Town of Sullivan's Island Comprehensive Plan

Town of Sullivan’s Island South Carolina

2008 Comprehensive Plan (updated 2013)

FINAL

Ratified by Town Council Ordinance 2014-5: July 15, 2014

Approved and Recommended to Town Council by Planning Commission Resolution: May 8, 2013

Special Council Meeting (Public Hearing): June 17, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting (Public Hearing): May 8, 2013

TOWN OF SULLIVAN'S ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

(as updated 2013-2014)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Number

I. Introduction (Chapter 1) 1-3

II. Needs, Goals & Implementation Strategy for 4-24 Each Nine Elements (Chapter 2)

III. Population Element (Chapter 3) 25-30 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 31

IV. Economic Element (Chapter 4) 32-36 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 37

III. Cultural Resources Element (Chapter 5) 38-50 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 51-52

IV. Natural Resources Element (Chapter 6) 53-65 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 66-69

IV. Community Facilities Element (Chapter 7) 70-77 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 78-84

V. Housing Element (Chapter 8) 85-94 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 95

VI. Land Use Element (Chapter 9) 96-106 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 107-108

VII. Transportation Element (Chapter 10) 109-113 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 114-116

VIII Priority Investment Element (Chapter 11) 117-119 Needs/Goals/Implementation Strategies 120 Needs and Goals Sullivan's Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

INTRODUCTION: The 1994 Local Government Planning Enabling Act (Title 6, Chapter 29 of the State Code) that re-established local authority to enact land use regulations also reminds local governments that a Comprehensive Plan is the first essential step in that process. Each municipality in South Carolina is required to create a Comprehensive Plan, to review and evaluate its plan every five years, and to update its plan every 10 years. The Town of Sullivan's Island completed its first Comprehensive Plan in 1998 and its first ten (10) year review in 2008. A five (5) year interim review of the Plan was conducted in 2013 as provided for in SC Code Section 6-29-340. The documents contained herein represent the Town of Sullivan's Island 2008 Comprehensive Plan updated in 2013. This Plan should be used as a vision for our community and a long range plan to make that vision become a reality. It includes three basic components: • An inventory or description of existing conditions and trends • Defined needs and goals for the next decade • Implementation strategies to achieve these needs and goals The Sullivan's Island Comprehensive Plan preparation process was local, consensus based, and open to public comment and input at every step. It was conducted by the Planning Commission, a group of seven volunteers appointed by elected Town Council members. Town Staff gleaned information from a variety of sources, to include the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Government (BCD-COG), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)/Ocean and Conservation Resources Management (OCRM), and 2010 census data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Planning Commission worked with Town Staff to review and update basic information about the community. This information is contained in nine elements which comprise a substantial amount of this document. These elements are • Population • Economic • Cultural Resources • Natural Resources • Community Facilities • Housing • Land Use • Transportation • Priority Investment

2013-2014 UPDATE

1 of 113

Needs and Goals Sullivan's Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Needs, goals and implementation strategies flow from the information gathered in these elements. Our community began the review process on March 14, 2013 at a public meeting held at Town Hall (2050-B Middle Street). A total of between 10 and 15 hours of meetings were held by the Planning Commission to develop this document. Many hours were also spent editing drafts of the elements and verifying information contained therein. The final draft of the Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed by Town Council and presented to the public after Council’s initial review. Council will approve any final document after a public hearing and ordinance process wherein Council may make modifications to any or all of the components of the Plan.The 2008 Comprehensive Plan, as updated in 2013, attempts to recognize the long and rich history of Sullivan's Island, its tradition as a residential community, its unique nature as a barrier island, its historic buildings, and special sense of place. The most important issues identified by residents completing a questionnaire at the initial Comprehensive Plan public forum in 2008 continue to be of primary consideration during this interim planning review process. . Those issues were: 1. Maintaining the small town atmosphere 2. Preserving the open space 3. Protecting the natural environment 4. Preserving historic buildings and sites The principal goals developed during the planning process reflect not only the citizen input, but also consensus developed among the Planning Commission membership. These goals are: • To protect the Town's special sense of place • To protect the single-family residential character • To value and preserve the integrity of the island way of life • To protect sites significant to the Town history and natural beauty including the beaches, marsh and other natural areas.

2013-2014 UPDATE

2 of 113 • Needs and Goals • Sullivan's Island Comprehensive Plan (2008) The 2008 Town of Sullivan's Island Comprehensive Plan, as updated in 2013, incorporates a review of the required elements, provides needs and goals with an implementation strategy, and is a product of Planning Commission consensus after extensive deliberation and public input. With Town Council approval of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, as updated in 2013, the provisions of the enabling act will have been met and a vision for the Town's future achieved.

2013-2014 UPDATE

3 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

POPULATION ELEMENT

The population of Sullivan’s Island has increased steadily since the 1950’s and is projected to continue to experience slow growth. No large tracts of undeveloped property or available adjacent lands exist for annexation. Because of this, the population element and goals focus less on the future population numbers and more on the future makeup of the population and the needs of these residents.

1. Continue to promote a sense of community among the residents.

Implementation Support both public and private community events that foster a sense of community (ie. Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas Tree lightings, children’s events, etc) (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Encourage volunteerism among Island residents. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

2. Continue to protect and foster the view that Sullivan’s Island is a family- oriented island.

Implementation Keep population density low through maintaining the predominant half-acre lot sizes and other regulations. (Town Council, Ongoing)

Implementation Maintain main zoning district as single family residential. (Town Council, Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to prohibit additional multi-family development in the residential districts (R1) on the Island. (Town Council, Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to regulate or control vacation or short-term rentals to discourage the use of these properties for events attracting large groups. (Town Council; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to regulate the vacation or short-term rentals on the Island paying particular attention to restrictions already in place including items such as number of tenants, parking, permitted activities, licenses, etc. (Town Council; Ongoing)

2013-2014 Update 4 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

ECONOMIC ELEMENT

The Town of Sullivan’s Island has a small commercial district with shops, restaurants and offices. Most of the residents do not work on the Island. The economic health of the Island’s residents and commercial district is good. For example, the population’s average income is above the County average. The goals focus on ways to preserve the high quality of community life while enjoying a viable commercial district.

NEEDS AND GOALS:

1. Land use regulations and zoning ordinances should provide for a commercial district consistent with the scale and family atmosphere of the Island and provide for a constrained but sustainable economic base.

Implementation Limit new businesses to those fitting the scale and atmosphere of the Island that don’t unreasonably exacerbate existing problems or services. (Town Council; Ongoing)

Implementation New businesses should reflect and enhance the Island’s quality of life, family atmosphere and visual landscape. (Town Council; Ongoing)

2. The development of vacant commercial property (including renovations and replacement) should have a positive impact on the Island overall.

Implementation Implement a Community Commercial District Master Plan that will include guidelines for the future uses, visual impact, and streetscape of the commercial district. (Town Council, Short Term)

Implementation After the Town has reached a consensus on a commercial district visionary plan, draft ordinances or take other actions that implement that vision, such as capital improvements, permitted uses, parking, public safety, neighborhood compatibility, design guidelines and landscaping requirements. (Town Council; Planning Commission; Short Term)

Implementation Review the zoning regulations for consistency with the desired development patterns and future goals for the district. (Planning Commission, Short Term)

2013-2014 Update 5 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

CULTURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT

The cultural resources on Sullivan’s Island are a very important part of the fabric of the community. Family-oriented events bring the community together and set the tone for the Island. The historic buildings are a reminder of the past and are cherished by the community. The past is what brought Sullivan’s Island to this point in history and has formed the type of community that exists. In addition, the historical buildings on Sullivan’s Island give the Island architecture a variety and richness that is not found on many of the barrier islands.

NEEDS AND GOALS:

1. The Town should focus its efforts on protecting sites that are significant to the Town’s history, uniqueness and natural beauty.

Implementation Property owners of important sites and structures should be encouraged to place deed restrictions on these properties, thus protecting these sites for future generations. (Town Administration; Short Term; Ongoing)

Implementation The Town should continue to support the designation of appropriate structures, zones and sites as “Historical” and provide the guidelines and means to ensure a level of protection takes place consistent with the historical significance. (Town Administration; Short Term; Ongoing)

Implementation The Town should continue efforts, where appropriate, for the inclusion of historical properties on the National Register of Historic Sites. (Town Administration; Short Term; Ongoing)

Implementation The Town should conduct or facilitate periodic educational opportunities for citizens to benefit from available tax or other incentives in the maintenance of historical properties. (Town Administration; Short Term; Ongoing)

Implementation The Town should make such efforts using best management practices and within its scope of responsibilities to protect and preserve scenic/historical sites and view corridors such as Breach Inlet, “The Mound,” Cove Inlet, Battery Logan, the old landfill site at Station 19 and Station rights-of-way within the marsh. (Town Administration; Short Term; Ongoing)

2013-2014 Update 6 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Implementation The Town should continue to support the preservation and historical records of the historic cemeteries on the Island. Island cemeteries should be researched and the grounds should continue to be maintained and protected. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation The Town should pursue designation of its historic preservation efforts as a Certified Local Government Program through the State Historic Preservation Office (SCHPO). (Town Administration; Short Term; Ongoing)

2. Encourage the preservation and restoration of all Island batteries, including Batteries Capron and Butler.

Implementation Support such groups as the Sullivan’s Island Park Foundation, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center and others in efforts consistent with this goal. (Town Council; Ongoing)

3. Continue to organize family-oriented activities for the residents.

Implementation Support the efforts of Sullivan’s Island Park Foundation, Sullivan’s Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center and other community groups in projects. (Town Council, Town Administration; Ongoing)

4. Continue the mutually beneficial and supporting relationships with the United States National Park Service, Fort Moultrie.

Implementation The Town should work to maintain a strong mutually cooperative bond with Fort Moultrie in support of activities such as Carolina Day and various other events conducted by the Park Administration. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

2013-2014 Update 7 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT

Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island. This fact provides the Town and its residents with special opportunities and challenges due to the dynamic nature of barrier islands. In addition, Sullivan’s Island is a permanent and temporary habitat for many species of unusual and threatened plants and animals. The policies and ordinances of the Island should not cause harm to these species and, in fact, should work towards protecting them.

The ocean front dune vegetation is an important part of erosion and flood control. This vegetation needs to be protected and managed. Cove Creek and adjacent marsh (or back beach) have equal value and importance to the barrier island ecosystem, and also need to be preserved and protected. The marsh provides habitat for many permanent and migrating species of animals. Additionally, vegetation and landscaping on the Island are useful tools for light and sound abatement.

In the summer of 2010 the Town participated in a series of discussions to identify management challenges that may be intensified by climate change and rising sea levels. These discussions were funded by NOAA and included as participants Town Council members (Pat O’Neil and Mike Perkis), Town Staff (Administrator Andy Benke, Building Official Randy Robinson, Water & Sewer Manager Greg Gress and Fire Chief Anthony Stith), Planning Commission members (Chair Hal Currey and Vice-Chair John Winchester), citizens of the Town, SC Sea Grant Staff, the University of South Carolina Staff and the Social Environmental Research Institute Staff (SERI). The final report generated by SERI of these discussions is attached to this 2013 updated Town of Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan as “Appendix Natural Resources 1.”

NEEDS AND GOALS:

1. In an effort to protect the dunes and the dune vegetation, best management practices should be employed.

Implementation Identify existing public accesses needing constructed walkovers that include appropriate access and parking for handicapped visitors. Pursue funding through gifts and grants to construct and maintain beach accesses. (Town Council, Planning Commission, Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Inventory and evaluate each beach access to determine ways to limit damage and mitigate environmental impacts. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Town should install and maintain sufficient and appropriate signs at beach accesses to inform visitors of ordinances that protect natural dunes and beach resources (Town Council, Town Administration; Ongoing)

2013-2014 Update 8 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Implementation Continue to provide for adequate animal waste, refuse and recycling resources at beach access paths. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Incorporate in the Town’s Beachfront Management Plan a program to stabilize, maintain and enlarge the dunes. Enforce ordinances pertaining to walking or climbing on the dunes. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

2. The Town recognizes the need to protect the areas of the Island vulnerable to erosion that may jeopardize public infrastructure and private property.

Implementation Identify and pursue funding sources, including but not limited to public and private grants (Town Council, Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Determine if “best practices” to control erosion are being utilized and, if not, seek to have best practices identified and implemented (Town Council, Administration; Short Term).

Implementation Determine if current actions or conditions are exacerbating the erosion problem and, if so, seek methods to mitigate the erosion problem (Town Council; Administration; Ongoing)

3. Complete the Sullivan’s Island Accreted Land Management Plan with the broadest possible community participation and input.

Implementation Implement the Town-approved recommendations of the 2008 Accreted Land Management Plan Study. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

4. Encourage the use of native vegetation on public and private property.

Implementation Maintain existing ordinances to maximize the opportunities for the use of native vegetation. (Town Administration; Planning Commission; Tree Commission; Long Term)

Implementation Continue to set an example by planting native plants in public areas. (Town Administration; Civic Groups; Long Term)

2013-2014 Update 9 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

5. Continue to protect the existing trees on the Island.

Implementation Review and update, as required, the existing tree protection ordinance. (Town Council; Tree Commission; Ongoing)

6. Continue to recognize that the marshes, beaches and waterways on and adjacent to the Island are critical habitats that require special protection.

Implementation Continue supporting efforts to protect these areas, not only for the wildlife habitat that exists there but also for the enjoyment and safety of the residents of the Town. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to participate in the ocean water quality monitoring program (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing).

Implementation Continue partnership with Charleston County to ensure full compliance with NPDES Phase II requirements and take any other steps necessary for timely permitting of stormwater systems. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to encourage the use of permeable surfaces on private and public lands where hardstand is required. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

7. The Town recognizes that Sullivan’s Island is a major nesting and hatching site for migratory sea turtles and birds, and thus special protection efforts are required.

Implementation The Town will continue to enforce existing ordinances that will support the protection of seasonal turtle nesting and seabird nesting areas. (Town Council; Ongoing)

Implementation Encourage and support community participation to protect turtle and seabird habitats. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

8. Monitor silting in the waterways on or adjacent to the Island and determine what if any actions should be taken to preserve the waterways. (this was formerly an Implementation for Needs & Goals #5)

Implementation Recognize the reality that the silting in, in recent years, of waterways on the marsh side of the Island, specifically Cove Creek, has dramatically accelerated and take action to see

2013-2014 Update 10 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008) the creek and marsh are preserved as a vital habitat for birds and other marine life and a resource to be used and enjoyed by Island residents and other visitors to the Island. (Town Council; Administration; Long Term)

Implementation Explore potential grant and other funding options (ie TIF) to accomplish regular, reliable, effective dredging of the Intercoastal Waterway, Cove Creek and other waterway areas. (Town Council; Administration; Ongoing)

9. Improve Island-wide mosquito abatement and educational outreach.

Implementation Coordinate with County agencies to ensure regular, effective mosquito abatement treatment, and, useful public outreach to educate the general public on mosquito control. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

COMMUNITY FACILITIES & SERVICES ELEMENT

The community facilities element addresses the infrastructure and municipal government services of the Island, which constitute the fabric that keeps the Town running smoothly.

NEEDS AND GOALS: General The Town shall ensure that its policies and zoning ordinances create and sustain facilities and services that support the overall quality of life enjoyed by the residents and Town employees.

Water and Wastewater Systems:

1. Maintain and improve the existing water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Implementation According to a long-term plan, schedule phased repair or replacement of water distribution systems as needed to ensure safe, functional and efficient systems. (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term)

Implementation Schedule phased repair or replacement of the wastewater collection system on a prioritized basis to ensure a functional and environmentally safe system. (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term)

2013-2014 Update 11 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Implementation The Town should conduct a professional study or series of studies that will result in a Strategic Master Plan/Business Plan and will:

A. Assess future capital improvements/costs that may be necessary for the wastewater plant and collection system to meet future usage and standards.

B. Assess the operational efficiencies and any deficiencies in the current water and wastewater operations.

C. Review and assess rate structure on a regular basis to ensure sufficient resources to fund capital improvements (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term).

D. Examine and make recommendations on the potential for opportunities of coordination with adjacent systems/districts. (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term)

E. Water and Sewer Department should develop a Cost Recovery Policy to ensure adequate funding of long term operations and Capital Improvement Projects. (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term)

Implementation The Town should evaluate the usefulness and practicality of the current practice of maintaining old shallow wells for emergency water pressure and subsequently take actions accordingly to either demolish the old shallow well structure or maintain the old shallow well structure to a higher state of care and readiness. (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term)

Implementation The Town should exercise and maintain its two existing deep wells to retain their rights under capacity use permits for groundwater withdrawals. They serve as an effective back-up emergency water supply in the event of disruptions of Charleston Water services to the Island due to weather events and treatment failure.

Implementation The Town should explore the viability of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) use of two existing deep wells to augment emergency capacity of potable water.

Implementation Town should move to fund wastewater treatment enhancements and replacement of treatment processes to prevent against treatment failures and non-permitted wastewater discharges.

2013-2014 Update 12 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Implementation Town should prioritize funding for wastewater collection system repairs.

2. Explore methods to educate citizens on water usage and encourage conservation of water resources.

Implementation The Town should evaluate use of advanced meter reading technologies to enhance consumer access to water usage information.

Implementation Continue to explore rate structures that both reflect water infrastructure costs as well as to foster conservation.

Utilities:

1. Pursue island-wide underground wiring.

Implementation Continue to encourage consideration of the installation of underground distribution systems Island-wide. (Town Council; Ongoing)

2. Continue oversight of street lighting services to include provisions for turtle protection, assessment of areas needing additional lighting and enhanced appearances of lights (high-pressure sodium and metal halide fixtures) and poles where possible.

Implementation Continue coordination with South Carolina Electric and Gas Company. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

3. Continue maintenance and continuous upgrade of telecommunications infrastructure

Implementation Support adequate cellular communication facilities on the Island. (Town Administration; Short Term)

Implementation Explore the establishment of Island-wide wi-fi services for the utilization of Town staff and residents. (Town Administration; Short Term)

2013-2014 Update 13 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Stormwater Management:

1. Identify and implement measures to improve stormwater management.

Implementation Continue with phased repair and replacement of stormwater control infrastructure. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue liaison with SCDOT to report and encourage repair of stormwater systems along SCDOT rights-of-way. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Fire Protection:

1. The Town should continue to have an excellent Fire Department & Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and ensure the Department is maintained in accordance with Federal and State regulations, available technology and staffing requirements.

2. The Town should establish basic levels of capabilities in the areas of fire, rescue and emergency medical response. This should take into consideration providing the equipment, staff and training to meet these basic level requirements.

Implementation a. Determine appropriate staffing levels.

b. Ensure that all staff and volunteers are appropriately trained.

c. Ensure that equipment and supplies are appropriate, up to date and evaluated on an annual basis.

d. Continue to explore innovative approaches to shared services, regionalization and technological advances. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

2013-2014 Update 14 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Public Safety:

1. The Town should continue to have an excellent Police Department providing a full array of law enforcement capabilities appropriate to the Town’s size and popularity with beachgoers.

Implementation a. Ensure Town Police have appropriate staffing levels.

b. Ensure that all staff and reserve officers are appropriately trained.

c. Ensure that equipment and supplies are appropriate, up to date and evaluated on an annual basis.

d. Continue to explore innovative approaches to shared services, regionalization and technological advances. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Emergency Preparedness:

1. Enhance the existing community-wide emergency reaction training program and communication system.

Implementation Prepare appropriate informational sessions for community residents, providing particular focus on new coastal residents. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Maintain the identification of and plan for the emergency needs of vulnerable members of the Island’s populations. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Explore development of community-wide system of email or cell phone notification in case of emergency situations.

Government Facilities:

1. The Town should strive to provide government owned facilities for its leadership, work force and residents consistent with the highest standards of safety, security, functional efficiency and quality of life.

Implementation Develop a plan for a new consolidated facility for Town Administration and other appropriate services. (Town Council; Town Administration; Short Term)

2013-2014 Update 15 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

2. Continue to assess Town-owned property, determining parcels for sale, exchange or for use as passive parks or natural areas, consistent with acceptable growth and the ability of the Town to maintain and support such growth.

Implementation Continue assessment of real estate for potential use, exchange or sale for the best interest of the Town. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Town Services and Community Support:

1. The Town is committed to providing services that will provide a safe and clean community; maintaining a fully-staffed, capable and professional work force; and sustaining an outreach program to its citizens that will keep them as informed as possible.

Implementation Continue to provide adequate staff and support services to all boards, commissions and committees. (Town Council, Town Administration, Short Term)

Implementation The Town will periodically review Town employee compensation to assess compatibility with adjacent jurisdictions and appropriateness to responsibilities demanded. (Town Council; Long Term)

Implementation Investigate the potential to establish an account to render a yearly fund for the purpose of recruitment, retention, performance bonuses and job-related tuition assistance for Town employees. (Town Council; Short Term)

Implementation Explore every opportunity to move the Town into the digital age, particularly with regard to protection and storage of vital records. (Town Council; Town Administration; Short Term)

Implementation Continue to enhance the Town website in terms of content management and user friendliness. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Enhance refuse/solid waste collection system at peak visitor times and continue vigorous enforcement of ordinances pertaining to littering and contractor clean-up of yard and construction debris, to ensure that the community is safe and visually attractive for residents and visitors. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

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Implementation Continue support for the public school on the Island. (Town Council; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue support for the operation on the Island of a Charleston County public library. (Town Council; Ongoing)

HOUSING ELEMENT

The main type of housing on Sullivan’s Island is the single-family, detached homes, most of which homes are located on half-acre lots. Sullivan’s Island is rich with a diversity of housing styles. These homes, many historic, represent the eras of their construction. For example, there are areas of the island with an abundance of brick ranch houses from the late 1950’s and 1960’s, a popular style of that time. Creative reuse of structures is also evident on the Island. Many former military buildings have been converted into houses. Newer houses, especially those along the front northern portion of the Island, display a wide variety of designs, including modern and experimental themes.

NEEDS AND GOALS:

1. Preserve the residential character of the Island.

Implementation Keep housing density low through maintaining half-acre lot sizes and other regulations. (Town Council, Planning Commission; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to regulate the vacation or short-term rentals on the Island by paying particular attention to restrictions that address items such as number of tenants, parking, permitted activities, licenses, etc. (Town Council; Planning Commission; Ongoing)

Implementation Preserve/encourage the diversity of structure styles on the Island.(Town Council; Design Review Board; Ongoing)

2. Maximize Insurance Service Organization’s (ISO) rating for the Town through its Community Rating System (CRS) Program.

