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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Residents in the Town of Mount Pleasant may soon see some traffic relief in the US Highway 17 and Rifle Range Road area.

They are entering the final design and permitting stages of Phase 4B of the Billy Swails Boulevard project. This phase will complete the Hungryneck Boulevard corridor and include a 10-foot-wide multi-use path extending Mount Pleasant Way. It will connect the end of I-526 to Porchers Bluff Road creating a grid of parallel routes at Bowman, Six Mile and Hamlin Roads. It will feature two lanes with a landscaped median and turn lanes. The project will extend Billy Swails Boulevard to run parallel to US 17 and Rifle Range Road between Six Mile Road and Hamlin Road. The ultimate goal is traffic relief on US Highway 17 and Rifle Range Road.

The corridor’s completion will make a route parallel to US 17 that runs about two-thirds of the entire length of the town.

Deputy Director of Engineering and Development Services James Aton believes the completion of this project will have a great benefit on the town.

“I think we’ll see a lot of improvements on the 17 corridor, in particular at the intersection of, of Hamlin and Brickyard at 17,” Aton says. “A lot of the traffic in the morning and afternoons is school-related coming from the Jenny Moore and Laing campuses. And with the completion of this segment, we’ll likely see a pretty high reduction on that side street approach and allow the 17 volumes to free up.”

He also says it will allow for more opportunities for things like emergency services.

“Having that redundant transportation network provides the ability, in the event of an accident, for traffic to pivot from one road to the other for emergency services to adequately respond and really alleviate some of the traffic concerns that we see on US 17 as well as the Rifle Range Road currently,” Aton says.

While the Billy Swails Boulevard project has been in the works since 2020, it still has not gotten off the ground. The project aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety for both cars and pedestrians; however, receiving permitting approvals has taken much longer than anticipated. This is because of the effort to preserve the land for the Rifle Range Road Park.

Project leaders had to go through the National Environmental Protection Agency process because federal funds were involved. This took over two years to get approval because they had to go through a vetted review than what would typically have taken place.

While awaiting approval, the Town shifted its focus to construction on the Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway. This is a very similar project and a nearby road that was completed about six months ago. Officials with the Town are hopeful that the Billy Swails Boulevard project is finally moving along.

Currently, they are working through the last bits of permits with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the US Army Corps.

Aton says that with how the permitting process looks now, he believes they should have it all wrapped up and the design completed in September. He anticipates they will be able to begin construction on the Billy Swails Boulevard project by December and that it will take approximately 18 months to complete.

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Three area hospitals have been sold in a $2.4 billion deal to North Carolina-based Novant Health by the previous owner, Tenet Healthcare of Dallas, Texas.

The sale of East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville includes the associated physician clinics and other operations, according to a news release from Novant Health.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new team members and grow our presence in South Carolina,” said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO, Novant Health, which is headquartered in Winston-Salem. “Novant Health’s long-term vision is to transform the health and wellness of these communities through expanded specialty services and clinical expertise. We are energized and united behind our cause to create a healthier future together by building connections with patients and clinicians in coastal South Carolina.”

The East Cooper Medical Center includes 15 physician clinics. Hilton Head Hospital includes the Bluffton Okatie Outpatient Center and 12 physician clinics. Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County includes the Tidewatch Free-Standing Emergency Department in Bluffton, according to the news release.

Novant Health said continuity of care is a priority and appointments and procedures will continue as scheduled during the transition period. “We are working closely with our new Novant Health team members to ensure a seamless transition for patients and team members,” Joel Taylor, market CEO of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, said in the release. “We are eager to move forward together in support of our teams and know decisions will be made with our community’s needs at the forefront.”

“There’s a lot to be excited about when planning for our future,” Tyler Sherrill, CEO of East Cooper Medical Center, said in the release. “Novant Health is known for elevating clinician leadership to provide patients with a trusted health care experience through world-class technology, personal connections and convenient access to care.”

Tenet Health also owns a cluster of imaging centers and urgent care clinics in York, Rock Hill and Fort Mill, but those South Carolina properties were not part of the deal for the coastal hospitals.

