Call Us Today 843.556.2357Ophthalmologist near Moncks Corner, SC
If there's one thing that most people can agree on, it's that our human senses are extraordinary. They help us interact with the environment around us every day of our lives. Our brain processes signals from various neurons associated with our senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch to provide us with a meaningful perception of the world. The truth is, though, that we tend to take our senses for granted unless we experience a malfunction in any of them.
Humans have five senses and the same number of organs to complement those senses: a tongue to taste, a nose to smell, two ears to hear, skin for the sensation of touch, and eyes for sight. Of those senses and organs, our eyes are often considered the most essential, as they enable us to perceive up to 80% of all the impressions we encounter daily.
If other senses like taste or smell stop functioning, our eyes protect us from potential dangers. But they also help provide us with distinctly human memories. Think of all the picture-worthy moments that you have experienced over your lifetime. From seeing your baby smile or walk toward you for the first time to enjoying a memorable movie, it's safe to say that our eyes play an incredibly important role in our daily lives.
It makes sense, then, that we would want to protect our eyes and have them checked regularly to make sure they're healthy and functioning as they should. According to data by Ipsos, however, only 39% of Americans have been to an eye doctor's office in the last year. Fortunately, if you live in the Lowcountry, finding an eye doctor in Moncks Corner, SC, is easier and more convenient than ever when you visit the professionals at Eye Center of Charleston.
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AnOphthalmologist near Moncks Corner, SC, You Can Trust
As one of the most trusted and well-known ophthalmology offices in South Carolina, we're proud to have been in business for more than 40 years and specialize in high-quality, reliable medical and surgical eye treatments for clients of all ages. Our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing outstanding, personalized eye care to the residents of Greater Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.
The Eye Center of Charleston Difference
Unlike some eye doctor offices in South Carolina, our team uses the most advanced technology paired with our esteemed clinical and surgical skills to precisely diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions and diseases. We focus on a number of vision conditions, medical conditions, and physician services, including but not limited to:
- Cataracts
- Presbyopia
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Styes
- Diabetic Eye Disease
- Glaucoma
- Excisional Biopsies
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Macular Degeneration
- Flashes & Floaters
It all starts with an introductory appointment with one of our experienced eye doctors, who will take as much time as needed to get to know you, learn more about your needs, and better understand the symptoms you're experiencing. Once we know the extent of your eye care needs, our doctors will provide you with an effective, efficient diagnosis and plan of action to remediate any issues you're facing.
From nuanced eye surgeries to standard eye exams, we've got you covered. In fact, we offer the latest technology in Varilux Progressives, Transitions, Crizal Anti-Reflective Lenses, Prescription Polarized Sunglasses, and Thin Lightweight Lenses. With a wide selection of frames and sunglasses, you're sure to find the glasses you need in a style you love.
What is an Ophthalmologist in Moncks Corner, SC?
When people think about eye doctors, they often think about professionals who conduct eye exams and prescribe contacts. They don't realize that an ophthalmologist is different than other professionals, like Ophthalmologist. So, what is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a vision health professional who plays a specific role in the field of eye care. Along with ophthalmologist and opticians, they are part of a comprehensive eye care team. However, some patients may need clarification on the similar-sounding names of these three types of eye care providers. Each one has unique skills and training for the tasks they perform. You should understand these differences so you can choose the best professional to address your vision needs.
What are the Differences Between Ophthalmologists and Other Eye Care Specialists?
Opticians, Ophthalmologist, and ophthalmologists each have a separate role in the field of eye care.
Ophthalmologist
These professionals conduct eye exams, vision tests, and can prescribe corrective lenses that help address and solve eye conditions.
Opticians
Opticians are often labeled "eye doctors," but they focus mostly on filling prescriptions for contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses. They're also experts at repairing glasses and adjusting frames as needed.
Ophthalmologists
These medical doctors treat and diagnose certain eye diseases. However, it's not uncommon for ophthalmologists to provide vision services similar to those of optometrists.
At Eye Center of Charleston, we offer patients all three eye care specialists to provide the most well-rounded, effective eye care services in Charleston and beyond.
Are Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Basically the Same?
While optometrists have a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree and can provide primary vision health care, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have received approximately three times the education and training.
