Mt. Pleasant 2009 "Pass" Test Results Just Released

The 2009 Charleston County School "PASS" Test Results were just released to include those for the Mt. Pleasant Schools. The link for the test reports is here.

Charles Pinckney Elementary School had a 92% or better pass rate in all grades and test subjects.

New Mount Pleasant SC Web Site

                                                      New Mount Pleasant Web Site

New Harris Teeter Store To Open Soon On Highway 41

The new Harris Teeter Grocery store under construction should open soon. It is scheduled to open in mid June. The store is located in "Rivertowne Place" at the entrance to Rivertowne Country Club. A new O'Brion's Pub and Restaurant will also be a tenant in Rivertowne Place as will a liquor store and Rivertowne Alterations and Cleaning.

State Report Card Scores Just Released

The 2009 State Report Cards were released today with a number of schools showing improved scores over 2008.However, according to a story in the Post and Courier newspaper "the improvement primarily stems from changes to the state's accountability test and scoring system, and it will take another year before test scores can be compared exactly from one year to the next. State education leaders cautioned against making year-to-year comparisons, and they said elementary and middle schools didn't have as high a bar to cross this year to receive better ratings."

Here is a link to the Charleston County Scores.



Here is a link to the Dorchester 2 Scores

Even though apparently the 2009 scores have been "watered down" to a degree, they should be helpful in comparing the relative performance of the different schools to each other. Even though the scores from Charleston County remain poor as a whole, the Mt. Pleasant scores are impressive, with every school obtaining an "excellent" grade with the exception of one, Laing Middle School which received a grade of "good":

High School
Wando - Excellent

Middle Schools
Laing - good
Moultrie - excellent
Cairo - excellent

Elementary Schools
Belle Hall- excellent
Charles Pinckney - excellent
James B. Edwards - excellent
Jennie Moore - excellent
Whitesides - excellent
Mt. Pleasant Academy - excellent

Primary Schools
Laural Hill - excellent

The New East Cooper Medical Center

Here are some photos of the new East Cooper Medical Center taken March 13, 2010 during the public opening ceremonies.

The New East Cooper Regional Medical Center In Mt. Pleasant

The new East Cooper Regional Medical Center is scheduled to open on April 1, 2010. Here is a photo slide show of the exterior of East Cooper Hospital taken March 7, 2010.

Olde Park

New I'On Web Site

My New I'On Web Site

       I'On Mt. Pleasant                                

Accessory living units on Mt. Pleasant lots to be legal

A new town of Mt. Pleasant ordinance taking affect in mid March 2010 will allow home owners to build or utilize an accessory dwelling on their lot and to also rent it out as long as the home owner meets certain conditions.  They must provide a site plan showing that the new unit will be set back far enough from the property lines and will have its own off-street parking space. No accessory dwelling can exceed 850 square feet or 25 feet in height. Only one will be allowed per lot and the property owner must live in either the main house or the accessory. No accessory unit may house more than three people.

Neighborhoods/subdivisions may have to modify their covenants and bylaws to allow for accessory dwellings.

I'On developer Vince Graham has reportedly said that accessory dwellings would be welcome in 'On.

Building Plans For A New Jennie Moore Elementary and Laing Middle School

The increase in the student population in the town of Mt. Pleasant has led Charleston County School official to revise and expand their plans for a new Jennie Moore Elementary and Laing Middle School. The district plans on building a three-school campus that would add a 1000 seat primary school and increase the capacity for the new Jennie Moore Elementary School by 100 student to a total of 900 students.

The three school campus will mirror the trio of schools built in Park West. It is hoped that the new schools will be completed by 2013.

Photo Update Of The New East Cooper Hospital Taken December 7, 2009.

The New East Cooper Hospital Photo Update

The new East Cooper Medical Center is scheduled to open on or about April 1, 2010. Most of the construction is finished, 2010 but it will not be until February before equipment and furnishings are relocated to the new facility.

South Carolina Legislators Consider Changing Property Tax Rules

The following information was taken by a recent news article in The Post and courier Newspaper.

