Commercial real estate brokers in James Island, SC

Commercial Real Estate James Island, SC

With an average of 230 days of sunshine each year, a low cost of living, and endless recreational activities, Charleston is a joy to call home. As the second most popular place to live in the U.S., metro Charleston is booming, not only with new residents but with new construction and property investment opportunities too. But with the Tri-County's rapid rate of growth comes increased real estate demand and complexity. That's especially true for commercial real estate transactions. According to CoStar, near-zero vacancy rates and short supply have forced rents and sales to reach record highs. At the same time, online medical and grocery purchases, along with last-mile delivery needs, have driven a new desire for industrial space.

It's safe to say that there is a lot of opportunity on the table for commercial real estate sellers and investors in South Carolina. But capitalizing on that opportunity without the proper market knowledge, relationships, or risk analysis can actually be counterproductive to your goals. That's where Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic's commercial real estate brokers in Charleston, SC, come into play.

As experts in the commercial real estate industry for more than 37 years, our brokerage provides the highest level of service to clients in today's rapid, constantly-changing business climate.

Service Areas

The Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic Difference

At Coldwell Banker Commercial, we pride ourselves on having local power and a global presence. Our clients entrust their complex and lucrative commercial real estate deals to us because they understand the value of working with brokers who are familiar faces within the community. On any given day, you could be standing next to one of our brokers at a grocery store or local restaurant. As your friends and neighbors, we're proud to call the Lowcountry home. Though we have local roots, our resources and expertise are backed by a global network. That power gives our commercial real estate clients peace of mind, knowing they have access to a dynamic and diversified brokerage of highly-trained and educated agents.

 Commercial Real Estate Brokers James Island, SC

From general commercial leasing services and property management to investment guidance and new property site selection, our team works tirelessly to exceed your expectations and meet your goals. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, lease, or develop, our commercial real estate brokerage in James Island, SC provides the up-to-date advice and time-tested market knowledge needed to facilitate any commercial real estate transaction, large or small.

Some of the commercial real estate specialties we focus on in South Carolina include:

  • General Brokerage and Commercial Real Estate Leasing Services
  • Commercial Investment Analysis
  • Commercial Property Management
  • Commercial Property Development
  • Commercial Construction and Project Management
  • Disposition, Acquisition, and Work-Out Properties

At the end of the day, our commercial brokers and agents aren't satisfied until you're a happy customer. That's why every service and decision we recommend is made with your best interests in mind.

Commercial Real Estate James Island, SC

Why Hire a Commercial Real Estate Broker in James Island, SC?

Perhaps you're in a situation where you need more space for a growing business. Maybe, instead, you want to capitalize on low-interest rates and buy a commercial real estate investment property to bolster your portfolio. Whatever your needs may be, whether as an investor or a small business owner, your goals are probably the same: lock in the best value and negotiate optimal terms for leasing, buying, or selling. When it's all said and done, you want to minimize expenses and maximize your ROI.

Unfortunately, commercial real estate is complex by nature. Given today's ever-changing real estate landscape and the challenges of our economy, working with a commercial real estate agent is the savviest way to save money and lessen the likelihood of making a poor investment.

That's because the very best commercial real estate brokers, like those at Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic, do more than putting "for sale" signs in yards and in newspapers. They have the tools and training to source and present research apropos to your commercial real estate purchase or sale. They also have the ability to provide transaction and advisory services to ensure every aspect of your CRE process goes smoothly and efficiently. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Here are a few of the biggest reasons to work with a commercial real estate broker in South Carolina.

Save Money

Save Money

Unsurprisingly, money is one of the biggest reasons why people steer clear of CRE brokers - for the cost savings. Yet, just about every commercial real estate transaction is managed by a commercial real estate brokerage. Why might that be? The answer is that smart business owners, executives, and investors know that the most lucrative cost savings stem from good planning, time management, and successful negotiations. Only an experienced commercial real estate broker can provide you with those features while also properly structuring your commercial real estate deal.

Manage Your Time

Manage Your Time More Effectively

Commercial real estate investors and business owners often have jam-packed schedules with little time to spare for anything other than day-to-day operations. If that sounds familiar, you know how crucial time management is for commercial real estate. By working with a seasoned broker, you can uphold your daily responsibilities while they provide guidance and manage the minutia of your CRE dealings.

