health insurance agent in Mount Pleasant

Published: Dec. 10, 2024 at 7:45 PM PST|

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant leaders held a special town council meeting Tuesday night where several community members spoke about a now-dropped sales tax increase proposal.

This comes the day after Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie made a public apology and announced the tax, which would have been used to fund major development projects at Patriots Point, would be dropped following major disapproval from the community.

The town council approved the first reading of a tourism development fee for the Patriots Point development just last week.

The project’s plan stated the fee was proposed as a local tax on retail items, designed to support the local economy.

A portion of the estimated funding from the fee would have been used to build the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, to which the town has already dedicated $3 million.

Funding was also anticipated to go towards $100 million in public infrastructure projects such as a 1,000-space parking garage, better roadways, a boardwalk along the waterfront, a public park, improvements to the town soccer fields, as well as renovations to the College of Charleston and Charleston Battery soccer stadium.

Some residents that came out raised concerns about the lack of transparency about the proposed sales tax increase to the community.

“I just want to know how this came about. I follow the agendas, there is no committee meeting. It just appears. It appears the Monday after Thanksgiving,” one public commenter said. “If you live on the property. If your direct family lives in Patriots Point. If you have a family member with contracts on Patriots Point, that should be known to the public.”

Some residents brought up that Haynie should resign from his role because of this proposal going straight to the town council and not through the committee first.

“If you were a CEO of a public company and you pulled these shenanigans without board approval you would be fired. You should do the right thing and resign effective immediately. If you don’t, the voters of Mount Pleasant will make sure you will be gone in November,” one public commenter said.

Another public commenter from the Coastal Conservation League brought up concerns related to protecting the land.

“We firmly believe that the proposed permanent structures and necessary infrastructure plans on the conservation easement property which includes the conference center and a 1,000-space parking garage do not meet the criteria of minimum improvement. Conservation easements are an essential tool in ensuring the integrity of our state’s natural resources from our water quality to wildlife to make sure these are sustained for future generations,” one public commenter said.

Another public commenter shared that although she thought the situation was a miscommunication she felt the residents shouldn’t be targeting Haynie.

“Just hearing everybody talk, I’m just going to say this seems like a bit of a witch hunt for Mayor Haynie and I don’t know perhaps some of you have only been to this because I haven’t seen a lot of your faces and I’m in here quite a bit and Mayor Haynie has done amazing things for this town and you can snicker all you want,” the public commenter said. “It seems like poor communication happened here and that’s all I’m going to say about that, but I do apologize for the witch hunt. I think it’s horrible.”

Following the public comment of the special town council meeting, each council member and Haynie spoke about the community’s concerns.

When Haynie spoke he covered concerns about protecting land at Patriots Point, accusations residents made that the town council members were only informed the day of the meeting last week before approval of the first reading, as well as a lack of transparency to residents.

“One reason this could not be thrown out to the public and I am a board member at Patriots Point and the Center for Leadership, all of that, everything that involved them up until the point that we said we could go public was privileged legal information,” Haynie said. “I met with our general council today, we reaffirmed that was the advice from the attorneys for all three. We cannot come out and discuss their landlord, tenant relationships and their legal and contractual things until they were at a point where they told us that we could go, and I hope you understand that because we had to operate under the law.”

Following the special town council meeting was the regular town council meeting, where council members received input from the public for a proposed development to be known as the Patriots Annex at Patriots Point. This development would include a mix of multi-family residential space, office, retail, hotel and conference, amphitheater, museums and public plazas. The town’s agenda says that this project is not related to the proposed tourism fee development that was dropped.

Town leaders emphasized the importance of being clear to residents that this isn’t just a change in the name of the project.

Officials say this proposed development will go to the planning commission on Dec. 11 for a public hearing, following that, it will go to the Committee, then the town council for first and second readings in January.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Published: Dec. 19, 2024 at 1:50 AM PST|

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - As both the safety and mobility of cyclists and pedestrians continue to be an issue, the Town of Mount Pleasant is taking action to make the roads safer for all users.

Two major projects in the Town of Mount Pleasant have just been approved and will improve safety and accessibility for nonmotorized road users in the area.

The Town has received approval for a shared-use path on the Isle of Palms Connector, as well as a significant project on Coleman Boulevard that would include the addition of new bike lanes and a new signal system for cyclists.

The Town received about $1.2 million in funding for the Coleman Boulevard project and a little under $500,000 for the IOP Connector project.

On the IOP Connector, town leaders plan to remove the sidewalk on the north side and replace it with a shared use path that will lead to the connector bridge itself, which will be a part of the Mount Pleasant Way, a series of multi-use paths throughout the town for the safety of pedestrians. They plan to separate cyclists and pedestrians with a 12-foot multi-use path and install lighting.