The current property tax system caps increases in the taxable value of a property at 15 percent during the county-wide reassessments, which is conducted roughly every five years. The value of substantial improvements to a property, such as an addition, can be added to assessments. And if the ownership of a property changes, it then is reassessed at full value.
But legislation awaiting action in the state Senate would put a 15 percent cap on the assessment changes that follow a change in ownership. Supporters say the change would spur economic development. Capping point- of-sale reassessments would remove an estimated $44 million in revenue from schools and local governments annually, the state estimates, resulting in possible property tax rate increases that would affect all property owners, cuts in school budgets and local services or both.

Link to the News and Courier Newspaper article and the "Point of Sale" Legislation.

Developers Of Carolina Park Sued

According to an article in The Post and Courier newspaper, the developers of Carolina Park a facing a foreclosure lawsuit for allegedly defaulting on a $25 million loan. The newspaper stated that a Charleston based investment group, Palmetto Debt Holding LLC is seeking to foreclose on hundreds of acres of property the borrowers had pledged as collateral in Carolina Park. The Wando High School site as well as Roper St. Frances Hospital sites are excluded from the foreclosure.

According to the newspaper article, "the borrowers could turn over the land deeds without a legal fight, or they could line up new financing to pay off the $25.3 million balance, which is growing at a rate of nearly $4,700 a day. Filing for bankruptcy protection is an extreme option that would buy time. The Carolina Park has been known for years as the Marino Tract.

It is interesting to note that according to the Charleston mls, 22 vacant residential building lots being marketed by Carolina One Real Estate were withdrawn from the market in Carolina Park on September 24, 2009;

Carolina Park High Definition Video

Here is a high definition video of Carolina Park in Mt. Pleasant SC. There have been only a few homes sold and started due to the current real estate market and the slow economy.

Dunes West Community High Definition Video

The Dunes West Subdivision is a gated golf course community in the award winning town of Mount Pleasant SC.

Photo Update Of New East Cooper Hospital In Mt. Pleasant.

Photo taken in September 2009

Photo Journal Of The Construction Of A New Deepwater Home and Dock In The Dunes West Subdivision From Start To Finish

Follow The Construction Of A New Deepwater Dock And Luxury Home In The Dunes West Subdivision By Photo Journal From Start To Finish

New Wadmalaw Island Waterfront Listing With Acreage And Dock In Place

New Waterfront Property Listing With Dock Approximately 35 Minutes From Mt. Pleasant. 2.45 Acres priced At $499,000. Located On Wadmalaw Island.

Charleston Area Waterfront Property Now Available On Wadmalaw Island Just Minutes From The Charleston Historic District And Shopping. This Estate Sized Waterfront Parcel Is Being Offered At $499,000, Allowing The New Owners The Luxury Of Building A Spectacular Waterfront Estate For A Reasonable Price. Check Out The Competition To See Why This May Be One Of Your Last Opportunities To Purchase Waterfront Property For A Reasonable Price Whether It Be For Investment, Immediate Primary Or Vacation Home Or For That Future Retirement Home You Have Always Dreamed About. Contact Joe With Any Questions Or For A Tour Of The Property.

Seeking a private, secluded paradise with magnificent views? This waterfront 2.45 acre generous lot provides the perfect fit. Step through your own canopy of moss laden oak trees to your Intracoastal Waterway backyard. The existing dock delivers instant access to your boat and a fast escape to the waterways. Here you can enjoy privacy, serenity, and exclusivity. This estate sized waterfront parcel is being offered at $499,000.

It doesn't get much better than this when you spend the day catching your dinner and come home to grill on your deck overlooking a panoramic view of the Wadmalaw Sound. Enjoy the activity in the distance of the ICW or challenge your friends to find the best fishing hideaway while exploring all of the nearby creeks. Summertime, saltwater and flounder found right off your dock are a simply delicious combination. South Carolina estuaries and coastal waters are filled with a variety of bait fishes and shrimps preyed upon by game fish. Use your recreational retreat for fishing, shrimping, canoeing, boating or indulging in a variety of water sports that are now available to you.

With over 200 feet of road frontage and more than 200 feet deep, there is ample room for a substantial primary home, guest home and pool, if desired. A setback can easily afford complete privacy and serenity from the scenic Harts Bluff Road on Wadmalaw Island. Sit back and relax to the sounds of nature while adoring the glistening waters at sunset.

This pristine, natural beauty is conveniently accessible to the historic city of Charleston, 25 minutes away. It is a delightful drive through country roads, or you can spend just a few minutes to dash over to the local "Pig" and shopping area for your immediate needs.

