Roofer in Charleston, SC

The city of Charleston faces no greater challenge than how it will adjust to an era of rising seas, stronger storms, heavier rains, sinking ground and rising groundwater, and it must adjust to this reality with a sense of urgency as well as a sense of patience, as this is a long game that can be won only over time.

In fact, this era is already here. As was noted during Tuesday's workshop unveiling of the new Charleston water plan:

David Waggoner of Waggoner & Ball, a lead consultant on the water plan, said the plan encourages the city to act now and adapt over time. While it's a citywide approach, it recognizes the solution for each area is different. And it looks decades ahead. "If we act with intention and intelligence, managing flooding is possible for us," he told City Council members.

The challenge is for council members, business, neighborhood and advocacy group leaders and ultimately residents and voters to absorb this information so they can all support the work ahead.

After the plan was presented, Mayor William Cogswell outlined several initiatives the city already has taken. Among them: collecting stormwater fees; closing roads and deploying pumps before storms; updating city stormwater policies; revamping its zoning to address flooding and affordability; seeking help to raise oft-flooded streets, such as the link between the Ashley River Bridge and S.C. Highway 61; and working with the Army Corps of Engineers on extending the High Battery up the Ashley and Cooper rivers and identifying other flood-prevention projects across the city that could qualify for federal help. That work with the Corps is crucial because 65% of the cost of those projects would be paid for by the federal government.

He also plans to ask City Council to restructure a citizens committee that worked with the Corps on peninsula protection to assist on flooding citywide. "I really think we need to bring citizens participation on a professional level into this dialogue to help them also be ambassadors for our plans moving forward. ... It can't just be us sitting here in this room. It has to be the community at large." We agree, as public awareness of the threats — as well as the solutions and the investments required to pay for those solutions — is key to success.

One reason the water plan was unveiled later than originally planned is Mr. Cogswell's desire to focus on practical solutions rather than more long-term aspirational ideas. To that end, on the same day the water plan was presented to council members, the mayor simultaneously unveiled new Basin Flood Action Program maps for each of the city's 18 drainage basins, including projects aimed at mitigating flooding, restoring ecological balance and improving public water access. Those will help homeowners, neighborhoods and other small communities learn more about what's going on near them and can only help increase public understanding.

This past week might have been the most consequential of Mr. Cogswell's first year in office, as, after months of silence and behind-the-scenes meetings and coalition building, he unveiled both the new water plan and a new West Ashley redevelopment plan for Sumar Street.

The Charleston water plan should be far more important in the long run. It's a complex, extensive and professional road map for how the city can live with water and minimize harm from future flooding. But as with any other map, it's useful only if read.

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Do you have a high schooler who is wondering what college to go to next year after they graduate? If so, you may want to consider these four South Carolina colleges named by The Princeton Review.

In its current edition of "The Best 390 Colleges," published August, the College of Charleston, Furman University, the University of South Carolina, and Wofford College were named.

To determine the rankings, data was taken from a survey of 168,000 students from 390 colleges. Students were then asked questions regarding their school based on the following categories: academics/administration, college life, their fellow students, and themselves.

Here's why these S.C. colleges were named among some of the nation's best.

College of Charleston (featured college)

∎ Acceptance Rate: 72%

∎ Tuition: $36,858

∎ SAT Scores: 1150-1210

∎ ACT Scores: 24-29

∎ From the School: Students who attend the school enjoy its small-college feel and diversity of a mid-sized, urban university. Professors are focused on student growth and are dedicated in teaching and helping them succeed. The college campus is located in the heart of historical Charleston, which serves as a "living and learning laboratory for experiences in business, science, technology, teaching, the humanities, languages, and the arts."

Furman University

∎ Acceptance Rate: 53%

∎ Tuition: $59,360

∎ SAT Scores: 1260-1425

∎ ACT Scores: 28-32

∎ Financial Aid Rating: 88

∎ Academics: Furman's pre-professional curriculum was noted as one of its top selling points, especially its pre-health and pre-law advisers, who help students get placed into graduate programs. The staff is also ready to help students excel, but prospective students should be prepared to study hard ― the academics can be "very difficult."

∎ Student Body: Undergrads push each other to succeed at Furman, its student body made up of individuals who have "high aspirations." While the majority of the demographic was described as "Southern white" with wealthy backgrounds, the university has made recruitment efforts to diversify its student body. There are also many people with unique talents and similar hobbies, making it easy to make friends.

∎ Campus Life: Students are involved in many clubs and organizations, with undergraduates drawn to the university's accessible athletic events. Greek life is popular despite party life not being prevalent on campus. Furman also hosts many cultural events and has a variety of organizations for students to join, like Eco Reps, Residential Life Council, and musical theatre.

University of South Carolina

∎ Acceptance Rate: 61%

∎ Tuition: $12,288

∎ SAT Scores: 1180-1380

∎ ACT Scores: 26-32

∎ Financial Aid Rating: 81

∎ Academics: The University of South Carolina is a historic institution with over 200 years of southern traditions and academic leadership. The school "provides a wealth of opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, and unique organizations." Students also have plenty of opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. Throughout the university, there are tutors and supplemental instructors who can help students with classes that can "sometimes be very difficult."

