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282 Thorpe St, Summerville, SC 29483
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
282 Thorpe St, Summerville, SC 29483
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Commercial Electrician in Mount Pleasant, SC

If you own a business, you should already know that at some point, you will need to hire an electrician in Mount Pleasant to fix electrical issues and maintain your property's wiring systems. Unfortunately, many people forego certified, experienced electricians to save money. The reality is, trying to fix an electrical issue in your business is no small task and often costs more money than hiring a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous to your property and, more importantly, your health.

It might seem like a good idea to try a DIY approach or call your "do it all" local handyman, but going pro will save you time and money when it comes to serious projects like thermal imaging and three-phase panel installations. Think about it: why spend money buying expensive supplies and countless hours watching electrical repair videos when there's a good chance you'll need professional help in the end? Many DIY electricians have good intentions but often end up damaging electrical systems worse than before.

At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we get the job done right the first time, so you can focus on enjoying running your business while we fix your electrical problem. We bring the same level of quality and reliability to every job we perform, whether it's a routine safety inspection or an entire commercial rewiring project. Unlike some electricians in South Carolina, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are safe and satisfied with our work. We pride ourselves on keeping customers informed throughout their electrical job and follow up on our projects to make sure our fixes stick.

Service Areas

At the end of the day, excellent customer care is what we strive to achieve. We do so by providing the highest quality commercial services at affordable prices, all year long. Here are just a few reasons why Lowcountry residents trust Engineered Electrical Solutions:

  • We Have Decades of Electrical Repair Experience
  • We Offer Customer-Centric Electrical Services
  • We Treat Your Property Like Our Own
  • Our Electricians Provide Quality, Efficient Work
  • We Are Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Electricians in South Carolina
  • Commercial Electrician Services
  • Industrial Electrician Services

If you're looking for the very best electrician in South Carolina, put down the pen and paper and look no further than Engineered Electrical Solutions. Keep reading to learn more about some of our most popular services.

Commercial Electrician Mount Pleasant, SC

Your Trustworthy Commercial Electrician in Mount Pleasant

Having a reliable electrician on hand that you can trust with electrical repairs is of utmost importance when you own a business in South Carolina. For years, Engineered Electrical Solutions has provided business owners with the most effective electrical repair and installation services in the Lowcountry. Our team is adept at assisting businesses of all sizes, from small "mom and pop" shops to industrial plants and everything in between.

 Commercial Electrical Mount Pleasant, SC

We offer a wide range of electrical services, from electrical panel installation and business rewiring to transformer installation and thermal imaging. Modern businesses count on energy-efficient electricity to help run their day-to-day operations. If you need your electrical systems to run smoothly so you can stay focused on building your business, count on Engineered Electrical Solutions to be there when you need us the most.

A few of our most popular commercial and industrial electrical services include but are not limited to:

  • Parking Lot Light Installation
  • Transformer Installation
  • Electrical Safety Inspections
  • Circuit Testing for Businesses
  • Electrical Grounding for Businesses
  • Preventative Maintenance for Electrical Equipment
  • Generator and Motor Insulation Resistance Analysis
  • Electrical Wiring for New Businesses
  • Electrical Troubleshooting for Businesses
  • Electrical Service Upgrades
  • Ongoing Maintenance Plans for Vital Electrical Equipment

Why is Hiring a Commercial Electrician in Mount Pleasant, SC, a Good Idea?

As a business owner, you know first-hand that closing your doors costs money, time, and possibly your clients. That's why, when you have an electrical issue that must be remedied, you need quick, cost-efficient help so you can keep running your business. But trusting the job of a trained electrician in the hands of an amateur can be a big mistake.

Sure, your uncle may know how to flip a few switches on the breaker in your home, but serving a commercial business is an entirely different animal. In fact, trusting your company's electrical needs to just anyone can end up costing you more in the long run. Here are just a few of the most important reasons to consider hiring an experienced commercial electrical contractor.