Here is your opportunity to build a spectacular waterfront estate, private get-away, or future retirement home at a reasonable price. Grab it while the grabbing is good; it's time to make your dreams come true.

Download PDF File Of Property Plat

Aerial View Of 1939 Harts Bluff Waterfront Lot & Dock at Low Tide.

This 2.45 acre waterfront lot is located off of scenic Harts Bluff Road on Wadmalaw Island. The new owners will have the opportunity to have complete privacy from the road yet unparaleled views of Wadmalaw Sound & the Intracoastal Waterway. With over 200 feet of road frontage and more than 200 feet deep, there is ample room for a substantial primary home, guest home and pool should the new owners desire one.

Just a short walk down the dock to some of the best fishing, boating and water activities in the Charleston area.

The Intracoastal Waterway In Your Backyard

Country Living & Scenic Roads Lead To Shopping (8 minutes) With Downtown Charleston Less Than 25 Minutes Away.

Stop Off For Groceries At "The Pig" Or To Pick Up A Prescription At The CVS Pharmacy Just a Few Minutes From Home.

The New Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park

I was out today taking photos of the new Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park for my web site and would like to share them with my Mt. Pleasant Blog visitors. The new Waterfront Park is one of the many attractions found in Mt. Pleasant and why many residents are willing to pay more for a home than in some other Charleston area towns and communities to be closer to Historic Charleston, the beach, water activities and other unique attractions.

The 14 acre 14 million dollar Waterfront Park located at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in Mt. Pleasant, SC opened on July 4, 2009. It includes a sweetgrass cultural arts building, a 6200 sqft. visitor center, war memorial, playground and a 1250 foot long fishing pier.

Rivertowne Place Breaks Ground In Mt. Pleasant SC

The developers of a new shopping center called Rivertowne Place have just broken ground on property located on Highway 41 just outside the entrance to Rivertowne Country Club. Harris Teeter will be the anchor grocery store. The following photos were taken on May 16, 2009. The shopping complex will have an additional 7500 sqft. of additional retail space. Outparcels could add an additional 15,000 sqft. to the project. It is anticipated that Harris Teeter will open in the summer of 2010.

Photo Update Of Mt. Pleasant Academy

These Photos Were Taken April 25, 2009. The New Mt. Pleasant Academy Is Scheduled To Be Completed In August Of 2009. It Is Currently operating Out Of The Old Wando High School Facility

Photo Update On The Construction Of Moultrie Middle School

The Construction Of The New Moultrie Middle school On Coleman Blvd. In Mt. Pleasant Is Progressing Nicely As Can Be Seen From The Above Photographs Taken Today. In Addition, A Permanent "Farmers Market" Facility Is Being Build Adjacent To The School.

Photo Update Of The New East Cooper Hospital

The construction of the new East Cooper Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, SC is moving right along. The following photo was taken April 11, 2009.

Construction of Whitesides Elementary School

The above photo was taken on February 27, 2009 showing the stage of construction of the new Whitesides Elementary School scheduled for completion in January of 2010. This $22.8 million dollar elementary school will consist of 97,500 square feet with approximately 38 classrooms, administrative area, multipurpose room, kitchen, cafeteria, courtyards and play areas.

Whitesides Elementary School Web Site

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2008 Charleston County State Report Cards To Include That For Whitesides Elementary School

The Inn at I'On & Jacob's Kitchen

The Inn at Ion

The Inn at Ion is a seven room Boutique Inn located in the award winning community of I'On in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Jacob's Kitchen is located on the premises. It is located just minutes from the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and a short drive from the Charleston Historic District. The Inn and restaurant opened in February of 2009. The restaurant has already become a favorate of I'On as well as Charleston area . The on site restaurant features upscale "New South Cuisine" for an affordable price. A complimentary gourmet breakfast is included with your room. Room service is available. In guests are also members for a day at the private "I'ON Club featuring three swimming pools, seven lighted tennis courts, fitness center, club house and many special services.

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A Recent Restaurant Review Posted Feb. 14, 2009

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Jacob's Kitchen Brunch Menu

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Double occupancy rates are between $130 and $150 a night. The Inn at I'on and Jacob's kitchen are located at 148 Civitas Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC. 29464 tel. 843-284-0850.