Dear Island Neighbors,

Lots going on these days, so let’s dive in, so to speak:

WHERE TO REPORT STORMWATER PROBLEMS
As discussed recently, we have a number of stormwater management projects in various stages of development. One of the most important is the work toward our Island-wide master plan to guide future infrastructure improvements and construction.

The Town’s engineering team at SeamonWhiteside Associates is charged with putting this plan together, and they are still soliciting citizen input on problem areas. They have developed a website for residents to note where maintenance repairs and cleaning may be needed. https://bit.ly/SISSMR

Please give as much info as you can. The engineers encourage you to follow the advice attributed to Confucius and submit pictures of the flooded situation, but it’s not mandatory. (It’s also not mandatory to provide info on the “asset name/identifier”.)

Don’t think of this as complaining; you are helping with the assessments. Our engineering team is genuinely interested in getting as much info as possible and is relying on you to help provide some eyes on the ground...even if they’re under a couple inches of water.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8: LEARN ABOUT THE TOWN’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for May 8 at 4pm is a public hearing for the Comprehensive Plan update. This is the “blueprint” document for where the Town is heading over the next 5 years. Come out to contribute your input.

TUESDAY, MAY 14: LEARN ABOUT OUR HISTORIC ISLAND HOME
Many of you may remember, with fondness and appreciation, long-time Island resident Roy Williams, who passed away last year. Roy was the Island’s unofficial historian. He gave so generously of his time and knowledge to help us all appreciate the rich history that has made the Island what it is today.

On Tuesday, May 14, at 6:00 PM at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center will host the inaugural Roy Williams Memorial Lecture on Historic Preservation.   The speaker will be Kristopher King, who has a robust background and education in historic preservation and is currently a Lecturer in Clemson’s Historic Preservation Master's program, located in Charleston. Previously he was President and CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston. His talk, “Saving Grace: Historic Homes of Sullivan's Island”, will focus on the architectural gems we have on the island and how we can protect them. 

Please come out for a fascinating and informative talk, followed by a reception in the Sunrise Fellowship Hall. The price is right: Free.

SATURDAY, MAY 18: ENJOY A TASTE OF THE ISLAND
You likely know the Island Club, the modest frame building  located at 1452 Poe Ave, right next to the Fish Fry Shack at Station 15. Even if not familiar with it, you’ve no doubt driven, walked or biked by it.

The club was first established as a social club for residents in 1946. Since then it’s been the valued home base for a succession of Island social groups.

Currently it’s hosting the Sullivan’s Island Club, which is proving to be a very vibrant and enthusiastic group. Says Treasurer Hunter Stunzi, “A year ago we had roughly 20 members. Today I’m happy to report we now have 120 members and counting.  With your support we will restore the Island Club to its former glory as a gathering place for residents and fun! We are a 501c3 organization and happy to accept donations.”

To help support improvements at the club, on Saturday, May 18, they will host a new event there, a Taste of Sullivan’s Island, from noon till 3 PM. They promise “Tastes and Sips from Many Island Restaurants” (including sips for the adults). There will be a silent auction with items from local businesses.

You can learn more about the group and how to join it, and buy tickets to the event at https://thesullivansislandclub.com.Tickets are 50 bucks per adult and teen over 14,  and 25 per child 4-14, plus a tiny processing fee.

C’mon out to meet your neighbors, have some fun, and learn more about the Club.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29: COME OUT TO THE FIRE AND RESCUE SQUAD ANNUAL FISH FRY
This venerable Island tradition is a way to visit with friends and neighbors, support our great Fire and Rescue Squad, and enjoy a fish dinner at a ridiculous bargain (5 bucks each!). Save the date now. https://bit.ly/SI-FIRE

See you around the Island!

Pat O’Neil
Mayor
843 670 9266
Twitter: @oneilpm1
oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov