Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation

Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service offers service repairs and installations in Awendaw and surrounding cities. Call us today for a quote!

  • Gas Fireplace Maintenance
  • Gas Fireplace Maintenance
  • Chimney Cap Installation
  • Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning

Chimney Sweep in Awendaw, SC

There's something alluring about chimneys - whether they're old or new, they have an inherent charm that adds architectural flair to your home. Perhaps more importantly, fireplaces keep you and your family warm and cozy during cold South Carolina winters. Who doesn't love gathering in front of the fire with friends to enjoy a fun board game or a few rounds of drinks?

Anyone who owns a chimney should most certainly enjoy it. But you should know that your chimney isn't there to simply make your house look special - its primary role is to keep you and your family safe. In fact, when you're relaxing in front of a cozy fire with your favorite book, your chimney is hard at work making sure the fire's harmful fumes are directed up and away from you and your home.

Unfortunately, when you fail to clean your fireplace and the flue lining it, things can heat up in a matter of moments - and not in a good way. The truth is that unclean fireplaces can lead to chimney fires, which are known for causing horrible property damage and even harm to people. Chimney fires can be explosive, with flames shooting from the top of your chimney and dense smoke billowing out into the street. It's a horrible situation to endure. Fortunately, homeowners in South Carolina can rely on a chimney sweep in Awendaw, SC, to keep their chimneys clean and in great working condition. That's where Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service comes into play - to help you enjoy your home's fireplace without worrying about worst-case scenarios.

Service Areas

Chimney Sweep Awendaw, SC

Stay Safe, Warm, and Cozy withFlowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service

As a local, family-owned chimney sweep company in South Carolina, our team is dedicated to keeping gas fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces, and dryer vents clean and in great working condition for homeowners. By letting our family serve your family, you can rest easy knowing your fireplace and chimney are ready and waiting for you to enjoy this winter, whether you have a gas fireplace with logs or a more traditional wood burning alternative.

Our mission is to serve our customers with superior chimney and gas fireplace service by providing years of knowledge, time-tested solutions, and customer education to build trust and customer loyalty. We offer a range of chimney sweep services in Awendaw, SC, including the following:

  • Gas Fireplace Service, Repairs, & Installation
  • Gas Log Service, Repair, & Installation
  • Chimney Sweep Service & Cleaning
  • Wood Fireplace Service & Repairs
  • Exterior Chimney Cap Sales & Installation
  • Chimney Inspections

Unlike some chimney sweep companies in South Carolina, our team has been certified to ensure we know how to install, maintain, and repair all types of fireplace appliances. In fact, over our more than 12 years of experience in the fireplace and hearth industry, we've obtained a few credentials along the way, including:

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep

Homeowners looking for reliable and knowledgeable chimney and venting professionals have trusted the Chimney Safety Institute of America's (CSIA) endorsements for over three decades. By selecting a technician who is certified by CSIA, you can rest assured that they possess the necessary expertise, qualifications, and experience to provide you with top-notch chimney sweep service in South Carolina.


NFI Certified Gas Hearth and Wood Burning Hearth Professional

When it comes to planning and installing fireplaces, stoves, and venting systems, skill and technical knowledge are absolutely crucial. There are countless decisions that must be made, including determining the appropriate floor protection, appliance sizing and placement, and venting system compatibility and height.

For the most reliable and proper installation, it's highly recommended that you seek the guidance of a specialist. The National Fireplace Institute is a trusted, independent, non-profit certification agency that has established the highest standards for certification in the hearth industry. Those who pass the rigorous examination covering the fundamentals of proper installation are awarded NFI Specialist Certification, ensuring you can trust their expertise.

Now that you know a little bit about our company and our mission, it's time to learn more about the fireplace and hearth services we offer to homeowners in South Carolina.

  Chimney Sweep Services Awendaw, SC

Keeping Your Home Safe with Gas Fireplace Maintenance in Awendaw, SC

Gas fireplaces are one of the most common features of homes in South Carolina and bring a special ambiance to any room. As with any appliance in your home, however, it's important to keep your gas fireplace maintained throughout the year.

It is crucial to have your gas hearth appliances serviced annually. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, our team of experts will thoroughly clean, service, and inspect your gas hearth appliance, as well as perform any necessary repairs. If you notice black soot on your logs or they are not burning cleanly, it is imperative to shut down the appliance to schedule gas fireplace maintenance or repair ASAP.

It's important to note that your gas logs should only be serviced and repaired by a certified gas specialist from the NFI or National Fireplace Institute. There's nothing wrong with hiring a friend, but if they don't know what they're doing, your safety may be at risk.

 Gas Fireplace Repair Awendaw, SC
 Wood Fireplace Repair Awendaw, SC

Why Should You Have Your Gas Fireplace Serviced

At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, one of the most common questions we get is whether or not a customer really needs to have their fireplace serviced. The two biggest reasons for doing so are appliance reliability and safety. The truth is it's very important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have the system inspected and serviced annually by a certified gas specialist.

Failure to do so could result in the production of lethal carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless and requires special equipment to detect. Additionally, gas leaks and improper venting can pose serious hazards, which is why inspection of the venting system, chimney, and fireplace is imperative. With proper maintenance and regular checks, you can enjoy the warmth of your gas hearth system with confidence and peace of mind.

If you haven't kept up with gas fireplace maintenance and believe something is wrong with your hearth or chimney, consider gas fireplace repair in Awendaw, SC.

What About Un-Vented Gas Fireplaces?

Heating systems that don't require vents are like regular home heating systems. But they need to be working properly and checked often. It's a good idea to open a window if you're using a vent-free heater. There are rules about when you can use them. It's a good idea to have an expert check your heater's location. Sometimes, people don't know how to use their fireplace or heater correctly - and that's OK. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney, we're happy to answer questions and give you tips so you can safely enjoy your gas fireplace.

 Gas Fireplace Maintenance Awendaw, SC

Common Signs You Need Gas Fireplace Repair

Whether you have a vented or un-vented gas fireplace, it's important to know when you need maintenance or repairs. Keep these signs in mind, especially as you approach fireplace season.

Burning Smells

Burning Smells

If you detect any unusual odors emanating from your gas fireplace, it is important to take action. While some odors may not be a cause for concern, the smell of gas or burning wires should be taken seriously. To ensure your safety, turn off the fireplace and immediately open windows to let in fresh air. Be sure to also call a certified chimney sweeping company like Flowertown to repair and resolve any further issues. In the event of a suspected gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and dial 911 for assistance.

Turns On and Off

Your Gas Fireplace Turns On and Off

If your custom gas fireplace is turning on and then quickly turning off, this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. There can be multiple reasons for this malfunction, so it's best to contact a trustworthy chimney sweep in South Carolina who specializes in gas fireplaces. Turn off the unit and wait for the technician to arrive to prevent any further damage.

Buildup of Soot

Buildup of Soot

It's normal to wipe off soot from various areas of your fireplace while you're cleaning. However, if you notice excessive amounts of soot, you're dealing with an underlying problem that needs professional attention.

Pilot Light Malfunctions

Pilot Light Malfunctions

If your gas fireplace's pilot light is not working properly, it could indicate a potential issue with the wiring, gas valves, or thermostat. Keep an eye out for any inconsistencies in its performance.

Reliable Wood Fireplace Maintenance in Awendaw, SC

While gas fireplaces are more common and often easier to operate, wood fireplaces have their own unique ambiance and allure. If you're like us, nothing sounds better than curling up in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter's night with some hot cocoa and a good book. Unfortunately, when you fail to maintain your wood fireplace and are reluctant to have it repaired, you're putting your safety on the line.

That's why we offer top-notch chimney cleaning services at Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our certified hearth professionals will thoroughly clean your chimney, removing any creosote buildup and inspecting all vital components to ensure everything is in proper working order. Don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of your home - trust us to keep your chimney in tip-top shape.

 Wood Fireplace Maintenance Awendaw, SC

Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?

There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.

Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.

 Chimney Cap Replacement Awendaw, SC
 Chimney Cap Installation Awendaw, SC

Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?

There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.

Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.