Specialized Systems

Access to Specialized Systems and Data

Reputable commercial real estate brokerages provide access to a bevy of information that is pertinent to your commercial real estate goals. We're talking vacancy and absorption rates, the latest sales price data, comparative labor and tax costs, and more. Your broker will help break down this information so that you can make the most informed decisions possible. Brokerages like Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic also have systems and software to facilitate complex real estate processes while eliminating unneeded costs. The combination of accumulated data and exclusive systems results in a more cost-effective, efficient way to meet your real estate requirements on terms that are beneficial to you.

Success and Experience

Years of Success and Experience

As is the case with most things in life, practice and repetition are essential in honing skills and achieving business success. The truth is that no amount of money or "how to" articles can suffice for decades of real-world, hands-on experience. Sure, you can find a litany of commercial real estate info online. But those articles won't teach you about navigating the nuances of structuring advantageous purchase terms or completing complicated due diligence tasks. A successful commercial real estate broker in James Island, SC, will have no problem executing these often-confusing processes because they've done it dozens and dozens of times before. This priceless experience is your best resource for successful commercial real estate initiatives.

Service Integration

Service Integration

One of the biggest advantages of working with a commercial real estate brokerage is their ability to provide necessary services that are relevant to your real estate needs. As a Coldwell Banker Commercial affiliate, we are part of a network that allows us access to accounting, legal, and other services needed on your real estate journey. Finding and vetting these services can be very costly and time-consuming, which is unneeded stress that we're happy to remove from your plate.

Purposeful

Purposeful and Engaging Marketing

For any project to be successful, a strategic marketing plan must be implemented to achieve the desired results for our clients. The methods of exposing and promoting a property must be creative, innovative, and unique to your property. At Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic, we utilize the most effective methods that make sense for your property in South Carolina, including:

  • Print Materials
  • Digital Marketing
  • Design Renderings
  • Photography
  • Weekly and Monthly Advertising
  • Affiliation Marketing
  • Signage
  • More
Negotiating Acumen

Negotiating Acumen

If you're reading this page, chances are you're successful to some degree and have entered negotiations a time or two in your professional life. While that's nothing to sneeze at, the art of negotiating in the commercial real estate industry is a skill that must be honed over years of transactions. In the world of CRE, transaction negotiations are often time-consuming and stressful - two things you don't need in your life. Your commercial real estate broker will use their experience to relieve you of that stress so that you can focus on growing your business or serving tenants.

Knowledge of Local Markets

Knowledge of Local Markets

One of the most valuable reasons for working with a commercial real estate brokerage is that staff have a deep understanding of South Carolina's real estate market. In the Lowcountry, trends and market conditions are constantly changing. Opportunities are lost and found daily.

With this market knowledge, your commercial real estate broker in James Island, SC, can provide an easy-to-understand analysis of various commercial properties within your budget. They'll know what relevant properties are leased or sold for and how much. Savvy commercial real estate brokers are also always informed on local demographics and market indicators that impact your commercial real estate goals. For instance, with COVID becoming a more accepted part of our lives, leasing, and sales in retail have taken off, especially for Class A and Class B centers.

Brief Overview A Brief Overview of Our Specialties

At Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic, we specialize in several commercial real estate services. Though each service is comprehensive and will differ for each client, here is a brief overview to help you understand the scope of our abilities.

Brokerage
General Brokerage and Leasing Services

We're proud to say that our commercial real estate brokers in James Island, SC, are equipped with all the necessary skills and traits to make your life easier. From transactional needs to marketing strategies, our experience and market knowledge is second to none, allowing us to ensure your success in today's market.

Property Management
Property Management

In an ever-changing commercial real estate industry, our approach to property management is constantly evolving. Our team has extensive experience in commercial real estate management and recognizes its importance as a foundation for long-term value and wealth. As such, Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic provides tailor-made property management packages that meet your specific assets needs and objectives.

Construction Management
Project and Construction Management

Whether you're entering a build-to-suite or remodeling a commercial property, our associates are ready to represent you with facility planning, design, construction, zoning restrictions, and so much more. If you're looking for a brokerage that can guide you through every step of the construction process with your goals and budget at heart, look no further than Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic.

Investment Analysis
Investment Analysis

Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic provides comprehensive investment analytics to better evaluate potential investments and increase return on those investments. Additionally, our team can facilitate single or multiple-location transactions and also find alternative financing recommendations if needed.

Property Development
Property Development

From selecting the perfect building site for your property to overseeing its initial construction, our associates provide experience and expertise when you need it most, covering every step and service of property development. If needed, our team can assemble the right professionals to ensure your property is developed to your unique specifications and applicable regulatory standards.