They can perform all the same services as an Ophthalmologist but can also provide treatment, including performing surgeries such as cataract removal, vision correction, and eyelid lifting. Optometrists may detect signs of eye diseases during routine eye exams but are unable to treat them, so they often refer patients to ophthalmologists at The Eye Center of Charleston.
Surgical Specialties at The Eye Center of Charleston
While we serve many different types of patients with a wide variety of needs, many clients visit our eye surgeon in Moncks Corner, SC, for very specific procedures. Keep reading below to learn more about those surgeries and the conditions that necessitate an eye doctor's intervention.
While we serve many different types of patients with a wide variety of needs, many clients visit our eye surgeon in Moncks Corner, SC, for very specific procedures. Keep reading below to learn more about those surgeries and the conditions that necessitate an eye doctor's intervention.
In a young and healthy eye, light passes smoothly through clear ocular structures and is then focused on the retina, the light-sensitive lining inside the eye. The lens, which is a slightly flattened marble-shaped structure, helps to focus the eye. If the lens becomes cloudy, yellow, or limits the amount of light that travels through it, it is known as a cataract. Cataracts can occur at any stage of life, from birth to old age.
Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts include the following:
- Blurry or Dim Vision
- Lights Are Too Bright
- Lights Give Off Halo Effect
- Faded Colors
- Vision at Night is Poor
- Vision Distortion
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause damage to the optic nerve due to high pressure in the eye, leading to possible vision loss. Therefore, the primary focus of treatment is to control eye pressure. Early intervention is crucial in preventing severe vision loss. While most patients can avoid severe vision loss with the use of topical eye drops, some require additional treatment.
It should be noted that some patients prefer to have less dependence on eye drops. Along with medical treatment, several safe and effective procedures are available, including laser trabeculoplasty and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. To learn more about these treatment options, talk to your eye doctor at The Eye Center of Charleston.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for sending visual information from your eye to your brain and is essential for good vision. While high pressure in your eye is often associated with optic nerve damage, glaucoma can occur even with normal eye pressure.
Although glaucoma can happen at any age, it is more prevalent in older adults and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. Unfortunately, many forms of glaucoma produce no warning signs. The effect of the condition is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the later stages of the disease.
That's why it's essential to have regular eye exams that include measuring your eye pressure. Early recognition of glaucoma is a very important part of that process because it can help slow down or prevent vision loss. If you have glaucoma, you will need to undergo treatment or monitoring for the rest of your life.
Some of the most common symptoms of glaucoma include the following:
- Headaches
- Eye Pressure & Pain
- Low, Blurred, or Narrow Vision
- Bloodshot Eyes
- Nausea
- Seeing Rainbow-Colored Haloes Around Light Sources
A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth that appears on the surface of the eye, causing blurry vision. It usually occurs in individuals who have a long history of exposure to sunlight or UV light. Should you need pterygium surgery at The Eye Center of Charleston, you can rest easy knowing that your eye doctor in Moncks Corner, SC, will be highly trained and experienced in the surgical treatment of pterygia.
Also called surfer's eye, a pterygium is an overgrowth of the conjunctiva, which is a thin and clear membrane on the surface of the eye. It can appear as a fleshy growth and is usually found growing from the inner corner of the eye, close to the nose. However, it can also appear on the outer corner or on both sides of the eye. The condition is not cancerous and does not spread to any other part of the face or body. It can cause redness and irritation in the affected area.
If left untreated, a pterygium can grow across the cornea, which is the transparent 'window' that covers the pupil and iris, further impacting vision. In such cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. However, it's important to note that pterygia may grow back even after successful surgery.
Some symptoms of a pterygium include the following:
- Itching & Burning
- Inflammation & Bloodshot Eyes
- Minor Eye Pain
- Issues with Blocked Vision
How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes
If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if the disease can affect your eyes and whether or not an ophthalmologist in Moncks Corner, SC can help. To provide the best answer, it's important that you understand how diabetes can affect your eyesight.