 Electrician Near Me Mount Pleasant, SC

Adherence to South Carolina Electrical Codes

Did you know there is a litany of regulations and codes you must follow when servicing electrical components in a commercial setting? From remodels to maintenance, a knowledgeable electrician will know these codes in and out. If they don't, they've got the reference material and support to ensure their work is up to standard. Taking the time to hire a commercial electrical company with vetted technicians means you don't have to worry about legal fines and reprimands for not adhering to regulations associated with common services like commercial lighting installations and upgrades.

 Electrician Mount Pleasant, SC

Specialized Skills and Advanced Training

In general, a commercial electrical contractor in Mount Pleasant, SC, must undergo extensive training and pass more tests in order to practice their trade in South Carolina. Like their counterparts in the residential electrical business, they must both pass exams and complete apprenticeships. But commercial electricians have more in-depth training. They must also prove their knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC, which encompasses safety procedures and building codes in the U.S. The advanced training that commercial electricians complete sets the foundation for services such as:

 Electrical Repair Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Commercial Electrical Panel Maintenance and Replacement
  • Emergency Electrical Services for Businesses, Warehouses, Facilities, Etc.
  • Commercial Wiring and Electrical Component Installation
  • Commercial Retrofits
  • Commercial Renovations, Remodels, and Electrical for New Construction
  • Much More

When you break it down to the basics, commercial electricians in the Lowcountry require more experience because of factors like safety, complexity, and reliability. It's not unusual for a contractor to complete over 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, to learn about complicated topics like voltage and phase balancing, control systems, and phase diagrams.

Avoid Electrical Hazards

If you're like most people, you hire professionals like corporate lawyers, helicopter pilots, and commercial electricians to handle the things you don't have the skills to do yourself. Because, if we're being honest, many services provided by commercial electrical contractors are dangerous and even downright deadly. While you can find "How-To" articles that insist that this type of work is simple, taking on an electrical project for your business can have catastrophic consequences - both for your business and for the family you're supporting.

Hiring a commercial electrician for your business safeguards you, your employees, and your business. That's because they're trained to spot commercial electrical hazards and have the tools to fix the problem correctly and according to South Carolina regulations.

 Electrical Panel Installation Mount Pleasant, SC
 Electrical Safety Inspection Mount Pleasant, SC

Minimize Cost

Some business owners make it a point to hire non-professionals to handle their electrical work, thinking they'll save money in the long run. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Cutting corners and hiring unlicensed friends or family members creates hazards that will set your company back much more than it would to hire a qualified commercial electrician. Mistakes are costly and often end up with you having to close your business while they're corrected. This downtime will affect your ability to do business and may even affect your brand loyalty and customer base.

5 Tips for Lowering Your Commercial Energy Costs

Energy mismanagement - it's one of the most common ways that businesses lose unnecessary money every year. Though every business in South Carolina will eventually face some sort of energy waste, that doesn't mean you have to settle for expenses you can prevent. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we're all about supporting our fellow business owners. To help you reduce electrical costs, follow these five tips.

light
01

Upgrade Your Lights

In terms of low-cost solutions, this one is among the best. If you've been using incandescent bulbs throughout your business, try installing compact fluorescents instead. They can last 9x longer and save you money over time. While you're at it, remove any incandescent lights powering exit signs in your building. Replace them with LED alternatives.

Lighting Control
02

Efficient Lighting Control Plans

Did you grow up in a household where your mom or dad constantly reminded you to turn off the lights when you're done in a room? That same basic principle holds true here. If lights are left on unnecessarily, be sure they're turned off before closing for the day. If you find that doesn't help, you may need to develop a shift-based system to turn off lights. Our team of commercial electricians for your business in cityname, state, have the expertise to help you establish a system to lower energy waste without affecting your company's productivity.

HVAC Maintenance
03

Perform HVAC Maintenance

According to the Small Business Administration, HVAC use accounts for nearly 40% of energy use in commercial buildings. It's clear, then, that poor-performing HVAC systems can rack up monthly energy costs quickly. To prevent this from getting out of control, make sure your AC and heating units are well-maintained and free of expensive issues. You may want to also consider installing programmable thermostats, which can automatically control the temperature settings on your property to help maximize your energy savings.