The Coleman Boulevard bike lanes project is something that no other municipality in the state has anything even remotely like, according to James Aton, the deputy director of capital projects and transportation department for the town.

They plan to not only complete the last remaining gap of bike lanes along the entirety of Coleman Boulevard, but to add nine signal heads with technology that actually will sense a cyclist in the bike lane approaching an intersection.

This will work similarly to the countdown signals for pedestrians, except cyclists will not have to press a button and there will be a traffic light specifically for cyclists. The thermal cameras that already exist in the intersections for motorized vehicles will sense a cyclist coming and turn all the lights in the intersection red for the motorized vehicles. It will give the cyclist their own green light for approximately five seconds, allowing the cyclist to proceed with the utmost safety.

In addition to the new signals, this funding covered the last unfunded segment of Coleman Boulevard. Leaders have been working to install over 2,300 feet of dedicated bike lanes, separating cyclists, pedestrians and motorists from Chuck Dawley Boulevard all the way to Patriots Point. This will cover the last area needed. This is something that town leaders have been working toward all year.

Aton says that they are very excited to get these projects going and he shared what his hope is for the future of these projects.

“The funding, of course, itself was for nonmotorized pedestrian, bicycle uses,” he says. “In line with our safety action plan, both of these segments and projects will work to improve mobility and safety in the Town and hopefully tie to other existing sections in the future.”

Aton says that both projects will require some design plans and permitting which should take about 12-18 months to complete. Once they can get started, he anticipates that it should take about 12 months for them to get the work completed on each of these projects so it will be about another two years before these projects come to fruition.

Aton says that they are looking forward to being able to prioritize their pedestrians and cyclists in the community as there is a big need for it. He says they are happy that other government organizations, like the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments and the South Carolina Department of Transportation felt the same way and chose to back these projects.

“We’re very excited about these two, nonmotorized infrastructure pieces. Happy that the COG thought they were worth funding. We certainly do and we look forward to getting the design process started and implemented to improve the safety of our nonmotorized users in the town,” Aton says.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Perspective Art Gallery has become a cherished hub for local artists and aspiring creatives. Since its inception in May 2017, the gallery has operated as a nonprofit driven by a heartfelt mission: to give back to the community and support the artistic growth of middle school students.

Betsy Jones McDonald, a member of the gallery’s steering committee, has been there since the beginning. She has witnessed firsthand how the gallery’s nonprofit initiative has evolved from its initial focus on scholarships to a broader vision that empowers young artists. “Our mission is to ensure that all proceeds go back to the three middle schools in Mount Pleasant.” This commitment has allowed the gallery to provide funding for local art programs, helping students develop their creative potential.

The gallery was founded thanks to a generous grant from the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, who recognized the need for a space where artists could showcase their work. “We wanted to create a place that not only highlights exceptional art but also inspires the next generation,” McDonald shared. As sales have grown over the years, so has the gallery’s ability to give back, further fueling its mission.

Art Displayed at Perspective Art Gallery, Mount Pleasant

Operating as a nonprofit is somewhat rare in the art world, only a small percentage of galleries follow this model. Another member of the steering committee, Anne Brownyard said, “We chose this path because we believe in the transformative power of art, especially for young minds.” The gallery currently exhibits work from 34 talented artists, with a diverse range of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, and sculpture. Each artist contributes not only a portion of proceeds from their artwork, but also engages with the community, often creating art live during events, allowing guests to connect with the creators behind the art.

In addition to exhibitions, Perspective Art Gallery hosts educational workshops and special events, making art accessible to all. Their Sunday workshops, led by well-known artists, offer a rare opportunity for participants to learn without the usual hefty price tag. “We want to make these experiences available to everyone, not just those who can afford expensive classes,” Brownyard noted. The gallery also hosts several events each year, where art lovers can mingle, enjoy refreshments and experience the vibrant community spirit.

As Perspective Art Gallery continues to grow, its commitment to nurturing young talent and enriching the community remains steadfast. Through art, the gallery enhances the cultural landscape of Mount Pleasant while inspiring the next generation of artists. The gallery’s vision is a testament to the belief that art is a powerful tool for connection, growth and transformation, proving that it can truly change lives — one masterpiece at a time.

For more information, please visit perspectiveartgallery.com.

Sharing is Caring

Lowcountry Strawberry Festival to Feature Dog Show Protected: Mount Pleasant Home Showcase Slated for March 9-10 Well-appointed Charming Downtown Charleston Cottage at 2227 Mount Pleasant Street Familial Flavors: Family-run Businesses Spicing Up the Kitchen

Published: Dec. 13, 2024 at 4:15 PM PST|

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Neighbors and community members rallied together to make a Christmas miracle happen for one Mount Pleasant couple during a time of need.

Lida Finlayson was surprised to see the overwhelming support from her community after posting on her Nextdoor neighborhood app asking if anyone knew of someone or a business that hung up Christmas lights on the outside of homes.

