News Flash

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Charleston today declared a local State of Emergency in advance of a tropical system that could bring periods of heavy rain, coastal flooding, and tropical storm-force winds to the area. 

This routine administrative action allows the city to mobilize resources quickly, coordinate closely with county, state, and federal partners, and position for potential FEMA reimbursement if needed. No evacuations are ordered at this time. 

“Today’s action is about readiness,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “Our teams are clearing drains, staging pumps and barricades, and adjusting staffing so we can respond quickly if conditions worsen. We’ll keep residents informed with clear, timely updates as the forecast evolves.” 

City actions now underway 

• Clearing storm drains and roadside ditches in flood-prone areas.
• Pre-positioning temporary pumps at vulnerable intersections and low-lying spots.
• Staging barricades to close streets that become unsafe.
• Lowered water levels at Colonial and Dotterer Lakes.
• Adjusting staffing schedules across Public Service, Stormwater, Police, Fire, Recreation, and Communications for rapid response.
• Ongoing coordination with Charleston County and state emergency management partners.

If conditions warrant, the City is prepared to: 

• Open municipal parking garages for free storm parking (announcement will be made if activated).
• Adjust garbage collection schedules and modify Recreation programs/facility hours for safety.
• Open sandbag distribution centers throughout the city.

What residents can do now 

• Never drive through standing water, and do not move barricades.
• Secure outdoor items, check gutters and drains near your property, and keep flashlights/medications on hand.
• Stay informed through official City channels, local media, and National Weather Service updates.

Further updates will be provided as conditions evolve. 

A Flood Warning remains in effect for Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Johns Island and James Island until midnight tonight. Multiple roads are closed due to standing water, and additional closures are likely around tonight’s 9 p.m. high tide, which may exacerbate flooding even if rainfall has paused.  

Residents are urged to avoid the peninsula area and postpone non-essential travel citywide until conditions improve on Sunday. Never drive through floodwaters. Driving into flooded roadways, ignoring closures or going around barricades is illegal under City ordinance. The Charleston Police Department will issue citations. 

Free storm parking (expanded and extended) 

 To assist residents during ongoing flooding, the City is offering free parking at the following garages:  • 99 West Edge Garage (99 West Edge St.)  • Charleston Tech Center Garage (997 Morrison Dr.)  • Queen Street Garage (93 Queen St.) 

Key details: 

 • Free parking began: 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22  • Vehicles must exit by (extended): 12 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24  • Cars only — no boats, trailers or golf carts  • Pull a ticket when entering  • Attendants will be on-site to assist at exit  • If no attendant is present, press the black assistance button or call the number on the call box  • Let them know you parked due to flooding and provide your name and address 

Important: Vehicles parked before 1 p.m. Friday or left after 12 p.m. Sunday will be charged regular rates. 

Road closures & real-time updates 

Use the City’s TideEye website to monitor water levels and closures: https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/tideeye/. Additional closures are possible around the 9 p.m. high tide. 

City preparations 

 • Mobile pumps are in place at several locations.  • Barricades have been staged near more than 60 flood-prone locations across the city.  • The Charleston Fire Department has three high-water vehicles and boat team in service.   

Safety reminders 

 • Turn around, don’t drown. Never drive through standing water.  • Do not drive around barricades; it endangers you and first responders and creates wakes that can damage property.  • Stay weather-aware and consult official forecasts before traveling.  • For real-time updates, follow the City of Charleston on social media and visit charleston-sc.gov. 

The City of Charleston is extending free storm parking through Sunday morning as heavy rain continues. Multiple roads across the city are currently closed due to standing water, and additional closures are likely as bands move through. Residents are strongly urged to stay home and avoid non-essential travel. Never drive through floodwaters.

Driving into flooded roadways or going around barricades is illegal under City ordinance. The Charleston Police Department will issue citations. Do not drive around barricades—it is unsafe for you and first responders and creates a wake that can damage nearby property.

Use the TideEye website to monitor closures and water levels: https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/tideeye/. Water will likely accumulate in areas that do not normally flood, and similar flooding issues are likely again this evening. The evening high tide is at 9 p.m. and could reach 7.6 feet or higher; this morning’s tide crested around 7.39 feet. Residents in the Church Creek area should continue to monitor their surroundings; Church Creek remains near minor flood stage.

Free storm parking (extended)To help residents during the continued rain and potential flooding, the City is offering free parking at the following garages:• 99 West Edge Garage (99 West Edge St.)• Charleston Tech Center Garage (997 Morrison Dr.)

Key details:• Free parking began: 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22• Vehicles must exit by (extended): 9 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 24• Cars only — no boats, trailers or golf carts• Pull a ticket when entering• Attendants will be on-site to assist at exit• If no attendant is present, press the black assistance button or call the number on the call box• Let them know you parked due to flooding and provide your name and address

Important: Vehicles parked before 1 p.m. Friday or left after 9 a.m. Sunday will be charged regular rates.

City preparations• Mobile pumps are in place at several locations.• Barricades have been staged near more than 60 flood-prone locations across the city.• The Charleston Fire Department has two high-water vehicles in service with a third standing by.• Recreation centers remain open; managers will monitor weather and adjust programs as needed.

Safety reminders• Turn around, don’t drown. Never drive through standing water.• Do not drive around barricades.• Stay weather-aware and consult official forecasts before traveling.• For real-time updates, follow the City of Charleston on social media and visit charleston-sc.gov.

Join the City of Charleston, Edifice Construction, and volunteers for Lowline Clean-Up Day—a hands-on opportunity to support the transformation of the future Lowline into a vibrant public space that will connect neighborhoods, celebrate local culture, and improve quality of life for residents across Charleston.

WHO: City of Charleston, Edifice Construction, community volunteers.

WHAT: A community clean-up on the site of the future Lowline.

WHEN: Friday, July 18^th, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (wrap-up lunch to follow)

WHERE:

• Start Location: Parking lot behind The Daily (Sheppard Street)
  • The morning kicks off at 8:00 AM with a welcome, safety briefing, and remarks from project leaders about the Lowline’s vision and importance. Volunteers will be assigned clean-up zones and provided with tools and supplies.
• Lunch & Wrap-Up: Vivian Anderson Moultrie Playground (1201 King Street)
  • After the clean-up, all participants are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by Edifice Construction.

Please RSVP here if you plan to attend!

The City of Charleston is closely monitoring a coastal low pressure system expected to bring periods of rainfall to the area today. With high tide occurring at approximately 4:00 p.m., there is a potential for localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and during the evening commute.

While major impacts are not anticipated at this time, city officials are encouraging residents to remain aware of changing conditions and to use extra caution on the roads this afternoon.

Forecast & Conditions

According to the National Weather Service, 1 to 3 inches of rain are expected across the region, with locally higher amounts possible, particularly in downtown Charleston. Minor flooding may occur in areas with poor drainage or where heavy rain coincides with peak tide.

Travel during the late afternoon and evening may be affected, and drivers are advised to allow extra time and avoid flooded roadways.

City Preparations Underway

In alignment with Mayor William Cogswell’s Active Flood Mitigation Plan, the City of Charleston has activated the following precautionary measures:

• Free parking will be available to residents beginning at 2:00 p.m. today through 8:00 a.m. tomorrow at:  
  • Charleston Tech Center Garage (997 Morrison Drive)  
  • 99 WestEdge Garage (across from the RiverDogs Stadium; not the Publix garage)  
• Stormwater Management crews are actively clearing storm drains in flood-prone areas.  
• Water levels at Colonial Lake are being lowered to help manage runoff.  
• Charleston Police Department is prepared to place barricades and close roads if conditions warrant.  

How Residents Can Help

• If conditions are safe, please check and clear storm drains near your home or business.  
• Avoid driving through standing water.  
• Monitor the City’s TideEye website for real-time road closure updates.  
• Follow the City of Charleston’s official channels and local media for ongoing information.  

