South Carolina's Best Fence Company for Privacy, Protection, and Peace of Mind
Most homeowners agree that one of the best-looking, multi-purpose additions to a house is having a quality fence installed around the property. When it comes to aesthetics, affordability, and practicality, few upgrades are as popular as a new fence. They help safeguard your property when you're away, can keep your kids or pets safe and sound in your yard, and even prevent neighborly hazards from happening.
When built by professional fencing contractors in James Island, SC residential fences can add curb appeal and resale value to your home, too. Whether you're looking to secure farm animals or want a little more privacy from your neighbors, installing a fence is a great, useful idea. When it comes to investing in your home, it's important you work with a trusted fencing company with years of experience. That's where Five Star Fencing comes in.
Our top-rated fencing company has built a reputation for building the most durable, attractive fences in metro James Island, SC. Our model is simple: give our loyal customers the highest quality fence products at reasonable prices, installed by reliable fencing contractors in James Island. Unlike some fence installation companies, we have built our reputation on hard work and true value. We strive to go the extra mile for our clients and do so with a friendly smile and helpful advice.
When you hire Five Star Fence Company for your fence installation project, know that you are working with the very best in the business. We take our work seriously because you trust us with the privacy, protection, and curb appeal of your home or business.
Fencing Contractors
- South Carolina's Best Fence Company for Privacy, Protection, and Peace of Mind
- The Premier Residential Fencing Company in James Island, SC
- The Most Popular Residential Fence Designs in James Island, SC
- Benefits of Fencing in Your Residential Property
- The Top Commercial Fence Contractor in James Island, SC
- Quality Workmanship. Unmatched Fence Installation in James Island, SC
When you work with Five Star Fence, you can always count on:
- The Finest Construction and Fence Installation in James Island
- All Jobs Completed with Workers' Comp and General Liability Insurance
- Residential and Commercial Fencing Services
- Prompt, Reliable Installation
- Long-Term Fence Dependability
- Fencing Options Like Aluminum, Privacy, Picket, Chain Link, & More
- Free Quotes
- Friendly Service
We're proud to offer the same level of service for all our customers - whether they have a large commercial fencing project to
complete or a two-bedroom home that needs a privacy fence.
The Premier Residential Fencing Company in James Island, SC
Whether you're looking to define property lines, enhance your home's security, boost curb appeal, or all three, having a fence built for your home is a great choice. Whether you choose a classic picket fence or a sturdy aluminum alternative, Carlina Fence Company has the tools, experience, and expert team to install a high-quality fence for your home.
If you know that you need a new fence but are unsure of where to start with the process, ask yourself these questions:
- Where will your fence be placed? Backyard? Front Yard? Both?
- What are concerns will a fence help alleviate? Privacy Security? Curb Appeal?
- Do you prefer certain fencing materials like metal or wood?
- Do you want a certain kind of fence like chain link or picket?
- What is your budget?
Once you can answer one or two of those questions, it's time to give Five Star Fence Company a call. Our knowledgeable, friendly team of fencing experts can help narrow down your affordable fencing choices. When you're ready, we'll take a trip to your home and provide a thorough, hassle-free quote for your consideration. Once we know the details and scope of your fence installation, we'll get to work building you a beautiful, sturdy fence that will last for years to come.
But with so many different fence styles available, it can be hard to choose which fence will be the perfect fit for your home. To help you select the right fence, consider these popular styles:

The Most Popular Residential Fence Designs in James Island, SC
Usually, fences fall into three categories: decorative, functional, and privacy. Whether your plan is to use your fence for pet safety, family privacy, or property lines, Five Star Fence has plenty of options to choose from. With a myriad of materials like aluminum, wood, and vinyl, you're sure to find the perfect fence style for you and your family.

Privacy Fences: A great privacy fence not only protects your family from the prying eyes of strangers. It can be great for security, too. Available in a variety of materials like vinyl and wood, privacy fences transform spaces like backyards into secluded hideaways. Ask Five Star Fence about decorative options, too, like post caps, coordinating gates, and lattice panel tops.

Picket Fences: If you want to capture the essence of Americana, a picket fence might be your best choice. One of the most beloved styles of all time, many picket fences come with heavy-duty vinyl and feature extra-wide posts with slimmer top and bottom rails. You can also choose from several stylish wooden picket fences to enhance your home's appearance.

Chain Link Fences: Chain link fencing is one of the most common, cost-effective ways to keep your property safe. Available in galvanized and aluminized options, you can also select vinyl coated colors like black and green. For extra security, Five Star Fence Company can install barbed wire and even automatic gates if needed.

Aluminum Fences: Often considered the ultimate combo of beauty, durability, and strength, aluminum fencing enhances your home's curb appeal and protects too. Warranted by the manufacturer for life, aluminum fences at Five Star Fence Company come in many colors and styles. We even have a variety of heights to pick from as well, including special order aluminum fences.

Wooden Fences: From heavy-duty lattice fences made with pressure-washed pine to traditional estate-style split-rail fencing, wooden fences are affordable and effective. But wood fences do more than fill a need - they add value and style to your home. Fenced-in yards are a hot commodity in today's real estate market and can boost the value of your home if you're looking to sell. In terms of ROI, wood fencing is near the top of the list. At Five Star Fence Company, our design team will work closely with you to install the wooden fence of your dreams.
Benefits of Fencing in Your Residential Property
Whether you're looking to build a new fence out of necessity or as a beautiful addition to your home,
you may not be aware that there are many more benefits to installing a fence around your property.

Residential Fencing Protects Your Landscaping: Most South Carolina homeowners know that high winds and heavy rains are a common occurrence in our state. Those winds and rain can have a hugely negative effect on your home's landscaping, which you probably worked hard to perfect. Luckily, installing a fence can help prevent strong gusts of wind and help keep rain runoff from flooding your property. What's more, a wooden or aluminum fence from Five Star Fence Company will complement your landscaping style while protecting your shrubs and plants.

Residential Fencing Protects Kids & Pets: We have had the pleasure of working with many homeowners over the years. One of the most-cited reasons we hear for installing a residential fence is to protect kids and pets. If you're concerned about your tiniest family members wandering outside or into a neighbor's yard, installing a fence is a great preventative decision. Fencing in your front or backyard can also help keep out animal intruders, whether it's your neighbor's pets or a wilder animal.

Residential Fencing Minimizes Unsightly Views: Residential Fencing Minimizes Unsightly Views: If your neighbor's home is not exactly fit for a postcard, don't stress out. Our residential fencing company in James Island, SC can install a great-looking fence to minimize views of unkempt or unattractive areas beyond your property line. Our vinyl and wood fencing options are very popular for this purpose, creating a beautiful enclosure for your family to enjoy.

Residential Fencing Creates a Sound Barrier: Believe it or not, many vinyl and wood privacy fences are used as sound barriers. Busy communities or neighborhoods close to major highways suffer from noise pollution. The same goes for homes located near train tracks. If you're sick and tired of hearing the highway every time you try to take a nap, our wooden privacy fences can minimize the sounds polluting your property.
The Top Commercial Fence Contractor
in James Island, SC
As a licensed, insured company with decades of commercial fence installation experience, it's no wonder South Carolina's most respected commercial entities trust Five Star Fence with their commercial fencing projects. While residential fencing can be nuanced, commercial fencing is inherently complex, with a number of factors at play, like bids, deadlines, and employee downtime.
Unlike some commercial fencers in James Island, our team is dedicated to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. We know time is of the essence with your commercial project, which is why we work with your busy schedule to complete your project on time. Our goal is to go in and do our job professionally, accurately, and timely so your other subcontractors can begin their respective jobs.
Hiring a team of licensed, insured fencing contractors like you'll find at Five Star Fence ensures a proper return on your investment while protecting your property and employees.
If you're still on the "fence" about whether you should consider commercial fencing for your business or organization, contact our office today to learn more about the commercial installation side of our business. We'll take the time to explain our commercial installation process and help you choose the best fence for your business needs.

Frequently Asked Fencing Questions
At Five Star Fence, we do everything in our power to make your fence installation easy, streamlined, and effortless on your end. If you're considering a new fence installation, you probably have some questions about our process. To help address some of your concerns, here are answers to some of the most common questions that come across our desks.
Q. I need a fence installed for my home in James Island. How long will it take?
A. A typical residential fence takes between two to four days to complete, depending on the size and build of your home. We will do our best to cater to your busy schedule and offer reliable fence installation services Monday-Friday. Should you have specific needs on the day of your fence installation, please let our staff know so that we can do our best to work with you.
Q. Another company told me that they don't use cement to secure posts in the ground. Is that true?
A. Absolutely not. Do not let anyone tell you that you do not need your posts cemented in the ground. At Five Star Fence, every post we plant is cemented into the ground, no questions asked. Depending on the type of fence that we're installing for you, your posts will be about 24-48 inches in the ground to ensure stability and durability.
Quality Workmanship. Unmatched Fence
Installation in James Island, SC
Whether you need a new, beautiful wood fence to enhance curb appeal or an aluminum fence to help secure your residential property, Five Star Fence Company is here to help. After 28 years in the business, we have the knowledge and the experience to get the job done right. We pledge to provide you with honest work and the best fencing services in the Lowcountry. Contact our office today to get started on your free quote. Before you know it, your property will be a safer, more enjoyable place to spend time all year long.

Get a Quote
Latest News in James Island, SC
James Island septic tank and sewer service project to cost millions
Melissa Rademakerhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/05/10/james-island-septic-tank-sewer-service-project-cost-millions/
People living in the Clarks Point neighborhood and along Oak Point Road will be moved from septic to sewer lines by December of 2026.Published: Wed May 10 2023|Updated: 19 hours agoJAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The James Island Public Service District will begin work to replace septic tanks and connect sewer lines to 199 properties as residents will be moved from septic to sewer lines.People living in the Clarks Point neighborhood and along Oak Point Road will be moved from septic to sewer lines by December of 2026....
People living in the Clarks Point neighborhood and along Oak Point Road will be moved from septic to sewer lines by December of 2026.
Published: Wed May 10 2023|Updated: 19 hours ago
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The James Island Public Service District will begin work to replace septic tanks and connect sewer lines to 199 properties as residents will be moved from septic to sewer lines.
People living in the Clarks Point neighborhood and along Oak Point Road will be moved from septic to sewer lines by December of 2026.
The total projected cost is about $10.3 million.
“So we’ve been at this since 2020. And that’s when the James Island Water Quality Task Force was created. So the James Island Creek was designated as an impaired waterway and the task force needed to start addressing the issues,” District Manager Dave Schaeffer says.
Director of Land Water Wildlife at the Coastal Conservation League, Riley Egger says septic tanks released decomposed matter that can be detrimental if disease causing bacteria makes its way into waterways.
“Septic tanks along the coastal zone especially can be particularly dangerous knowing that they face certain conditions from sea level rise from groundwater intrusion and just the challenges of living on the coastal zone,” Egger says.
Egger says the James Island grant is a good step in fixing one area that faces problems.
“When we set up septic tanks that are particularly dense right on the waterways, right on our wetlands, we’re really setting up the future to fail,” Egger says. “What we really need to do is consider septic tanks and where we place them more within the planning process and more of our regulations. The best way to prevent a septic tank from failing is before it ever it gets in the ground.”
The homes impacted by the district’s project can expect a letter detailing the plan in the coming months.
The federal money for the project had a deadline to be used by December of 2026. Schaeffer says it will take time to get proper and easements and estimates groundwork will begin toward the end of 2024.
“Obviously we have started already with preliminary engineering and surveying and the easements that are required and the permitting that is required. So that is a years long process,” he says.
Schaeffer says there will be public engagement sessions to answer questions for people who live on properties being connected so their questions will be answered over the course of the years long project.
“This is kind of like 199 mini projects. We have to work with each one of the homeowners as far as where the pump is going to go, where’s the power to be able to have the pump, to be able to get each one of those households on to the sanitary sewer system. It’s kind of an individual project,” Schaeffer explains.
The sewer lines will be laid underground, and a pump will replace each home’s connection to a septic tank.
“We’re the last utility going into these neighborhoods. So there’s already power and there’s already cable and water and things for us to hit. And so instead of trenching, open trenching, we have the technology to be able to bore through so that we’re not tearing up the roads and there’s less disturbance for the community,” Schaeffer says.
Schaeffer thanked the state representatives who lobbied for this money and says the district will continue to work to replace aging septic with lines as they are able in the coming years.
The cost breakdown is as follows:
Upcoming James Island Public Service District Wastewater meetings:
Meetings are located at Fire Station 1 on 1108 Folly Rd.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
The Hottest New Restaurants in Charleston, May 2023
Erin Perkinshttps://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-new-charleston-restaurants
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
For all the latest Charleston dining intel, subscribe to Eater Charleston's newsletter.
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.
Sewer line breaks again by James Island Creek, triggering environmental concerns
Shamira McCrayhttps://www.postandcourier.com/environment/sewer-line-breaks-again-by-james-island-creek-triggering-environmental-concerns/article_7ad9617e-be8c-11ed-b99c-6ff739d7766d.html
JAMES ISLAND — Charleston Water System is investigating a sewer main break on Harborview Road that poured unknown amounts of wastewater into James Island Creek.This is the second time in three years that a break occurred in this area.Environmentalists say the repeated frequency, combined with current bacteria concerns, suggest better system maintenance is needed, along with riddance of septic tanks adjacent to the creek.A contract diver discovered on the afternoon of March 9 that two pipes had separated, causing th...