Implementation Strengthen the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance for all new construction and substantially improved structures. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

2013-2014 Update 17 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

3. In compliance with South Carolina Legislative directions for the 2008 Comprehensive Plan review, address the issue of affordable housing.

Implementation Explore opportunities for collaborative development of affordable and workforce housing with adjacent Towns and communities. (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term)

LAND USE ELEMENT

The following is a list of policies and strategies to use in the implementation of the comprehensive plan. The vision of the Island is to preserve the Island in its current state. The residents enjoy the Island and have chosen it as a place to live because of its character. Future buildings on Sullivan’s Island need to respect this character and work towards enhancing and preserving this character rather than detracting from it. Four major elements have been identified that describe the Island’s character. These elements are: its informality, the openness of the landscape, the residential and family-oriented scale and nature, and the small commercial area serving as a community focus on the center of the Island. NEEDS AND GOALS:

1. Preserve the single-family residential character of the Island

Implementation Keep housing density low through maintaining half-acre lot sizes and other regulations. (Town Council; Planning Commission; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to prohibit multifamily development. (Town Council; Planning Commission; Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to control the short-term vacation rental market. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

2. Protect and preserve the integrity of the historic elements of the Island.

Implementation Continue to support Design Review Board oversight of the historic overlay districts, other historic structures and, through Town ordinances, protect historic properties on the Island. (Town Council; Town Administration; Design Review Board)

Implementation Encourage research and documentation of historic structures and pursue National Historic Designation when appropriate. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

2013-2014 Update 18 of 113 Needs and Goals – Chapter 2 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

3. Preserve and maintain the eclectic nature of the Island architecture.

Implementation Continue to implement policies and encourage building options that prevent demolition of structures that contribute to the historic fabric and eclectic sense of place. (Town Council; Town Administration; Design Review Board)

Implementation Encourage training and certification of board members and staff involved with historic review. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Explore advantages of tax incentives in historic preservation efforts. (Town Council; Town Administration)

Implementation Review the demolition criteria used by the Design Review Board to ensure homes being demolished are not contributory to the eclectic nature of the Island, specifically as to size, era and styles of home, including homes not currently protected by historic designation. (Town Council; Town Administration; Design Review Board)

4. Balance the viability of the commercial district with the residential nature of the Island.

Implementation Support the implementation of a Master Community Commercial District Plan that addresses concerns such as on-street parking, street trees, design, landscaping, site placement of structures and parking. (Town Council; Town Administration; Planning Commission; Ongoing)

5. Discourage loss of historic commercial structures not located within the commercial district due to inability to use the structures because of zoning restrictions and maintenance requirements.

Implementation Investigate methods to allow and encourage adaptive reuse of historic commercial structures not located within the commercial district. (Town Council; Town Administration; Planning Commission; Ongoing)

6. Enhance and increase public and protected open space whenever possible.

Implementation Encourage the transformation of Town-owned property into public protected open space. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

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Implementation Investigate protection, such as a conservation easement, on the newly designated conservation recreation space (CR district, formerly RC2). (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Protect and enhance using best management practices the view corridors across the island, including station rights-of-way to the marsh. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

7. Address neighborhood and community design concerns regarding sense of place on the Island.

Implementation Continue to evaluate and revise land use regulations to ensure that future construction is respectful of the Island’s traditional mass, height, scale, proportionality to lot size and neighborhood compatibility. (Town Council; Planning Commission; Ongoing)

TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT

The purpose of Sullivan’s Island transportation planning efforts is to ensure a safe, functional and well-maintained network that is consistent with the character of the Island and lifestyles of the population. The network and infrastructure should strive to make it feasible and safe for the Town residents and visitors to enjoy various modes of transport, including automobiles, bicycles and walking, as well as to recognize the growing use of golf carts. In addition, as part of a larger metropolitan area, the Town should be an active partner in regional and public transportation discussions and policy-making.

NEEDS & GOALS

1. Continue to keep processes in place that ensure that Sullivan’s Island receives its fair share of federal, state and county funding to enhance the roadway and pedestrian systems.

Implementation Continue exploration of federal, state and local funding opportunities to enhance Sullivan’s Island’s transportation network. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

2. Support community efforts to receive the designation of the Town as a Bicycle Friendly Community.

Implementation Encourage Bicycle Committee in its efforts to obtain Bicycle Friendly Community designation for Sullivan’s Island (Town Administration; Ongoing).

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3. Continue to support the development of the East Coast Greenway Trail System.

Implementation Implement signage and formal trail designation by the East Coast Greenway Alliance. (Town Administration; Council; Short Term)

4. Develop a community-wide educational program regarding the rules and regulations for operating golf carts on Town streets.

Implementation Collect all applicable state and Town regulations regarding the operation of golf carts. (Town Administration; Short Term)

Implementation Distribute printed copies of rules and regulations and post these on the Town website. (Town Administration; Short Term)

Implementation Enforce the rules and regulations regarding golf cart usage. (Town Staff/Law Enforcement; Ongoing)

5. Continue repaving and maintenance of street programs.

Implementation Coordinate with SCDOT and pursue funding through all funding sources, such as the Charleston County Transportation Committee (CTC). (Town Council, Administration; Ongoing)

6. Continue participation in all opportunities for Public Transportation.

Implementation Remain active in CARTA. (Town Council; Ongoing)

7. Enhance streetscapes on the island.

Implementation Implement plans, as funding is available, for street tree planting, as well as pursuing a commitment from South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) to place all utility lines underground with decorative, environmentally sensitive lamp posts replacing the streetlights currently on the poles. (Town Council, Town Administration, Long Term)

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8. Review site plans for traffic access/impacts and drainage impacts.

Implementation As part of the construction permitting process, assess the impact of proposed new construction projects on traffic flow, parking, safety and storm water runoff onto roadways. (Planning Commission; Town Administration; Ongoing)

9. Pursue improvements to bicycle and pedestrian paths approaching Ben Sawyer Bridge.

Implementation Continue Working with Town of Mount Pleasant to establish bicycle and pedestrian paths to the causeways approaching the Ben Sawyer Bridge from Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant. (Town Administration; Council; Ongoing)

10. Encourage establishment of bicycle and pedestrian safe routes to encourage students to safely walk and bicycle to new Sullivan’s Island Elementary School.

Implementation Seek grants and resources to establish safe routes for students attending Sullivan’s Island Elementary School (Town Administration; Council; Short Term)

11. Continue to support the development and Implementation of the “Battery to the Beach” Trail Program.

Implementation Implement signage and formal trail designation for “Battery to the Beach,” an initiative by Charleston Moves biking organization (Town Administration; Council; Ongoing)

12. Continue to encourage increased handicap access to the beach.

Implementation When available, seek funding and opportunities to provide additional handicap parking spaces and improve beach path approaches (Town Administration; Ongoing).

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PRIORITY INVESTMENT ELEMENT

NEEDS & GOALS:

1. The Town of Sullivan’s Island should participate in ongoing dialogue and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions, agencies, and public service authorities in an effort to promote and sustain the quality of life enjoyed and shared by the residents of the Town of Sullivan’s Island.

Implementation The Town of Sullivan’s Island should coordinate with and provide written notification to all agencies, jurisdictions, public service districts, school districts, transportation agencies or other relevant entities of all major development proposals affecting their service or jurisdictional area. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation The Town of Sullivan’s Island shall participate in a regional Capital Improvements Program to address existing transportation capacity and further identify plans for expansion of multi-modal transportation infrastructure throughout surrounding jurisdictions and municipalities over the next five to ten years. (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

2. The Town of Sullivan’s Island should address housing affordability issues by coordinating with the regional planning agency and adjacent jurisdictions to review options for encouraging a variety of housing opportunities for existing and future residents with varying income levels.

Implementation The Town of Sullivan’s Island should meet with the local jurisdictions to evaluate opportunities for “banking” or coordinating resources to fund and encourage the creation of workforce housing. (Town Council; Town Administration; Long Term)

2013-2014 Update 23 of 113 Population Element - Chapter 3 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

INTRODUCTION When evaluating the Sullivan’s Island community as a whole, it is important to recognize the cultural and demographic composition of the Town’s residents. Evaluation of the community can provide support obtaining new services where they are needed in the area and assist in identifying where problems may exist; such evaluation also allows for traditionally under-represented elements within the Town to be identified.

FIGURE 3.1: SULLIVAN'S ISLAND The information for the existing population BLOCK GROUPS conditions was obtained through the United States Census Bureau, the Town of Sullivan’s Island, and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of

BG - 3 Governments. In 2008, the Town of Sullivan’s BG - 1 Island consisted of census tract 48.00, block groups 1 through 6 (Figure 3.1). Since the 2008 BG - 3 BG - 2 Comprehensive Plan was approved changes in the BG - 6 BG - 4 population of Sullivan’s Island are reflected in the BG - 5 2010 United States census, and other data has become available and is reflected herein. TRENDS/PROJECTIONS In the past 48 years, the Town of Sullivan's Island has experienced a gradual population growth (Table 3.1). The US Census showed a decrease in the population in 1990 due to the damage created by Hurricane Hugo, which hit in 1989. According to SC Budget and Control Board Census estimates, Sullivan's Island continued to recover from Hugo through the early 1990’s, but by 2000 had regained the population that was forced off the island following the hurricane.

TABLE 3.1: POPULATION TREND/PROJECTION FOR THE TOWN OF SULLIVAN'S ISLAND (1960-2030) Net Population Change Year Population Number % 1960 1,358 - - 1970 1,426 68 5.01% 1980 1,867 441 30.93% 1990 1,621 -246 -13.18% 2000 1,911 290 17.89% *2006 1,873 -38 -1.99% **2010 1,984 73 3.82% **2020 1,990 6 0.30% **2030 2,015 25 1.26% * - Estimated Population by SC Budget and Control Board ** - Population Projection by BCD COG Source: 1960-2000 US Census Data, SC Budget and Control Board, BCD COG

In the long term, the population of the Island has seen steady growth since the 1920’s (Figure 3.2). There was a population explosion in the 1940’s due to the increased use of

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24 of 113 Population Element - Chapter 3 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008) the military facilities located on Sullivan's Island and their involvement in World War II. By the fifties, the population dropped back to lower levels. The population steadily grew until 1989, when Hurricane Hugo hit the South Carolina coast, but has since returned to its previous pattern of gradual growth.

In 1950, the Census count dropped below 1,000 persons due to the closure of Fort Moultrie Military Base and the fact that the Census was taken in the winter, when population is at its lowest. The Town of Sullivan's Island (then represented by the Board of Township Commissioners) objected to the low counts (the board estimated that the Town’s summer population averaged 15,000 residents.) A similar Summer/Winter population pattern has most likely had a similar influence on subsequent Census numbers. While Census data may be helpful in measuring permanent residents, the measure does not accurately reflect seasonal residents or the few rented homes that remain.

Comparing the number of water connections and amount of water used in the summer and the winter provides a means to estimate summer and winter populations. In 1995, the Town billed 905 water and sewer customers. In June 2008, the Town reported that there were 960 water connections.

