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Protecting your family, in our Hometown, for a LIFETIME!

roofer in Charleston, SC

Have you ever taken a second to really think about how important your home's roof is to your health and safety? It's so much more than a simple hat for your house. It protects you from the elements like rain, sleet, snow, and wind. It helps keep you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Those harmful pests and critters you see roaming around your property? Your roof helps keep them away from your family, too.

When you take those points into account, it becomes clear that your home's roof is crucial for year-round well-being and comfort. So, when your roof is nearing the end of its life, or it needs maintenance or repairs, hiring a reliable roofer in Charleston, SC is an investment you shouldn't pass up. For South Carolina homeowners and business owners, only the best and brightest roofing experts will do when it comes to their family's happiness and safety. That's why they call on Hometown Roofing to handle all their repair, replacement, and maintenance needs.

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The Hometown Roofing Difference

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Hometown Roofing has been the top choice for roofing services in South Carolina for years. As locals of the Lowcountry, we pride ourselves on being more than just a roofing company. We're your friends and neighbors. As a family-owned business, integrity, hard work, and personalized service are at the forefront of our values. We believe in providing our loyal customers with the highest quality work completed by experts in their respective fields. Why? Because that's the way we would want to be treated, too.

At the end of the day, we strive to treat our customers with respect, confidence, and understanding. Our goal isn't to rip you off or charge you an arm and a leg for our residential or commercial roofing services. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, our goal is to work hard and provide you with a long-lasting product that you will love for years to come. It's really that simple. When you choose Hometown Roofing, you can rest assured that you'll get the highest quality roofing services in South Carolina, such as:

  • Roof Repair in Charleston, SC
  • Roof Replacement Services
  • Roof Maintenance Services
  • Emergency Roofing Services
  • Roof Inspection Services
  • Commercial Roofing Services
Roofer Charleston, SC

The Hometown Roofing Process

Whether you're in need of a complete roof replacement in Charleston, SC, or minor roof maintenance, our process starts with an in-depth consultation and ends with a smile on our face.

Consultation

Consultation

At the consultation stage, we have a meeting with the client to talk about their roofing needs and evaluate the property. Based on our expertise, we provide recommendations to ensure the best solution for the client's specific roof replacement, repair, or maintenance requirements.

Detailed Proposal

Detailed Proposal

In the detailed proposal stage, we create a comprehensive document that outlines the scope of work relating to your roofing project, the materials to be used, project timeline, and estimated costs. This provides the client with a clear understanding of the roofing project, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Project Installation

Project Installation

During the project installation phase, our team of licensed experts executes the previously agreed-upon plan. We install or repair the roofing system with unmatched confidence and experience while always adhering to industry standards, safety protocols, and local laws. During this process, we strive to stay in touch every step of the way so our clients are always in the loop. We then complete your roofing project within the specified timeline so that clients experience minimal disruptions to their daily lives.

Final Inspection

Final Inspection

When it's time for the final inspection of your roofing project, our roofing contractor's work is thoroughly examined to ensure it meets our high standards and our client's roofing needs. If there is additional work to be done, we'll finish up the project ASAP. If our client has questions or concerns, we always address them before heading home. That way, our customers can rest easy at night knowing they have a reliable, well-maintained roof over their heads.

Protect Your Home or Business with Roof Repair in Charleston, SC

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Living in South Carolina means experiencing unpredictable weather patterns. Bright and sunny skies can quickly turn into heavy rainfall, which can cause damage to your roof. That's why it's important to have a reliable roofing company to perform expert repairs when needed.

Whether you suspect damage has been done to your roof or you want preventative maintenance, Hometown Roofing is here to handle the hard work for you. A thorough roof inspection is the first step in understanding your repair needs. Our team will then repair any damage, like weather-worn shingles or roof leaks, to ensure your family is safe and protected.

Some of the most common roof repairs we provide for homeowners and business owners include the following:

  • Torn or Damaged Shingle Repair and Replacement
  • Tile or Shingle Replacement
  • Roof Shrinkage Issues
  • Roofing Leaks
  • Ventilation Issues
  • Pooling or Standing Water
  • Storm Damage Repair
  • Damaged Gutter Repair
  • Roof Flashing Repair
  • Much More
 Roof Repair Charleston, SC

Don't wait until it's too late to schedule repairs - your roof might only be one or two South Carolina storms away from needing more than simple maintenance or repairs! South Carolina homeowners and entrepreneurs trust Hometown Roofing for their roof repairs because we:

Prioritize Safety

We put a lot of stock in the ethos of "Safety first before everything." As licensed contractors with years of experience, our roofers have the tools and training to repair your roof without you needing to worry about their safety. Of course, your safety is of utmost importance, too. Hiring an experienced professional saves you from putting yourself and your family in a compromising situation that could involve hospitals, doctors, and injuries.