∎ Student Body: Comprised of a mix of different ethnicity, genders, and personalities, the student body is relatively "laid back in dress and attitude," with a large Greek population. The university aims to make everyone feel included, especially for the Gamecock experience.

∎ Campus Life: Students who attend the university can look forward to a vibrant social life where there is always something to do, from traditional football games on Saturday and Hip Hop Wednesdays to weekends spent in Five Points.

Wofford College

∎ Acceptance Rate: 69%

∎ Tuition: $42,335

∎ SAT Scores: 1120-1310

∎ ACT Scores: 24-30

∎ Financial Aid Rating: 90

∎ Academics: Wofford emits a family-friendly atmosphere and community due to its small size. It is a great place to obtain a liberal arts educations and for students looking to network with "highly influential people." The campus was also described as "beautiful" with up to date facilities.

∎ Student Body: "Hardworking," and "driven" were words used to describe students attending Wofford, who take pride in their academic achievements. Although diversity on campus has increased, the student demographic is "predominantly white."

∎ Campus Life: Students work hard throughout the week but also take the time to have fun on campus. Students can be found playing sports at the gym, dancing at the Greek Village, and mingling at the college's six fraternities, four sororities, two historically Black fraternities, and a multicultural house at the Greek Village. The school also hosts trivia nights and cultural events, with plenty of hiking trails nearby for nature lovers.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A former Charleston County Sheriff’s deputy is on trial this week charged with reckless homicide after a 2020 crash left one man dead.

Former deputy Jason Barry is facing reckless homicide resulting in death charges after his cruiser collided with an SUV in West Ashley in May of 2020, leaving the other driver, Ronald Jenkins, dead.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office fired Barry about a month after the collision and the state Highway Patrol charged and arrested him the same day.

Later, Jenkins’ family sued the former deputy. Since he was on duty and driving a Charleston County Sheriff’s Office cruiser at the time, the sheriff’s office reached an agreement in that case and the state Insurance Reserve Fund paid out the family.

Barry was traveling down the road when Jenkins made a left-hand turn across the traffic lanes.

Barry’s cruiser hit the SUV head-on which resulted in the SUV flipping over and resulted in the front of the cruiser being crushed. Barry made the 911 call where he told the dispatcher that a car turned in front of him and he hit it head-on.

The prosecution is arguing that Barry’s high speeds of close to 70 in a 45-mile-per-hour zone were reckless, caused the crash and cost Jenkins his life.

Prosecutor Timothy Finch began by having first responders tell what they say, and then let the jury see the crash scene photos for themselves.

Photos show the crushed front end of the cruiser and Jenkins’ SUV flipped onto its side. First responders testified that the fire department had to cut open the roof of the car to get the victim out, and Jenkins did not have strong signs of life at the scene.

In their opening, the defense argued that Jenkins is at fault for turning into oncoming traffic. Attorney Brian Alfaro said while Barry is not above the law and shouldn’t have been speeding, It was Jenkins who moved into the road, becoming an obstacle and forcing the crash.

There were no direct witnesses to the crash so testimony will rely on first responders, investigators and coroner reports and photos and nearby security video.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A major redevelopment plan may be coming to the Sumar Street site in West Ashley.

Charleston Mayor William Cogswell shared a new proposal for the old Piggly Wiggly lot in a public meeting Monday night.

The overall plan has a projected $300 million price tag, and the city is planning to invest $44 million into the new vision.

READ MORE | "Charleston's Sumar Street up for transformation with new development plan."

Mayor Cogswell said he’s asking for feedback for a new plan to combine the three-acre Sumar Street site and the 32-acre portion of Ashley Landing.

“I’m excited about it. I felt like people in that room were finally excited and willing to put aside whatever reservations they had left,” said Susan Sully. “I’m very hopeful that we're going to get this thing started.”

City officials said the goal is to create a community hub for West Ashley.

The plan includes a public park and multi-use bike and pedestrian paths. It will bring new apartments, 10% of which will be designated as “affordable.” And developers said there will be an emphasis on including local businesses and restaurants.

READ MORE | "'Council decided to ignore West Ashley': Sumar Street plans head back to drawing board."

The main concerns from neighbors are parking and traffic, but Joy Gerardi said the project is long overdue and she just wants to see it completed.

“It's looked the same exact way since I’ve lived here. And it just would be nice to have something new in West Ashley, because I feel like we kind of get the short end of the stick sometimes,” Gerardi, a 30-year resident, said.

A key piece of Mayor Cogswell’s new plan is a 400,000-square-foot stormwater retention system. He said it will help with flood mitigation throughout West Ashley.

“Right now, you're sitting with 35 acres of asphalt that really has no retention whatsoever. So, whenever it rains, all that drains down into the neighborhoods,” the mayor said.

READ MORE | "Charleston City Council votes to send Sumar Street project back to Community Development."

Mayor Cogswell also said it’s important financially for the city to act fast on new development.