City officials will continue to monitor conditions and provide timely updates as needed.

In response to a series of violent incidents over the weekend, Mayor William Cogswell today issued a firm statement condemning violence and expressing strong support for the Charleston Police Department.

"Charleston will not tolerate violence. If you come to our community to cause trouble, expect to be punished," said Mayor Cogswell. "I commend Chief Walker and the Charleston Police Department for their swift response to this weekend’s events."

Mayor Cogswell also announced that in the near future, measures will be proposed to City Council aimed at giving law enforcement additional tools to prevent crime.

"We know the great people of Charleston stand behind the men and women of our department, and we are grateful for their support," he said. "There is always more work to do, but we have the right people to do the job — and they have our full backing."

###

Media Contact: Deja Knight McMillan 

                                Director of Communications

                                McMillanD@charleston-sc.gov 

The South Carolina Office of Resilience and the City of Charleston are pleased to announce that construction of the Barberry Woods Restoration Project in Johns Island, SC has begun. The $5.8M project, of which $4.9M is funded by SCOR's ARPA Stormwater Infrastructure Program, aims to reduce flooding in Barberry Woods and The Cottages. It includes a flood bypass channel, wetland storage cells, maintenance berms, and features for passive recreation such as a pedestrian walkway, bridge, and educational signage.

Flooding in the Barberry Woods neighborhood often blocks access due to a single entryway, cutting off residents from emergency services and causing prolonged impacts. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce flooding to less than eight hours during a 100-year storm event. The City of Charleston estimates that 3,437 residents and 1,687 housing units will benefit from these stormwater improvements.

"Johns Island has long needed flooding relief in this area, and we're grateful for SCOR's partnership in making this project a reality. Once completed, it will significantly improve the quality of life for residents,” said Mayor William Cogswell.

The City of Charleston will also replant 5,000 native trees and 8,900 native shrubs throughout the entire site. In addition to creating a nature-based flood mitigation solution, this project benefits a variety of natural resources facing development pressure within the urban growth boundary of Johns Island.

“This project demonstrates SCOR’s commitment to funding green infrastructure solutions to reduce flood hazard risks” explains Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan. “The project will restore an approximately 25-acre area into a wetland floodplain system and meandering creek that will increase water storage during storm events and improve drainage issues.”

Following the design and permitting phases, which the City of Charleston funded and managed, the project’s construction phase will be funded in part by SCOR; the Office will also provide oversight during this process. Construction is estimated to take 10 months.

The City of Charleston is excited to announce the highly anticipated Small Business Opportunity Expo is returning this year. This year’s event promises to unite industry leaders, innovators, and creatives from across the city, spotlighting underrepresented, disadvantaged, veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses. The Small Business Opportunity Expo 2025 will be held at The Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC, on Tuesday, April 1^st from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Registration is required to attend. Interested individuals can sign up at this link. 

The Expo will feature a range of exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging presentations designed to spark conversation and foster collaboration. Attendees can participate in free workshops covering access to capital, legal basics, and more. Presentations by successful business owners, government agencies, and municipal partners will also be available. 

"Building on the success of last year, we’re thrilled to offer this free expo again, providing small businesses with valuable resources to help them thrive in 2025," said Ruth Jordan, Minority and Women-Owned Business Development Manager. "The Small Business Opportunity Expo is designed to connect entrepreneurs with essential tools, funding options, and expert guidance to fuel their growth. If you’re looking to expand and elevate your business in 2025, this is the perfect opportunity to get started and make meaningful connections!" 

For more information, please contact:  

Ruth Jordan, Minority & Women-owned Business Enterprise & ERC Manager 

jordanr@charleston-sc.gov 

(843) 724-7434 

Joslyn Brown, Project Coordinator 

brownjos@charleston-sc.gov 

(843) 724-7564 

The City of Charleston offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans Day.