Because the truth is, roof repairs usually require climbing ladders, balancing on high roofs, and working under pressure. Those aren't things an average homeowner looks forward to. By working with Hometown Roofing, you're leaving the difficult work up to highly trained experts, so you can focus on your family, not recovering from an injury sustained from DIY roofing.

Have Extensive Roofing Experience

You can tell whether a roofer is worth hiring by asking them about their roofing experience. The very best roofers usually have years, if not decades, of professional experience. Those years working up on roofs out in the sun is priceless for homeowners and business owners who want the best roofing service. At Hometown Roofing, our contractors have extensive knowledge and experience, both in advanced applications and basic roof repair theory. Unlike some roofers, Hometown Roofing team members have real-world experience and certifications - something that no amount of reading or watching YouTube videos will provide.

Maintain Warranties on Roofing Products

As a homeowner or business owner, you want every assurance that your new roof or roofing products will last for the long haul. That's why we're proud to provide a 50-year manufacturer warranty and a 20-year labor warranty on all new asphalt architectural shingle roofs. We also provide a 20-year labor warranty on all new standing seam metal roofs and a 10-year labor warranty on new tuff-rib metal roofs.

Provide High-Quality Roofing Craftsmanship

Our team at Hometown Roofing is dedicated to delivering exceptional roof repairs and top-notch service. We take pride in our work and strive for excellence when repairing, replacing, or installing roofs in South Carolina. We understand that even the smallest details matter, which is why we thoroughly inspect our work to ensure the highest quality. Our main objective is to surpass your expectations with true roofing expertise, not just average service. For long-lasting roof repairs, trust the professionals at Hometown Roofing.

 Roof Replacement Charleston, SC

Reliable Roof Replacement in Charleston, SC

When it comes to getting a new roof for your home, you want to make sure it's done right. That's why you need licensed professionals to handle the complex and intensive process. It may seem like a big investment, but the long-term benefits are worth it. You'll enjoy increased safety, comfort, and a higher home value. At Hometown Roofing, we're the go-to company for roof installations in South Carolina.

Our experts have completed hundreds of successful projects, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards for product longevity, customer satisfaction, and quality craftsmanship. Whether you're looking to upgrade your roof or need a replacement due to damage, we've got you covered. We specialize in many types of roof replacement projects, including:

  • Asphalt Roofs - Cost Effective, Popular, Versatile, and Appealing
  • Metal Roofs - Long Lasting, Low Maintenance, Energy Efficient, Superior Protection
  • Commercial Flat Top and TPO Roofs - Durable, Energy Efficient, UV and Chemical Resistant, Purpose Built for Your Business

When Is It Time to Replace Your Roof?

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At Hometown Roofing, one of the most common questions we get is, "How do I know when it's time to replace my roof?" That's not always an easy question to answer since every roofing structure and every roof replacement scenario is slightly different. Roofs endure harsh weather conditions like extreme heat, strong winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy rainfall, which can damage their protective layers. Although some roofs can last up to 25 years, shingles and other materials may deteriorate over time and become brittle, crack, tear, or disintegrate. While it can be challenging to assess the condition of your roof from the ground, these signs may help you determine when it's time for roof replacement in Charleston, SC.

Begin Looking Indoors

It might seem counterintuitive to look for signs of disrepair inside your home, but rooms like your attic can show signs of damage much better than outside areas. Be sure to grab a powerful flashlight first and look carefully for streaks, stains, and drips. Also, keep an eye out for light beams poking through the top of your house. If you see these signs, there's a good chance your roof has leaks and should be replaced.

Cupped, Clawed, or Curled Shingles

You'll need a good view of your roof to check for these red flags, which are telltale signs that your roof is near the end of its life. Curling and cupping look alike and manifest with the ends of your shingles peeling away and pointing up. Clawing happens when the middle of a shingle lifts up while its ends stay attached to the roof. None of these conditions are good, so if you spot them, know that it could be time for a roof inspection.