Insulate
04

Insulate

The EPA states that keeping your commercial building properly insulated can save you as much as 10% on your energy bill. Don't settle for obvious areas like walls and windows. Be sure your electrical outlets, pipes, and HVAC ducts are properly insulated too.

Energy Management
05

Consider an Energy Management System

At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we can provide you with an energy audit for your business that pinpoints areas of energy waste and how those areas can be improved. Having an electrical assessment is a great idea for any business owner, especially if you have a storefront where customers come and go because it can help lower your overall operational costs.

Common Commercial Electrical Issues

Commercial and industrial-sized buildings are large and complex by the nature of their construction. By proxy, commercial buildings have complicated wiring and electrical systems. Electrical work in the commercial market is best left to experienced, licensed professionals. If you're looking for the very best commercial electricians in Metro Mount Pleasant, Engineered Electrical Solutions is here to serve you.

We have completed hundreds of commercial electrician projects for companies like Blue Oyster Restaurant, Shell Gas Stations, Flex Warehouses, Dentist Offices, and many more. With the most up-to-date equipment and years of professional experience, our team is ready to tackle your electrical problem, no matter how large.

 Electrical Safety Upgrades Mount Pleasant, SC

Here are just a few of the common electrical issues that we solve for Lowcountry business owners:

 Electrical Service Upgrades Mount Pleasant, SC

Tripped Circuit Breakers

Your businesses' electrical system will trip when it has too much electricity running through it. These problems are very common in commercial properties and usually stem from one of three culprits: circuit overloads, short circuits, and ground fault surges. Obviously, when your circuits are tripped regularly, your business operations suffer. To help solve your circuit breaker problems, our commercial electricians will come to your location for in-depth troubleshooting. Once we discover the root cause, we'll get to work on repairing your circuit breaker, so you can continue working and serving your customers.

 Electrician For My Business Mount Pleasant, SC

Flickering Lights

Like tripped circuit breakers, dimming or flickering lights are among the most common commercial electrical problems in South Carolina. These issues typically stem from poor electrical connections. These poor connections will usually cause sparks, which can start fires and wreak havoc on your commercial building. While dimming lights might seem minor, if you leave this problem to fester, you could be looking at permanent damage to your businesses' electrical systems. Given the danger involved in fixing this problem, it's important that you work with a licensed business electrician like Engineered Electrical Solutions as soon as you're able to.

 Safety Inspection Mount Pleasant, SC

Dead Power Outlets

Dead power outlets aren't always dangerous, unlike other recurring commercial electrical issues. They are, however, disruptive to your company's productivity. Dead outlets are common in older commercial buildings and are often caused by circuit overloads. Connecting multiple high-wattage devices and appliances to the same power socket can cause overheating. When the power outlet overheats, it can lead to tripped circuit breakers. In some cases, the live wire catches fire and burns until it is disconnected. For a reliable solution using high-quality switches, sockets, and circuit breakers, it's best to hire a professional business electrician to get the job done right.

Residential Electrician vs. Commercial Electrician in Mount Pleasant: What's the Difference?

Finding a real-deal, qualified commercial electrician in South Carolina is harder than you might think. Whether it's due to availability or budget, you might be tempted to hire a residential electrician for your commercial electrical problem. While it's true that great residential electricians can help solve commercial issues in theory, it's always best to hire a business electrician with professional experience.

Unlike their residential colleagues, commercial electricians are licensed to deal with different materials and procedures suited specifically for businesses. Commercial wiring is much more complex than other wiring and is strategically installed with maintenance, repair, and changes in mind. Additionally, commercial properties usually use a three-phase power supply, necessitating more schooling, skills, and technical ability to service.

The bottom line? If you're a business owner with commercial electricity problems, it's best to work with a licensed commercial electrician, like you will find at Engineered Electrical Solutions.

Professional and Efficient from Call to Technician

Engineered Electrical Solutions has built its reputation on a simple formula: give our customers the highest-quality commercial electrical services, the most helpful customer service, and the best prices available in town.

As a veteran-owned and operated business, we take pride in good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to our craft. No upselling. No misleading fine print. Only quality electrical work and reliable commercial electricians in Mount Pleasant, SC.

We want to be sure every one of our customers is satisfied, which is why we offer a three-year guaranteed on our labor. If you're in need of a commercial electrician for your business or organization, give our office a call and discover the Engineered Electrical Solutions difference.

phone-number843-735-2275

Free Estimate

Latest News in Mount Pleasant, SC

New Mount Pleasant restaurant promises a breakfast that is ‘big and bad’

A breakfast restaurant that comes with a dinner-time attention to food and service has opened a location in Mount Pleasant.Julie Bumgardner and operating partner Kraig Houk, joined by members of the City Council and Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce opened Big Bad Breakfast with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Suite 101 at 2664 N. Highway 17.At Big Bad Breakfast, the French toast is deep fried and served with strawberries, whip cream and a house blend of syrup. The Mother of All Biscuits is a crispy-fried dill chicken breast topp...

A breakfast restaurant that comes with a dinner-time attention to food and service has opened a location in Mount Pleasant.

Julie Bumgardner and operating partner Kraig Houk, joined by members of the City Council and Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce opened Big Bad Breakfast with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Suite 101 at 2664 N. Highway 17.

At Big Bad Breakfast, the French toast is deep fried and served with strawberries, whip cream and a house blend of syrup. The Mother of All Biscuits is a crispy-fried dill chicken breast topped with cheddar cheese and much bigger than the biscuit that carries it. Huevos rancheros comes on stone-ground grits made specially for Big Bad Breakfast, along with saucy black beans, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, poached eggs, tortilla strips and cilantro oil. Shrimp N Grits includes jumbo shrimp sauteed with bacon and tomatoes with grits, red eye gravy and one egg cooked to order.

The oyster po boy hints at the restaurant’s origins.

Chef John Currence was born and raised in New Orleans. His first job after high school was cooking on a tug boat that served the oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico. College and other jobs took him to other parts of the South, including Virginia and North Carolina, before he opened his first restaurant, City Grocery, in Oxford, Miss., according to the company website.

Currence was nominated for the first time for a James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2005 and each of the next several years before winning in 2009. He opened the first Big Bad Breakfast there in 2008. The second opened on the outskirts of Birmingham, Ala., in 2013 and that store became the laboratory where the restaurant honed its menu and the skill of its staff, according to the website.

With the Mount Pleasant opening, there are 19 locations now with two more expected to open soon, according to the website.

The name “Big Bad Breakfast” derives from the title of a book of short stories written by Currence’s friend, the late Larry Brown, Big Bad Love. “Larry was one of the most wonderful people to walk the planet and he wrote like Godzilla stomping the Garden of the Month,” Currence says in the company history. “The irony is that Larry’s writing schedule kept him up until 5 or so every morning, so while breakfast was his favorite meal of the day, he never got to eat it because he was always asleep at breakfast time.”

Big Bad Breakfast is open until daily from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The breakfast menu is served through lunch, and lunch items, such as the ham po boy and Screamin Demon, a crispy fried chicken sandwich are available for breakfast. Cocktails are also served.

"We are so excited to be here in Mount Pleasant," Bumgardner said in an announcement through the city. "We are here making fresh biscuits every day with house-made jams, and more, so we hope you give us a try."

15 Essential Coffee Shops in Charleston

Can't start the morning/afternoon/life without a large cup of caffeine? Try one of these local coffee purveyors for a fix. Whether it's free wifi or a cozy atmosphere, there's a place for each need. Read MoreEater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.A s...

Can't start the morning/afternoon/life without a large cup of caffeine? Try one of these local coffee purveyors for a fix. Whether it's free wifi or a cozy atmosphere, there's a place for each need.

Read More

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a pumpkin spice latte (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee and a breakfast sandwich or an afternoon lunch to-go — and it has recently expanded to a second larger space on Morrison Drive. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the fall vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a pumpkin spice latte (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee and a breakfast sandwich or an afternoon lunch to-go — and it has recently expanded to a second larger space on Morrison Drive. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the fall vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

Early voting opens Monday morning in South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Those living in Charleston County will vote for various municipal elections and the South Carolina Senate District 42.Officials say Early voting gives voters more options, time, and power to make their voices heard.Early voting opens Monday and runs through Nov. 3.You can vote from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day except for Saturday and Sunday.Charleston County residents will vote for various municipal elections such as mayors and councilors and for the South Carolina Senate District 42....

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Those living in Charleston County will vote for various municipal elections and the South Carolina Senate District 42.

Officials say Early voting gives voters more options, time, and power to make their voices heard.

Early voting opens Monday and runs through Nov. 3.

You can vote from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day except for Saturday and Sunday.

Charleston County residents will vote for various municipal elections such as mayors and councilors and for the South Carolina Senate District 42.

It’s important to note that to vote in the municipal election you must reside in the county for 30 days prior to the election.

Now, to ensure the security and integrity of the early voting process at the end of each voting day the ballots will be brought to the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections headquarters in a secured room under surveillance.

If you haven’t participated in early voting before it will mimic election day.

Voters will be asked to show a current and valid photo ID.

Eligible IDs include:

Isaac Cramer is the Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections and is encouraging everyone eligible to vote to participate in early voting.

“Municipal elections matter,” Cramer said. “They’re the issues that affect our day-to-day life, so we see a lower turnout in those elections, so my encouragement is every vote does matter. Every vote that you think, you know, oh I’m just one person it doesn’t matter well we have a lot of elections that are determined by a hand full of votes.”

The following early voting locations will be open in the Tri-County area:

Charleston County

Dorchester County

Berkeley County

Visit SCVotes.gov to find early voting locations for your county.

Those who cannot vote in person for the upcoming election have until Friday to request a mail-in ballot and would then have until 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 to return it.

Those who would prefer to vote on Election Day can do so at their precinct on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

MP Council candidates talk recreation, infrastructure at forum

Seven of the eight council candidates running for four open seats on Mount Pleasant’s governing body discussed their stances on infrastructure, cultural affairs and recreation during a Thursday evening candidate’s forum at the Wando Mount Pleasant Library on Oct. 5.The forum, hosted by the Charleston area League of Women Voters and co-sponsored by the Moultrie News, invited all eight candidates to answer questions and provide insight on their stance on top issues facing Mount Pleasant today. Council candidate Perr...

Seven of the eight council candidates running for four open seats on Mount Pleasant’s governing body discussed their stances on infrastructure, cultural affairs and recreation during a Thursday evening candidate’s forum at the Wando Mount Pleasant Library on Oct. 5.

The forum, hosted by the Charleston area League of Women Voters and co-sponsored by the Moultrie News, invited all eight candidates to answer questions and provide insight on their stance on top issues facing Mount Pleasant today. Council candidate Perry Rourk did not participate in the forum due to a scheduling conflict, according to a provided statement.

The candidates included current councilmembers Howard Chapman, Laura Hyatt and Jake Rambo, and hopefuls Daniel Brownstein, Mark Flannery, Shari Sebuck and Mike Tinkey. Voters will elect at least one new council member as Brenda Corley, who was elected in 2019, is not running for reelection.

Reflecting on the Highway 41 expansion and its effect on the Phillips Community

Chapman, who is eyeing a second term on Town Council, noted that the expansion of Highway 41 is not a Town of Mount Pleasant project, but belongs to Charleston County. On the project’s impact on the historic Phillips Community, that recently became the first settlement community in South Carolina to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Chapman referenced his involvement in creating the Settlement Community Task Force. He said he respects the community and the Town is working to protect them, including working with Mount Pleasant Waterworks to remove and repair failing septic tanks within these communities.

Flannery, a Charleston County School District teacher, said it’s important that a council engage with its community before a project begins. The educator said that if elected, he’d like to create a text message system in which those interested in attending council meetings can sign up for reminders and be alerted when a meeting is scheduled, what items are on the agenda and how to make a public comment.