Acquisition
Acquisition, Disposition, and Work-Out Properties

Our commercial real estate brokerage represents clients in both the disposition and acquisition of property and works directly with you to determine your needs. We then strive to improve efficiency and reduce costs. We also assist financial institutions and government agencies in the management and disposition of ‘troubled properties.' Our firm incorporates its spectrum of services to efficiently turn these properties around and improve their value for ultimate disposition.

 Commercial Real Estate Brokers James Island, SC

Time-Tested Tips for Commercial Real Estate Investing

If you're just getting started in commercial real estate investing, you're probably searching for reliable advice and best practices to follow. While hands-on experience and guidance from a commercial real estate broker are always best, a little advice never hurts. After all, there's a wide world of opportunity out there. As you begin to build a more robust portfolio, keep these tips and tricks in mind.

Take Your Time

Take Your Time

Commercial real estate deals can take a lot longer than traditional single-family transactions. That's true throughout the entire process, from purchase, to renovation, to selling. That's not a bad thing - after all, having impatience is a good way to rush into a poor decision. Instead of a means to quick cash, think of commercial real estate deals as a large bonus or as a vehicle for retirement.


Keep an Open Mind

Keep an Open Mind

Many commercial real estate investors jump right into the multi-family property space. However, it's essential to keep other types of properties in mind, such as mobile homes, office buildings, land, and even mobile home parks. Forget about your comfort zone. Instead, weigh your options and choose a niche that helps you meet your goals.


Financing

Search for Great Financing Before Making Offers

Commercial loans are quite different than their residential counterparts. In some ways, they're better. Though down payments are typically higher, meaning you'll put more down, there's often no personal liability involved. Plus, commercial loans can be more forgiving when borrowing money for down payments. The bottom line is to search for the best lenders before making an offer. If you're having trouble, ask your commercial real estate broker for assistance, as they often have connections and partnerships with relevant entities.


Learn the Appropriate

Learn the Appropriate Formulas

If you're used to buying residential homes, you're probably familiar with some formulas, such as buying 75% of after-repaired value minus the estimated cost of repairs. Depending on the type of commercial property you're buying or selling, you'll have different formulas to learn. Two examples are Cap Rates and Net Operating Income. Learning these formulas can be very beneficial when making an offer.


Real Estate

Lean On Your Commercial Real Estate Agent in James Island, SC

If you find yourself discouraged with the commercial real estate game, remember that the team at your commercial real estate brokerage is there to make your life easier. At Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic, we have a powerful brokerage with a team of over 20 highly skilled and educated agents. Our job is to serve you, whether you're a new investor looking for your first deal or an experienced property owner looking for 1031 tax investment advice.

Commercial Real Estate James Island, SC

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Latest News in James Island, SC

Charleston leaders address flooding in James Island neighborhood

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston City leaders provided some insight on a flood-prone neighborhood on James Island that saw an excess of water after Hurricane Ian.News 2 first introduced viewers to Michael Miller and his wife on Friday when Hurricane Ian flooded their home and others on Shoreham Road. James Island couple r...

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston City leaders provided some insight on a flood-prone neighborhood on James Island that saw an excess of water after Hurricane Ian.

News 2 first introduced viewers to Michael Miller and his wife on Friday when Hurricane Ian flooded their home and others on Shoreham Road.

According to Miller, it took about five to six hours for the water to drain on the street and about three hours for it to recede inside his home.

“We just started getting as much of the water and as much of the dirt out as we could. Putting up fans, scrubbing down everything. Trying to assess the damage,” said Miller.

According to Charleston City leaders, Shoreham Road is known to flood because it sits in a low-lying area.

“It’s a neighborhood where when that water falls on the streets and on the roofs and on the properties it’s hard to move it out very quickly especially if we get higher tides,” explained Matthew Fountain, the Director of Stormwater Management for the City of Charleston.

There are a few projects in the works to help prevent flooding in the neighborhood. Fountain said one includes a rain garden that is set to be built at the site of a former flood-prone home the city acquired through federal grants.

He said the other small project consists of constructing a drainage swale system to help store more water in the neighborhood. While these projects can help with a typical thunderstorm/rain event, Fountain said it will take more to prevent flooding in a major storm like Ian.

“That neighborhood is going to experience flooding. That’s part of the reason we’ve looked at home acquisitions and demolition in that location giving people the opportunity if they have a heavily flooded home to have the city work with the federal government and eventually buy their homes,” explained Fountain.

Meanwhile, drainage projects on other parts of James Island seem to be showing signs of improvement. News 2 met with Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course where drainage improvements are underway.

