It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Princes Ferry One Hand Sanders Historical Markets gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Mount Pleasant, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine,”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years”
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Langdon's Restaurant & Wine Bar or visit Old Village Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Mount Pleasant, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Mount Pleasant, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Mount Pleasant, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Compass Vision Care isn’t just an optometry practice, it’s a reflection of its founder’s dedication to family, health and community. Offering a wide range of services from medical eye care to stylish frames, contact lenses and popular brands of sunglasses, the practice has become a trusted name for patients of all ages.Dr. Betsy Fraser, the heart behind Compass Vision Care, takes pride in providing a preventative, wellness-based approach to eye health, which is designed to support lifelong vision. The practice also s...
Compass Vision Care isn’t just an optometry practice, it’s a reflection of its founder’s dedication to family, health and community. Offering a wide range of services from medical eye care to stylish frames, contact lenses and popular brands of sunglasses, the practice has become a trusted name for patients of all ages.
Dr. Betsy Fraser, the heart behind Compass Vision Care, takes pride in providing a preventative, wellness-based approach to eye health, which is designed to support lifelong vision. The practice also specializes in diagnosing and managing conditions like dry eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
But Compass Vision Care is more than just a medical facility; it’s a place where quality service and personal care are prioritized. The Optical Boutique features an impressive selection of frames for all styles and budgets, alongside contact lenses tailored to fit the unique needs of each patient. With an onsite laboratory and premium spectacle lenses in stock, the practice can craft custom eyewear precisely and efficiently without long wait times.
For Dr. Fraser, Compass Vision Care is more than just a career, it’s a way of life. Along with her husband Doug, their two daughters and their golden retriever, Dr. Fraser has built a practice that aligns with her values. She offers flexible hours, including evening appointments, so she can balance her passion for helping others with the joy of being a mother. Dr. Fraser’s goal is to create a harmonious life where career and family thrive together.
For more information, visit compassvisioncare.com.
By Cari Lawson
Sharing is Caring
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MOUNT PLEASANT — Town leaders are considering adopting more protections for Gullah Geechee communities — historic Black neighborhoods situated primarily in unincorporated areas within Mount Pleasant — that mirror those set by Charleston County.Two recent annexation requests from landowners in the ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — Town leaders are considering adopting more protections for Gullah Geechee communities — historic Black neighborhoods situated primarily in unincorporated areas within Mount Pleasant — that mirror those set by Charleston County.
Two recent annexation requests from landowners in the Hamlin Beach Community prompted the discussion at the town's planning committee meeting May 5.
These properties would become part of the town of Mount Pleasant, a move that could sidestep historic protections enforced by Charleston County.
Residents urged the town's planning committee to take up similar protections and close a gap that could put Black communities at risk of overdevelopment and displacement.
"It should not be that loophole, that they annex out of our area just to build these subdivisions," said Myra Richardson, president of the Hamlin Beach Community Association. "We're just asking you to protect our history, our heritage, our legacy."
Mount Pleasant's Gullah Geechee communities, often referred to as settlement communities, have long been resistant to annexation. Concerns about overdevelopment have led property owners to stay in unincorporated Charleston County, even as these communities are surrounded by town property.
Hamlin Beach, nestled behind Rifle Range Road on Hamlin Sound, became the fourth neighborhood designated as a historic district by the county in 2025.
Hamlin Beach seeking historical protections from Mount Pleasant, to fight overdevelopment and close a loophole that developers have used to get around a county-level subdivision moratorium by annexing into the town.
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Coakley Chapel in Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
An aerial view of the Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
Deliverance Tabernacle in the Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
Trees cover a road in the Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
Hamlin Beach resident Isaiah Horry, 70, takes a walk around his neighborhood Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
A children’s playground statues are seen from a resident’s home in the Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
The intersection of Hamlin Beach road and Boston Grill road in the Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
A decorated yard in the Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
The intersection of Hamlin Beach road and Boston Grill road in the Hamlin Beach community Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
Capital Improvement Plan signage is seen along Hamlin Road Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Charleston County.
The recognition came with stronger building restrictions and review processes for new developments. A two-year moratorium, established in July 2024, also prohibits construction of major subdivisions within the district. The county considers a major subdivision to be a parcel of land split into five or more lots.
Shortly after the county approved the recognition, Mount Pleasant's planning commission reviewed an annexation request for a 3.11-acre tract of land on Hamlin Beach Road.
The developer told planning commission members in April that the motivation for annexing was to gain access to town water and sewer services. If approved, the property would see some development restrictions from the town, including limits to how many homes could be built per acre and how big lots could be.
But the property would no longer be beholden to the county's subdivision moratorium, nor review from the county Historic Preservation Commission.
Town Council gave the initial thumbs up for the request in April, though Charleston County Council opposed the move.