Hyatt, a lifelong Mount Pleasant resident and current council member, expressed sympathy for the Phillips Community. The councilmember said the overdevelopment of the area is partly to blame for the issues the longstanding community is facing.

“With that project, they should have always considered whatever is the least impactful to the environment and to the community,” Hyatt said.

Rambo opposed the current plans for the Highway 41 expansion, called the “Road to Compromise,” which expands most of Highway 41 to four lanes, with a new two-lane road alongside Laurel Hill County Park and three lanes through the Phillips Community. The council member said the Town should continue to monitor the project and consider revoking municipal consent if necessary.

Sebuck raised concerns about flooding and loss of green space in Mount Pleasant associated with the expansion, which in its current configuration will likely remove 12 acres of wetlands.

Tinkey, who is an owner/partner of Tinkey Timberlands, a multigenerational sustainable forestry business, said that because the project now is in the hands of the Army Corps of Engineers for review, there’s likely not much that can be altered. The highway expansion has been revised and altered for several years, Tinkey said, and the compromise is favorable to no expansion at all.

Brownstein voiced his opposition to the compromise plan. He said that infrastructure for the area that’s seen increased development over the last two decades should have been invested in far earlier.

“I think it’s as simple as that. You need to plan for growth and put the infrastructure in place before or during but certainly not 20 years later,” Brownstein said.

On raising taxes to fund recreation projects

All candidates said they supported the $50 million referendum that raised Mount Pleasant property taxes to fund a handful of projects, such as the Rifle Range Road Park.

Rambo, who chairs the Town’s Finance Committee, said that he supported the referendum to give priority to projects that are typically underfunded or not considered urgent.

Hyatt, who chairs the Health, Recreation and Events Committee, said she voted to place the referendum on the November 2022 ballot to let residents decide on the issue.

Voters narrowly passed the referendum. Hyatt said voters should be more proactive in understanding what they are voting on, as many residents have shared they felt the projects funded by the tax increase were misrepresented.

Brownstein, who headed the Vote for Parks campaign in 2022, said that voters knew what they were voting on. “It was right there, black and white on the election ballot,” he said.

Brownstein said it was time to build more parks in Mount Pleasant, also noting that the projected increase for resident’s tax bills was less than initially expected.

Tinkey said if he were elected to council he’d work to implement the projects in the best way, but said because the vote for the referendum was so close — decided by roughly 700 votes — that the Town should have done more to educate the community on the specifics of the referendum. He also said he’d like to see more green space in the area.

Renewing Building Permit Allocation System, limiting growth

All of the candidates supported renewing the Building Permit Allocation System at least one more time. The BPAS is a system that limits the number of building permits available and is eligible for renewal in January 2024.

Many candidates said Mount Pleasant grew too big, too fast, and the system is a way to prevent further strain on infrastructure. Hyatt noted her support in renewing the multifamily moratorium that halted construction of apartments and condos in town to slow development in Mount Pleasant.

Sebuck said she’d support renewing the BPAS just once more. Renewing the system for five years would allow current projects and roads designed to mitigate growth and congestion to be funded completely. After five years, she would not opt to renew again.

“After that with the growth rate lowered and the infrastructure catching up. I would not because I do not believe in interfering with individual property rights and owner’s property rights,” Sebuck said.

Focusing on cultural affairs

When asked if they would support forming a Department of Cultural Affairs, similar to departments operated by the Cities of Charleston and North Charleston, the question was met with a lukewarm reception.

Rambo said the Town’s Recreation Department handles Mount Pleasant’s cultural affairs just fine, and there’s no need for a separate department.

Sebuck said she’d be open to the discussion, but there’s not enough information available. She said she supports the arts and wants to support the arts community in town, referencing the planned civic/senior center on Faison Road as a possible opportunity to do so.

Tinkey said the Town shouldn’t rush to form a cultural affairs department without studying the issue, but that Mount Pleasant’s history and culture should be celebrated.