Essential Wood Burning Fireplace Safety Tips

Having a wood fireplace is a wonderful addition to any home, but it needs to be maintained and repaired, or else it can be very hazardous to your family. Try following these safety tips when enjoying your wood stove or fireplace.

 Dryer Vent Cleaning Awendaw, SC

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

To increase the likelihood of effectively controlling a fire and preventing it from spreading, it is important to have a fire extinguisher nearby. This can significantly reduce the response time in the event of a fire, as every second counts.

Chimney Sweep Awendaw, SC

Look for Chimney Cracks

Try to regularly inspect your chimney for any cracks, obstructions, or signs of damage. Cracks can be particularly dangerous, as they can allow heat, smoke, and harmful gases to escape into your home. Cracks can also serve as an entry point for water, which can be particularly harmful.

  Chimney Sweep Services Awendaw, SC

Talk to Your Family

To ensure safety around your wood burning fireplace, it's essential to educate your family, especially kids, about the potential hazards of fire and the importance of responsible behavior. By teaching them wood fireplace safety measures, you'll create a secure environment for everyone in your house.

 Gas Fireplace Repair Awendaw, SC

Have Your Chimney Inspected by a Seasoned Chimney Sweep in South Carolina

Regular chimney inspections and cleanings prioritize safety and maintenance while providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of chimney fires. Plus, by having your wood fireplace inspected, you'll have peace of mind knowing it works when weather starts to freeze.

 Wood Fireplace Repair Awendaw, SC

Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation in Awendaw, SC

If you've ever looked at a house and noted how great the top of their chimney looked, it's probably because they had an attractive chimney cap. Chimney caps and chase pans play a crucial role in both the functionality of a chimney system and the aesthetic appeal of a home's exterior. A well-designed chimney cap safeguards the chimney from animal intrusion, minimizes wind-induced downdraft, and is an essential component in preventing water entry, which can cause significant damage to chimneys.

If you're looking to add or replace your current chimney cap, you're in the right place. Our collection of custom chimney caps comes in a variety of styles and colors to match or supplement your home's beauty. Of course, as professional chimney sweepers in South Carolina, we also offer chimney cap repair and water prevention options where necessary.

How Do You Know When a Chimney Cap Needs Maintenance?

Your home's chimney cap is likely the highest point of your home, making it an easy feature to forget about when it comes to yearly maintenance or repair. That's unfortunate, because even small damage to your chimney and its cap can allow debris and water to enter. Do yourself a favor and examine your chimney cap regularly for the following red flags:

  • Visible Cracks
  • Loose Bricks
  • Tiles Falling from Chimney
  • Cracked Mortar Joints
  • Rust in Fireplace
  • More

If you notice any of the following signs, you should call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service for expert chimney cap repair.

 Gas Fireplace Maintenance Awendaw, SC
 Wood Fireplace Maintenance Awendaw, SC

Avoid Hidden Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning in Awendaw, SC

Have you noticed that it's been taking longer to dry your clothes after washing them? If so, your dryer vent might need to be cleaned - and we're not just talking about the screen you pull out to remove lint. But why?

Regular cleaning of your dryer vents is a must for many reasons, but primarily to prevent lint buildup that can lead to house fires and extend your appliance's lifespan. Dryer vent cleaning is especially important if you tend to leave home while your dryer is in use, as a fire could ignite in your absence. Neglecting proper dryer vent cleaning not only wastes energy but also causes longer drying times and increases the likelihood of machine malfunctions.

Unsure whether you need dryer vent cleaning from Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service? Call our office today for an inspection - it's always better to be safe than sorry. You can also keep an eye out for signs like:

  • Burning Smells
  • Extra-Long Dry Times
  • Your Clothes are Unusually Hot
  • Your Lint Flap Won't Open
  • Your Laundry Room is Hotter Than Usual

If you notice one or more of the red flags above, you should act fast. Flowertown chimney sweeps are fully equipped to provide a comprehensive dryer vent cleaning service for all brands of dryers, including gas, electric, and high-efficiency machines.