Larry Kobrovsky, a county councilman who represents much of Mount Pleasant, told committee members on May 5 that the area is at a "tipping point." He urged the town to pause the annexation.
"We're trying to do everything we can to preserve historic communities and keep the area rural," Kobrovsky said.
Chaired by Councilwoman G.M. Whitley, Mount Pleasant's planning committee agreed that annexation should not be used to get around building restrictions.
"It's created this disparity between our community of Mount Pleasant and the county to where people who have sold out their properties … they're trying to escape, basically, these historic overlays into our town," Whitley said.
MOUNT PLEASANT — While one luxury car storage facility is celebrating its grand opening in Mount Pleasant, a town planning committee hit the brakes on a proposal for a second.The luxury storage site, or "car condominiums," are individually owned garage-focused properties with their own TMS number on commercially zoned land.They are built to be upwards of 1,500 square feet of climate-controlled space with nearly 20-foot ceilings, suitable for storing luxury vehicles, RVs, classic cars, boats and more.The p...
MOUNT PLEASANT — While one luxury car storage facility is celebrating its grand opening in Mount Pleasant, a town planning committee hit the brakes on a proposal for a second.
The luxury storage site, or "car condominiums," are individually owned garage-focused properties with their own TMS number on commercially zoned land.
They are built to be upwards of 1,500 square feet of climate-controlled space with nearly 20-foot ceilings, suitable for storing luxury vehicles, RVs, classic cars, boats and more.
The price tag? Around $400,000 per car "condo."
Mount Pleasant’s first car condominium, The Vault, located on Faison Road about halfway between Costco Wholesale and Mount Pleasant Regional Airport, will celebrate its grand opening May 30. The project broke ground in September 2024.
The Vault owner Lee Janik said the 29-unit property on two acres was fully leased well in advance of its opening, a testament to the needs of Mount Pleasant where people own multiple luxury vehicles, boats and RVs. The development company kept two units in hand but will list them for sale shortly after opening and expects to sell them both quickly.
“It’s for high-net-worth individuals with too many toys and nowhere to put them. Homeowners Association’s don’t allow anything in driveways,” Janik said. “I sold four units before I even owned the property. There are a number of (clients) who bought two units.”
Janik, who came up with his concept in 2021 as an offshoot of a luxury indoor boat storage business he owned in Ohio, is now in nine different markets working with real estate agents, car enthusiasts and more. He uses word-of-mouth to garner interest.
Owners get 24/7 access with water, bathrooms, kitchens and even loft-style living rooms for lounging with a secure access gate. The only restriction is that owners can’t live in the units or sleep inside them overnight.
He announced The Vault’s next expansion will be on Daniel Island, with property already under contract and the ability to build residential units on top of the mega-garages.
“We already have ten units sold on Daniel Island,” Janik said. “We sell units before we build, so we can customize the size (needed).”
Janik said he expects the Daniel Island location to be open in the next year-and-a-half.
Despite the demand for these types of developments, a second car condominium proposed for Mount Pleasant by another developer wasn't given the green light from two town planning bodies.
A proposed 55-unit car condominium over four acres in the Belle Hall Planned Unit Development, accessible from Seacoast Parkway and adjacent to Long Point Road, was recommended for denial by the Mount Pleasant Planning Committee and Planning Commission May 5. Florida-based developer WHWE, LLC proposed the project.
Chris Pilinko, with WHWE, LLC, said the luxury storage facility would be priced between $400,000 and $500,000, and would include a monthly regime fee.
“We've done three of these in other markets and have a local partner who has identified this site. They're very low intensity uses. They have no demand on public services,” Pilinko said at the planning meeting.
Committee members said there were better uses for the commercially zoned location than the use for individually owned garages to store luxury vehicles.
“I think the residents would much prefer a grocery store or a restaurant as an amenity to the community rather than $400,000 to $500,000-owned storage,” said Guang Ming Whitley, planning committee chairman and town council member.
The vote was three to deny the request and one abstention, with committee member Jake Rambo wanting more information about car condominiums before voting on the issue.
MOUNT PLEASANT — It’s official: The Harris Teeter grocery store in Seaside Farms will close by May 28, on the heels of Memorial Day weekend.Rumors had been swirling for nearly a year that the supermarket at the Target-anchored Shoppes at Seaside Farms was planning to shut its doors.The grocery chain's confirmed closing means that residents in the ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — It’s official: The Harris Teeter grocery store in Seaside Farms will close by May 28, on the heels of Memorial Day weekend.
Rumors had been swirling for nearly a year that the supermarket at the Target-anchored Shoppes at Seaside Farms was planning to shut its doors.
The grocery chain's confirmed closing means that residents in the mixed-use development at the Isle of Palms Connector and Rifle Range Road will have about a month to find an alternative.