“This takes our ability to look at the fact that a unique character of our town that involves the natural environment, the built environment of the culture and the history that culture and history is very, very deep,” Tinkey said.

Brownstein said he hasn’t heard much demand for a cultural affairs department but recognized the need for a performing arts center in Mount Pleasant. Instead of forming a new department, Brownstein said the town could offer seed money to organizations to create a self-sustaining performing arts center.

Chapman, who worked at the City of Charleston for 28 years, said the responsibilities of the Recreation Department are very similar to those of the Department of Cultural Affairs in Charleston.

Flannery also opposed forming another department for the issue.

“We don’t need another government agency to do something that a local community can do. I would like to see the town council provide opportunities that would enable the local community to contribute to the cultural affairs and the culture of Mount Pleasant,” Flannery said.

Hyatt said the town is currently in the process of creating a community arts center, guided by the Culture, Arts and Pride Commission.

“I don’t believe we need an entire department to handle that for us. We have a lot of people that do it for us just for the love of it,” Hyatt said.

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Fresh start for retail space as supermarket chain to enter Charleston market

MOUNT PLEASANT — A North Carolina-based supermarket chain plans to enter the Charleston market, stepping in after another grocery store’s plans fell through.The Fresh Market has taken over the lease from discount grocer Lidl for a space in Bowman Place ...

MOUNT PLEASANT — A North Carolina-based supermarket chain plans to enter the Charleston market, stepping in after another grocery store’s plans fell through.

The Fresh Market has taken over the lease from discount grocer Lidl for a space in Bowman Place Shopping Center, according to a document filed Sept. 27 in the Charleston County land records office.

A spokeswoman for the Greensboro-based specialty grocer said the company “did not have anything to share at this time” on its open schedule.

Peter Stone of Mount Pleasant’s planning department said Fresh Market has not presented construction plans to the town, which usually considers building and facade alterations as well as signage through the Commercial Design Review Board.

German company Lidl, with its U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Va., had planned to move into a 26,000-square-foot space in the Dick’s Sporting Goods-anchored retail center near Bowman Road and Johnnie Dodds Boulevard.

Work came to a halt more than a year ago.

A Lidl representative did not respond for comment.

The Fresh Market now has the remainder of the 15-year tenant agreement Lidl signed three years ago next month. The lease also included an option for 15 more years.

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The site originally held a 20,000-square-foot kitchen store, but it closed in early 2020. Lidl wanted a larger space, so it added 6,000 square feet and a loading dock in the rear of the building.

The Fresh Market has nine stores in South Carolina. Its closest location to Charleston is about 70 miles up the coast at Pawleys Island.

The chain offers an upscale assortment of fresh produce, meat and seafood along with a deli, bakery, prepared foods and fresh-cut flowers. The store also has beer, wine, coffee and bulk nuts along with various other items.

In 2017, Fresh Market first eyed the state’s fourth-largest municipality and its 95,000 residents who have a median household income of more than $106,000, according to U.S. Census figures.

Publix eventually brought one of its small-format specialty grocery stores called GreenWise Market to the 21,535-square-foot space in Indigo Square Shopping Center off U.S. Highway 17, where Fresh Market was looking.

GreenWise Market, near Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, closed in 2020 about 16 months after it opened. It’s now the site of outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op.

Another specialty grocer also made a run in Mount Pleasant. North Carolina-based Southern Season shuttered its store off Coleman Boulevard in 2016, less than three years after it opened. It’s now the home of Gold’s Gym.

Last year, South American retailer Cencosud acquired a 67 percent stake in The Fresh Market. Existing grocery store shareholders retained a minority equity interest in the company.

The Fresh Market, with 159 stores in 22 states, was founded in 1982. The size of its stores average about 21,000 square feet.

The Bowman Place location is near a 4-mile stretch of Johnnie Dodds Boulevard between the Ravenel Bridge and Interstate 526 that’s teeming with supermarkets. They include Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Publix, Traders Joe’s, Aldi and Walmart.

Lidl has a dozen stores in South Carolina, with two in the Charleston area in Goose Creek and North Charleston.

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