Age of Your Roof

How old is your roof? If it's more than 25 years old, chances are it's on its way out. The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 20-25 years. When that time frame passes, you should consider looking at replacing your worn-out roof.

Friends in Your Neighborhood are Replacing Roofs

If you're driving around your neighborhood and notice one or more roofers in Charleston, SC, make a mental note to inspect your roof. It's common for houses in neighborhoods to be constructed at the same time, with the same materials purchased in bulk by the builder. As a result, the roofs of these homes tend to deteriorate at a similar rate. With that in mind, if you observe your neighbors replacing their roofs, it may be a sign that you should consider doing the same.

Your Roof is Sagging

A sagging roof is a sign of structural problems and may require a new roof installation. This problem is typically caused by water damage or a broken rafter, and it's important to have a licensed and insured roofing company, like Hometown Roofing, address the issue. To properly diagnose the problem, the contractor may need to remove the shingles and plywood sheathing underneath.

Roofer Charleston, SC
 Roof Repair Charleston, SC

Emergency Roof Repair in Charleston, SC

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Hometown Roofing is available to assist when disaster strikes. We recognize that roofing emergencies can occur at any time, so we provide 24/7 emergency roofing services to homeowners in our community. Here is an overview of the critical emergency services we offer:

Available 24/7
Available 24/7

When you're in a roofing emergency, Hometown Roofing is always here to help. Our expert team is available 24/7 to respond quickly and professionally to any crisis. We understand that your home's safety is your top priority, and we're committed to mitigating damage and providing peace of mind during difficult times.

Help with Insurance Claims
Help with Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially after a disaster. That's why Hometown Roofing offers assistance navigating the complicated process of working with your insurance company. We'll help you document the damage and submit the necessary paperwork to your insurance provider, ensuring a smoother and more successful claim.

Emergency Roof Tarping
Emergency Roof Tarping

If your roof has suffered severe damage and can't be repaired immediately, our emergency tarping service can provide temporary protection from further harm. This solution will safeguard your home from the elements until repairs can be made. Trust Hometown Roofing to keep your home safe and secure in any roofing emergency.

Storm Damage Repair
Storm Damage Repair

When severe weather hits, your roof can take a beating. From losing shingles to damaging the structure, it can leave your home vulnerable. That's where Hometown Roofing comes in. We offer quick and reliable storm damage repair services to ensure your roof is safe and secure once again.

Stabilize Your Home's Structure
Stabilize Your Home's Structure

If your roof has been severely damaged by a fallen tree or other catastrophic event, call Hometown Roofing ASAP. Our team is here to help. We'll stabilize your roof, preventing any potential collapse or further damage, helping provide peace of mind and comfort in a trying time.

Remove Debris
Remove Debris

After a storm, your roof can be covered in debris that may cause additional damage if left unattended. Our experienced professionals are equipped to safely remove any debris, ultimately preserving the lifespan of your roof.

Temporary Roof Repair in Charleston, SC
Temporary Roof Repair in Charleston, SC

Sometimes, extensive repairs to your roof can't be completed immediately after an emergency. Our team of roofing experts can provide a temporary fix so that your home is safe, dry, and protected from more damage.

Repairs for Emergency Leaks
Repairs for Emergency Leaks

When your roof sprouts a leak suddenly, it can be catastrophic. Hometown Roofing professionals will locate the source of your leak and provide a quick, effective solution to your problem.

Emergency Roof Inspections
Emergency Roof Inspections

When a severe weather event or other emergency incident occurs, you may need a roof inspection to assess the totality of your damage. Hometown Roofing inspections identify needed repairs. That way, you plan for the next steps and do what's necessary to protect your roof and your family.

Hometown Roofing: South Carolina's Premier Choice for Quality Roofing Services

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Hometown Roofing was born out of a rich legacy and a steadfast commitment to quality. Unlike many roofing companies in South Carolina, we stand by the ethos of doing everything right and never cutting corners. We extend that commitment to your home, whether you need minor roof repairs, a total roof replacement, or something in between. Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation today.