In June 2008, 1,324 residents were registered to vote on the Island.

Figure 3.2: Population Trend/Projection (1920-2030)

4000 3598 3500

3000

2500 1,984 2,015 2000 1,867 1,911 1,990 1,358

Population 1500 1,621 1378 1,426 1000 899 500

1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 **2010 **2020 **2030 Year

Est. Population by SC Budget and Control Board ** - Population Projection Based on BCD COG Projections Source: 1930, 1940, 1960, 1980, 1990, & 2000 US Census, 1995 SC Budget and Control Board, 1996, 2008 BCD COG

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HOUSEHOLDS/FAMILIES Between 2000 and 2010, the household size decreased from 2.4 persons per household to 2.34 persons. The same period saw only a minor drop in the number of families on the Island. The number of renters living on the Island also decreased. Talbe 3.2 shows the population change between 2000 and 2010 and Table 3.3 shows the population change by age demographic from 2000 to 2010. Residents between the age of 55-74 showed the most significant percentage increase.

Table 3.2: Population 2000 & 2010 Summary 2000 2010 Change Population 1,911 1,791 -6.30% Households 797 765 -4.00% Families 484 482 -0.50% Average Household Size 2.4 2.34 -2.50% Owner Occupied Housing Units 578 558 -3.60% Renter Occupied Housing Units 219 207 -5.50% Median Age 40.9 46.7 14.20% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, BCD-COG

Table 3.3: Population 2000 & 2010 by Age Groups Population by Age 2000 2010 Change Under 5 Years 87 68 -22.0% 5 - 9 Years 145 126 -13.0% 10 - 14 Years 155 115 -26.0% 15 - 19 Years 95 106 12.0% 20 - 24 Years 72 80 11.0% 25 - 34 Years 228 152 -33.5% 35 - 44 Years 327 196 -40.0% 45 - 54 Years 373 316 -15.3% 55 - 64 Years 220 369 67.7% 65 - 74 Years 103 168 63.0% 75 - 84 Years 73 60 -10.0% 85 Years and Older 33 35 6.0% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, BCD-COG

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL From 1990 to 2000, the educational level of the residents on Sullivan's Island remained high, improving slightly. The educational level of Sullivan's Island is above Charleston County’s average (Figure 3.3), with the number of those having bachelors and/or graduate degrees nearly double that of Charleston County. In 2000, nearly 65% of the Island’s residents who were age 25 or older had obtained an advanced degree.

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Figure 3.3: Years of School Completed for Persons 25 Years and Older (1990-2000)

40.0%

34.9% 35.0% 29.8% 30.0% 27.8% 26.2% 26.4%

25.0% 22.9% 21.3% 20.1% 19.7% 20.0% 18.8% 16.4% 15.3% 14.5% 13.7% 15.0% 12.6% 11.0% 9.3% 9.9% 10.0% 6.8% 7.8% 6.9% 6.6% 5.9% 4.9% 4.1% 5.0% 2.9% 2.3% 1.1%

0.0% Less than 9th to 12th High school Some Associate Bachelor's Graduate or 9th grade grade, no graduate college, no degree degree professional diploma degree degree Educational Attainment

Charleston County 1990 Charleston County 2000 Sullivan's Island 1990 Sullivan's Island 2000

Income

According to 2000 Census data, half of the Town households in 1999 earned less than $100,000 per year (52.1%) but the largest percentage of households earned $200,000 per year or more (19.6%). 2010 Census results and preliminary income forecasting beyond 2010 confirm that the largest singular percentage of households continues to be those earning $200,000 per year or more (19.2%). Additionally, over half of Town households continue to earn less than $100,000 per year (58.6%). However, data shows that 41.5% of households earn $100,000 or more per year with 22.3% of households earning between $100,000 and $200,000 per annum. Figure 3.4 below illustrates this income distribution.

Past years have shown a small portion of the Island‘s families to be living under the poverty line (3.5% in 1989), but since that time the levels have dropped off, and in 2000, 1.4% of Sullivan’s Island families live below the poverty line.

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Figure 3.4 Annual Household Income, Sullivan’s Island

Source: U.S. Census, ESRI Forecast 2011/2016, BCD-COG

DIVERSITY Figure 3.5 is a population pyramid for the Town of Sullivan's Island. The graph shows a noticeable shift in age distribution, showing 25-34 year olds being replaced by an influx of middle-aged residents and children (Figure 3.4). Despite the diverse age distribution, Sullivan’s Island lacks much racial diversity—almost 99% of the Town is made up of white residents, with African-American residents comprising only 0.6% of the Island’s inhabitants.

FIGURE 3.5: POPULATION BY AGE, SEX (1990 & 2000)

Figure 3.4a: Population Distribution by Age and Sex (1990) Figure 3.4b: Population Distribution by Age and Sex (2000)

85 & Over 3 6 85 & Over 11 22 75-84 27 57 75-84 34 39 65-74 40 35 65-74 47 56 55-64 62 63 55-64 110 110

45-54 114 106 Female 1990 45-54 192 181 Female 2000

35-44 176 149 Male 1990 35-44 158 169 Male 2000 Age Group Age Age Group Age 25-34 116 168 25-34 111 117 15-24 81 91 15-24 94 73 5-14 78 114 5-14 149 151 Less than 5 72 73 Less than 5 53 34

250 150 50 50 150 250 250 150 50 50 150 250 Population Population Note: Total does not add up to population total due to sampling error. Source: 1990, 2000 US Census

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POPULATION ELEMENT

1. Continue to promote a sense of community among the residents.

Implementation Support both public and private community events that foster a sense of community (i.e. Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas Tree lightings, children’s events, etc.) (Town Council; Town Administration; Ongoing)

Implementation Encourage volunteerism among Island residents. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

2. Continue to protect and foster the view that Sullivan’s Island is a family- oriented island.

Implementation Keep population density low through maintaining the predominant half-acre lot sizes and other regulations. (Town Council, Ongoing)

Implementation Maintain main zoning district as single family residential. (Town Council, Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to prohibit additional multi-family development in the residential districts (R1) on the Island. (Town Council, Ongoing)

Implementation Continue to regulate or control vacation or short-term rentals to discourage the use of these properties for events attracting large groups. (Town Council; Ongoing)

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INTRODUCTION:

The Town of Sullivan’s Island occupies a unique economic perspective because of the dynamic interests of residents, visitors, business people, and ever-present pressure from development in neighboring communities.

Income Compared to the surrounding communities, the per capita income of Sullivan’s Island residents is very high (Table 4.1). In the ten year period from 1989-1999, Sullivan’s Island saw a significant increase in per capita income (42.39%) compared to Charleston County (22.17%) as a whole. Sullivan’s Island per capita income has maintained a higher growth rate than neighboring Isle of Palms since the 1980 Census. However, between 1990 and 2000, Sullivan’s Island per capita income (42.39%) rose at a higher than normal rate compared to Isle of Palms (29.82%). Although a bit larger in size and population, Isle of Palm is a community that is comparable to Sullivan’s Island in many ways.

Table 4.1: Annual Per Capita Income (1979-1999) Adjusted Adjusted Net Percent Income Income Change Change 1979* 1989* 1999 1989-1999 1989-1999 Sullivan's $23,147 $34,711 $49,427 $14,716 42.39% Island Isle of Palms $21,015 $34,064 $44,221 $10,157 29.82% Charleston $14,560 $17,511 $21,393 $3,882 22.17% County Source: US Bureau of the Census, 1980, 1990, & 2000; *- Adjusted for inflation, US Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation adjustment of 1.34 for 1989-1999 and 2.29 for 1979-1999.

Figure 4.1 shows preliminary 2010 census results and income forecasting beyond 2010 confirms that the singular highest percentage of household earning continues to be those households earning $200,000 or more (19.2%). Additionally over half of Town households continue to earn less than $100,000 per year (58.6%). However, data shows that 41.5% of households earn $100,000 and more per year with 22.3% of households earning between $100,000 and $200,000 per annum.

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Figure 4.1 Annual Household Income, Sullivan’s Island

Source: U.S. Census, ESRI Forecast 2011/2016, BCD-COG

Source: 2000 Census (1999 Distribution)

Labor Force

In 2000, approximately 64% of the Town’s residents were employed (1,013 persons), up from 51% in 1990 (824 persons). Please see Figures 4.2 and 4.3. As with many of the statistics taken around 1990, the impact of Hurricane Hugo on the civilian workforce is unclear. However data suggests that the trend of increased employment before Hurricane Hugo continued from 1990 to present.

The 2000 Census reflected that Sullivan’s Island had an unemployment rate of 1% and the rate in Charleston County was 3.7%. This is below Charleston County’s unemployment rate of 4.8% (as of December 2007) and well below the statewide average of 6.6%.

While the overall population and workforce has made significant gains over the past 20 years, a few categories of occupations lost workers in the late 1980’s and most have not returned to the employment rates in the 1980 Census (see Figure 4.2). Some of these occupation categories are farming, fishing, forestry, fabricators, operators and laborers (- 71.4% change from 1990-2000). As Figure 4.2 further shows, the occupation category “managerial/professional/specialty” has increased by 52% since 1990 and continues to be the dominant occupational field, but no other category has seen a net gain since 1980. The service and technical/sales/administrative support sectors have seen slight gains over their 1990 numbers, but the number in the remaining categories continued to decline at the time of the 2000 Census (Table 4.2).

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Figure 4.2: Occupations of Employed Workers 16 Years & Over (1980-2000)

Operators/Fabricators/Laborers

Precision Production/Craft/Repair

Farming/Forestry/Fishing

Service

Technical/Sales/Admin. Support

Managerial/Professional Occupation Categories Occupation Specialty 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Number of Workers

1980 1990 2000

Source: 1980, 1990, & 2000 Census

Table 4.2: Occupation of Employed Workers 16 years and Older (1980 - 2000) Occupation 1980 1990 2000 % Change (1990-2000) Managerial/Professional/Specialty 424 383 581 51.7% Technical/Sales/Admin. Support 311 220 231 5.0% Service 115 83 104 25.3% Farming/Forestry/Fishing 7 7 2 -71.4% Precision Production/Craft/Repair 97 77 63 -18.2% Operators/Fabricators/Laborers 68 29 17 -41.4% Source: 1980, 1990, & 2000 Census

In 1990, most of the labor force (64%) drove between 15 to 39 minutes to work (Figure 4.3). This statistic would suggest that the labor force is mostly working in and around Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, and North Charleston. Because of limited employment opportunities offered on Sullivan’s Island, a large percent of the labor force works in neighboring communities.

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Figure 4.3: Travel Time to Work for Sullivan's Island's Workers Age 16 and Over (2000)

1000 914 900

800

700

600

500

400 328 277

300 Number Number of Workers

200 121 131 76 100 37 6 14 0 Did not Less than 10 to 19 20 to 29 30 to 39 40 to 59 60 to 89 90 or Worked at work at 10 minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes more home home: minutes Travel Time

Source: 2000 Census Data

Business

Commerce on Sullivan’s Island is limited to the Town’s Community Commercial District (CCD) on Middle Street between Stations 20 and 22½. The compact CCD is composed of small, service-oriented businesses that serve the Town community. A large number of Island visitors patronize these establishments too. CCD businesses include restaurants, doctors’ offices, contractors, real estate and child care.

