06.12.2023

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Today’s Forecast

Union Pier + Planning Commission meeting

The Planning Commission hears public comments on Union Pier

A rendering presented of the proposed Union Pier Waterfront Park. | Photo via the Port Authority

What is the future of Union Pier? And what is being proposed? We attended the Planning Commission’s special meeting for public comment on June 7 — so let’s break it down.

What do I need to know?

Union Pier is a 65-acre property along the eastern edge of the Charleston Peninsula (located between East Bay Street and the Cooper River).
The estimated cost of the project (presented in the proposal) is $275+ million.
After an almost five-hour meeting, the Planning Commission decided to defer their decision.

What’s being proposed?

In December of 2022, the Port Authority presented a plan for the future of Union Pier to be transformed into a new development.

The current proposal involves transforming the Union Pier area to become a city center — including taller buildings, smaller blocks, and areas of highest elevation. Think: Daniel Island Town Center.

Significant impacts of the proposal would include:

Updating the Rice Mill
Creating a commerce area
Adding green spaces and parks
Developing more hotels
Improving coastal protections
Constructing affordable housing units
Changing traffic patterns

CHStoday customs house rendering — A rendering from the viewpoint of the proposed development around the facade of the Customs House.
|
Photo via the Port Authority

What are the concerns?

More than 503 written comments were submitted and over 60 people signed up to speak. Here’s some of what we heard:

One of the most-commented-on parts of the plan was traffic patterns. Many residents expressed concern about how this development could impact existing traffic flows on East Bay Street.
Many residents also recommended a slowing of the current development timeline and called for more research to be conducted on water proximity projections, water management, and sea level rise before the proposal moves forward.

CHStoday Ravenel Bridge Union Pier — The current view standing on the Union Pier property and looking out.
|
Photo by CHStoday team

So.... what’s next?

The planning commission will meet again the week of July 10 to approve, adjust, or deny the proposal as currently outlined.

More details + how to get involved

Events

Monday, June 12

3rd Annual Lowcountry Juneteenth Week 2023 | Monday, June 12 to Monday, June 19 | Times vary | Hanahan Amphitheater, 3100 Mabeline Rd., Hanahan | Prices vary | Check out the event opportunities to honor our Black community at this week long festival.
Youth Tri Swim Clinic | Monday, June 12 | 6-7 p.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston | $15 | Learn open water swimming skills to prepare for summer and stay safe in the water.
Pretty Good | Monday, June 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy., Charleston | Free | Rock out and sip on brews at this show on the deck stage at Pour House.

Tuesday, June 13

Cooking Like a Chef 4-H Daycamp | Tuesday, June 13| 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Abiding Word Kids Center, 302 Abiding Way, Moncks Corner | $45 | This daycamp is a great way for little ones to try their hand at cooking in a safe environment.
Drive-Thru Baby Shower for 100 Expectant & New Mothers | Tuesday, June 13 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Golden Corral, 4968 Centre Pointe Dr., North Charleston | Free | This event is aimed at bringing baby essentials into the hands of expectant mothers who need support.

Wednesday, June 14

Summer Movie Series | Wednesday, June 14 | 2 p.m. | Dorchester Road Library, 6325 Dorchester Rd., North Charleston | Free | Grab a bag of popcorn and catch a screening of Top Gun at the library.
Firefly Distillery Hosts National Bourbon Day Product Release Party | Wednesday, Jun. 14 | 5-7 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | Free | Head out to Firefly to snag a limited edition Barrel Proof Bourbon Bottle to celebrate National Bourbon Day.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

✈️ How to protect your gut health while traveling

It’s very common for travel to wreak havoc on our digestive system, due to a number of factors from eating new foods to time changes (yes, “gut-lag” is a thing). | Photo by Pendulum

We’ve all been there: a sunny beach, a gorgeous new city, a cute little cabin — and then you feel the dreaded rumble. Your stomach doesn’t feel good, and you have to get to a bathroom, pronto.

Don’t let that happen to you. Before your next summer trip, brush up on five tips to keep your gut happy on the go:

1. Stay hydrated. Stick to (safe) tap or bottled water.
2. Pack probiotics. Pro tip: Sprint to checkout (instead of the bathroom) for 20% off Metabolic Daily with code 6AMCITY.

3 more gut-friendly travel tips

News Notes

Development

A groundbreaking ceremony for Bermuda Pointe Towns, a development that will contain 40 new townhomes, was conducted on Ashley River Road. The townhomes will act as affordable workforce housing for individuals who earn between 80% and 120% of Charleston County’s median income. Construction is set to be complete in 2024. (WCIV)

Announced

The International African American Museum announced upcoming events for its Tuesday, June 27 opening. The public is invited to a free multi-faith church service on Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m. and a Community Watch Celebration for a Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, June 24 at 10 a.m. (CRBJ BizWire)

Health

From Monday, June 12 through Sunday, July 23, the Charleston County Main Library will have Nurse Hannah Noel-Bouchard on-site to provide blood pressure checks, personalized education on health topics, health-related trainings, and workshops.

Drink

Firefly Distillery is celebrating National Bourbon Day on Wednesday, June 14 with the release of its special edition barrel proof bourbon. Join the distillery from 5 to 7 p.m. for specialty cocktails, tasting flights, Father’s Day gift ideas and demos, and the chance to purchase a bottle. (Holy City Sinner)

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Featured Deal

If your dad is where the sun rises and sets in your eyes, here’s a Father’s Day gift idea: RYSE is offering 10% off their entire store of SmartShades easy-install, tech-forward motorized window shades and accessories with code FATHER10 now through Sun., June 18. Snag the deal.*

Trending

How to make skincare more fun: the Marshmallow Whip Maker, which turns any cleanser into a fluffy, marshmallow-like foam that’s rich and creamy on the skin.*

Read

On a lighter note... southern cookbook released

Charleston based cookbook release

We are swooning over the dish on this cover art. | Photo provided by CharlotteBergerPR

Feast your eyes on a newly released cookbook from Charleston based author — Lauren McDuffie.

“Southern Lights” features over 100 recipes of light southern style cooking. The emphasis is placed on revamping traditional dishes to create healthy food for all.

These recipes pack a flavorful punch while combining healthy ingredients with classic comfort foods. Sample some of the recipes available in the book:

Sheet Pan Catfish with Okra, Corn, and Tomatoes
Chile-Soaked Watermelon With Smoked Almond
Pimento Cheese Hummus
Hushpuppy Popovers

Head on over to Lauren’s blog — My Kitchen Little — to see more recipes and cookbooks she has worked on.

Answered

Last week we asked “What is your favorite way to beat the heat?” and here’s what you said:

Love this shot of a dreamy sunrise on Sullivan’s Island. | Photo by CHStoday team

It comes at no surprise to us that the most popular vote was for: Catching some rays at the beach.

What to pack for your next beach trip

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mia

From the editor

Fun fact: as we get to know each other I am a massive cook and really excited to check out Lauren’s new book.

On that note, I would love to hear from y’all about your favorite Lowcountry recipes or things I need to add into my pantry. Let me know and have a great start to the week.

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