Wanting to search for Charleston, SC real estate, then please visit us on the web. If you are looking for beach area real estate then stop by our Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach web site.  If you want to live in one of the better planned communities on the East Coast then visit our site devoted to Daniel Island homes.  If you want to live in one of Charleston’s best suburbs look for homes in Mt. Pleasant, SC here. We also have a site devoted to retirement and second homes in Charleston.

Focusing on promoting businesses throughout the area east of the Cooper is a rather difficult task, especially this year. The fiscal 2010 budget is a whopping $4 million less than that in 2009. Instead of raising property taxes, Swails has developed a consolidation strategy to save money.

The town has eliminated 32 vacant positions while implementing a wellness program in an effort to save money. This particular program will reduce employee insurance costs dramatically. Additionally, the sanitation department will begin using different trucks, thus reducing operating costs.

Economically, Mayor Swails is taking a calculated approach. He stated that the town is focused on attracting and retaining businesses. The strategy will fill the vacant storefronts before expanding and building new locations.

Another point of interest was the lack of a Main Street. The town of Mount Pleasant is looking to expand roadways to create more investment corridors. These roads include Coleman Boulevard, Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Long Point Road, Patriots Point and Oakland Plantation.

The town is also looking to benefit from Boeing’s recent decision to put a manufacturing plant in North Charleston. Mount Pleasant is hoping that many spin-off businesses and vendors locate within its city limits.

Over $150 million in road and intersection projects are planned for the upcoming year. The major projects include: $70 million for widening of Johnnie Dodds Boulevard from the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to the Kmart property at Bowman Road; $50 million for the overpass at Interstate 526 and Hungryneck Boulevard; and $15 million for the widening of U.S. Highway 17 from the Isle of Palms Connector to S.C. Highway 41.

Despite the numerous changes and ongoing roadway construction, Mount Pleasant, SC is one of the most highly desired areas for homebuyers in the nation.

After surviving multiple kamikaze attacks during the war, this ship developed a brut of a reputation. Although the ship is right here in Charleston, you’ll have to wait a few months before you can visit her.

At its new location, the ship will undergo various repairs, which is expected to take about four months. The state of South Carolina recently approved a loan of more than $9 million to help with the repairs.

The move was carefully timed to take advantage of the ocean’s highest tides of the month.

“Probably no ship has ever survived an attack of the intensity that she experienced.”
- Samuel Eliot Morison, Naval Historian

For additional information regarding the USS Laffey and its incredible history, visit the
ship’s personal Web site.

The new elementary school spans more than 65,000 square feet and overlooks the magnificent Intercoastal waterway. This swanky $18 million facility comes fully equipped with the newest technologies, to include hi-tech smart boards in each classroom. These technologies have many parents excited.

“This is the optimum setting for the superb education this school will provide. I’m ecstatic that both my children are able to attend this fine institution,” boasted one proud parent.

However, it’s the nautical theme that has the kids excited. These new, fresh ideas will hopefully make this school a fun place to be and a fun place to learn.

Mount Pleasant Academy isn’t the only new school in Charleston County School District this year. Three other middle schools are scheduled to open next week: Orange Grove, Zucker, and Moultrie Middle Schools. Moultrie Middle School tops the lists being 120,000 square feet at a hefty price of $34 million. But who can put a price on your child’s future?