The CCD is the busiest area on the Island because of its location at the end of Ben Sawyer Blvd./Station 22½ Street. The concentration of drivers coming onto the Island, drivers parking in the CCD and pedestrians on Middle Street makes the area one of the principal concerns of Town residents. Parking has become an issue as businesses in the CCD bring more visitors into the Town. As traffic to the CCD has increased, greater attention has been paid to the district’s effect on the surrounding community. Noise, pollution, parking and growth are issues that residents and Town leaders seek to address while maintaining a viable economic base to serve the Town’s residents. The Town hired a consulting firm in May 2008 to complete a master plan for the CCD. This plan will address parking, traffic, pedestrian safety, building design and other community concerns.

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The Natural Environment as an Economic Asset

The surrounding ocean and marsh, expansive views, and recreational opportunities attract people to Sullivan's Island as both vacationers and permanent residents. Economic benefits from these amenities include: beach house rentals, increased property values, and seasonal support of local businesses. These benefits add to the Town’s wealth in two ways. First, they provide business and property owners opportunities to make personal financial gains and assist in protecting their individual investments. Second, the economic benefits of the beach provide the Town increased income through business licenses and higher property assessments.

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ECONOMIC ELEMENT

NEEDS AND GOALS:

Implementation Limit new businesses to those fitting the scale and atmosphere of the Island that don’t unreasonably exacerbate existing problems or services. (Town Council; Ongoing)

Implementation New businesses should reflect and enhance the Island’s quality of life, family atmosphere and visual landscape. (Town Council; Ongoing)

2. The development of vacant commercial property (including renovations and replacement) should have a positive impact on the Island overall.

Implementation Review the zoning regulations for consistency with the desired development patterns and future goals for the district. (Planning Commission, Short Term)

2013-2014 Update 35 of 113 Cultural Resources – Chapter 5 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

Introduction

The cultural resources element describes the human forces that interact to shape the Island’s character and its residents. This element describes the unique areas, entertainment opportunities and other aspects that constitute Sullivan’s Island cultural assets and afford recreational opportunities.

History was taken from the book, Island of History: Sullivan’s Island from 1670 to 1860, written by Suzannah Smith Miles in 1994. Images of Sullivan’s Island published by the Gadsden Cultural Center and written by Roy Williams III was also very helpful in documenting the history of Sullivan’s Island. The summary of historic sites comes from Sullivan's Island Historic Sites, funded by the Historic Charleston Preservation Disaster Fund in 1991. Information on Fort Moultrie was provided by Bob Dodson, Park Superintendent, Rick Hatcher, Park Historian, Rick Dorrance, Chief of Resource Management, and Carlin Timmons, Park Ranger at Fort Sumter National Monument.

History

Refer to Figure 5.1 for a timeline of the history of Sullivan's Island. The following is a brief account of the historic past of the Island and its inhabitants.

The first visitors to Sullivan's Island were Native Americans, possibly the Sewee tribe. There is no record of the tribe or much evidence of their living on the Island. The Native Americans called the barrier islands “hunting islands” and used them to hunt for food in the summer.

The English first settled in the Carolinas in 1670. One of the original settlers was a Captain Florence O’Sullivan, the colony’s original Surveyor-General. Sullivan's Island was named for O’Sullivan, remembered for his ill nature. The colony posted O’Sullivan on the Island to man a gun all times in order to warn the colony of approaching ships.

In the late 1600’s, Sullivan's Island became the landmark to guide ships into the Charleston Harbor. First, a tower was built that would guide ships into the harbor from the tower’s signal fire. Later, in order to better distinguish the Island from the many other barrier islands on the coast, all vegetation and trees except for the “remarkable” trees were removed from the Island.

As more settlers came into Charleston, residents found that immigrants, both voluntary and not, were bringing diseases that were sweeping through the colony. In 1707, to protect Charleston from these foreign diseases, Sullivan's Island was set up to quarantine incoming passengers. For example, many of the slaves that entered the Charleston area spent time at the quarantine pest house. The pest house was described as four brick rooms that lacked finished walls, ceilings, or windows. In fact, there were at least four buildings used for the quarantine function on Sullivan’s Island. All were located west of Fort Moultrie. Some Africans as well as other immigrants were quarantined in private

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36 of 113 Cultural Resources – Chapter 5 Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008) houses or on boats anchored in what is now known as Cove Inlet. The pest house remained on the Island until 1796. It was then relocated to James Island at the same time Sullivan's Island was becoming a more popular resort. In the 1880’s the pest house was moved to Morris Island.

During the 1700’s, tens of thousands of captive Africans were brought from their West African lands to the United States through the port of Charleston and were held in quarantine on Sullivan's Island. In acknowledgement of Sullivan's Island's role as an entry point for this population, a monument has been erected near Fort Moultrie to commemorate the struggles, successes and contributions of these African slaves. In addition, a memorial bench located near Cove Inlet at Fort Moultrie was dedicated to the memory of those Africans who passed through Sullivan’s Island during the period that the pest house existed, 1707 until 1796. From emancipation up through the mid -1900's, Sullivan’s Island maintained a sizeable African American population thriving as watermen, farmers, house-keepers, soldiers and various professionals and in the trades. Indeed, many African American Islanders helped build and maintain the historic structures that contribute to the uniqueness of the Island

Sullivan’s Island played a part in most of the nation’s early military events. The Island’s strategic location at the entrance to the harbor provided for early warning of attacks from sailing ships. First, there was the location of the “big gun” on Sullivan's Island staffed by Captain O’Sullivan. Later, Fort Moultrie was built and served as an important base in most of the major American wars. It was from this palmetto log fort that the Americans were able to defeat an armada of ten British warships and many support vessels attempting to occupy Charleston. This marked the first major victory over the British in the American Revolution.

In 1817, Sullivan's Island became incorporated as Moultrieville. The Island served as a summer health resort, allowing residents of Charleston to escape the summer diseases that flourished in the City. The first laws of the village mandated that residents build proper houses, and restricted building to one dwelling per half-acre lot. In 1850, a grand hotel, the Moultrie House, opened. It gained much attention and attracted people to spend summers on Sullivan's Island, not just to escape disease but also to enjoy the activities and luxuries the hotel provided. People traveled to and from the Island by boats that landed at a public boat dock located in The Cove. The Moultrie House lasted until it was destroyed by cannon fire in the Civil War.

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Sullivan’s Island 1600s-present

1600s 1700s 1800s 1900s

1700 Hurricane Hits. 1706 French & Spanish 1804 Hurricane Hits Invasion. Destroys Fort. 1906 Hurricane Hits. 1707 Pest House 1809 Fort Moultrie Rebuilt. Built to Quarantine 1813 Hurricane Hits. 1911 Hurricane Hits. Immigrants. 1817 Moultrieville Incorporated 1916 Hurricane Hits.

1925 Atlantic Beach Hotel Burns 1822 Hurricane Hits. 1928 Hurricane Hits. 1933 Hurricane Hits.

1940 Hurricane Hits. 1944 Harbor Entrance Control 1744 Act Passed Requiring All Post Built. Slaves Coming Moultrieville Popular Into Carolinas Summer Retreat. 1850 1947 Fort Moultrie Decommissioned. To Be Quarantined Moultrie House In Sullivan'S Island A Grand Hotel Opens. Pest House.

1752 Hurricane Hits Destroys Pest House.

1954 Hurricane Hazel. 1959 Hurricane Gracie. 1960 Fort Moultrie Indians Before 1670 Conveyed to Used Islands National Park for Summer Service Hunting. 1975 Town of Sullivan’s Island IIncorporated Charleston 1670 Colony Settled. O’Sullivan 1674 Stationed On Island. Island Gets its Name.

1St Beacons 1989 Hurricane Hugo 1674 Fort Moultrie Circa Moultrie House Placed On 1776 Built. 1860’s Destroyed in Island to Mark Civil War. Harbor Entrance. Hurricane Hits 1783 Destroys Fort. 1881 Hurricane Hits. All Cargo Is 1883 Quarantined On Hurricane Hits. Sullivan'S Island. 2000 1884 New Brighton Hotel Hunley recovery 1791 Citizens Allowed to completed (later renamed Constantly Manned 1690 Summer on Island. 1894 AtlanticHurricane Beach Hits. Hotel) Beacons Are Officially Hurricane Hits Lighthouse conveyed to Ordered. 1796 PestPest House House Moved Moved to James 2008 National Park Service IslandTo Morris Island.

1798 FortFort Moultrie Moultrie Rebuilt Rebuilt.

1799 StStreetsreets Laid Laid Out Out.

Source: 1994. Miles, Suzannah Source: Images of Sullivan’s Island, 2004

Figure 5.1

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The Confederate submarine, H. L. Hunley, named for her inventor, Horace Lawson Hunley, was almost 40 feet (12 m) long, built at Mobile, Alabama, launched in July 1863, and shipped by rail to Charleston, SC on August 12, 1863. For a time during the Civil War, the H.L. Hunley, was stationed on Sullivan's Island in order to keep its development and existence a secret from the Union forces. On February 17, 1864, the Hunley attacked and sank the 1800-ton steam sloop USS Housatonic in Charleston harbor, the first submarine to sink a warship. During the attack, the Hunley sank off the coast of Sullivan’s Island, drowning all eight crewmen. More than 136 years later, on August 8, 2000, the wreck was recovered, and on April 17, 2004, the DNA-identified remains of the eight Hunley crewmen were interred in Charleston's Magnolia Cemetery, with full military honors.

During the time from 1878 through 1895, the jetties were built just off of Sullivan's Island in an effort keep the Charleston Harbor shipping channel open and to re-route the main channel into Charleston Harbor.

From the 1900’s to the present, the Island continued to be a summer resort and the island became accessible by a trolley-line that ran from Mt. Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island and then to the Isle of Palms. This original trolley service moved from west to east, and the trolley’s stops (“stations”) became the namesakes of most of the island’s north-south streets.

In 1989, the eye of Hurricane Hugo passed over Sullivan’s Island and the Charleston peninsula and caused catastrophic damage to the Island’s infrastructure. Estimates of wind speeds on Sullivan's Island were in excess of 120 miles per hour. During the first year after the hurricane, more than $15,700,000 in repairs took place on Sullivan’s Island.

The Battery Gadsden Cultural Center has compiled a comprehensive record of the recollections of long-time residents on the Island. This record can be a valuable resource for local historians studying the area.

Island Resources

Historic Sites

Sullivan’s Island Historic Area The Sullivan’s Island Historic Area is located in the central-western portion of Sullivan’s Island. The area represents what was historically the core residential and administrative area of Fort Moultrie. The period of significance for the district extends from circa 1870 through circa 1950. Twenty-six of the district’s thirty-eight resources are representative of military dwellings. All but one of the remaining homes are representative “Island Houses,” with the remaining building being the church, the Post Chapel.

The Sullivan’s Island Historic District includes twenty-eight single family dwellings that were constructed as officers’ quarters by the U.S. Army around 1905. Of these, one was the Base Commander’s Quarters, nine were Senior Officers’ Quarters and ten were Junior

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Officers’ Quarters. The Base Commander’s Quarters is the largest and most elaborate of the homes. The Bachelor Officers’ Quarters, a large multi-unit building, was constructed around 1900. The houses fronted the beach when originally constructed, but sufficient land has since accreted to allow for the construction of one additional street and three rows of houses. The former Fort Moultrie residences are typical of the “Island Houses.” Source: SC Department of Archives and History.