 Roof Replacement Charleston, SC

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132 E 2nd N St, Summerville, SC 29483

Latest News in Charleston, SC

Charleston mayor calls for increased transparency from CCSD amidst 'crisis of confidence'

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — City of Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg is calling for more transparency from the Charleston County School District in the wake of recent decisions that have led to a "crisis of confidence" from the district's constituents.In a statement released Tuesday, Tecklenburg asked the board to hold a public meeting to explain the decisions to place Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave, the refusal to appoint Michelle Simmons as the chief academic officer, and the dismissal of...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — City of Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg is calling for more transparency from the Charleston County School District in the wake of recent decisions that have led to a "crisis of confidence" from the district's constituents.

In a statement released Tuesday, Tecklenburg asked the board to hold a public meeting to explain the decisions to place Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave, the refusal to appoint Michelle Simmons as the chief academic officer, and the dismissal of members from the district's Health Advisory Committee.

"Taken together, these actions, and the lack of basic transparency surrounding them, have created a crisis of confidence among our principals, teachers, parents, taxpayers, and state legislators, at least two of whom have now called for formal investigations on a bipartisan basis," Tecklenburg said in a statement.

"I'm respectfully calling on the CCSD Board of Trustees to schedule an immediate public meeting, where they can explain and debate these actions in open session and begin working together to restore confidence in the board and its decision-making."

Tecklenburg's statement comes after a heated press conference held by the four members of the CCSD's Board of Trustees, who voted against the recent actions the board has taken.

The four board members at the press conference called for the reinstation of Gallien, the hiring of Simmons, and the reinstation of the Health Advisory Committee's members who were ousted from their positions.

In the portion of the press conference that allowed for questions, open discussions took place regarding the prominence of Moms for Liberty's influence in school and local politics.

Following the press conference, Representative Wendell Gilliard sent a letter to the state Attorney General Alan Wilson, imploring him to investigate whether the Moms for Liberty faction violated any state laws. Gilliard also asked him to take action to protect the superintendent, students, and staff from "further harassment and intimidation."

“South Carolina law is unequivocal in its commitment to protecting individuals from politically and racially motivated attacks, and it is essential that these protections extend to all citizens, including those who serve within our educational institutions,” the letter, dated Oct. 2, reads.

“... I respectfully request that your office investigate this matter thoroughly and impartially to determine whether any violations of the law have occurred. It is imperative that we ascertain whether these attacks have violated any laws and are indeed racially motivated.”

Gilliard also sent a letter to Ellen Weaver, the superintendent of education in South Carolina, asking Weaver to look into the actions of the board as well.

On Monday night, at a community meeting in North Charleston, one CCSD board member described the struggle against the actions of the majority on the board as the "new Civil Rights movement."

"We are in it," Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson added. "We are not going to faint. We are not going to get weary."

Now Charleston's mayor is also imploring the board for transparency regarding decision-making moving forward.

“More than 220 years ago, when Charleston and the nation were still young, President George Washington warned in his farewell address of the dangers of factions, and of the unique threat they represent to our form of government. In recent days, we have seen those dangers play out on our county school board," Tecklenburg wrote in a statement.

"I believe it's time for everyone involved to step back, remember that we serve all our citizens, and begin mending the broken bonds of trust between our school board and the citizens, parents, and students it serves.”

Should rising SC cooks go to culinary school? Charleston chefs who attended weigh in.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Shamil Velazquez dreamed of attending culinary school.By the time he could walk, Velazquez was already donning chef’s whites, and his uncle, also named Shamil, had became an early mentor. Young Shamil would cook with his uncle, grandmother and mother at home so often that eventually, he could not see himself doing anything else with his life.For the last six years, Velazquez has lived his dream, working in Greenville and Charleston kitchens within the ...

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Shamil Velazquez dreamed of attending culinary school.

By the time he could walk, Velazquez was already donning chef’s whites, and his uncle, also named Shamil, had became an early mentor. Young Shamil would cook with his uncle, grandmother and mother at home so often that eventually, he could not see himself doing anything else with his life.

For the last six years, Velazquez has lived his dream, working in Greenville and Charleston kitchens within the Neighborhood Dining Group family of restaurants. Most recently, the Puerto Rican chef led the kitchen at Delaney Oyster House, and he was the opening executive chef at Minero on Johns Island before Cheyenne Bond took over earlier this year.

Velazquez credits his upbringing for his love of cooking, but he is also quick to mention his time at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. That’s where he met his wife Katie and made the connections that propelled him to Napa Valley to work for chef Cindy Pawlcyn, who taught him how to build relationships with local farmers.