The Premier Choice for DRX9000 Therapy in New Jersey

At Orlando Physical Therapy, we offer a comprehensive approach that combines Physical Therapy, Massage, and Acupuncture to promote overall wellness of mind and body. To help provide relief for patients with serious back problems, we now offer spinal decompression using the state-of-the-art DRX 9000. With the help of our licensed therapists, our goal is to guide you toward optimal physical function rather than simply alleviating your pain.

With our proven track record of success, we have helped many patients enhance their quality of life, and we look forward to doing the same for you. If you're in need of sciatica treatment in Charleston, SC, herniated disc therapy, or a non-surgical solution for a different back issue, know that relief is in sight. Contact our office today and take the first step back to living a normal life.

Request a Quote

 Chimney Cap Replacement Awendaw, SC

Latest News in Awendaw, SC

SC rural tract once eyed for homes is off the market in conservation deal

A angular swath of timberland known as the Nebo Tract was an early poster child of the development pressures that were bleeding over into Awendaw and the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge some 15 years or more ago.The debate hasn’t relented about growth in and around the rural town of about 1,500 residents, just up the road from Mount Pleasant.But as for that particular piece of real estate — it’s off the table.The Nature Conservancy now owns the 355-acre parcel along U.S. Highway 17, bounded by Mount Nebo AM...

A angular swath of timberland known as the Nebo Tract was an early poster child of the development pressures that were bleeding over into Awendaw and the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge some 15 years or more ago.

The debate hasn’t relented about growth in and around the rural town of about 1,500 residents, just up the road from Mount Pleasant.

But as for that particular piece of real estate — it’s off the table.

The Nature Conservancy now owns the 355-acre parcel along U.S. Highway 17, bounded by Mount Nebo AME Church and the 259,000-acre Francis Marion National Forest.

The land-protection group bought it from the previous longtime owner from the Chicago area earlier this month for $3.6 million. The property had been marketed for several years through NAI Charleston for $4.5 million.

“It was Christmas in March when we closed,” said Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director of the Nature Conservancy in South Carolina.

She said her organization had been keeping its eye on the Nebo Tract for some time. It decided to step in after a deal with another would-be buyer fell through.

“We made an offer to purchase it, and the owners accepted,” Threatt-Taylor said. “So we were delighted and moved forward with it.”

For now, the nonprofit has no firm plans for its latest acquisition in the Sewee-to-Santee district, between Awendaw and lower Georgetown County. Typically, the group will quickly sell or transfer its land holdings to a like-minded owner, such as the U.S. Forest Service, but that’s not likely in this instance, Threatt-Taylor said. She also stressed the conservancy won’t “go off mission.”

“We’re actually going to look at this property to find the best path forward. We want to engage the community in the conversation. ... Also, we may do something totally new ... and innovative that we can lead from here in South Carolina and show our partners across the nation, ‘Hey, it’s a new day in conservation.’”

The purchase follows a state Supreme Court decision that put to rest a lengthy legal battle.

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The hand-wringing began around 2009, after a real estate developer proposed to build about 360 homes and commercial space on the Nebo Tract.

A financial hitch was that the property was in an unincorporated area. The town, with less restrictive and more lucrative land-use rules than Charleston County, was asked to annex it.

One of the primary concerns at the time was the possibility of a domino effect. If the Nebo Tract was added to the town, other large nearby parcels that were part of the former Fairlawn Plantation could soon follow.

As Awendaw saw it, the 355 acres it was eyeing already were bumping up against its municipal boundaries, which is a requirement for annexations in South Carolina. Around 2004, the town had annexed a 1¼-mile-long, 10-foot-wide strip within the Francis Marion, as well as the church next door to the Nebo Tract. That provided the mandatory “contiguity.”

It wasn’t until October 2009 that Town Council annexed the Nebo Tract. At the same meeting, it approved a development plan for the property.

Two nearby residents and the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League mounted a legal challenge. They alleged in a lawsuit the next month that the Francis Marion annexation wasn’t legal because the owner — the U.S. Forest Service — never signed a petition formally authorizing the change, as required.