Attachment 5.1: Sullivan’s Island Historic Overlay District Map

Other military-related buildings in the district are the Administration Building, the Post Exchange, Gymnasium and the Electrical Shop. Refer to the Fort Moultrie Map (Attachment 5.2) for a full listing of buildings.

Because of the long military and resort history of the Island, there are many interesting and historic structures that remain. For a complete listing of historic sites and their condition following Hurricane Hugo, please refer to Sullivan's Island Historic Sites, prepared by the Historic Charleston Preservation Disaster Fund in 1991. Also, refer to the Fort Moultrie Map in Attachments 5.2 and 5.3 for the location of the historic forts on Sullivan's Island. Some of the most notable sites are listed below:

1. Fort Moultrie, 1214 Middle St.- The fort is part of the Fort Sumter National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service. A visitor center museum is located across the street from the fort, which is open to visitors year-round. Because of its importance in American history, Fort Moultrie’s future protection appears to be stable.  In 1960, South Carolina transferred ownership of the Fort to the federal government.  In 1976, renovations and archeological studies were completed for the nation’s bicentennial. A new visitor’s center was built. At that time there were plans to have boat trips from the park property to Fort Sumter. The Town, however, expressed concern about additional traffic onto the Island, and the plan was dropped. Access to Fort Sumter now originates in downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.  Fort Sumter National Monument has completed a long-range plan, which includes Fort Moultrie and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mount Pleasant.  From 2002-2007, Fort Moultrie attracted an average of 72,864 visitors per year and has adopted a small entrance fee of $3 for adults age 16-61, and $1 for seniors. Admission for children 15 or younger remains free.  The Park Service offers special programs throughout the year and allows educational and community groups to rent the park facilities.  See Attachments 5.2 and 5.3 for specific information on Fort Moultrie.

2. Remnants of the Gates to the Old Military Base – Entrances to the old military base remain intact along Middle Street at Station 18.

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3. Officers’ Quarters - The officers’ quarters—grand houses built around 1905 — are unique assets to Sullivan's Island. The houses remain in use, but are privately owned.

4. Batteries Capron and Butler - These batteries are owned by the Town and are located in the Sullivan's Island Park.

5. Remains of other fortifications- The remains of various fortifications built on the Island still exist throughout the town. Some are owned by the government, while others are privately owned. Some of the privately owned fortifications have been converted into homes, showing a creative adaptive reuse of the historic structures.

6. Old movie theater - The old movie theater stands as a reminder of a time in Sullivan's Island history when the community had to provide many of its own services for its residents. The theater structure is intact and is privately owned.

7. Cemetery, Station 22 ½ -Few grave markers remain on this site that was used until the mid 1900 primarily for those of African American descent. Many of those interred were from nearby Mount Zion AME or Stella Maris Catholic Church. The cemetery was significantly damaged during Hurricane Hugo but recent efforts have been made to update records and maintain the site. A historic marker was erected in 2004 to commemorate the site and the contributions of those buried there.

8. Cemetery, Station 22 and Myrtle St. – Similar to the cemetery located at Station 22 ½, few grave markers remain on the site, but some are still legible. This was previously used as the Town’s “white” cemetery.

9. Sullivan's Island Lighthouse and Lighthouse Rescue Buildings - The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse was formerly a Coast Guard station. It is the most powerful lighthouse on the East Coast, and the only East Coast lighthouse with an interior elevator. The lighthouse was built in 1962. In front of the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse are the lighthouse rescue buildings that are currently being used by the National Park Service. The lighthouse was turned over to the National Park Services (NPS) in 2008.

10. Historic Post Station Markers – From the 1890’s until the mid-1930’s, one of the chief means of transportation to and through Sullivan’s Island was its trolley system, which linked travelers from Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. The stations stops became the unofficial street names for most of the Island, being designated the official street names in 1968. It is believed that the original stations were marked in the early 1900’s by the same style concrete markers that now identify the Town’s major intersections. Although not officially on the National Historic Register, these concrete posts are a part of the Island’s history.

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11. Battery Gadsden- A former Spanish-American War military facility named for Brigadier General Christopher Gadsden, Colonel, 1st South Carolina Regiment, and Brigadier General Continental Army. The four-gun battery was designed to mount four six-inch guns on pedestal mounts with fixed cartridges. Battery Gadsden was officially transferred to the Artillery on September 10, 1906. The four guns were removed for service in France in 1917, and the carriages were scrapped in 1920. In March 1977, the Sullivan’s Island Library ---located in Battery Gadsden—was named The Edgar Allan Poe Library in honor of the author, who was stationed on Sullivan’s Island as a U.S. Army private during 1827 and 1828. Poe used the island setting as the background for his famous story, “The Gold Bug.”

The walls of the battery are two feet thick, a solid protection for the 16,000 books in the 2,000 sq. ft. library. The library circulated more than 44,000 items at the branch in 2006. The Battery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in July, 1974.

12. Thomson Park – Small interpretive pocket park at Breach inlet on Middle Street, newly dedicated in June, 2011. The Park’s purpose is to commemorate action that occurred at Breach Inlet during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island during the American Revolution on June 28, 1776 (Carolina Day). During the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, Colonel William “Danger” Thomson and his 780 forces on the bank of Breach Inlet repulsed the British Army’s attack on Sullivan’s Island from Ocean and land invasion from the neighboring island, currently known as the Isle of Palms. This battle at Breach inlet, in concert with Colonel William Moultrie and his forces’ actions inside Fort Sullivan’s (now known as Fort Moultrie), defeated the British force, with its superior firepower and man power, and protected Charles Towne and its important port from British occupation at an early, critical time in the Revolutionary War. Primarily private funds developed and currently maintain the Park, but it is available to the public for free. (Data Source: Thomson Park Website, http://thomsonpark.wordpress.com)

13. Historic Bandstand – located in the J. Marshall Stith Community Park near 2050 Middle Street. While not a new historic site it was inadvertently omitted from the 2008 Comprehensive Plan. The U.S. Army built the bandstand in 1905 to complement the parade ground. When the U.S. Army withdrew from the Island in 1947, the bandstand was sold to a resident who altered the structure and incorporated it into an apartment structure. In the mid-1980’s, the structure was donated to the Town. The Town returned the structure to its approximate original design and relocated it to J. Marshall Stith Park where it serves as the Parks’ centerpiece and gathering place for picnics, birthday parties, musical concerts, community activities, etc.

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14. Post Exchange, 1714 Middle Street The building was constructed as the Post Exchange and Gymnasium, for Fort Moultrie in 1906. It was converted for use as the Post Engineer’s Office by 1945 and has since been converted for use as a residence. The exterior of the building retains its overall historic appearance and detailing.

15. Quartermaster’s Warehouse, 1610 Middle Street. The building was constructed circa 1915 as the Quartermaster’s Warehouse and was converted for use as the Town of Sullivan’s Island Town Hall circa 1970. Despite alterations which include the infilling of several openings and the installation of replacement windows, the building continues to reflect enough of its historic character to be recognizable as one of the Island’s military resources.

16. Quartermaster’s Warehouse, 1602 Thompson Avenue. Located on the northeast corner of Thompson Avenue circa 1930 as the Quartermaster’s Warehouse. The building is essentially intact with the exception nof window coverings that were installed in recent years.

Historic Overlay Districts

In 2003, the Town of Sullivan’s Island established three historic overlay districts on Sullivan’s Island. The districts: Moultrieville Historic District, Sullivan’s Island Historic District, and Atlanticville Historic District, designate separate areas of the Town that comply with the standards set forth in the town’s zoning code (Article XI, Sec. 21) defining the district as, “architecturally, archaeology, culturally, or historically significant to the Town of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.” Using the criteria set forth in the zoning code, the Design Review Board maintains oversight over new construction, alteration, demolition, moving, and removal of structures within a historic overlay district to protect the Town’s historic resources. Procedures are set forth in the zoning code (Article XI, Sec. 21-97) to provide relief to property owners from zoning restrictions if approval is granted by the Design Review Board. See the attached map 5.3 for details.

Commercial Areas

The Sullivan’s Island commercial district runs along Middle Street, from Station 22 ½, westward just beyond Station 20 ½. Because of the small scale of the business district and the surrounding town, the commercial district creates a unique community center for Sullivan’s Island residents.

Residential Areas

Most of Sullivan's Island is residential, consisting of many historic buildings, as well as new construction. The dynamic use of the island by the surrounding community over the years is reflected in the wide array of architectural styles on display throughout the town. Below is a listing of some of the houses that are most notable.

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1. Hurricane-proof houses - These dome shaped houses, located on the front beach, were designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. The buildings were constructed using reinforced concrete after Hurricane Hugo and fortunately, have yet to be tested. 2. Military fortifications – These unique examples of adaptive reuse have attracted interest and visitors for years. They have survived several hurricanes and appear to be strong, enduring structures.

3. Officers’ Quarters - The officers’ quarters were built as grand houses around 1905 and are unique assets to Sullivan's Island. The houses remain in use, but are privately owned.

4. Park bandstand - The Fort’s bandstand was at one time converted into a portion of a residence, but has since been restored and placed in the park.

5. Trolley stations- The town’s trolley stations along the east-west rail line eventually became the names of many of the north-south streets on the island.

Natural and Scenic Areas

Sullivan's Island is full of many natural and scenic areas. Its location affords it views of both sunrises and sunsets. There are the expansive ocean views, marsh views, and views of Charleston Harbor, the Charleston Peninsula and Breach Inlet. The following is a listing of some of the unique natural and scenic areas that are available to all residents and visitors to the Island.

1. Breach Inlet – Broad views of the ocean in a historical setting.

2. Cove Inlet – Natural beauty of the waterway and marsh at the old trolley bridge site.

3. Battery Capron (the mound) – Expansive island views.

4. Old Landfill Site – Marsh and natural views.

Governmental Offices

There are several governmental sites located on Sullivan's Island, among which are listed below. An in-depth discussion of some of these sites is included in the Community Facilities section of the comprehensive plan.

1. Sullivan's Island Town Hall - The Town Hall property also houses the police department, maintenance facilities, and the town’s courthouse.

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2. Sullivan’s Island Water and Sewer Department - Administrative Office and Treatment Plant

3. Fire and Rescue Station – Sullivan’s Island Fire Station

4. The State of South Carolina General Services Division

5. National Park Service 6. US Navy

7. US Post Office

Entertainment and Community Activities

Sullivan's Island offers many types of recreational activities for its residents and visitors. These events and resident participation are important to the social vitality of the community, as they offer opportunities for getting to know the members of the community and foster community interaction. The following is a listing of some of the activities offered on Sullivan's Island.

1. Sullivan's Island Volunteer Fire Department Oyster Roast and Fish Fry - These yearly fundraisers, which occur in the fall, winter and summer, attract residents from the Town and surrounding area. The fire department has constructed a large shelter near Fort Moultrie to accommodate the events’ large groups.

2. J. Marshall Stith Park, 2050 Middle Street - The J. Marshall Stith Park (also known as the Sullivan's Island Park) is a community gathering place and is the location for many community concerts and festivals. This park and playground is located on Middle Street in the commercial district of Town. The park contains two separate playgrounds, one for children under the age of six and one for older children. Sports facilities include: handball, volleyball and basketball courts; lighted tennis courts, and athletic fields. The historic Fort Moultrie bandstand provides shade for picnics and a site for entertainers to perform during various community activities. The Sullivan's Island Park Foundation, an active group of Island residents, raises money to landscape and improve this area.

3. Sullivan's Island community activities - The Town routinely organizes family- oriented events for all of the major holidays. These events include the annual tree lighting ceremony during the December holidays and the fireworks display on the 4th of July. These events take place at the Sullivan's Island Park.

4. Fort Moultrie – The Fort’s historic status combined with its preserved location on the coast make the site an ideal place to visit. Though the fort is not free, the

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inexpensive admission fee still allows many residents to visit the site at their leisure.

5. Carolina Day – June 28th This day commemorates the defeat of the British attempting to occupy Charleston in the early days of the American Revolution. At Fort Sullivan (now Fort Moultrie), 425 Americans fought off a British invasion fleet of ten (10) warships and many support vessels, foiling an early attempt to occupy Charleston, then the largest and most important city in the colonies south of Philadelphia. The Battle of Fort Sullivan marked the first American victory over a substantial British force in the Revolution, a victory won just a week before the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The day is commemorated in several ways around the community including a reenactment and a parade downtown.

6. Town boat landing - The Town offers a boat landing for Sullivan’s Island residents and non-residents for a fee.

Religious Sites

There are several churches on the island. Some of them have a long history, while others are relatively new. Many of the community’s churches function both as places of worship and as outposts for community events, thus contributing to the array of various community facilities available to Sullivan’s Island residents.

1. Church of the Holy Cross - The Episcopal Church built the stone church at 1401 Middle Street near Fort Moultrie in 1891. The Army immediately decided to expand the reservation and acquired the building for $6,000 as the Post Chapel. The Episcopal Church was then moved to its present location at Station 25 on Middle Street. A large new church and parish hall was constructed in 2006. When Fort Moultrie was decommissioned, the Lutheran congregation acquired the original building. The original granite building, located on Middle Street, is now a private residence.

2. Sunrise Presbyterian Church - The Presbyterian Church was at one time located in the 2400 block of Middle Street; that building is now used as a residence. Sunrise Presbyterian, in its new location on the Island, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Hugo after being moved to the new site and has since built a new sanctuary.

3. Stella Maris Catholic Church – The original church on the site was a wooden structure built in 1845, later replaced with the current structure, built from the rubble of Fort Moultrie in 1873.

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4. Sullivan's Island Baptist Church - The Sullivan's Island Baptist Church occupies an old fort chapel near the former gates of Fort Moultrie at Station 18.

Attachment 5.1

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Cultural Resources Element Needs and Goals Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

CULTURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT

NEEDS AND GOALS:

1. The Town should focus its efforts on protecting sites that are significant to the Town’s history, uniqueness and natural beauty.

Implementation The Town should continue efforts, where appropriate, for the inclusion of historical properties on the National Register of Historic Sites. (Town Administration; Short Term; Ongoing)

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2. Encourage the preservation and restoration of all Island batteries, including Batteries Capron and Butler.

Implementation Support such groups as the Sullivan’s Island Park Foundation, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center and others in efforts consistent with this goal. (Town Council; Ongoing)

3. Continue to organize family-oriented activities for the residents.

4. Continue the mutually beneficial and supporting relationships with the United States National Park Service, Fort Moultrie.

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Introduction

The natural environment is a very important aspect of the Town of Sullivan’s Island. As a barrier island, Sullivan’s Island is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Intracoastal Waterway to the West. The Island’s exposed geography makes the town vulnerable to severe weather, including tropical storms and hurricanes whose flooding and high winds have the potential to cause damage across the Island. Severe weather, however, is just one threat to the island; the impact of human development can also create long-term consequences to the Island’s natural ecosystem on which the town relies.

In recent years, the Town of Sullivan’s Island has placed an emphasis on protecting the Island’s natural resources by adopting a tree ordinance, designation of recreation and conservation zones, beach protection, vegetation protection and protection for sea turtles.

This element will address existing studies and plans and existing conditions on the Island. The information contained in this element comes from the US Geological Survey, the US Soil Conservation Service, the Charleston Harbor Project, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and DHEC-Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, the FEMA, and the National Wetland Inventory Maps.

Physiography & Topography

Sullivan’s Island is located about 3.5 miles northeast of Charleston. The Island is 3.8 miles long and about one (1) mile wide at its widest point. The total area within the Town limits is about 2,000 acres of high ground, with an additional 1,100 acres in marshland.

Sullivan's Island is located in the outer coastal plain, a portion of the Atlantic coastal plain made up of barrier islands unique to the coastal areas of the southeastern United States. The area is relatively flat, except for large man-made mounds built by the US Army when stationed on the island. The Town’s elevation ranges from sea-level to about fourteen (14’) feet above sea level, with a wide range between high and low tides.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has mapped Sullivan's Island identifying various areas of flood hazards. Areas located in VE zones are subject to inundation by the one (1%) percent flood level with additional hazards due to velocity (wave action). Areas located in AE zones are subject to inundation by the one (1%) percent flood level determined in a Flood Insurance Study. Base flood elevations are shown within these zones and mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.

Oceanfront property is located in a VE flood zone with the flood elevation ranging from 15 to 23 feet, depending on the location of the property. The eastern end of the Island is located in the higher VE flood zone with flood elevation ranging from 19 to 23 feet. The commercial district of the Island is located mostly in the AE zone with a flood elevation of 15 feet. A portion of the commercial properties located between Stations 22 and 22 ½

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In 1991, the most recent U.S. Soil Conservation Service completed a Sullivan’s Island Flood Plain Management Study. This study gave information and recommendations for the construction of a stormwater drainage system and is available at Town Hall.

Geology

There are three types of geologic deposits located in the Town of Sullivan’s Island (Map 6.1). The newest deposit is artificial fill covering the center of the Island, made of sand and clayey sand that is of diverse origin and ranges in depth from 3 to 10 feet.

The original deposit of the Island is beach and barrier island sands from the Holocene period made of quartz sand, which is very light gray, fine grained, well-sorted, shelly, and abundant with minerals. The deposits are less than ten thousand years old, and those on the surface are probably less than one thousand years old and range in depth from zero to 35 feet.

Portions of the Island are made up of tidal marsh deposits from the Holocene period, which are composed of clay and soft, organically-rich clayey sand colored gray to black, dominated primarily by the mineral kaolinite. The deposits are zero to 10 feet thick and support marsh grasses. These deposits are most likely less than five thousand years old.

Soils

Soil information given here is not for use on a site-specific basis and should only be used for planning on a community scale. Soil suitability assessments for individual sites require an independent, detailed soil survey.

While Sullivan’s Island’s soils are mainly classified as tidal marsh association soils—the most prevalent soil series in Charleston County—six different soil series have been identified on Sullivan’s Island. Since artificial fill is the predominant geologic formation on the island, ‘made land’ is the dominant soil series. Made land is consists of variable amounts of sand, silt, and clay, or mixtures of these materials. New suitability assessments are important for this series because of the wide range of variation that can occur over time.

A small area located on the south side of the Island is characterized by the Capers series. Formed on tidal flats that are inundated with sea water once or more each month, these soils are very poorly drained and are saturated with salt water. The Capers series is well- suited for wildlife, and normally supports marsh grasses, but if drained, the soil becomes very acidic and can no longer support plant life.

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Coastal beaches and dune land make up the shoreline and dunes of Sullivan’s Island. The shoreline areas are nearly-level, fine sand beaches that are flooded twice daily by the tidal currents. The dunes formed by the wind are mounded areas of dry, loose, very pale brown to yellow sand. The sand is dry and there is sparse protective ground cover, leading to wind erosion of the dunes. The loss of this sand is a constant problem on the South Carolina coast, especially on the eastern end of Sullivan’s Island, which is battling natural erosional forces while the western end continues to accrete. In an effort to combat wind erosion, wind breaks of American Beach Grass and Sea Oats can be used to stabilize the dunes. Because of their instability, coastal beaches and dune lands are generally poorly suited for most kinds of development, though much of this area on Sullivan's Island is zoned for recreation and conservation (RC-1) in an effort to restrict development in the area. Across most of the accreted lands, healthy dune ecosystems thrive with the bare sandy dunes beginning at the ocean and progressing to hearty vegetation such as wax myrtles that grow as large as many trees.

The eastern portion of the Island is made up of the Crevasse-Dawhoo soil complex. These soils occupy a ridge-and-trough landscape bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Crevasse soils are excessively-drained, sandy soils along the length of the long, narrow ridges, while Dawhoo soils are very poorly-drained, sandy soils that occupy the troughs between the ridges. Both soils have rapid infiltration and permeability, low available water capacity, low organic matter content, and low levels of inherent fertility, with the main difference between these two soils being that the Dawhoo soil has a high water table for at least part of the year. Though much of this area is forested, neither of these soils is rich in nutrients, nor does either support cultivation.

The soil in the marsh is classified as tidal marsh, soft. This is a miscellaneous land type occurring on the coast and along tidal streams and rivers between the ocean and the uplands. It is in broad, level tidal flats that are covered by 6 to 24 inches of salt water at high tide. The land type contains sulfide. If it is drained or becomes aerated, the sulfide oxidizes to form sulfuric acid. The resulting material is called catclay. Catclay does not support plants. It is covered by salt-tolerant plants, such as black cordgrass and smooth cordgrass. The tidal marsh is suitable for only natural recreational uses.

Beach Health & Sea Levels

Beach soil and sea levels continue to important areas monitor. Figure 6.1 illustrates that Sullivan’s Island has a primarily stable or accreting beach front; however, a small pocket of erosion occurs on the east end (Breach Inlet area) of the Island (-1 to -3 inches historically).

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Figure 6.4 – Long Term Erosion Rates, SC Central Beaches (1850-2006)

In the summer of 2010, the Town participated in a series of discussions to identify management challenges that may be intensified by climate change and rising sea levels. These discussions were funded by NOAA and included as participants Staff of the Town, citizens of the Town, SC Sea Grant Staff, the University of South Carolina Staff and the Social Environmental Research Institute Staff (SERI). The final report generated by SERI of these discussions is attached to the 2013 updated Town of Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan as Appendix 1.

Hydrography

Sullivan’s Island is located in the Ashley-Cooper Watershed, which is part of the larger Catawba-Santee Watershed Basin.

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) passes behind Sullivan’s Island. The Cove, Cove Creek, Inlet Creek, Swinton Creek, and Conch Creek are all located near Sullivan’s Island and drain into the Atlantic Ocean. The Cove and Cove Creek drain out through the Charleston Harbor, while Inlet Creek, Swinton Creek, and Conch Creek drain out to the ocean through Breach Inlet. These creeks are all listed as Shellfish Harvestable Waters (SFH). This is a designation given by the state that reflects how clean the waters are naturally and/or need to be protected.

Some of the waters surrounding Sullivan’s Island are approved for shellfish harvesting, some offer restricted harvesting and some areas are closed to harvesting. SCDHEC regulates these areas depending on a host of factors pertaining to safety, seasonal conditions, and shellfish management. Current information on shellfish harvesting is available from SCDHEC.