Diabetes is a condition in which your body fails to properly convert food into energy. This is because your body either cannot produce or does not respond to insulin, which is a hormone responsible for transporting glucose (blood sugar) to the cells in your body. When there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, it can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves throughout your body, including the eyes.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease
When we refer to diabetic eye disease, we're talking about a group of eye conditions that stem from diabetes. Those conditions include the following:
Diabetic Glaucoma
We talked about glaucoma earlier in this article, but one type of glaucoma - neovascular glaucoma - results from having diabetes. Prolonged high levels of sugar in the blood can cause damage to the blood vessels of the retina, leading to the growth of abnormal new vessels. This can result in an increase in eye pressure and the development of glaucoma when new blood vessels grow on the iris (the colored part of the eye).
Diabetic Macular Edema
The macula, which is responsible for sharp and straight vision, can become swollen due to leaky blood vessels caused by diabetes. This swelling can result in distorted or blurred vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among American adults. This condition occurs when changes in the blood vessels of the retina result in either leakage or abnormal growth of new blood vessels on the retina's surface. At The Eye Center of Charleston, we offer highly promising treatments for diabetic retinopathy. With that said, you should try your best to schedule regular eye exams so that your eye doctor in Moncks Corner, SC, can provide you with these treatments as needed.
Diabetic Cataracts
Cataracts can develop faster and earlier in individuals with diabetes due to high sugar levels in the blood. As mentioned earlier, patients suffering from this condition often see a cloudy layer form over the lens of their eyes, leading to cataract formation.
3 Easy Ways to Protect Your Eyes Everyday
Eye problems can be easily prevented if you adopt some easy-to-follow habits for eye care in your daily routine. Even though these habits are practical and easy to accomplish, many people brush them off - until they have serious eye problems. To maintain good eye health and sharp vision, try incorporating these eye care techniques into your daily routine.
Eye Center of Charleston Pro Tip
Swing by one of our eye clinics to see our selection of fashionable and chic sunglasses. Our licensed opticians keep a number of popular sunglass options available at all times, like Costa, Kate Spade, and Juicy Couture. Protect your eyes and look great at the same time!
Use Protection from the Sun
It's important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with exposure to sunlight and UV rays. These hazards include an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, as well as the possibility of cornea sunburn or photokeratitis. To protect your eyes, try wearing sunglasses that have UV protection. If you don't like wearing sunglasses, you can opt for UV-protected eyeglasses or contact lenses instead. You can also try wearing caps, visors, and hats for added protection.
Try Not to Rub Your Eyes
One of life's little pleasures is rubbing your eyes when you're tired or have had a long day. It may feel good, but we don't recommend doing it. Reason being, your hands come into contact with a great deal of dirt, dust, and bacteria on a daily basis.
Every time you touch or rub your eyes, these harmful particles can be easily transferred to them. If you avoid touching your eyes with your hands, you can better prevent infections and irritations.
Try the 20-20-20 Rule of Thumb
To keep your eyes in the best shape possible, consider adopting this handy rule. It states that:
- Look away from your computer screen or TV every 20 minutes and fixate your gaze on something that is 20 feet away.
- Blink your eyes 20 times in succession. This helps prevent dry eyes.
- Get up out of your seat or away from your desk every 20 minutes. Then, take 20 steps. Doing so helps you vision and also helps promote healthy blood circulation and posture.
See a Brighter Future with Help from An Eye Doctor in Moncks Corner, SC
At The Eye Center of Charleston, we're proud to offer a breadth of eye care services under one roof tailored to you and your whole family. From myopia management and treatment for dry eye to popular eyewear options and complicated eye surgery, we're ready to help. Regardless of the reason why you visit our eye care office, you can have peace of mind knowing that your patient experience will be comfortably curated for you.
Contact our eye care center today to learn more about our practice and to schedule an initial consultation with one of our expert eye doctors.
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Latest News in Moncks Corner, SC
Family frustrated over problem with new Lennar home in Moncks Corner
Michal Higdonhttps://www.live5news.com/2024/04/25/family-frustrated-over-problem-with-new-lennar-home-moncks-corner/
Editor’s Note: A request for comment was sent to Lennar on March 21 to address the homeowner’s concerns. The statement was provided after the story aired; you can find it below.MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) - As new subdivisions pop up all over the Lowcountry, the Lennar Corporation is one of the largest home construction companies working in the area.But one Moncks Corner homeowner says she couldn’t get the company to respond to an issue with their new house. Tom Eriksen’s daughter bought a home in ...