JAMES ISLAND — Charleston Water System is investigating a sewer main break on Harborview Road that poured unknown amounts of wastewater into James Island Creek.
This is the second time in three years that a break occurred in this area.
Environmentalists say the repeated frequency, combined with current bacteria concerns, suggest better system maintenance is needed, along with riddance of septic tanks adjacent to the creek.
A contract diver discovered on the afternoon of March 9 that two pipes had separated, causing the leak.
A fisherman notified the water utility March 8 of the underwater break in the water below the Julian Thomas Buxton Jr. Bridge. It took time for inspection crews to get to the site because of the tides, but the pumps were turned off shortly after, said Mike Saia, a spokesman for the utility.
Shutting off the pumps eliminated the release of additional wastewater into the water system.
This sewer main manages wastewater from a broad area of the James Island Public Service District and parts of unincorporated Charleston County. The same one broke about three years ago in the marsh but closer to Plum Island. It took a number of days to repair.
The breaks are a big concern, said Andrew Wunderley, executive director at Charleston Waterkeeper.
“It’s an established problem with bacteria pollution at James Island Creek from human sources and other sources, as well,” he said. “Any additional bacteria discharge in a creek is a concern of course.”
Charleston Waterkeeper consistently tests the quality of a number of waterbodies in the Lowcountry, including James Island Creek. The waterkeepers sample for bacteria as an indicator of the possible presence of pathogens.
Persistently high bacteria levels have been identified in the James Island Creek, mainly in the Folly Road area. Wunderley said any input of bacteria is a problem.
It is a challenge for iron pipes to survive long-term in soft environments like the marshy parts of Charleston. Saia said Charleston Water System is considering grant funding to help replace the James Island pipes that have seen two breaks in three years.
This notion is good progress, Wunderley said, “but I think we need to accelerate that project.”
“Whatever needs to be done to bump that up in the priority list, they need to be thinking about it,” he added.
A vactor truck was on site March 9 to pump down the wet wells and pump stations at both sides of the break. Because of this, no additional wastewater will spill into the creek, Saia said. The utility is working on a plan to repair the pipes.
People are urged to avoid swimming, fishing or using the area for other recreational activities until further notice.
Interruptions to customers’ service is not expected while assessments and repairs are made. No road closures have been announced.
In the meantime, people can do like the fisherman on March 8, and report possible main breaks. It’s helpful in identifying them and stopping the wasterwater spills.
23-acre state park on James Island
Tatum Jacarusohttps://chstoday.6amcity.com/may-forest-fort-johnson-state-park-charleston-sc
Something green is coming to Charleston, and we’re not talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A new state park is in the works at the tip of James Island. We spoke with SC State Parks Director Paul McCormack for the latest on the project.The waterfront park will be located on 23 acres at the end of Fort Johnson Road, adjacent to the Fort Johnson historic site. The parcel is managed by the SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.In 2021, the state ...
Something green is coming to Charleston, and we’re not talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A new state park is in the works at the tip of James Island. We spoke with SC State Parks Director Paul McCormack for the latest on the project.
The waterfront park will be located on 23 acres at the end of Fort Johnson Road, adjacent to the Fort Johnson historic site. The parcel is managed by the SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
In 2021, the state purchased the land from the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy for $23 million. The May Forest Convent located on-site is expected to be converted into an event venue that will be the main component of the new park. Funding has not yet been secured for the venue construction project.
Charlestonians can look forward to a day-use recreation and picnicking area with views of the Charleston Harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. There is an existing gazebo and bench swing. Conceptual images are not yet available, but stay tuned.
An event space, lodging, and a dock may be added in the future. A structural assessment of the property is expected to determine park features down the road. What would you like to see this new park offer? Let us know.
In addition, there is a master plan that envisions the entire ~100-acre Fort Johnson area that is separate from the state park project.
The park is expected to open this spring or summer. There is currently no timeline for potential future amenities, but keep an eye on the newsletter for updates. The plans for Fort Johnson, which surrounds the state park area, are long-term.
Charleston leaders address flooding in James Island neighborhood
Jordan Cioppahttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/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.
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