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Urban runoff appears to have a significant impact on the lower portion of the watershed. A series of ditches carry stormwater directly into the ICW, together with spoil from containment areas, which discharge into the ICW and its tributaries (Conch Creek, Inlet Creek, and Swinton Creek) during storm events.

In order to implement a comprehensive and economical approach to prevent and control water resource impacts from non-point source pollution, the Town of Sullivan’s Island in 2007 partnered with Charleston County and other local jurisdictions. This partnership focuses on water monitoring, developing best management practices, education, public participation and implementing solutions. The result of this program will ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act and provisions of the NPDES Phase II requirements for the Town. Climate

Sullivan’s Island’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean causes the temperature variations to be milder in both the summers and the winters than inland averages. Table 6.1 and Figure 6.2 charts the average monthly temperatures for Charleston County from 2007- 2011.. Although there will be a slight variation between Sullivan’s Island temperatures and those inland, these averages are good indicators of the overall temperature of the island at different times of the year.

The coldest part of the winter occurs in January and December with average temperatures in the low 50’s. July and August are the hottest months in the summer with the average temperature ranging in the upper 80’s.

Table 6.1 Average Monthly Temperatures Average Monthly Temperatures: 5 Year Trend 2007 – 2011 (Charleston County, SC) (Temperature in Fahrenheit Degrees) Year(s) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Average Jan 52.4 48.9 48.2 44.5 44.4 47.68 Feb 49.7 55.2 49.8 45.9 54.8 51.08 March 60.8 58.6 58 55.9 60 58.66 April 64.1 65 64.5 66.9 68.8 65.86 May 71.3 71.7 73.3 75.5 74.4 73.24 June 78.5 81.2 80.9 83.4 83.3 81.46 July 80.6 81.1 80.9 82.7 83.7 81.8 Aug 83.7 81.2 81.6 83.3 83.2 82.6 Sept 77.5 76.2 76.6 78.8 76.7 77.16 Oct 71.6 64.5 67.5 68.4 64.3 67.26 Nov 57.5 54.5 58.8 58.2 59.1 57.62 Dec 57 56 50.9 42.7 54.9 52.3 Annual 67.1 66.2 65.9 65.5 67.3 66.4 Source: SC Department of Natural Resources, 2012

Figure 6.1

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Charleston County average daily temperature- 2006

90 80 70 60 50 40

30 Temperature (F) Temperature 20 10 0

Jan Feb April May June July March August October November September December Month

Source: SC Department of Natural Resources, 2008

Precipitation

In general rainfall in the Charleston County area has been steady at an average of approximately 47 inches per year Table 6.2 and Figure 6.3 show County precipitation trends from 2007-2011. Generally, the most rain falls in the spring and early summer months in Charleston County, with the least precipitation coming in the early winter months, leaving habitats relatively dry until early spring.

One of the most serious weather concerns to Sullivan’s Island is the occurrence of nor’easters, tropical storms and hurricanes. The height of hurricane season lasts from late summer to early fall. Along with hurricanes comes the threat of high winds, flooding and strong wave action. The last hurricane to severely affect Charleston’s coastline was Hurricane Hugo, which made landfall in September 1989. As a result of that storm, one out of every twenty buildings was completely destroyed on Sullivan’s Island and the cost to residents was more than $15 million.

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Table 6.2 Average Monthly Precipitation Average Monthly Precipitation: 5 Year Trend 2007 – 2011 (Charleston County, SC) (Precipitation in Inches) Year(s) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Average Jan 3.83 3.07 1.29 6.46 1.98 3.326 Feb 2.47 2.72 1.33 2.61 3.13 2.452 March 0.79 2.41 2.84 4.53 2.67 2.648 April 0.88 2.49 5.24 0.7 2 2.262 May 0.93 3.66 6.45 3.67 0.41 3.024 June 4.33 2.61 5.04 7.94 4.37 4.858 July 6.17 4.97 8.16 9.86 6.94 7.22 Aug 5.28 5.99 10.12 10.07 7.95 7.882 Sept 7.29 5.68 0.48 8.12 3.6 5.034 Oct 5.66 11.1 2.71 0.83 1.91 4.442 Nov 0.03 2.27 2.25 0.3 1.4 1.25 Dec 4.39 0.35 10.06 2.48 0.65 3.586 Annual 42.05 47.32 55.97 57.57 37.01 47.98 Source: SC Department of Natural Resources, 2012

Figure 6.3 Average Monthly Precipitation

Note: Five Year Precipitation by Month; Source: SC Department of Natural Resources 2012

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As Table 6.3 shows, Charleston County continues to enjoy a mild climate with an average temperature, over 29 years, at 65.9 degrees Fahrenheit and total annual precipitation averaging 51.03 inches.

Table 6.3 Historic Climate Trends South Carolina Climate: Historical Trend (29 Years, 1981-2010) Charleston, South Carolina (Charleston International Airport) Data by Maximum Mean Minimum Precipitation Month Temperature Temperature Temperature (Tot. Inches) Jan 59.0 48.3 37.5 3.71 Feb 62.8 51.7 40.6 2.96 March 69.6 58.1 46.7 3.71 April 76.4 64.8 53.3 2.91 May 83.2 72.5 61.8 3.02 June 88.4 79.0 69.6 5.65 July 91.1 82.1 73 6.53 Aug 89.5 80.9 72.3 7.15 Sept 84.8 76.0 67.2 6.1 Oct 77.1 66.9 56.8 3.75 Nov 69.8 58.6 47.5 2.43 Dec 61.6 50.8 40.1 3.11 ANNUAL 76.2 65.9 55.6 51.03 Source: SC Department of Natural Resources, 2012

Wildlife

The critical habitat for wildlife on Sullivan’s Island occurs in the wetlands and in the area between the wetland area and uplands. This transition area provides ideal habitat for resting and roosting grounds for many types of birds. Near-arctic migrant birds depend on this area in Charleston County for resting and feeding along their annual migration route. Although 50-foot buffers are recommended by the Charleston Harbor Project, a suitable buffer smaller than 50 feet will significantly enhance soil retention in the area. See Table 6.1.

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Table 6.1: Charleston County Endangered and Threatened Species

Status Name

Threatened Loggerhead Sea Turtle Threatened Peregrine Falcon Threatened Piping Plover Endangered Bald Eagle

Endangered Bachman’s Warbler Endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker Threatened Sea-beach amaranth Endangered Canby's dropwort Endangered Wood Stork

Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2008

Vegetation

The main vegetation of the marsh is smooth cord grass. Along the edges of the marsh adjacent to land grows needle rush. The main trees on the Island are live oak, loblolly pine, wax myrtle and cabbage palmetto.

Development of the Island has hindered the growth of new native palmetto trees on the island. Practices such as frequent mowing and clearing of land kill the young, slow- growing plants.

Vegetation in the zone between the wetlands and uplands is very important to controlling the urban runoff into the marsh. Often, after heavy rainstorms, the water quality around the island decreases dramatically due to the urban runoff quickly being flushed into the marshes. The vegetation slows the runoff and takes up pollutants and nutrients that are flushed with the water.

Wetlands

There have been three major types of wetlands identified in the Town of Sullivan’s Island (Map 6.2). These wetlands are marine, palustrine, and estuarine wetland types. Marine systems consist of the deep-water habitat of mainland coast and islands. Estuarine systems are associated with coastal embayments and drowned river mouths and include salt marshes, brackish tidal marshes, and mangrove swamps, as well as deep-water bays. The palustrine system includes only wetland habitat. It is, however, the major wetland system because it encompasses the vast majority of North America’s wetlands, namely inland marshes, swamps and bogs.

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Barrier Island Dynamics

The information presented in this element has described this barrier island, the geologic formations that guided the types of soils to be located on the island, the hydrologic forces that interact all around the Island, the climate that has and will shape the island’s characteristics, the wildlife and habitats on the Island and the wetlands that are classified Figure 6.3: Hypothetical transect of a barrier Island on the Island. These pieces fit together to make up a dynamic coastal system that is all at once changing and in balance with itself. Figure 6.3 is a hypothetical transect of a barrier island. What this transect represents is how the island changes within itself. First there is the front beach that is intermittently flooded by tidal Source: Clark, 1989 p. 78 actions. Next there is the berm, which is formed by the winds pushing the sands inland. Behind that berm is the frontal dune. This dune is vegetated with beach grasses that help to stabilize the dune system. On the secondary dune line there is a succession of vegetation that proceeds from grasses to forest communities. The denser vegetation promotes large-scale sand trapping and works to stabilize the dune system. The center of a barrier island is usually characterized by the presence of a dense forest made up of a mixture of pine, palmetto, and deciduous trees. The strength of the dune to protect the inland from the actions of the wind and waves are crucial to the integrity of the system. The vegetation growing in the dunes are adapted to the strong winds, sand, and salt that exist in that harsh environment. However, this same vegetation is ill-suited to the effects of foot traffic or construction. Once the lines of vegetation are broken on the dune line, dune movement becomes accelerated to a point where plant growth cannot keep pace with shifting sands. A break in the vegetation causes a chain reaction that leads to erosion and further loss of vegetation.

The importance of the back of the Island cannot be overlooked. Tidal salt marshes are very productive places. They are the nursery for young fish and sea life, they assimilate runoff from the upland, and they assist in controlling flooding. These marshes accomplish these services due to the vegetation such as spartina grasses and the micro- organisms that grow in these marshes.

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Recreation

The Island’s recreational opportunities are enhanced by the environment that exists on Sullivan’s Island. The beaches and marshes give to its residents and visitors the opportunity to sunbathe, swim, fish, sail, boat and enjoy natural vistas. Sullivan’s Island offers many recreational resources to its residents, including public parks, bike lanes and public beach access ways. Public beach access ways are located on street ends. Seven of these access ways are walkovers and two walkovers are handicapped accessible.

The Town is developing its Comprehensive Coastal Access Improvement Plan that identifies and enhances existing beach paths and develops new pathways for the public to enjoy the beachfront deed restricted conservation land tract (aka Accreted Land). The Town continues to pursue county, state and federal grant funds to assist with these expenses (Town awarded almost $200,000 in Urban Greenbelt and OCRM grant funds). In Spring 2012 the Town finalized improvements to the following beach access paths with grant and municipal funds: Stations 18, 19, 24 and 28 existing boardwalks have been extended. The Town has also added marked handicap parking space at Station 18 and improved the boardwalk approach for easier handicap access.

The Town has retained a landscape architect to review the beach paths and beachfront deed restricted protected land (aka Accreted Land) and develop a design plan for ecologically friendly nature trails through the protected land running parallel with the shoreline.

On-street parking is available throughout the Town limits except in designated areas.

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Attachment: Map 6.1

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Attachment: Map 6.2

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63 of 113 Natural Resources Needs and Goals Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)

NATURAL RESOURCES

NEEDS AND GOALS:

1. In an effort to protect the dunes and the dune vegetation, best management practices should be employed.

Implementation Inventory and evaluate each beach access to determine ways to limit damage and mitigate environmental impacts. (Town Administration; Ongoing)

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64 of 113 Natural Resources Needs and Goals Sullivan’s Island Comprehensive Plan (2008)