She said Hurricane Ian was one of the first big storms to hit the area since rolling out the projects. Because of the work that was done over the last few years, Honeycutt said the water in the system was able to drain within one tide cycle, as opposed to sitting for days as it has in the past.

“One of the parts of the improvements that really helped was cleaning out the Stono River outfall and then back up the ditch system to the entire watershed, so that water could drain out faster. In conjunction, we also enhanced these ponds you see on the golf course to allow more water to stay in the system as the tides change,” explained Honeycutt.

According to city leaders, they monitor streets like Shoreham Road ahead of big storms, making sure the pipes aren’t clogged.

The Hottest New Restaurants in Charleston, May 2023

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight the spots crowds...

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight the spots crowds are flocking to at the moment or generating a big buzz. Folks are asking, "Have you been yet?" Try one of these newbies today.

New to the list:

May: La Bonne Franquette, Legend DeliApril: Palace HotelMarch: SorelleFebruary: Southbound, Harriet’s Delicatessen, Welton’s Tiny BakeshopJanuary 2023: Ruby’s BagelsDecember 2022: The QuinteNovember 2022: Island Provisions, Iron RoseOctober 2022: Port of CallSeptember 2022: Gingerline, King BBQ Pop-Up, Bar 167August 2022: Vern’s, Spice PaletteJuly 2022: Bar Rollins, Cold Shoulder, MineroJune 2022: Sullivan’s Fish Camp, Laura, Islander 71 Fish House and Deck Bar

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Hanover Street dive Palace Hotel has a new home on Meeting Street. The updated address has all the features of the previous space: funky decor, cold beer, innovative hot dogs, and frequent visits from Southern Charm star Shep Rose.

Chefs Zachary and Hannah Welton make some of the best pizza in Charleston with their wood-fired pop-ups, and now they are bringing more dough to Charleston with the opening of King Street storefront Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop. The new establishment is open Friday through Sunday, and puts out a stellar selection of croissants, benne seed loaves, kolaches, cookies, and more.

Tucked away in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood sits American bistro Vern’s. Seats filled up as soon as the reservations opened, because Charleston was interested to see what former McCrady’s employees Dano and Bethany Heinze would do with the space previously held by Italian restaurant Trattoria Lucca. Vern’s is a thoughtful spot exuding easy comfort. Open for dinner and brunch, the menu draws from Dano’s culinary background working with hyperlocal Lowcountry products and California cuisine. Early standout items include a fresh campanelli with rabbit and a perfectly roast poussin in a brown butter jus.

After four years in the waiting, restaurateurs Ryan and Kelleanne Jones opened their live-fire cooking kitchen on Cannon Street. Southbound’s menu is “American influenced,” and features high-end proteins like dry-aged steaks and black sea bass, with a sprinkling of fine dining ingredients like foie gras and sweetbreads. The gorgeously renovated Charleston residence makes for a fun, yet refined, atmosphere for fine dining.

The couple behind Christophe Artisan Chocolatier, Carly and Christophe Paume, opened all-day French cafe LaBonne Franquette. The quaint West Ashley restaurant serves traditional French fare, like quiche, croque monsieur, moules frites, beef tartare, escargot, and more. If the weather is nice, sit on the cheery pink and orange patio.

The most recent bivalve restaurant on the scene, the Quinte, comes from Philadelphia-based hospitality company Method Co., which runs the connected boutique hotel the Pinch. Method Co. is known for its luxury details and attention to branding in all its projects, which for the Quinte, means a seductive Paris-meets-old-New-York interior with a menu full of hyper-local seafood. The menu is tight, but it hits the highlights one would expect from an oyster bar — from seafood towers to shrimp rolls to caviar service.

Food and beverage vet Chaz Wendel joined forces with former Husk chef Tyler Hunt to open colorful sandwich shop Legend Deli on George Street. Looking to bring the best sandwiches to Charleston, the kitchen puts out the classics, like a club sandwich that they call In Da Club Sub, or new, creative combos like the Sweet Baby Jesus with shredded sweet potato in a Cheerwine barbecue sauce. Legend Deli also offers breakfast with steamed bagels and hash brown burritos.

The team at popular oyster spot 167 Raw created a gorgeous Mediterranean bar right around the corner on Fulton Street. Bar 167 boasts a bar on each floor, and the interiors are full of easy, breezy nautical touches. Food includes fresh-baked focaccia, crudos, and a bistro steak. Cocktails have an emphasis on housemade tonics, along with spritzes and sangria.