Editor’s Note: A request for comment was sent to Lennar on March 21 to address the homeowner’s concerns. The statement was provided after the story aired; you can find it below.
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) - As new subdivisions pop up all over the Lowcountry, the Lennar Corporation is one of the largest home construction companies working in the area.
But one Moncks Corner homeowner says she couldn’t get the company to respond to an issue with their new house. Tom Eriksen’s daughter bought a home in 2022 in Cypress Preserve. It’s a Lennar-constructed community off of Cypress Gardens Road near Highway 52.
She bought one of the first homes built in a subdivision slated to include hundreds more. But when Eriksen went to visit his daughter, he noticed something wasn’t right.
“When I first looked at the house in the summer, the sun hits the side of the house and the nails on the sheathing aren’t nailed all the way in so the vinyl expands and contracts and when the sun hits it and it looks like pimples all over,” Eriksen said.
He said he contacted Lennar immediately.
“Their super came out here, looked at the house. He says, ‘Yeah, but it’s not a manufacturer’s problem.’ I said, ‘It’s not a manufacturer’s problem? You installed it wrong. You’ve got to correct it. It looks terrible.’ And they say, ‘No, we’re not going to do anything with it.’”
After trying to contact Lennar again multiple times, Eriksen said he had nowhere else to turn. He’s been in the construction business for 40 years, which is why, even though his daughter owns the home, he has taken charge of the situation. He said it’s not a structural issue per se, but because they built it wrong, Lennar should be the ones to fix it.
“I see it every time I drive up to the house,” Eriksen said. “This is like the whole house — sides, back, front. Whenever the sun hits it.
Erickson said it’s simple: fix the homes already having problems.
“Start servicing at least the first people that moved in here,” Eriksen said. “She was one of the first buyers before anyone came in and you’re not servicing them or taking care of your problems. It’s not a good outlook for the other 800 families that are going to move in here.”
Robert Knowles has been doing inspections for decades and says he sees dozens of issues with homes he inspects. He says it all comes down to code and if there are violations against it.
Knowles says while this specific issue isn’t exactly a code issue, it could lead to one.
“There’s a very common misconception that homeowners have that the builder, after the first year, he has no responsibility to repair anything else in the house,” Knowles said. “Well, that’s not true. The law is not optional: you have to comply with the code requirements. The builder is legally required to fix anything that goes wrong with your house that is related to a code. If you bring a code violation to a builder’s attention, he needs to repair that.”
South Carolina has adopted a set of Residential Construction Standards that homebuilders must abide by.
Knowles says there are three things you should do if you are buying a new build:
Knowles says he’s definitely seeing more code violations in the houses going up these last few years.
Eriksen has yet to hear from the company regarding the concerns.
Nearly a week after this story originally aired, Lennar provided the following statement:
Lennar takes the quality of our communities seriously and has inspected this home multiple times as we work toward resolution with the owner. Expansion and contraction are common with siding, but we are committed to reviewing and addressing the concerns of our homeowners.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Berkeley County Receives $1M SCDNR Grant for Mega Boat Landing Project
berkeleycountysc.govhttps://berkeleycountysc.gov/berkeley-county-receives-1m-scdnr-grant-for-mega-boat-landing-project/
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, February 1, 2024) – Berkeley County has been awarded a $1 million US Fish & Wildlife Service grant from the SC Department of Natural Resources to help fund the County’s Mega Boat Landing project, which is a partnership with Santee Cooper. The funding was announced at the Berkeley County Council meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024. See full meeting video HERE....
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, February 1, 2024) – Berkeley County has been awarded a $1 million US Fish & Wildlife Service grant from the SC Department of Natural Resources to help fund the County’s Mega Boat Landing project, which is a partnership with Santee Cooper. The funding was announced at the Berkeley County Council meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024. See full meeting video HERE.