“There’s been a lot of controversy about this since many people in the greater Seaside Farms community feel like they were ‘promised’ a grocery store in the beginning when (the community) was being developed,” said DeAnne Reed Vane, director of marketing at Franke At Seaside, a retirement and active lifestyle community within walking distance of the supermarket. “I think we would all hope to see another grocery go into that space.”
In a statement this week, Harris Teeter stated the decision to close followed a “careful consideration and strategic market review.”
While the nearby Target in the Shoppes at Seaside has a grocery section, Vane said the selection is much smaller than what Harris Teeters offers.
“Target does have a grocery section that takes up about a third of the store, but only very small refrigerated section and limited in some types of groceries," Vane said. "I imagine our 250 independent-living residents will be greatly inconvenienced by this closing, as will our staff of approximately 275 employees."
The next-nearest grocery option is a Trader Joe's store that opened last year in Sweetgrass Corner.
Speculation about the Harris Teeter closing started nearly a year ago after the supermarket chain's landlord announced in a marketing email that the 45,660-square-foot space would be available to lease.
Danna Robinson, spokeswoman for the grocery store, told The Post and Courier it began notifying employees on April 24.
“In the coming weeks, the company will work closely with its valued associates to assist them through the closing process. Harris Teeter will offer its associates the opportunity to transfer to other locations," Robinson said in a statement.
The Kroger Co.-owned chain moved into Seaside Farms in October 2013. Previously, the space with its 40-foot vaulted ceiling had been the "flagship" supermarket for the defunct Piggly Wiggly Carolina franchise, which built it in 1996.
With the closing, Harris Teeter will have 18 stores in the Charleston area.
The chain has announced supermarkets for two undeveloped parcels — in the Carnes Crossroads area of Goose Creek and at Maybank Highway and River Road on Johns Island. No formal plans have been announced for either site.
MOUNT PLEASANT — A long-awaited local tree ordinance will soon officially take effect, giving pines in the area stronger protection. Removing trees will also come with added costs and more-stringent mitigation requirements.The new provisions of Mount Pleasant's tree ordinance go into effect May 1 along with the rest of the town's up...
MOUNT PLEASANT — A long-awaited local tree ordinance will soon officially take effect, giving pines in the area stronger protection. Removing trees will also come with added costs and more-stringent mitigation requirements.
The new provisions of Mount Pleasant's tree ordinance go into effect May 1 along with the rest of the town's updated zoning code. Planning staff and town officials spent over two years rewriting sections of the zoning code, a document that hadn't been fully revisited since the 1970s, Planning Director Michele Reed said.
The new code was ready to be approved by the town council in January, though its adoption was delayed 90 days.
In the northern end of Mount Pleasant, new developments like Carolina Park and Park West have cropped up among the abandoned rows of pine trees that were originally planted for pulpwood, a material used in paper making.
"The volume of (pines) is incredible, especially in the north end of town... Carolina Park, for example, that was planted as timberland, so there's pines everywhere," said Eddie Bernard, the town's urban forester.
Pine trees, like loblollies and longleaf, are native to South Carolina, though they don't typically have as grand a reputation as live oaks or the Southern charm of a magnolia.
These trees also haven't received the same protections as live oaks, cedars and other revered trees, which have been protected by the town's zoning code for years. Historic trees, meaning trees that measure 24 inches or more in diameter, are also protected.
Meanwhile, pines of any size and species could be removed without a permit or special approval from the town.
There are some cases in which protected trees are removed. The process to do so can be lengthy and requires approval from the town, though it's not always given.
This will soon be the case for mature pines with a diameter of 24 inches or more. A removal permit will be required to remove a larger pine, as well as a mitigation plan.
Permits, which are currently free, will cost $50. This permit is required for removing any protected tree.
Michele Reed, planning director for the town, said the decision to include pines of certain sizes was driven by resident concerns voiced at a series of public input meetings held in 2023.
The meetings were meant to gather comments to help draft a new comprehensive plan, but Reed said the desire to protect pines was a common concern raised to staff. Changes to the tree ordinance were outlined in the Community Forest Master Plan and also got the thumbs-up from the town's planning commission and committee.
Those who wish to remove trees will also see stricter mitigation requirements.
When trees are cut down and removed from a property, at least one must be replaced on-site. A plan for replacing trees will also be required and approved by the town before a permit to cut one down is issued.
Currently, developers and property owners can pay into the town's tree bank in lieu of replanting. Starting in May, at least one tree must be replanted on-site.
"We want them to try and plant more. But if they can't, then you you have that option to still pay into the tree bank," Reed said.
Tree bank funds are used for replanting in other areas of town, Bernard said.
"It's still, in the broader sense, is still funding trees. It just may not necessarily be on that lot or that neighborhood," Bernard said.
Reach Anna Sharpe at 843-806-6790.
843.535.8387