Reservations filled up for stunning Italian restaurant Sorelle as soon as they opened, but the bar is walk-ins only, so try stopping by to grab a seat or a table. The bar opens at 4 p.m. and serves the full dinner menu at 5 p.m. The menu focuses on southern Italian cooking, which means arancini stuffed with bolognese, pasta-baked branzino, ricotta tortelloni with prosciutto, and much more. During the day, the Mercato is open and serves Lamill coffee drinks and breakfast items like mascarpone and Nutella toast. For lunch, the shop offers sandwiches ranging from meatballs and ricotta to chicken and broccoli rabe, as well as salads and Sicilian-style pizza by the slice. Gelato, wines, craft beers, and dry goods are also available. Most items are made to grab and go, but there is a communal table and window seating in the bustling space.

Hanover Street dive Palace Hotel has a new home on Meeting Street. The updated address has all the features of the previous space: funky decor, cold beer, innovative hot dogs, and frequent visits from Southern Charm star Shep Rose.

Chefs Zachary and Hannah Welton make some of the best pizza in Charleston with their wood-fired pop-ups, and now they are bringing more dough to Charleston with the opening of King Street storefront Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop. The new establishment is open Friday through Sunday, and puts out a stellar selection of croissants, benne seed loaves, kolaches, cookies, and more.

Tucked away in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood sits American bistro Vern’s. Seats filled up as soon as the reservations opened, because Charleston was interested to see what former McCrady’s employees Dano and Bethany Heinze would do with the space previously held by Italian restaurant Trattoria Lucca. Vern’s is a thoughtful spot exuding easy comfort. Open for dinner and brunch, the menu draws from Dano’s culinary background working with hyperlocal Lowcountry products and California cuisine. Early standout items include a fresh campanelli with rabbit and a perfectly roast poussin in a brown butter jus.

After four years in the waiting, restaurateurs Ryan and Kelleanne Jones opened their live-fire cooking kitchen on Cannon Street. Southbound’s menu is “American influenced,” and features high-end proteins like dry-aged steaks and black sea bass, with a sprinkling of fine dining ingredients like foie gras and sweetbreads. The gorgeously renovated Charleston residence makes for a fun, yet refined, atmosphere for fine dining.

The couple behind Christophe Artisan Chocolatier, Carly and Christophe Paume, opened all-day French cafe LaBonne Franquette. The quaint West Ashley restaurant serves traditional French fare, like quiche, croque monsieur, moules frites, beef tartare, escargot, and more. If the weather is nice, sit on the cheery pink and orange patio.

The most recent bivalve restaurant on the scene, the Quinte, comes from Philadelphia-based hospitality company Method Co., which runs the connected boutique hotel the Pinch. Method Co. is known for its luxury details and attention to branding in all its projects, which for the Quinte, means a seductive Paris-meets-old-New-York interior with a menu full of hyper-local seafood. The menu is tight, but it hits the highlights one would expect from an oyster bar — from seafood towers to shrimp rolls to caviar service.

Food and beverage vet Chaz Wendel joined forces with former Husk chef Tyler Hunt to open colorful sandwich shop Legend Deli on George Street. Looking to bring the best sandwiches to Charleston, the kitchen puts out the classics, like a club sandwich that they call In Da Club Sub, or new, creative combos like the Sweet Baby Jesus with shredded sweet potato in a Cheerwine barbecue sauce. Legend Deli also offers breakfast with steamed bagels and hash brown burritos.

The team at popular oyster spot 167 Raw created a gorgeous Mediterranean bar right around the corner on Fulton Street. Bar 167 boasts a bar on each floor, and the interiors are full of easy, breezy nautical touches. Food includes fresh-baked focaccia, crudos, and a bistro steak. Cocktails have an emphasis on housemade tonics, along with spritzes and sangria.

Reservations filled up for stunning Italian restaurant Sorelle as soon as they opened, but the bar is walk-ins only, so try stopping by to grab a seat or a table. The bar opens at 4 p.m. and serves the full dinner menu at 5 p.m. The menu focuses on southern Italian cooking, which means arancini stuffed with bolognese, pasta-baked branzino, ricotta tortelloni with prosciutto, and much more. During the day, the Mercato is open and serves Lamill coffee drinks and breakfast items like mascarpone and Nutella toast. For lunch, the shop offers sandwiches ranging from meatballs and ricotta to chicken and broccoli rabe, as well as salads and Sicilian-style pizza by the slice. Gelato, wines, craft beers, and dry goods are also available. Most items are made to grab and go, but there is a communal table and window seating in the bustling space.