In July, Velazquez announced he would be leaving Charleston to pursue a teaching position at his alma mater.

Though Velazquez has left the area, there are still several Charleston area chefs who attended culinary school, many paying thousands and thousands of dollars to do so. Would they do it again?

At a crossroads

For the younger generation of cooks, culinary school is becoming less attractive, recent data shows.

A 2022 report by The Washington Post found that the number of individuals seeking higher culinary education is decreasing, making it easier to get into cooking schools. The Culinary Institute of America, Velazquez’s alma mater, now accepts 97 percent of applicants, compared to 36 percent two decades ago. In the same 20-year period, the number of accepted students who actually attended dropped from 91 percent to 33 percent, according to the report.

As interest wanes, culinary campuses are closing.

Johnson & Wales University, whose flagship campus is in Providence, R.I., previously operated in Charleston before permanently shuttering in 2006, the same year the college closed its Norfolk, Va., location. Johnson & Wales’ Denver and North Miami campuses were the next dominos to fall, both closing in 2021.

Now, the university’s Charlotte campus, which opened in 2004, finds itself at a crossroads, the Charlotte Business Journal reports. Johnson & Wales’ enrollment has plummeted by 55 percent, and there is growing concern that the school’s only remaining branch can survive in the Queen City.

Annual tuition for Johnson & Wales is $39,792, while the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park costs $20,850 per semester.

“Schools are pretty expensive now, and I think sometimes people have a misconception of what will happen after,” said Michael Zentner, a 2001 Culinary Institute of America graduate who left the restaurant industry three years ago to open a private events company called The Drifter with his wife, Courtney.

Cooks rarely receive offers for executive chef roles after graduating from culinary school. That doesn’t mean it is not a worthwhile endeavor, Zentner said.

“It was a really good way of working under a whole bunch of people in a short period of time,” Zentner said. “You have to think of it as an apprenticeship more than a college.”

The real work starts upon graduation, the former Charleston Grill chef said. Culinary school gives you the script and the practice, but chefs truly learn to cook at a high level while working in a high-performing professional kitchen.

Sorelle executive chef Nick Dugan had a winding path to culinary school. He entered his first restaurant kitchen at age 13 and worked in the industry until high school graduation.

inCitu is launching a city-wide Augmented Reality (AR) layer of the future of Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC will be the site of a new tech pilot project to bring the future of the city to life with augmented reality (AR) via inCitu, a startup that democratizes urban planning by turning city planning data into accessible, smartphone-based AR experiences.CHARLESTON, S.C. and NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Charleston, SC will be the site of a new tech pilot project to bring the future of the city to life with augmented reality (AR) via ...

Charleston, SC will be the site of a new tech pilot project to bring the future of the city to life with augmented reality (AR) via inCitu, a startup that democratizes urban planning by turning city planning data into accessible, smartphone-based AR experiences.

CHARLESTON, S.C. and NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Charleston, SC will be the site of a new tech pilot project to bring the future of the city to life with augmented reality (AR) via inCitu, a startup that democratizes urban planning by turning city planning data into accessible, smartphone-based AR experiences. Although urban development information is publicly available, too often the open data is inaccessible or indecipherable to the average person. By putting the future of the city in the palm of residents' hands on the street, Charleston is becoming actively transparent, boosting the accessibility and inclusivity of open data to improve local conversations around urban change.

In beautiful, historic Charleston, there's a major initiative under way to protect the city from flooding. Proposed development of the perimeter protection barrier has been met with lively debate from citizens who care passionately about how it will appear. Using InCitu's AR tool, residents would be able to scan a QR code on-site and see the proposed designs in real-scale, as if it is built.

"People assume the worst until they have an opportunity to view new buildings or large-scale infrastructure projects with their own eyes. The community can use their phones and see proposed building designs for themselves" said Paul Turner, CEO of Virtual America, a local Charleston-based start-up technology company specializing in virtual and augmented reality for applications showcasing art, architecture and history. "This is an easy-to-use low friction way to allow local advocacy groups and individual citizens to see and provide direct and immediate feedback to architects or commercial developers on their plans for new building and infrastructure projects throughout the City of Charleston. Also to allow City leaders and associated oversight organizations to quickly gather citizen comments beyond the traditional town hall or oversight board meeting format.