City Services on Veterans Day:

Public Service: 

• For Daniel Island and Cainhoy (Capital Waste) 
  1. There will be no schedule changes and will run on a normal schedule. 
• For outer West Ashley and Johns Island (Trident Waste) 
  1. There will be no schedule changes and will run on a normal schedule. 
• The Peninsula, Inner West Ashley and James Island (City Crews). 
  1. There will be no collection on Monday November 11, 2024. 
  2. Monday’s route will be run on a one-day delay. For example, Monday’s route will be collected Tuesday.

Recreation:

• The Municipal Golf Course will remain open on Monday, November 11^th. 
• All recreation facilities besides the Municipal Golf Course will be closed.

City Offices:

Media Contact:           Bay Sheehan

Communications Coordinator

sheehanba@charleston-sc.gov 

Last week, Mayor William Cogswell took a significant step toward addressing affordable housing in our community by sending a letter of intent (LOI) to Charleston County’s administrator to purchase 993 and 995 Morrison Drive. This initiative aims to create 500 new affordable housing units, addressing the urgent need for accessible housing options and helping to keep residents in our city. 

Earlier this month, the City of Charleston and Bloomberg Associates announced ambitious targets to address the housing crisis exacerbated by an influx of higher-income newcomers, which is pushing longtime residents out due to low housing supply. This displacement disrupts lives and burdens our infrastructure, contributing to increased traffic congestion and longer commutes. A recent Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce study found that local commuters now spend up to 25% more time on the road during peak hours compared to 2018.  

In his letter dated October 10, 2024, Mayor Cogswell expressed his commitment to investing $20 million to tackle 15% of the city's affordable housing needs. He proposed two options for the 6.4-acre properties: a purchase price of $20 million or a donation from the County, with the City investing the same amount in soft and hard construction costs for the units. 

Mayor Cogswell said, “Teachers, firefighters, hospitality workers and more are being pushed further away from where they work due to our affordability crisis. That puts more cars on the road, adds to urban sprawl, and makes it more difficult for employers to hire. Creating affordable housing within our city will lessen these issues for our small businesses, our residents, and ease the strain on our infrastructure.” 

The site is located near existing work centers and an existing CARTA transit line. Currently an empty parking lot that once housed the County’s Circuit Court, the development will include a permanent affordable deed restriction on all 500 units, ensuring long-term affordability for the community. 

In preparation for expected major tidal flooding from Hurricane Milton, the City of Charleston has activated Mayor Cogswell’s Active Flood Mitigation Plan. 

Key Updates

Major Flooding Expected: Hurricane Milton’s high northeast winds, storm surge, and projected 8.0-foot-high tide Thursday at 1:50 p.m. have the potential to cause major flooding, according to the National Weather Service office in Charleston. The Friday 2:08 a.m. and 2:57 p.m. high tides also could generate significant flooding.  While projected rain amounts are low, residents should monitor official forecasts in case changes in Milton’s track signal more adverse conditions.

Residents Urged to Stay Engaged and Prepared: Officials emphasize the importance of residents checking and clearing storm drains in front of their homes and businesses to prevent debris buildup. This action is crucial in reducing flooding impacts on roadways. 

Parking Garages Open: In light of the anticipated flooding, city parking garages will open beginning Thursday at 9:00 a.m. until Friday at 8:30 a.m. (subject to change). Residents are strongly urged to move their vehicles to these higher ground locations to avoid flood damage. The following garages will be opened for free: 

• Aquarium parking garage (24 Calhoun Street)
• Visitor Center parking garage (63 Mary Street)
• 99 WestEdge parking garage (99 West Edge Street directly beside the Charleston Police Department)
• Charleston Tech Center parking garage (997 Morrison Drive)
• East Bay/Prioleau parking garage (25 Prioleau Street)

To take advantage of free parking, residents must press the call button upon exiting and inform               the operator they are using the free storm parking.