High School Notes: James Island wrestlers grab King of County title

For the first time in more than a decade, a school other than Wando has captured the King of the County wrestling tournament.The event includes all of the wrestling programs in Charleston County, and Wando had won the last 11 years before last weekend. The new king is James Island, which out-pointed Wando by 32.5 points to claim the championship.In the individual weight classes, James Island winners included Ellis Murrell (113 pounds), Antonio Petrie (126), Tommy Johnson (138), Pedro Lacerda (152), Savion Smalls (182) and Jon G...

For the first time in more than a decade, a school other than Wando has captured the King of the County wrestling tournament.

The event includes all of the wrestling programs in Charleston County, and Wando had won the last 11 years before last weekend. The new king is James Island, which out-pointed Wando by 32.5 points to claim the championship.

In the individual weight classes, James Island winners included Ellis Murrell (113 pounds), Antonio Petrie (126), Tommy Johnson (138), Pedro Lacerda (152), Savion Smalls (182) and Jon Garrett (285).

Wando individual winners included Jack Nathan (106), Alex Cyr (120), Griffin Thomas (132), Luca Cavallaro (145), Pierce Carpenter (170) and Jacob Pelbath (195).

Other winners included Kevin Young (160) and Savon Garrett (220), both of Stall. Young was named the most outstanding wrestler for weights 152 to 285. Johnson was the most outstanding wrestler from weights 106-145.

Johnson now has 32 wins this season and is ranked as the No. 3 138-pounder in Class AAAA by scmat.com.

James Island now sets its sights on the Region 7-AAAA championship. If all goes well, that will be decided in a big showdown with May River on Jan. 25.

Already this region season, the Trojans have recorded a win over top 10 club Hilton Head, their first win over the Seahawks in more than a decade. May River is currently ranked No. 3 in Class AAAA.

A third team goal for James Island is to qualify at least six wrestlers for the Class AAAA state wrestling tournament in February. Six qualifiers would be one more than the five that qualified last season.

Leading the charge this winter for the Trojans are four team captains —Johnson, Petrie, Lacerda and 132-pounder Cody Chanthabane.

Peace keeping pace

Cane Bay junior wrestler J.J. Peace is continuing his impressive career this season.

Peace, a two-time state champion, has yet to lose a high school match as part of the Cobras’ program. Peace enters action this week with a 75-0 record and seeks to become only the eighth wrestler in state history to have three consecutive undefeated seasons.

If he were to finish this year and next year without a loss, he would become the first wrestler in state history to have four undefeated high school seasons.

Faith Christian on a roll

The Faith Christian boys basketball team has climbed the statewide rankings in the S.C. Independent School Association’s Class A. The Knights are ranked second in the state in Class A and posted a big win over No. 3 Charleston Collegiate on Jan. 13., winning by 59-48. The win improved the Knights to 16-2 on the season.

David Shelton’s Lowcountry Top 10

Boys Basketball

1. Summerville

2. Goose Creek

3. Oceanside Collegiate

4. First Baptist

5. Cane Bay

6. Porter-Gaud

7. James Island

8. Lucy Beckham

9. Woodland

10. Ashley Ridge

Girls Basketball

1. Philip Simmons

2. Stratford

3. Summerville

4. Academic Magnet

5. Cane Bay

6. Northwood Academy

7. Bishop England

8. James Island

9. Stall

10. Timberland

Environmental groups want a public hearing on bridge over Pennys Creek

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project is urging people to request a public hearing for a potential bridge to be built over Pennys Creek.Published: Tue Mar 07 2023JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Environmental Law Project is urging people to request a public hearing for a potential bridge to be built over Pennys Creek.Pennys Creek separates a portion of land from Johns Island between the creek and the Stono River. The two-lane bridge would be 33-feet-wide by 570-feet-long.Conservationists say t...

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project is urging people to request a public hearing for a potential bridge to be built over Pennys Creek.

Published: Tue Mar 07 2023

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Environmental Law Project is urging people to request a public hearing for a potential bridge to be built over Pennys Creek.

Pennys Creek separates a portion of land from Johns Island between the creek and the Stono River. The two-lane bridge would be 33-feet-wide by 570-feet-long.

Conservationists say that kind of construction work would affect the water quality and health of the salt marsh ecosystem. Betsy LaForce is with the Coastal Conservation League.

“We’re thinking about- runoff from cars and stormwater runoff that would go right into the marsh, but also just some of the shading and then the impacts from the piling,” she says.