Finlayson said in her post that her husband, Michael, is recovering from stage three pancreatic cancer and she herself had hip surgery about a week ago. She said her children are going to be visiting from Chicago for the holidays and she wanted her house to be in the Christmas spirit when they were there.

Her post caught the attention of many neighbors, including some she had never met before, with over 100 comments. Inspired by her post, a group came together to decorate the Finlaysons’ house at no cost. They brought packs of lights, extension cords, and snacks, working together to create a true Christmas miracle for the family.

One of those neighbors, Cynthia Kalocsay, said that her story really stuck with her. Kalocsay said her mother had passed away around Christmas several years ago, and she understands how challenging it can be to navigate health challenges during the holiday season.

“I just said ‘let’s make this happen’ and the outpour of everybody jumping on, companies, people not just from this community, I don’t live in this community, from all over Mount Pleasant jumped on board,” Kalocsay said. “I feel like you know that’s kind of what Christmas is about is helping neighbors.”

Lida Finlayson said that if her neighbors hadn’t rallied together, their house wouldn’t have gotten decorated at all. She said she can’t wait for her family to see the decorations when they come.

“We would not have been able to decorate our house. We wouldn’t have had Christmas outside at all and for them to see and I wanted them to see, that was the whole point,” Lida said. “When they come they’re going to see this beautiful decoration and I’m so happy because otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to do it without our neighbors. Our wonderful neighbors.”

Michael Finlayson said he and a few of the handymen who came to help spent time searching their attic for Christmas lights but couldn’t find any. He expressed how grateful he was to everyone who stepped in and brought the spirit of Christmas to their home.

“We were just like without anything and these people brought so many lights today, it’s just crazy. All of these lights are not ours,” he said.

Kalocsay said that she was happy to see such a positive story come from the Nextdoor page, noting that a lot of times it’s used for people to criticize each other, and it shouldn’t be that way.

“This was a nice story and it was the community coming together instead of bashing them on Nextdoor, so I think that’s what Nextdoor is about is a situation like this where we can all come together as a community and help,” Kalocsay said.

The group of neighbors has already scheduled a time to come back and help the Finlaysons by taking all of the decorations down in January.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

While the hot, new restaurants tend to open in downtown Charleston, folks east of the Cooper need to eat too. Mount Pleasant serves up a lot of hidden gems that might not get the same publicity as the peninsula hot spots.

This group spans multiple cuisines, from Japanese to Vietnamese to Southwestern, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

After a successful run with Ma’am Saab at former food hall Workshop, restaurateurs Maryam Ghaznavi and Raheel Gauba opened another Pakistani restaurant, Malika Canteen, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Popular menu items include dahi puri, chicken tikka masala, the kabab roll plate, and paneer tikka masala.

Located in Towne Center, Savi Cucina has become known for its excellent wine selection, including a wine-tasting room and coveted inclusion in the wine club membership. Ricotta gnocchi and pizza options including the original fig and prosciutto pie accompany other Italian classics. Situated across from Regal Palmetto Grande movie theatre, Savi Cucina is a great stop before a film.

Chef Eric Milley constantly rotates the offerings on the menu at the Shellmore, but there’s always an oyster and cheese selection available to pair with the amazing wine selection. The restaurant is small and the kitchen is even smaller, but it puts out big flavors like shrimp and scallop risotto with lobster cream or rigatoni bolognese.

Kanpai is truly a staple of Mount Pleasant dining. Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and seems to score the freshest catches around. Always check out the specials, which can range from uni to chutoro.

Open since 2003, Langdon's serves some of the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant. The dining room is set for a special night out, but it isn’t stuffy. Start with local goat cheese gnocchi or seared foie gras and then move on to a lamb ribeye or duck breast with celery root puree.

Brunch is serious business at this restaurant that draws crowds for PB&J pancakes and breakfast martinis. There’s a downtown location as well.

A South-meets-Southwest staple of Mount Pleasant, Red Drum has served the community since 2005. An inviting patio, great margaritas made with real ingredients, crispy fried shrimp, and a wood-fired creations from chef Ben Berryhill keep this a date night destination for many in the Lowcountry.

Expect friendly and fast service at this Mount Pleasant deli. At Mozzo, it’s common to hear, “Hey Jimmy, are you having the regular?” Other patrons can choose from an extensive sandwich menu featuring proteins like chicken cutlet, roast beef, turkey, and Italian meats served on ten different kinds of bread. Daily soups, house-made pickles, and local iced tea are a few of the many accompaniments offered.

Interested in grabbing a few cocktails and watching the sunset? Head here. Chef Denis Crutchfield’s menu offers plenty to snack on, whether it be roasted oysters with “casino butter” or pimento cheese with bacon jam, plus flatbreads and entrees such as grilled swordfish and pasta bolognese.