The litigation eventually worked its way up and down the appeals system, giving the S.C. Supreme Court the final word. It found that Awendaw’s annexation was invalid, citing the town’s “false statement” that it had obtained written authorization from the Forest Service for the 10-foot strip. Mayor Miriam Green, who was not serving in that role at the time, did not respond to a request for comment.

The Coastal Conservation League said it’s pleased that the Nebo Tract has found a buyer that “will be working directly with the Awendaw community to chart the best path forward for permanent protection of the property.”

Editorial: Awendaw must rise to challenge of new development

The town of Awendaw was incorporated more than three decades ago, not so much to provide municipal services but to let residents control their planning and zoning decisions rather than relying on county government. In recent years, however, that job has become increasingly challenging because Mount Pleasant is running out of large developable sites, our region’s continued growth is creating dramatic demand for more housing and Awendaw’s location helps it retain much of its rural charm, wedged as it is between two environmental tr...

The town of Awendaw was incorporated more than three decades ago, not so much to provide municipal services but to let residents control their planning and zoning decisions rather than relying on county government. In recent years, however, that job has become increasingly challenging because Mount Pleasant is running out of large developable sites, our region’s continued growth is creating dramatic demand for more housing and Awendaw’s location helps it retain much of its rural charm, wedged as it is between two environmental treasures of national significance: the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest.

It’s more important than ever that town officials recognize the growing importance and intensity of their planning work — and rise to the occasion to protect the relaxed, rural ambiance that has defined this part of South Carolina’s coast.

There are some encouraging signs.

A year ago, we lamented proposals to develop two large subdivisions, with 249 and 204 homes respectively, to be served by individual septic tanks since there are no sewer lines in the town. Those are still in the permitting stages and we hope they will be scaled back if they’re built at all. They certainly underscore the need for state regulators to consider the cumulative impact of large subdivisions with dozens, even hundreds, of septic tanks that can compromise nearby waterways, as they have done along Shem and James Island creeks.

But the encouraging news is when yet another septic-tank subdivision was proposed recently, the Awendaw Planning Commission voted unanimously against Sewee Landing’s 72 homes on 50 acres. At the same meeting, the commission recommended an update of the town’s planned development ordinance that these subdivisions had relied on.

Awendaw Town Council could consider both the subdivision proposal and the ordinance rewrite as early as this week, and we urge council members to follow their planning commissioners’ advice.

Even when a septic system is well-maintained, it can face problems if the water table is too high, and rising groundwater can carry the resulting contaminants to rivers and marshes, a problem that’s expected to grow more acute as climate change pushes sea levels higher. Awendaw’s proximity to the pristine Cape Romain makes it a desirable place to live, but too many septic tanks too close to the refuge (and too close to each other) could taint the very thing that makes the area an attractive place to visit and to live.

These developments don’t pose a threat simply because they would rely on septic systems. They also would increase the amount of impervious surface and stormwater runoff, exacerbate habitat loss and degrade the community’s rural character.

Awendaw is a small town that seems to have been pushed around at times. Its deal for a new park to be created by then-Charleston County Councilman Elliott Summey in exchange for Mr. Summey’s right to mine dirt on the park site ended badly. The mining stopped in 2019, but the town had to sue to try to get an accounting of what was done there; the park itself is still a distant dream. In another part of town, the King Tract mine was allowed to expand even though it had been hit with more than a dozen water quality violations.

So we’re encouraged that there’s a proactive solution in the works. Awendaw is drafting a new comprehensive plan to replace one that’s 13 years old. This process will provide town leaders, residents and others a perfect chance to forge a shared vision of how the town should manage growth, and they should make sure they make the most of this chance.

After all, the pressures on their town are only expected to intensify in the years to come.

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Awendaw mayor responds to concerns of overdevelopment

AWENDAW, SC (WCIV) — For weeks, Awendaw residents have been expressing concerns about the potential of hundreds of new homes coming to their community."Town council has approved 822 new residences with more on the docket tonight," Awendaw resident John Cooke said. "Those residences come with a population that will at least double our current population."Read more: ...

AWENDAW, SC (WCIV) — For weeks, Awendaw residents have been expressing concerns about the potential of hundreds of new homes coming to their community.