The city is already 8 years into a 25-year Tax Increment Financing district (TIF) for the Sumar Street site, but little development has caused little revenue.

“It really is hitting the city's financial capacity to do something impactful when it comes to public space, when it comes to infrastructure resiliency measures,” Mayor Cogswell said. “So, we've got to get moving on this.”

City officials said they will collect feedback from Monday’s public forum.

The earliest the proposal may go before the City Council is likely in mid-September.

Do you have a high schooler who is wondering what college to go to next year after they graduate? If so, you may want to consider these four South Carolina colleges named by The Princeton Review.

In its current edition of "The Best 390 Colleges," published August, Clemson University, the College of Charleston, Furman University, the University of South Carolina, and Wofford College were named.

To determine the rankings, data was taken from a survey of 168,000 students from 390 colleges. Students were then asked questions regarding their school based on the following categories: academics/administration, college life, their fellow students, and themselves.

Here's why these S.C. colleges were named among some of the nation's best.

Clemson University (featured college)

∎ Acceptance Rate: 49%

∎ Tuition: $39,502

∎ SAT Scores: 1240-1400

∎ ACT Scores: 27-32

∎ From the School: Clemson University is "set in a college town with a beautiful backdrop of lakeshore and mountains." Students gravitate to the school for its rigorous academic experience, world-class research opportunities, and strong community and school spirit. According to Clemson, in 2021, 55% of incoming first-year students ranked in the top 10% of their high school classes while the middle 50% of reported SAT scores ranged from 1240-1400. During the Fall 2020 class, the student retention rate was 94%, which is attributed to the Academic Success Center.

College of Charleston (featured college)

∎ Acceptance Rate: 72%

∎ Tuition: $36,858

∎ SAT Scores: 1150-1210

∎ ACT Scores: 24-29

∎ From the School: Students who attend the school enjoy its small-college feel and diversity of a mid-sized, urban university. Professors are focused on student growth and are dedicated in teaching and helping them succeed. The college campus is located in the heart of historical Charleston, which serves as a "living and learning laboratory for experiences in business, science, technology, teaching, the humanities, languages, and the arts."

Furman University

∎ Acceptance Rate: 53%

∎ Tuition: $59,360

∎ SAT Scores: 1260-1425

∎ ACT Scores: 28-32

∎ Financial Aid Rating: 88

∎ Academics: Furman's pre-professional curriculum was noted as one of its top selling points, especially its pre-health and pre-law advisers, who help students get placed into graduate programs. The staff is also ready to help students excel, but prospective students should be prepared to study hard ― the academics can be "very difficult."

∎ Student Body: Undergrads push each other to succeed at Furman, its student body made up of individuals who have "high aspirations." While the majority of the demographic was described as "Southern white" with wealthy backgrounds, the university has made recruitment efforts to diversify its student body. There are also many people with unique talents and similar hobbies, making it easy to make friends.

∎ Campus Life: Students are involved in many clubs and organizations, with undergraduates drawn to the university's accessible athletic events. Greek life is popular despite party life not being prevalent on campus. Furman also hosts many cultural events and has a variety of organizations for students to join, like Eco Reps, Residential Life Council, and musical theatre.

University of South Carolina

∎ Acceptance Rate: 61%

∎ Tuition: $12,288

∎ SAT Scores: 1180-1380

∎ ACT Scores: 26-32

∎ Financial Aid Rating: 81

∎ Academics: The University of South Carolina is a historic institution with over 200 years of southern traditions and academic leadership. The school "provides a wealth of opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, and unique organizations." Students also have plenty of opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. Throughout the university, there are tutors and supplemental instructors who can help students with classes that can "sometimes be very difficult."

∎ Student Body: Comprised of a mix of different ethnicity, genders, and personalities, the student body is relatively "laid back in dress and attitude," with a large Greek population. The university aims to make everyone feel included, especially for the Gamecock experience.

∎ Campus Life: Students who attend the university can look forward to a vibrant social life where there is always something to do, from traditional football games on Saturday and Hip Hop Wednesdays to weekends spent in Five Points.

Wofford College

∎ Acceptance Rate: 69%

∎ Tuition: $42,335

∎ SAT Scores: 1120-1310

∎ ACT Scores: 24-30

∎ Financial Aid Rating: 90

∎ Academics: Wofford emits a family-friendly atmosphere and community due to its small size. It is a great place to obtain a liberal arts educations and for students looking to network with "highly influential people." The campus was also described as "beautiful" with up to date facilities.

∎ Student Body: "Hardworking," and "driven" were words used to describe students attending Wofford, who take pride in their academic achievements. Although diversity on campus has increased, the student demographic is "predominantly white."

∎ Campus Life: Students work hard throughout the week but also take the time to have fun on campus. Students can be found playing sports at the gym, dancing at the Greek Village, and mingling at the college's six fraternities, four sororities, two historically Black fraternities, and a multicultural house at the Greek Village. The school also hosts trivia nights and cultural events, with plenty of hiking trails nearby for nature lovers.

Note: This story has been updated to include Clemson University among the South Carolina colleges included in Princeton Review's 390 Best Colleges.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.