beach town for foodies and fishermen alike. While there, consider taking the local Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk or Banana Boat Ride before chowing down at Drunken Jack's or Russell's Seafood Grill and Raw Bar. Want to take some of the ocean food back home? Make a souvenir stop at Harrelson's Seafood Market before heading out of town.

1 Myrtle Beach

Pier 14 Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Whether searching for a luxurious resort or an affordable hotel, Myrtle Beach is the oceanfront town to unwind in. Throughout the summer, Myrtle Beach has a concert series, light show, and amateur golf tournament. All this on top of other staple amenities like boutiques, boardwalks, and beach views for visitors to soak up the sun near! And don't forget to dine and drink like royalty to make the most of the trip!