The applicant is Mike Blanchard of Charles Blanchard Construction Corporation. The proposed name for the bridge is the Blanchard Family Bridge. The application is to build at Fenwick Plantation Road and St. Paul’s Parish Lane. That intersection sits inside a quiet Johns Island neighborhood. According to DHEC’s public notice, the purpose is to provide car access to private property where “access to public roadways is otherwise infeasible.”

South Carolina Environmental Law Project is concerned that the bridge will impact the estuarine ecosystem including some marsh habitat. The organization is also submitting a letter on behalf of the Coastal Conservation League. While the private bridge would access private property, the project argues that the negative impacts to the public waterway and ecosystem held entrust by the state are not worth it.

LaForce says there are a lot of questions about this bridge.

“There are kind of more questions than answers that have been provided in the application in the letter of intent as to why the applicant really needs this bridge to this island that’s already been under the same ownership for quite a long time and access via a separate bridge hasn’t been needed to date,” LaForce says. “So that’s part of the reason why this public hearing will be so important…to ask them to ask the applicant to provide a little bit more background on why this access is needed to the tip of this marsh island.”

The letter argues that there already is access to the land via Rushland Road. “The applicant does not appear to have detailed why this is an infeasible route for access” and that “their proposed access is not a necessity,” according to the letter. The applicant says he has been denied access through that avenue.

In a statement, the applicant explains his family has owned the land since the 40′s and sold off most of it reserving six remaining acres for their grandchildren to use. He says there used to be more bridges and causeways that fell into disrepair and have not been replaced. He says they have secured a permit in the past, but let it expire before being able to build.

Part of the statement reads:

“This property is landlocked and the only available access is by a bridge. We tried for 50 years to get access through the neighboring land between our property and Rushland Landing Road to no avail. We have met all of the regulations and were granted a bridge permit 3 times. If we can’t build a bridge, we cannot access our land.”

LaForce says they are also worried about development pressure.

“Some of the infrastructure that’s being proposed for such a sensitive ecosystem…so on our Sea Islands, we want to be really cognizant of these piecemeal kind of applications that are being considered whether it’s for new roadways, new bridges, and sort of the cumulative impacts that each of those individual budgets has on the bigger picture,” LaForce.

South Carolina Environmental Law Project urges people to submit a request for a public hearing to learn more about the reason for the bridge and potential impact to the environment. Neighbors say they are confident they will meet the 20-request requirement for a public hearing.

Public comments end on March 8th. For more information, click here.

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Food, drink options explode on James Island

Yummy! James Island was once an area full of nationwide chains and fast food joints with a few hidden gems known only to longtime locals.Not any more. Now there are more options than ever for residents and visitors featuring new food and beverage spots outside of the peninsula from new concepts like rotisserie chicken joint El Pollo Guapo, Point Break Coffee & Drive-Thru, and Wisconsin Meat & Cheese on Folly Road to the expansion of existing local businesses such as Millers All Day and Huriyali. Mount Pleasant’s...

Yummy!

James Island was once an area full of nationwide chains and fast food joints with a few hidden gems known only to longtime locals.

Not any more. Now there are more options than ever for residents and visitors featuring new food and beverage spots outside of the peninsula from new concepts like rotisserie chicken joint El Pollo Guapo, Point Break Coffee & Drive-Thru, and Wisconsin Meat & Cheese on Folly Road to the expansion of existing local businesses such as Millers All Day and Huriyali. Mount Pleasant’s highly touted Pakistani restaurant Malika Canteen is also joining the James Island crowd March 8 at Charleston Pour House.

“It snowballs,” said Brian Piesner, owner of Coastal Crust and Coastal Snack Bar. “If somebody’s doing well, bringing in nice clientele and is supported, it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, we can open down the road and probably do well there.’ ”

While gourmet pizza restaurant Coastal Crust expanded to James Island from Mount Pleasant three years ago, Piesner and company opened a brand new concept, Coastal Snack Bar, in mid-January less than two miles down the street on Harbor View Road.

“Now that we opened the Snack Bar,” he said, “I feel like the shift of excitement is going to be like, ‘Man, what’s going on over there?’ Now all of a sudden, this little pocket of town has some options.”

Coastal Snack Bar brings the same quality of food as Coastal Crust, but with a Caribbean island twist. It offers dishes like a blackened fish sandwich with citrus slaw and mahi mahi or a pecan gorgonzola salad for a healthy balance of sweet, spice, bitter and acid.