Ben Davis, CEO of MOODOG, an established local animation and interactive experience studio with content produced for Peacock, Kennedy Space Center, SC Aquarium, Patriots Point, and many more, states that "Bringing data to life for the community in this way allows everyone to be part of the story - which is our mission! From here, we can imagine a multitude of both serious and fun interactions that will accelerate understanding and communication."

As cities create digital replicas of their urban centers, adapting technology into the existing city planning processes to handle real time 3D data will be a commonplace challenge. Although urban development information is publicly available, too often the open data is inaccessible or indecipherable to the average person. Cities like Charleston are leading the way for smart, democratic cities that streamline the time and costs it takes to plan and build for a sustainable, safe, and equitable future for all. For more info on these projects follow @incitu_ar on instagram

About inCitu:

inCitu is a New York-based technology company delivering on a mission to bring future cities to life via augmented reality (AR). It empowers residents, industry professionals, and decision makers to collaborate on the process of urban change. inCitu turns proposed and upcoming development information from private and public resources into a real-scale AR experience, available to anyone with a smartphone. To date it has worked on more than 4,000 construction sites in New York, California and beyond.

Moondog Animation Studio is an entertainment studio located in Charleston that has a track record of producing exceptional story-driven experiences. They utilize cutting-edge technology in the fields of animation and interactive experiences, ranging from screens to large-scale location-based entertainment venues. They incorporate technologies such as AR, VR, AI, projection mapping, human input interaction, blockchain, and more.

Virtual America is a Charleston-based technology company focused on researching and developing virtual and augmented reality applications showcasing the creative work of artists, historic preservationists, architects, museum curators and local/regional tour guides and storytellers.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

Media Contact

Dana Chermesh-Reshef, inCitu, 1 3475858166 3475858166, [email protected], https://incitu.xyz/

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SOURCE inCitu

Charleston, S.C., Okays Contract to Build Bike-Pedestrian Bridge Over Ashley River

After some last-minute funding maneuvers, the city of Charleston, S.C., approved the terms of a construction contract for a long-awaited bike and pedestrian bridge connecting downtown and the scenic West Ashley district.It now awaits federal approval before Mayor John Tecklenburg can sign off on it and work can begin.The Ashley River Crossing is a separated bike path and stand-alone bridge that promises to enhance the connectivity of Charleston's metro area, according to the city's online project page. It will tie to the end of...

After some last-minute funding maneuvers, the city of Charleston, S.C., approved the terms of a construction contract for a long-awaited bike and pedestrian bridge connecting downtown and the scenic West Ashley district.

It now awaits federal approval before Mayor John Tecklenburg can sign off on it and work can begin.

The Ashley River Crossing is a separated bike path and stand-alone bridge that promises to enhance the connectivity of Charleston's metro area, according to the city's online project page. It will tie to the end of the West Ashley Greenway and connect to downtown when its construction is completed.

The bridge's design work is expected to take about a year, while construction will likely last for three years, said Jason Kronsberg, Charleston's parks director and the project manager for the effort.

He added that there should only be minor disruptions to road and boat traffic during the work. Beginning at the existing West Ashley Greenway on the west side of the river, the new structure will cross the Ashley just south of the U.S. Highway 17 vehicular bridges.

In addition to the bridge, improvements will be made at key intersections along the West Ashley Greenway and at the Bee Street and Lockwood Drive intersection on the Charleston Peninsula.

Several Factors Led to Bridge's Higher Cost

The Post and Courier reported Sept. 27 that as construction firms submitted proposals for the project this summer, local leaders became aware that their most recent cost projections were insufficient.

That is when the estimate ballooned from $42 million about a year ago to about $74 million now, the Charleston newspaper noted. As a result, city officials had to secure more funding from county, state and federal agencies. In addition to dipping into the city's hospitality tax funds, the Medical University of South Carolina chipped in too.

In total, the city's contribution to the project via hospitality tax funds stands at $13 million.

Construction bidders attributed the higher-than-expected cost projections to rising interest rates, as well as increased labor and material costs. The winning bid came in at $73.8 million.

City leaders had considered scaling the project back when the new estimates were calculated but Councilman Mike Seekings said South Carolina Transportation Secretary Christy Hall was determined to find additional help from all levels of government to bring the project across the finish line.

"Secretary Hall put her money where her mouth is," he told the Post and Courier.