Sandbag Distribution: Sandbag distribution will begin tomorrow, October 9, from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Residents should bring their own shovels, and a limit of 10 bags per residence will be enforced. Distribution sites include:

• 1580 Ashley Gardens Blvd – Bee’s Landing Recreation Center (West Ashley)
• Hampton Park, Mary Murray Dr. at Ashley Ave. – Parking Lot by Ball Fields (Peninsula)

Continued Preparations:

• Street sweeping will begin this afternoon to remove debris from streets and storm drains. Crews will continue their work through tomorrow, provided conditions remain manageable.
• The Charleston Police and Fire Departments will deploy all available staff starting Thursday to enhance response efforts.
• Barricades will be placed on streets in advance of high tides.
• High-water vehicles and crews with essential resources will be mobilized.
• Water levels at Colonial Lake and Lake Dotterer have been lowered.
• Storm drains on flood-prone streets will be cleared, with temporary pumps installed in vulnerable areas.

Stay Informed: Residents are urged to stay informed through local media and follow the City of Charleston's official channels for the latest updates on the storm and its impact:

• City Instagram
• City Twitter
• City Facebook
• Sign-Up for Newsletter

City officials will continue to provide regular updates from the National Weather Service regarding the storm’s progression and local impacts.

Charleston City Council has approved a comprehensive development plan for the Old Piggy Wiggly site on Sumar Street in West Ashley, marking a significant step forward after seven years of stagnation. In just nine months in office, Mayor William Cogswell has successfully united various stakeholders to create an impressive gateway and community hub that merges the city-owned 2.5-acre site with the 33-acre Ashley Landing shopping center.

The city acquired the 2.5-acre site in 2017 for just over $3 million, intending to lead a redevelopment effort that would include a parking deck, city offices, and green space. However, years of debate left the project stalled. Under Mayor Cogswell's leadership, collaboration with the owners of Ashley Landing and the Edens redevelopment group has resulted in a vibrant plan that features a city park, nine acres of stormwater retention, outdoor dining and shopping, and affordable housing. This plan prioritizes the needs of surrounding residents, creating a walkable and bikeable destination to help reduce traffic congestion.

“This site will serve as a one-stop shop for West Ashley. Neighbors will be able to get their groceries, enjoy a meal, and relax in park space with their families without needing to drive to various locations,” said Mayor Cogswell. “West Ashley is finally getting the gateway it deserves, and I want to thank the City Council and city staff for their dedication in making this vision a reality.” 

Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with full completion expected within 18 months. The plan also includes affordable housing units aimed at residents earning 80% of the annual median income, which aligns with typical salaries for first responders and Charleston County School District teachers.

Click here for a drone video of the 35.5-acre site. Please credit City of Charleston.

The City of Charleston will host a livestreamed public workshop on August 27^th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. to present the Water Plan. 

WHO: City of Charleston 

WHAT: Public workshop presenting the Water Plan 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 27^th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 80 Broad Street. You can also join virtually via livestream on our City YouTube channel, linked HERE. 

BACKGROUND: Charleston’s Water Plan is an aspirational vision for the city to embrace concepts related to water. The plan touches on flood risks from sea level rise, high tides, storm surge, stormwater, and groundwater.   

In light of forecasted potential flooding from excessive rainfall and elevated tides on Monday, July 1, 2024, the City of Charleston is taking proactive measures to safeguard residents and businesses against potential flooding and other adverse impacts. Mayor Cogswell has activated the Active Flooding Mitigation Plan, signaling a concerted effort by city departments to prepare for the impending storm.

Key Points:

• Critical Period of Concern: The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston identifies the period between 2:00-7:00 p.m. as particularly concerning, though rain may start as early as noon.
• Potential for Life-Threatening Flooding: Significant risk of life-threatening and property-damaging flooding.
• Heavy Rainfall Expected: Rainfall rates could exceed 3 inches per hour.
• Significant Rainfall Totals: NWS Charleston's supplemental report forecasts 2.5-3.5 inches of rainfall, but isolated areas could experience 6” or more.
• High Tide Coincides with Heavy Rainfall: High tide is expected to be 6.3 feet at 5:09 p.m.

