Around Charleston
1 - Non-Stop To Mexico - Breeze Airways and the Charleston Airport announced this week a new nonstop flight to Cancun, Mexico, taking off in January. FLY AWAY
2 - Volvo Ramping Up Production - Already producing 150,000 cars per year in SC, Volvo stated that they are not even at max capacity. With the announcement of adding the XC60 to the Ridgeville production, they also announced the addition of a fully hybrid model by 2030, which means even more jobs. READ MORE
3 - Chubby Fish Wins Again - After making the NY Times top 50, the small downtown restaurant was just named the #19 best restaurant on the 50 Best list for North American Restaurants. 50 BEST
4 - Uncle Kyle is Back! - It’s still 80+ degrees outside, but Uncle Kyle’s Christmas Sweater Emporium is open for business. So if you’re ready to get in the holiday mood, this year they are located at 261 King St. UGLY SWEATERS
Historic Home of the Week
55 Concord - This South of Broad townhome has unobstructed views across the Charleston Harbor and an immaculate kitchen with a window into the bar.
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1912 sqft | $3,995,000
@the.bill.olson This South of Broad townhome on Concord St has unobstructed views of the Charleston Harbor! Listing courtesy of Lindsay Malanos at Carriag... See more
*Historic Charleston Homes Newsletter coming VERY soon. Subscribe to be one of the first to get it.
Charleston Traffic & Transportation Update: Preparing for the 2026 Sales Tax Initiative and Securing $13M in Safety Funds
Major Discussion: Shaping the 2026 Transportation Sales Tax Initiative (TST)
The County has provided a tight timeline for rolling out the 2026 TST, requiring municipalities to submit an initial draft list of targeted corridors and projects by Thursday and a more defined list by the end of October.
This referendum is viewed as a continuation of an existing half-cent sales tax, making it a crucial opportunity to secure billions of dollars in infrastructure funding rather than allowing the tax to sunset.
The estimated funding scope for the 2026 TST is extensive; based on previous models, the 20 road projects alone (excluding the defunct 526 project) were previously estimated to require $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion in funding.
The city is exploring ways to secure funding for critical infrastructure that protects roadways from flooding, noting that state statute allows TST funds to be used for "drainage facilities relating to highways, roads, streets, bridges and other transportation related projects".
A major focus is partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers to leverage federal dollars at a 2:1 ratio (the federal government provides $6 for every $3 the city contributes) for citywide flooding infrastructure.
The city's preliminary corridor priorities for road funding include Hagood, as well as projects located on John's Island, James Island, and West Ashley.
The committee will hold at least one or two special meetings in the next 40 to 45 days to refine the project and corridor lists before submitting them to the County.
Advancing City Safety and Securing Federal Grants
The committee approved a resolution establishing a Target Zero policy, which is a federally required action plan for the city to be eligible for future implementation funding through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant.
Adopting this policy allows the city to apply for approximately $13 million in federal funding next year for safety projects, requiring a local 20% match of about $2.5 million.
Safety projects typically cover high-benefit, lower-cost measures such as flashing beacons, curb extensions, traffic signal upgrades, and improvements to pedestrian crossings.
Improvements to Traffic Flow and Efficiency
Signal timing projects are currently underway to improve efficiency along major corridors, including Maybank Highway, Folly Road, and Harborview Road.
The city is receiving a fully funded $610,000 signal timing improvement project for the Charleston Peninsula from CHATS (Charleston Area Transportation Study), which includes planning for all-pedestrian phases.
The first all-pedestrian phase implementation is planned for Calhoun Street near the Medical University (MUSC).
Signal timing projects funded by the CHATS Carbon Reduction Program are scheduled for implementation across the entirety of West Ashley over the next two years, with completion hoped for by 2027.
Approved Project Funding
The Committee approved a Financial Participation Agreement (FPA) with SC DOT, allocating $245,680 for the completion of the Morrison Drive median safety project.
This funding covers the city’s input for the project, which includes the installation of landscaping, irrigation, and median drainage.
Traffic calming devices were recommended and approved for Grand Bay Lane and Timberlane Drive on Johns Island, justified by data showing high cut-through traffic due to Maybank overflow.
1507 Dawn Mist Way, Charleston, SC 29414
3 beds | 2.5 baths | 2314 sqft
$605,000
This beautifully maintained 2019 Ashton Woods home offers 2,300+ sq. ft. of stylish living with modern upgrades throughout. The open floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a private office with French doors, and a spacious loft perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Interior Highlights:
Gourmet kitchen with oversized quartz island, marble backsplash, farmhouse sink & upgraded gas range
Luxurious primary suite with quartz counters & tile-to-ceiling shower
Custom wood shelving, designer lighting, and smart pre-wiring throughout
Outdoor Features:
Large screened 10x20 patio with fan
Professionally landscaped backyard overlooking preserved wetlands
Storm doors, full gutters, and custom garden edging
Additional upgrades include a custom mudroom, built-in garage storage, extra lighting, and active pest protection service. Move-in ready and meticulously cared for—this home blends modern luxury with everyday practicality.
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Hurricane Preparedness
We are all closely watching the storm in the Atlantic that is predicted to become Tropical Storm/Hurricane Imelda…if it hasn’t already by the time this goes out or you read it. Gov. McMaster has already declared a state of emergency, with coastal cities and towns most likely to follow suit. Current reports are saying that between Monday and Wednesday, we should see the effects. If you need a copy of the current South Carolina Hurricane Guide, you can get a copy HERE. Remember, not all storms are created equal. Some bring rain, some winds, some storm surges, and some a combination of 2 or all 3 of those. So, whether you stay put or leave town, please be safe.
-Bill Olson
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston, Bill Olson & Pirate Properties can help you. We’re fast, friendly, knowledgeable, and fun to work with. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in real estate. Click below and start viewing what's available in Charleston today, calculate your home’s value, or schedule a no-obligation, no-pressure discovery call.
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