“We understand that taking care of our patients starts with taking care of our people, so I’m delighted to join a leadership team that strives to not only be a healthc are provider of choice but also an employer of choice,” Ryan Lee, CEO of Coastal Carolina Hospital, said in the release. “I look forward to expanding the resources available to our team.”

Novant Health supports health and wellness programs in the community, including health education/screenings, community health workers and mobile cruisers. Each year, Novant Health provides hundreds of programs that serve patients, neighbors and some of their communities’ most vulnerable citizens, the company said in the release.

The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,900 physicians and more than 38,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, the release said.

Construction is underway on the area’s first The Fresh Market in Bowman Place Shopping Center at 1118 Bowman Place, between Dick’s Sporting Goods and DSW.

Peter Stone, a senior planner with the town, said the design and all permits have been granted to move the project forward.

The Fresh Market did not respond to requests for comment, but employees at the neighboring DSW shoe store said they’ve been told the store is expected to open in 2025.

Some of the parking in the Bowman Place lot has now been fenced off for construction, while inside the store, workers are breaking ground and tearing up the concrete floor that previously housed Kitchen & Co.

Real Estate

The Fresh Market signed a deal last year to slip into the 26,000-square-foot space that was originally to be occupied by a discount grocer: Lidl added 6,000 square feet and a loading dock but never opened its doors at Bowman Place.

The Fresh Market, based in Greensboro, N.C., has assumed the remainder of the 15-year lease Lidl signed around 2021, with an option to extend the terms for another 15 years, according to Charleston County real estate records.

The chain has nine grocery stores in South Carolina, including three along the coast in Hilton Head, Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach.

Not judging

Out with the old and in with the new.

Following the closing of Gold’s Gym at 5101 Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston, a Planet Fitness will be taking over for its third location in the city.

A spokesperson for the Hampton, N.H.-based chain said it’s tentatively scheduled to open in the late summer or early fall.

”We are looking forward to helping the North Charleston community improve their physical and mental wellness in our newest judgement free zone,” the spokesperson said.

Planet Fitness operates more than 50 gyms in South Carolina, according to its website .

Ciao, Bella

An Italian eatery inside Citadel Mall will close April 30.

The small-scale Bella Roma serves up favorites like chicken parmesan, fettucine alfredo and cannoli to go. Owners Fabio and Barbara Spadaro shared news of the closing on their Facebook page .

The duo will not be opening any other local ventures, citing “For family reasons we decided to go back to Italy. We invite everyone to support us until the end of the month.”

Kitchen upgrade

A kitchen, bath and closet design center will open a new Charleston location April 25.

The Designery Charleston, owned by Nate Van Valkenburg, is ready for launch at 1217 Remount Road. Inside the showroom, customers can personally design their kitchen and view finish selections for 100 cabinet styles.

Van Valkenburg also owns a Window Hero and a Yard Patrol Pros in the area, which along with The Designery Charleston are franchised by HomeFront Brands.

Market makers

The Carnes Crossroads Farmers Market in Goose Creek returns April 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event, which takes place every fourth Friday through September at 513 Wodin Place, features more than 50 vendors, including local farmers and entrepreneurs, as well as live music and food trucks.

A week later, on May 4, the fourth annual Ravenel Depot Farmers Market will be starting back up at 5775 S.C. Highway 165 at the town’s train depot. It takes place on the first and third Saturday of the month through Dec. 14 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

In addition to live music and food trucks, roughly 20 vendors will be on hand with fresh produce, breads and baked goods, local crafts, artwork and more.

Going green

A South Carolina commercial landscape business is growing more than grass.

The Greenery Inc. is expanding its footprint with a new branch at 5080 Coosaw Creek Blvd. in North Charleston.

The company offers commercial landscape services to resorts, municipalities, industrial and commercial businesses, planned communities and more in Greenville and Spartanburg, as well as Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah and Hilton Head Island, where it was started in 1973.

The company also has Florida offices in Jacksonville, Amelia Island and Daytona.

“We have been serving the Charleston market since 1999,” CEO Lee Edwards said. “It’s the second-largest market that we are in, and we think it’s going to be a huge part of our future through our strategic plan and our employee-owned leadership.”