Preventative Measures and Preparedness: In response to these forecasts, the City of Charleston has implemented a series of preventative measures and preparedness protocols aligned with Mayor Cogswell’s Active Flooding Mitigation Plan:

• Parking Information: Free parking is available from today at 11:00 a.m. until tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. at the 99 West Edge Street, Charleston Tech Center (997 Morrison Drive), and the 34 St. Philip Street parking garages. When exiting the garages, press the call button and inform the operator you are taking advantage of the city’s free storm parking.  Residents are asked not to use parking garages in the Medical District, which are intended for staff and patients.
• Traffic and Transportation Measures: The Charleston Police Department (CPD) has loaded barricades and will place them in advance of flooding on vulnerable streets. Mobile signage will be in place to warn motorists about flooding. Updates on road closures will be provided through this link.
• Stormwater Management: Multiple pumps will be deployed today to manage water levels. The city will monitor the Church Creek Basin and clean city drains and ditches to mitigate potential blockages. Stormwater crews are currently operating under rainy day protocols, addressing as many blockages as possible. Department of Livability and Code Enforcement teams are assisting in identifying and clearing debris and litter to minimize blockages. Lake Dotterer was lowered yesterday, and Colonial Lake’s valves have been set for outflow. 
• Emergency Response and Staffing: High-water vehicles will be staffed at the fire department and have a second vehicle on standby. CPD and other city departments will be staffed up today to provide extra manpower for operations.
• Garbage and Debris Preparation: Residents are urged to secure garbage cans until tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. The city is utilizing the CHS Trashtracker app to notify residents about garbage and debris cleanup efforts. Sweepers, trash, and garbage crews will be on standby to clean up any debris tomorrow.
• Recreation: All City of Charleston’s youth summer camps will have an early release at 1:00 p.m. today.
• Early Release for all Non-essential City Employees: Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Charleston will have a 2:00 p.m. release of non-essential staff to reduce the number of people traveling this afternoon and improve safety.

The City of Charleston will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates, as necessary. For the latest information and resources, residents are encouraged to visit the city's official website and follow social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X.

In a letter to Charleston County Council, Mayor William Cogswell emphasized the city's infrastructure priorities and strongly advocated for funding for important road projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion. The mayor's detailed letter highlighted ten critical road projects within Charleston city limits that he firmly believes must be included in the upcoming third Transportation Sales Tax referendum scheduled for November 5, 2024. These projects, along with the Mark Clark Expressway Completion Project, demonstrate the mayor’s commitment to improving the capacity of roadways that have been significantly burdened by the city's recent rapid growth.  

Of the $5.4 billion the third Transportation Sales Tax would provide, over $1.8 billion would be allocated towards completing the Mark Clark and over $811,000,000 will be earmarked for potential “new projects” in Charleston County. The following projects were conveyed in a letter to Charleston County Council Chairman Herb Sass on May 28th, 2024, and represent the mayor's top priorities for this “new projects” funding:  

• Maybank Highway Improvements (Eastern Portion)  
• South US-17 Corridor Improvements (Reduced Length)  
• Ashley River Road Improvements (Reduced Length)  
• Maybank Highway Improvements (Western Portion)  
• Harbor View Road Improvements 
• Ashley River Road Intersection Improvements 
• US-17 SC-61 Exit Ramp Improvements 
• Glenn McConnell Overpass 
• Meeting Street Overpass at Milford Street 
• Folly Road Bike/Pedestrian Improvements 

Mayor Cogswell has been collaborating closely with city staff and other officials to thoroughly assess these projects and their potential impact on enhancing the well-being of residents. Despite the prioritization of the projects, the mayor emphasized the critical importance of completing all of them to protect our residents' overall quality of life.  

“Our region is booming, which means we need to think very carefully about every dollar we spend. By communicating our priorities to the County, we are advocating for the next 25 years’ worth of funding and improvements to our roads. Maintaining or improving our infrastructure is something critical to preserving our great quality of life in the Charleston region,” Mayor Cogswell affirmed. 