Oysters are the star at Nico, but there’s so much more to explore. This bustling brasserie from chef Nico Romo serves a wide variety of raw bar items and classic French dishes like escargot and burgundy sea scallops. The wood-fired oven brings a bit of smokiness to the menu through a selection of roasted bivalves and whole roasted fish. The brunch is popular here as well.

Locals like to debate whether Shem Creek dive Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is too touristy or just the right amount of out-of-towners. Nestled on the water, the dining room is not much more than a screen porch and some plastic furniture. It’s no frills, so stop by after a trip to the beach for some boiled peanuts, a cold beer, and fried shrimp.

Post House is a handsome tavern anchoring the Old Village. The neighborhood restaurant focuses on coastal, seasonal cuisine, and classic cocktails. Diners can start their meals with blue crab toast or Abundant Seafood crudo and move on to a half chicken or smothered pork loin. In addition to dinner, the restaurant offers lunch and brunch.

Established in 1945, H&R Sweet Shop is a staple of the Old Village. The address is an old shotgun-style building with a small cafe on the left and a hat shop on the right. Visitors come for deals on griddled burgers, fried oyster plates, and daily specials like cabbage and rice — many dishes are $10-$20 and some less than that.

After a successful run with Ma’am Saab at former food hall Workshop, restaurateurs Maryam Ghaznavi and Raheel Gauba opened another Pakistani restaurant, Malika Canteen, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Popular menu items include dahi puri, chicken tikka masala, the kabab roll plate, and paneer tikka masala.

Located in Towne Center, Savi Cucina has become known for its excellent wine selection, including a wine-tasting room and coveted inclusion in the wine club membership. Ricotta gnocchi and pizza options including the original fig and prosciutto pie accompany other Italian classics. Situated across from Regal Palmetto Grande movie theatre, Savi Cucina is a great stop before a film.

Chef Eric Milley constantly rotates the offerings on the menu at the Shellmore, but there’s always an oyster and cheese selection available to pair with the amazing wine selection. The restaurant is small and the kitchen is even smaller, but it puts out big flavors like shrimp and scallop risotto with lobster cream or rigatoni bolognese.

Kanpai is truly a staple of Mount Pleasant dining. Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and seems to score the freshest catches around. Always check out the specials, which can range from uni to chutoro.

Open since 2003, Langdon's serves some of the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant. The dining room is set for a special night out, but it isn’t stuffy. Start with local goat cheese gnocchi or seared foie gras and then move on to a lamb ribeye or duck breast with celery root puree.

Brunch is serious business at this restaurant that draws crowds for PB&J pancakes and breakfast martinis. There’s a downtown location as well.

A South-meets-Southwest staple of Mount Pleasant, Red Drum has served the community since 2005. An inviting patio, great margaritas made with real ingredients, crispy fried shrimp, and a wood-fired creations from chef Ben Berryhill keep this a date night destination for many in the Lowcountry.

Expect friendly and fast service at this Mount Pleasant deli. At Mozzo, it’s common to hear, “Hey Jimmy, are you having the regular?” Other patrons can choose from an extensive sandwich menu featuring proteins like chicken cutlet, roast beef, turkey, and Italian meats served on ten different kinds of bread. Daily soups, house-made pickles, and local iced tea are a few of the many accompaniments offered.

Interested in grabbing a few cocktails and watching the sunset? Head here. Chef Denis Crutchfield’s menu offers plenty to snack on, whether it be roasted oysters with “casino butter” or pimento cheese with bacon jam, plus flatbreads and entrees such as grilled swordfish and pasta bolognese.

Oysters are the star at Nico, but there’s so much more to explore. This bustling brasserie from chef Nico Romo serves a wide variety of raw bar items and classic French dishes like escargot and burgundy sea scallops. The wood-fired oven brings a bit of smokiness to the menu through a selection of roasted bivalves and whole roasted fish. The brunch is popular here as well.

Locals like to debate whether Shem Creek dive Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is too touristy or just the right amount of out-of-towners. Nestled on the water, the dining room is not much more than a screen porch and some plastic furniture. It’s no frills, so stop by after a trip to the beach for some boiled peanuts, a cold beer, and fried shrimp.

Post House is a handsome tavern anchoring the Old Village. The neighborhood restaurant focuses on coastal, seasonal cuisine, and classic cocktails. Diners can start their meals with blue crab toast or Abundant Seafood crudo and move on to a half chicken or smothered pork loin. In addition to dinner, the restaurant offers lunch and brunch.

Established in 1945, H&R Sweet Shop is a staple of the Old Village. The address is an old shotgun-style building with a small cafe on the left and a hat shop on the right. Visitors come for deals on griddled burgers, fried oyster plates, and daily specials like cabbage and rice — many dishes are $10-$20 and some less than that.