"Town council has approved 822 new residences with more on the docket tonight," Awendaw resident John Cooke said. "Those residences come with a population that will at least double our current population."

Read more: Awendaw residents fear housing boom could threaten town's rural charm

However, Mayor Miriam Green says the population will not be doubled.

"It's not the truth," Green said. "It's not a total of 800 homes. And if it is, they still have to go through planning."

"I can't say it's 800, 9,00, or 1,000 homes because I don't know," she continued. "But in the preliminary plan, yes, it did say certain amount of homes will be built up there."

Green describes the development plans as "smart growth".

Mayor Miriam Green describes the development plans as "smart growth". (WCIV)

"We are following ordinance and processes of procedures and state guidelines," she said.

In response to the concerns about the development plans being too much in too little time, Green says the town has to follow guidelines and the rules.

"Just because someone comes to you and says 'This is what we want,' doesn't meant that's what the majority of the citizens of Awendaw want," the mayor said.

Residents have also expressed concerns about how new developments may affect Awendaw's roads and infrastructure.

Read more: Ten Mile Neighborhood Association challenges proposed approval of development along Seafood Road

"Last meeting, I heard emergency services people talk about the fact that they were concerned about their ability to support the town," Cooke said. "The roads, the infrastructure might not be able to support (new development). The roads that were made in the early 1950s-60s are still the ones being used today and could fail."

Green says the infrastructure, road, and traffic issues are being analyzed as part of the development plans.

"We're looking at all that stuff," the mayor said. "We have a traffic study in place, but it doesn't happen overnight."

Another concern is the septic tanks that will be used for the new development, which Green says the town is working on with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Read more: Zoning denial a 'win' for some Awendaw residents

"20 years when all these systems start to fail, you could have an ecological disaster that could affect a lot of bulls bay and the intercoastal waterways," Cooke said.

The evening of Aug. 21, the Awendaw Planning Commission reviewed the Harper Valley proposal. It was denied in a 5-1 vote.

Cooke says people who live in Awendaw are banding together in opposition and they are asking for a moratorium to slow down the development.

"It's a growing pain in Awendaw," Green said. "It's not the people that live here. It's the people that came here."

Awendaw changing zoning rules, doesn’t want developers to “have their way with the town”

AWENDAW — Just past the border of Mount Pleasant, the small town of Awendaw has been seeing increasing development of suburban-style subdivisions that rely on septic tanks.Now the town is trying to apply the brakes.In the modest cinder-block building where Town Council meetings are held, a supportive standing-room-only crowd gathered May 4 to follow as more restrictive rules for development were laid out.“We’ve been very hamstrung in the past,” Planning Commission member James Gardner told council...

AWENDAW — Just past the border of Mount Pleasant, the small town of Awendaw has been seeing increasing development of suburban-style subdivisions that rely on septic tanks.

Now the town is trying to apply the brakes.

In the modest cinder-block building where Town Council meetings are held, a supportive standing-room-only crowd gathered May 4 to follow as more restrictive rules for development were laid out.

“We’ve been very hamstrung in the past,” Planning Commission member James Gardner told council members. “It seems the (current) less stringent rules are letting developers come in and have their way with the town.”

At issue is what’s known as a “planned development” that allows developers to negotiate rules with the town, potentially avoiding stricter zoning regulations.

Town planner Mark Brodeur said every planned development he’s seen in the past year and a half has sought more density — more houses per acre — than the town’s rules would otherwise have allowed.

New rules, which received initial unanimous approval from the Town Council, would prevent that from happening and would add a host of new requirements to future planned developments.

“Managed growth is the key to Awendaw’s future,” reads the first sentence of a large, framed copy of the town’s vision statement on the meeting room wall.

Resident Susan Cox applauded the rule changes, telling council members “it will allow Awendaw to protect this gorgeous environment.”

The coastal town of fewer than 1,500 residents sits between the Francis Marion National Forest and Bull’s Bay. A shrimp trawler is the main feature on the town’s seal.

Each new subdivision can have a large impact on the population of such a small community, and because the town has no sewer system, each new home relies on a septic system. That’s not uncommon in rural areas, but failing septic systems have been an increasing problem in the Charleston area and some governments — including Mount Pleasant — are spending millions to get rid of them.