This week, Mayor William Cogswell released the City of Charleston’s newly updated organizational structure aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving customer service for its residents. This initiative marks the first substantial update to the city's organizational chart in nearly half a century, demonstrating the administration's commitment to putting residents first and ensuring sound governance.

Previously, the city's 26 departments and Offices of the Mayor operated independently. The updated structure consolidates these into four main sections: Facilities & Capital Projects; Community Services; Planning, Permitting & Engineering; and Public Works. This reorganization aims to streamline operations and cut through bureaucratic red tape.

The city welcomes back Tim Keane, who brings over two decades of urban planning expertise to his role, as the head of the Planning, Permitting, & Engineering Section. With a career spanning over 16 years with the city prior to 2015, Keane has since lent his expertise to guiding municipalities across North America in their city planning initiatives. This section will house Stormwater, Planning & Preservation, Housing & Community Development, as well as the Engineering, Permit Center, and Building Inspections divisions. 

Dan Riccio, drawing from 37 years of experience with the City of Charleston, will lead the Community Services section. From patrol officer to SWAT team supervisor, Dan retired from the Charleston Police Department as a Lieutenant in 2010, subsequently becoming the Director of Livability. In his new role, Dan will continue prioritizing the needs of residents, while providing oversight and regulation to our city’s tourism industry. The Community Services Section will encompass the departments of Livability & Tourism and Recreation, as well as the Economic & Neighborhood Services division, Mayor’s Offices of Cultural Affairs, and Children, Youth, and Families. 

Robert Somerville has been with the city since 1996 and will be elevated to head the city's new Public Works section. Starting as a Signs and Marking Technician II, he pursued his passion for customer service and leadership, driven by his experience as a professional baseball player with the Baltimore Orioles minor league organization. Somerville's dedication to excellence guides his approach to leading the Public Works section, which includes the Traffic & Transportation and Public Service departments.

Jason Kronsberg will lead the city’s Facilities & Capital Projects Section. Kronsberg has been with the city since 2010, initially as a Construction Project Manager. With a background as a licensed Landscape Architect and over a decade in private practice, he brings extensive experience in various aspects of design and development. Jason will guide the careful stewardship and enhancement of public parks and facilities, drawing on his deep-rooted connection to the city's recreational programming and public realm.

"For the first time in nearly 50 years, our city’s organizational chart has been updated to make us more responsive for our residents," said Mayor William Cogswell. "By breaking down silos and increasing communication across departments, we can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our incredible staff. Here at the city, we aim to provide great service to our residents and this move helps us do just that."

This updated organizational chart will be reflected on the city’s website in the coming months, making navigating city services easier for residents and business owners. This initiative is budget-neutral and was funded through surpluses and eliminated inefficiencies found in the city budget after staff analysis. 

This morning, Mayor William Cogswell announced the city’s intent to launch Lowcountry Rapid Housing Program, a transformative plan designed to address homelessness across four municipalities by providing rapid housing and comprehensive support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This Housing First service model focuses on placing individuals and families into housing immediately and preparing them for permanent affordable housing solutions through wraparound services.

The announcement was made at the Mayors’ Summit on Homelessness and Affordability, where Mayor Cogswell, alongside Mayor Russ Touchberry of Summerville, led a panel discussion detailing the project. Mayor Cogswell has united the support of Mayor Touchberry, Mayor Reggie Burgess of North Charleston, and Mayor Will Haynie of Mt. Pleasant in this collaborative effort to offer immediate relief to the area's unhoused population. Each local government would help fund this initiative, with the City of Charleston leading the charge. 

The Lowcountry Rapid Housing Program would provide individual units with private spaces for sleeping, hygiene, and access to wraparound services to the tri-county’s homeless population. The wraparound services will include identification assistance, mental health and addiction treatment, physical therapy, job training, and more, aiming to prepare individuals for long-term, stable housing.