The Mega Boat Landing project is taking place at the former Atkins Boat Landing/Lions Beach site, located at 933 Broughton Road in Moncks Corner. The site, currently undergoing construction, spans approximately 14 acres on Lake Moultrie. Project plans include renovating and expanding the property to include the following improvements:
Santee Cooper is heading the design and permitting the project’s marine elements, including the docks and breakwater. Berkeley County Engineering is permitting the design plans in cooperation with the Town of Moncks Corner and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. Work on the land/parking lot is being conducted by Berkeley County Roads and Bridges.
Total cost of the project is approximately $6.5 million. In addition to the $1M grant from SC DNR, project funding stems from the Berkeley County Delegation “Water Recreation Funds,” Berkeley County Accommodations Tax Funds, and SC state budget appropriations. Additional costs are being offset by work performed in-house by Berkeley County and Santee Cooper.
On March 22, 2021, Santee Cooper’s Board of Directors approved a long-term gratis lease to Berkeley County for the project. The project is expected to be complete by summer 2025.
“County Council and I are incredibly grateful for this state grant and look forward to this project inching closer to wrapping up. We excitedly anticipate that special day, in the near future, when the County and Santee Cooper can offer the public an additional location to enjoy outdoor recreation, along with providing our other overly used boat landings some much-needed relief. Aside from local daily use, we are excited of the prospects to attract the largest freshwater fishing tournaments in the world to Berkeley County and our world class fisheries.” -Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor
“The Santee Cooper Lakes are an incredible asset for the people of South Carolina. This funding marks the next step in the construction of the Mega Boat Landing, which will be a notable addition to the lakes when it’s completed. We’re proud to be part of this project with the County; it not only will be a gathering place and resource for local residents but also will stimulate the economy by bringing additional anglers, tourists and events to Berkeley County.” -Jimmy Staton, Santee Cooper President and CEO
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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –
Moncks Corner mayor gives update on repairs to Shannonwood Drive
Raymond Owenshttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/moncks-corner-mayor-gives-update-on-repairs-to-shannonwood-drive/
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – Who is responsible for maintaining a deteriorating road in one Moncks Corner community?News 2 ...
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – Who is responsible for maintaining a deteriorating road in one Moncks Corner community?
News 2 previously told you about significant potholes and crumbling asphalt up and down Shannonwood Drive off Old Highway 52. Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton vowed to fix the roadway and has some answers on who is responsible for repairing it.
“We have got with Berkeley County, and they have documentation showing that they don’t have control of this access point. So, it’s the South Carolina Housing Authority,” he said.
The South Carolina Housing Authority operates a government housing complex on Shannonwood Drive, St. Francis Villa.
“We’re going a little bit back and forth with them. We’ve talked to Senator Larry Grooms, and he’s agreed to come in and help us with it. We’re doing a CTC grant application to try to go ahead and get money in for us to resurface this road,” said Mayor Hamilton.
Hamilton said they had some similar success with potholes next to Applebee’s that they were able to get filled this week on McCormick Circle.
“As you’ve seen with the Applebee’s location, it took us about three months from start to finish to investigate who owned it, what we could do, get the contracts, and now that’s been done. Everything just takes a little bit of time,” he said.
He added, “It had a hole that was probably about seven, eight inches deep and it had to be about 12 inches around. And I was getting a lot of complaints of people bending rims or busting tires. So, when I was made aware of it, we set the ball in motion.”
So how soon might the Shannonwood potholes get fixed?
“Well, that’s the big unknown for us. All we can do is we can stay on it. Every Monday we have a department head meeting and I ask them about each project that I’m following up on and this will be one of them. So, I can’t promise a timeline, but I can promise that we’re not gonna let it go until we get it fixed,” said Mayor Hamilton.
Count on 2 for updates as the town works to resolve this issue.
Eight Fire Departments in Berkeley County Designated as “Fire Safe SC Communities”
berkeleycountysc.govhttps://berkeleycountysc.gov/eight-fire-departments-in-berkeley-county-designated-as-fire-safe-sc-communities/
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, April 9, 2024) – Berkeley County is proud to recognize eight local fire departments serving the County that Fire Safe South Carolina (FSSC) recently designated as “Fire Safe SC Communities” in 2023. The following departments received this special designation:The “Fire Safe South Carolina” Community Designation recognizes departments for working to reduce fire-related injuries t...