Like Coastal Crust, other existing establishments have joined the island. Millers All Day opened a second location in the Terrace Plaza on Maybank Highway in September, following the opening of My Father’s Moustache on the same street in August. West Ashley coffee spot Highfalutin set up shop just a few doors down from Coastal Crust while downtown coffee spot Huriyali opened its second location on Wappoo Drive.

Nate Thurston, co-owner of the popular downtown brunch spot Millers All Day said he realized that while the original location is a hot destination, especially for tourists, there was a need for a place on James Island that is focused on residents. If you’ve driven down King Street toward Broad Street, chances are you’ve seen the line outside of Millers All Day.

“It’s a little bit of a blessing and a curse,” Thurston said. “It’s a great scenario for the business, but it does make it inaccessible to some degree. So for that reason, we wanted to start getting some neighborhood exposure and specifically cater to the locals, which was our goal from the beginning.”

But translating the busy brunch spot to a quieter location can present different scenarios.

“The demographic could not be more different,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed learning to cater to a local community versus downtown which is, you know, alive. It’s very different. But we’re enjoying the diversity of each.”

The James Island Millers deviates from its downtown location by serving its menu from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and incorporating daily dinner specials such as the farmhouse frittata, which is made with rainbow cauliflower, asparagus and sweet peppers and topped with roasted carrots. So, if you missed out on grabbing a Millers Plate — two eggs, Jimmy Red Corn Grits or home fries, biscuit, bacon and pickled vegetables — at the downtown location, head across the bridge to Maybank Highway and enjoy breakfast for dinner.

James Island residents may see these familiar places nearer to home, but there’s plenty of new places to eat, too. El Pollo Guapo serves up gourmet rotisserie chickens on Folly Road. Wisconsin Meat & Cheese brings a new selection of options for a charcuterie board. And Odyssey Bottle Shop offers wine, international craft beers and a place to hang out in a little shopping center on Harbor View Road.

El Pollo Guapo had big shoes to fill when it moved in December into the building formerly occupied by Black Magic Cafe on Folly Road, a James Island staple for 13 years.

“When we first announced that we were coming in, it was a little bit of a mixed bag,” said Roy Reidl, co-owner of El Pollo Guapo. Some were devastated at the news of Black Magic’s closing, while others were excited for something new to the area, he added.

Reidl and his wife Heather are Connecticut natives with three El Pollo Guapo locations in their home state. During the pandemic, however, Reidl realized Connecticut wasn’t the right market, as El Pollo Guapo always had a beach/surfer vibe, he said. He and his family welcomed the beach town and wanted to promote the laid-back lifestyle with a Charleston location. The locations in Connecticut are still open.

“We feel very excited to be a part of the community here and want to give back,” Reidl said. “That’s something that’s really important to us.”

Despite its name, El Pollo Guapo isn’t a Mexican restaurant. It specializes in rotisserie chicken with Latin-inspired seasoning and sides, but you can find a couple tacos options on the menu, too.

Reidl and his family aren’t the only transplants to open up shop on the Island, either. Owners Taylor Ambrosius and her boyfriend Casey Diedrich opened Wisconsin Meat & Cheese in November, bringing a slice of their cheesy home state to the Lowcountry. Ambrosius, a Wisconsin native and Charleston attorney, and Diedrich import childhood favorite brands from Wisconsin to offer to James Island residents.

There’s many people from Wisconsin who live here, or have family in Wisconsin who have been very receptive about the shop, she said. “We’ve also had a lot of people that are from here, or from other places, that have given us a lot of really good feedback.”

The meat and cheese shop brings Wisconsin-original meats, locally made cheese and snack items like Potter’s Crackers, a whole grain, organic line of crackers, crisps and oyster crackers that are produced with locally sourced whole-wheat flour and local milk and butter. Customers as far away as Sumter have visited the area to pick up a piece of their Wisconsin home, according to Ambrosius.

Not too far away on Harbor View Road, Russell and Katherine Dodson said they opened Odyssey Bottle Shop in June to fill a need in the community. The shop specializes in craft beers, both local and international, and wines. It brings in local talent with frequent food truck pop-ups.

“For people on James Island, there just weren’t a lot of options [especially for craft beer],” said Russell Dodson. “Every time we’d ask anybody where they go, it was either a gas station or a grocery store, which you know, the selection isn’t that vast considering what’s out there and available.”

Odyssey Bottle Shop does more than just sell bottles and beer, though. Each week is a new line of international craft beers on tap, along with wine available by the glass and bottle, food trucks parked outside, pop-up smokers in the large back patio and even some arcade games.

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