Renderings in this story were provided courtesy Synchronicity Land + Architecture

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MOUNT PLEASANT S.C. (WCBD)-After years of planning for a new entertainment venue in Mount Pleasant, that idea is one step closer to life as developers presented new renderings of the space called Gather Mount Pleasant to town officials.

On Wednesday, during a preliminary review with the Town of Mount Pleasant Design Review Board, the renderings were approved with minor tweaks. Developers said the board wanted more plans to eliminate traffic congestion.

In 2021, developers proposed a new entertainment and retail space in the heart of Mount Pleasant right off Hungry Neck Boulevard near Interstate 526.

“This area is so central within Mount Pleasant. It’s incredibly accessible, and we feel like it’s hidden in plain sight, a little bit kind of, you know, diamond, a diamond in the rough, and we feel like there’s a need in this little pocket of Mount Pleasant for walkable bike, food, and beverage, and it works. We’re excited to bring that,” said Mack Cross, A Co-Developer of Gather Mount Pleasant.

The multi-million-dollar project would sit on 5 acres. Developers said the venue will have a stand-alone restaurant, office space, retail space for small business owners, an outdoor common area, space for live entertainment, and a parking lot.

“We want to ensure the development is perfect for the community, and that’s folks who live nearby. Still, the greater Charleston community, which we think works well, is a casual space that is great for families. Great for groups, easy to get to with excellent food and service,” Preston Wendell, A Co-developer of Mount Pleasant.

One resident I spoke to said he’s familiar with the developer’s first location Gather Greenville, and he’s excited about the possibility of the venue coming to Mount Pleasant.

“I am super excited about having one right here in the community because we don’t cook very often, and so it’s an easy option just to walk right over and, as I said, a lot of options as far as food and that sort of thing live music it’s fun,” said Rick Schaltegger, a resident in Mount Pleasant.

The development company has the final hearing in August, and Officials said they hope to break ground by the end of 2024.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Get carried away at Mount Pleasant’s new southern market and eatery!

Located in the heart of town, Get Carried Away offers everything you need whether it’s a delicious grab-and-go meal or stylish glassware for your next dinner party.

Happening Saturday, Feb. 3rd, the store will celebrate its grand opening of ‘The Perch,’ their outdoor patio and your new favorite hangout spot for an afternoon spritz and sandwich.

We caught up with the owners, Sassy and Brian Henry, to learn more about their business ahead of this weekend’s celebration.

“A lot of what we do is entertaining and hosting,” said owner, Brian. The idea for the shop has been derived from their love for food, hosting, and entertaining family and friends.

Get Carried Away’s first location was founded in Pawleys Island, but the Henrys decided to expand services to reach a larger audience. “We felt like Mount Pleasant was a comfortable jump,” Sassy said.

The Henrys want to accommodate Charleston’s vacationers and local folks.

Sassy went on to say, “When people are on vacation and going to the beach, they don’t want to have to cook entertaining-type foods for large groups of people.”

The market offers a variety of items for the typical vacationer to pick up on their way to the beach house or for the everyday locals to sip and shop.

Not only does Get Carried Away offer takeaway meals and a wide selection of beer and wine, but you can also find everyday groceries there such as meat, seafood, fruits, dips, milk, eggs, and so on. And of course, you can’t miss out on their famous chicken salad or pimento cheese!

You can get carried away in their home section, too, if you’re not careful. It features gorgeous glassware, decorative napkins, kitchen towels, candles, and much more! “We’re trying to keep it all food and beverage oriented,” Sassy mentioned about the products featured in the home section. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking to elevate your tablescape.

The fun doesn’t stop there! You and your family can join the Henrys on Saturday, Feb. 3rd from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. for the grand opening of ‘The Perch,’ their outdoor patio and bar. The celebration will include a complimentary Lowcountry boil as well as their homemade crowd-pleaser appetizers.

‘The Perch’ will provide a full lunch and drink menu this spring with specialty cocktails: The Perch Punch, Coleman Cosmo, Old Village Fashioned, and the Moultrie Margarita.

Get Carried Away is located at 644 Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. They’re open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.