With Hall's help securing an additional $30 million committed from various agencies, the city was able to move forward by signing a contract with Superior Construction, a Midwest and Southeast heavy civil firm with an office in North Charleston.

The Charleston City Council voted 11-1 on Sept. 26 to authorize the mayor to sign off on the contract once it gets approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Council member Caroline Parker voted against the authorization and Councilman William Dudley Gregorie was absent.

If all goes according to plan, the contract will be sealed within a few weeks and design work can begin, the Charleston news outlet learned. Inking the contract locks down a "guaranteed maximum price" from the contractor, which can only fluctuate within a certain percentage of the total project cost. Any additional overruns would need special approval from the city council.

Despite the cost estimate struggles, Charleston officials struck an optimistic tone, telling the Post and Courier the project will be transformative for the city.

"It's a game changer," Kronsberg said. "It's a significant infrastructure project that will be just as successful as the Ravenel Bridge bike and pedestrian lane [across the Cooper River] when it was first implemented. If you build it, they will come."

Council member Peter Shahid, who is running for mayor, said the project is not only a recreational amenity but also an important piece of the city's transportation network. It would provide commuters who travel on foot or ride bikes a safe crossing to the city's employment hub and also could relieve some traffic on the existing vehicular bridges in the same area.

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10/3 NEWSBREAK: Calls for action, investigation into Charleston school board operations

Charleston lawmakers, four members of the Charleston County Board of Trustees and community members are seeking answers for recent board actions fueled by a conservative majority of five trustees. Among the concerns: why new Superintendent Eric Gallien is on paid administrative leave after a closed session that is drawing charges of the board’s lack of transparency.On ...

Charleston lawmakers, four members of the Charleston County Board of Trustees and community members are seeking answers for recent board actions fueled by a conservative majority of five trustees. Among the concerns: why new Superintendent Eric Gallien is on paid administrative leave after a closed session that is drawing charges of the board’s lack of transparency.

On Monday, S.C. Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, asked S.C. Attorney General to look into what’s going on with the school board: “It has come to my attention that certain members of the Charleston County School Board, known to be backed by the Moms For Liberty organization, have engaged in a series of actions that may potentially constitute violations of the law, including racially motivated and possibly rising to the level of hate-crime offenses.”

Other S.C. lawmakers, such as S.C. Rep. Joe Bustos, R-Charleston, reached out to Gov. Henry McMaster and the state inspector general to investigate any violations of the state’s open meetings law.

The school board voted 5-4 on Sept. 25 to place Gallien on paid administrative leave following a complaint that hasn’t been aired in public.

Four trustees not in the majority coalition of the board on Monday called on the rest of the board to rescind its decision on Gallien and demanded answers about why the board decided not to hire a qualified, recommended candidate to be the district’s chief administrative officer.

More than 70 people attended the Monday press event by the four trustees. Community members were encouraged to get active and let board members know their positions on issues related to local schools.

When asked what could be done about the board’s apparently illegal use of executive sessions, trustee Courtney Waters said, “The discussion needs to happen in the public so that the public can weigh in and give us input on what is right for this district.”

In other news:

CP NEWS: Nutmobile spends the weekend in the Lowcountry. The peanut-shaped Planters Nutmobile stopped in the Charleston area at The Rise Coffee Bar in Charleston to celebrate National Coffee Day and at Holy City Brewing for a beer and nut pairing.

Former Citadel President Watts dies. The Citadel announced that Lt. Gen. Claudius “Bud” Watts III, a former president of the state’s military college, passed away Sunday at 87 years-old.

S.C. gas prices see another small drop. Gas prices in South Carolina have fallen nearly 6 cents over the past week to an average of $3.25 per gallon.

Affordable housing unit at old Archer school to be ready by next year. The renovation project to convert the former Archer School on Nassau Street to affordable housing is currently underway. Council members said units will be available in the coming months after a recent visit to the construction site.

Some hope to preserve unmarked graves near Gadsden Creek. Community members and city leaders are working to protect the potential unmarked burial sites of enslaved people and migrants from the 18th and 19th century from future development.

S.C. tech firm extends ‘poison pill’ to discourage unwanted buyout bids. Daniel Island-based Blackbaud Inc.’s board of directors unanimously approved extending the shareholder rights plan that was supposed to end Oct. 2 to discourage hostile takeover attempts.

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