Last year Awendaw approved a 204-home subdivision on 148 acres near Seewee and Bulls Island roads over objections that the more than 200 septic systems could fail and send raw sewage into the waters near Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge.

The town’s new planned development rules would not restrict septic systems since there’s no public sewer option, but lays out density and minimum lot sizes, distances from wetlands, and how much of a property could be covered by impervious surfaces such as pavement and buildings.

Several town residents said Awendaw also needs to simply refuse more often when developers want to up-zone properties to allow for more home construction.

“We don’t have to say ‘yes’ to everyone who comes,” said Isaiah Simmons. “We will be in the same shape as Mount Pleasant and all those other areas.”

SC Climate and Environment News

With residents and council members apparently united on the issue of tighter development rules, May 4 turned out to be a bad night for developers of the proposed “Seewee Landing” subdivision.

The subdivision proposal called for 72 single-family homes with septic systems on a 49-acre property currently zoning agricultural. The developers wanted the zoning changed to a planned development, and multiple residents urged the council to refuse.

“That looks excessive to me,” said resident Sandra Freeman.

Gardner, the planning commission member, said it was obvious the requested planned development zoning was aimed at avoiding more restrictive rules. The commission had unanimously voted against recommending the change.

“It’s a carefully considered thoughtful project,” Brandon Gaskins, lawyer for the developers, told Town Council.

Brodeur said the town staff would recommend approving the zoning change, but only with a number of changes — 31 in all — including larger building lots that would likely reduce the number of houses, limits on impervious surfaces, and a requirement to have regular third-party testing of all the septic systems.

“Septic tanks are known to malfunction and leak,” Brodeur noted.

Septic-tanks

Rather than face a Town Council vote on the original request, after seven residents spoke against it and none were in favor, Gaskins said the developers would incorporate all of the town’s recommendations and return with an updated planned development request.

The property is at the intersection of Seewee Road and Granny Lane. Gaskins said that incorporating all of the town’s recommended changes would drop the development’s density to about one home per acre.

Owners of popular Awendaw BBQ spot set sights on going back to roots

AWENDAW, S.C. (WCIV) — For the past three years, two months, and 17 days, Middleton & Maker Village Barbeque has been providing good food for a good cause, and has provided a safe space for customers.“It’s a backyard family reunion type of effect," said Eliot Middleton, one of the co-owners of the popular business....

AWENDAW, S.C. (WCIV) — For the past three years, two months, and 17 days, Middleton & Maker Village Barbeque has been providing good food for a good cause, and has provided a safe space for customers.

“It’s a backyard family reunion type of effect," said Eliot Middleton, one of the co-owners of the popular business.

This family reunion started back in 2016 as a mobile business bringing barbeque to different areas throughout the Lowcountry, but once those wheels parked, the business began to grow.

"From that opportunity coming into this opportunity with this restaurant being available and getting this literally two days before Covid start, so it’s just been a very strong strong battle for the last four years," Middleton said.

Middleton's passion didn't stop there. After realizing transportation was hard to come by for some people, his love to help the community kicked in.

“On the Middleton side, whatever profits I get from the restaurant, it all went back into the cars and making sure I could fix and develop cars that needed," Middleton said.

Unfortunately, the popular BBQ spot, located on 5105 N HWY 17 in Awendaw, will be closing due to new development plans moving into the area. But the business is now going back to its roots.

“We’re going back mobile. It’s going to be Middleton’s Village Mobile Barbeque LLC, and we’re going to be in all of the other areas and counties, and we’re going to do more community-oriented events," Middleton said.

Despite the change in locations, the passion remains, and the village will only grow.

"And they say if you build it they will come, and that’s what we did here—we built it, and people are coming," said Charles Maker, co-owner of Middleton & Maker Village BBQ.

Middleton and Maker will also start having village field days throughout the community for people of all ages to come out, play games and get some good food.

Middleton's service to his community dates back years. In October 2020, he was recognized with the Jefferson Award after he started fixing up old cars and giving them out to people in need of reliable transportation.

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