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, April 9, 2024) – Berkeley County is proud to recognize eight local fire departments serving the County that Fire Safe South Carolina (FSSC) recently designated as “Fire Safe SC Communities” in 2023. The following departments received this special designation:
The “Fire Safe South Carolina” Community Designation recognizes departments for working to reduce fire-related injuries to firefighters and communities. It also honors departments for promoting fire safety. To earn the designation, fire departments must complete courses to improve data quality, train community partners to deliver in-home safety visits, and further develop their skills through online National Fire Academy courses in risk reduction and assessment. Learn more HERE.
“These fire departments have gone above and beyond to educate and prepare the public for fire-related emergencies. This is a true testament of their commitment to the safety of the residents and guests of Berkeley County. We are proud to partner with and support these agencies. –Cole C. Shirley, Berkeley County Emergency Management, Fire Services Coordinator
A total of 151 fire departments across South Carolina received this designation. This is a 15 percent increase from last year.
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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
VOTER REGISTRATION BY MAIL: Berkeley County residents can also pick up application forms 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office or at one of the following locations:
If you’ve registered to vote but recently moved, you can update your address at www.scvotes.gov. If you moved within the same County, you can complete your change of address on the back of your current voter registration card and mail it to Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office at P.O. Box 6122 Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Voters may apply now for absentee ballots for all 2024 elections. Individuals may request an absentee ballot in one of two ways: In-person at Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office; by calling 843-719-4058; See important deadlines below:
You may request an absentee ballot application for the SC Primary Elections by May 31. Please return voted absentee ballots by June 11 at 7 p.m. For more info. on voter registration in SC, go HERE; visit berkeleycountysc.gov/dept/elections.
**Information on early voting in Berkeley County is forthcoming.**
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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –
Moncks Corner comprehensive plan heading to town council
Meredith Blairhttps://www.live5news.com/2024/02/02/moncks-corner-comprehensive-plan-heading-town-council/
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) - After days of planning workshops and community feedback, the town of Moncks Corner’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan draft is ready to be brought to the council.Officials say it’s sort of like a bucket list for the town, and the more than 100-page plan boils down to addressing nine key elements: population, economic development, cultural and natural resources, community facilities, housing, land use, transportation, and resiliency.The law requires a comprehensive plan every 10 years and to updat...
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) - After days of planning workshops and community feedback, the town of Moncks Corner’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan draft is ready to be brought to the council.
Officials say it’s sort of like a bucket list for the town, and the more than 100-page plan boils down to addressing nine key elements: population, economic development, cultural and natural resources, community facilities, housing, land use, transportation, and resiliency.
The law requires a comprehensive plan every 10 years and to update it every five years. Moncks Corner is at the five-year mark, but decided it was time for a whole new plan.
“We’ve gone from about 6,000 residents to around 15,000 in 20 years,” Mayor Thomas Hamilton said. “So, it’s been a big jump for a small town like Moncks Corner and we don’t want to lose the Lowcountry’s Hometown feel. That’s why we’re being proactive.”
Due to future growth pressures, part of the draft focuses on how to maintain a small-town feel that appeals to both future and current residents.
“The Lowcountry continues to expand, and we hope to absorb some of that but absorb it in a responsible manner, so our current residents don’t feel left behind and that we actually enhance their quality of life from what they already expect from us,” Moncks Corner Community Development Director Justin Westbrook said. “Great fire service, police and recreation services, and that we also add to it for our future residents.”
The mayor said results from a community survey have guided the town to focus on providing outdoor activities residents can enjoy.
“Parks, pickleball, tennis,” Hamilton said. “Things that we can bring value and to have from our residents to be able to do in Moncks Corner instead of getting in their car and going to Goose Creek or North Charleston.”
Westbrook understands that planning and executing are two different things, and said that this is not a book that will collect dust on the shelf.
“You start saving for your retirement now and when you get there it may not be exactly what you envisioned because maybe you can afford more or maybe you have to scale it back a little bit, but this is a book that helps keeps us on that road map to which we’ve already collected the community’s voices, and will hopefully continue to use as we move forward,” he said.
The next step is for the town council to consider adopting this plan, which they will discuss at their February 20th and March 19th meetings. Members will be able to make recommendations to tweak or change certain things as they see fit.
To take a look at the draft, click here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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