“This is an interim solution to a long-term problem. We can’t solve affordability overnight, but we can give people a safe place to sleep and a helping hand,” said Mayor Cogswell. “This concept has proven effective in other cities, including Columbia, and I’ve been working closely with our area mayors to ensure we create a rapid housing initiative tailored to the needs of the Lowcountry.”

Next steps involve finalizing a site for the initiative that will be accessible via public transportation and convenient for residents of all participating municipalities. Once site and design plans are finalized, the proposal will go before each municipality’s city council for approval of the plans and budgets.

Mayor William Cogswell announced today a decisive step forward in prioritizing the safety and well-being of Charleston residents and visitors. Effective immediately, the Charleston Police Department will deploy strategically positioned D.U.I. checkpoints throughout the city, including key exit and entry points on the peninsula.

"Our hearts ache for the loss of Lizzy and Arianna, two vibrant young women taken from us too soon due to a preventable tragedy," stated Mayor Cogswell. "Their untimely deaths serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding our community against impaired driving. Charleston has zero tolerance for drunk driving. We owe it to our community and to Lizzy and Arianna’s families that tragedies like this never happen again."

Since early March, the Charleston Police Department has made 92 impaired driving arrests across the city. Supplementing existing initiatives such as the Mayor’s King Street Safety Initiative, these checkpoints serve as an additional layer of protection, aiming to reduce crime throughout our city.

The checkpoints will be deployed beginning this weekend and will run in conjunction with impaired driving enforcement already ongoing in the city. Specific locations of the checkpoints will be announced this week. 

Media Contact: Deja Knight McMillan

                             Director of Communications

                             McMillanD@charleston-sc.gov

The City of Charleston reaffirms its commitment to revitalizing West Ashley, now with the demolition of the long-abandoned Ryan’s Steakhouse on St. Andrews Blvd. The demolition is the result of a public-private partnership between the city and Gramling Brothers, LLC, a Charleston-based developer. 

The project marks a key step in the city’s broader strategy to rejuvenate West Ashley and build safer, more vibrant communities. Much like the successful partnership for the redevelopment of Sumar Street, this demolition will pave the way for new amenities in the area.  

“This is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to revitalize West Ashley,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “West Ashley residents can look forward to a brighter future with more opportunities and safer neighborhoods as we continue our investment in this part of Charleston.” 

The restaurant has stood vacant for years, becoming an eyesore and a hub for criminal activity, including trespassing, drug use and assault. Through collaboration with Gramling Brothers, the city is taking a crucial step in eliminating blight and improving safety in the area. 

“The demolition of the Ryan’s Steakhouse property is a significant victory for West Ashley,” said William Tinkler, District 9 City Councilmember. “Working together with Gramling Brothers, we are removing eyesores and creating new opportunities for our community to thrive. This is just the beginning, and we are excited for what comes next.” 

Demolition began on Monday, February 24, with plans to clear the site quickly. The city and Gramling Brothers are committed to working together to create a space that benefits the local community and attracts new investment to the area. 

The City of Charleston is excited to announce a brand-new Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility, set to be built in the heart of Johns Island. 

This multi-million-dollar investment will provide a state-of-the-art facility for residents, featuring sports and recreational programming for all ages. The facility is part of a larger plan to invest more in Johns Island, offering residents the amenities and infrastructure they deserve. 

Mayor Cogswell emphasized that this project is fundamental for enhancing the quality of life on Johns Island. It will provide amenities that allow individuals and families to enjoy activities locally, without the need to travel off the island. "The more amenities we can offer to Johns Island residents, the more pressure we can take off our infrastructure. This will ease burdens on families, reduce traffic congestion, and make daily tasks more convenient." 

This project will be funded through the Parks Referendum, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023. 

District 3 Councilmember Jim McBride has been a strong advocate for increasing resources for Johns Island residents. A selection committee, including the Mayor and Councilmember McBride, is currently reviewing qualifications and will eventually choose a construction manager for the project. 

A more detailed timeline of permitting and construction will be announced after the selection process of a Construction Manager at Risk is chosen.