- Gas Fireplace Maintenance
- Gas Fireplace Maintenance
- Chimney Cap Installation
- Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning
Chimney Sweep in Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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.
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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 Charleston, 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.

Keeping Your Home Safe with Gas Fireplace Maintenance in Charleston, 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.


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 Charleston, 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.

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
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.

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
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
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 Charleston, 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.

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation in Charleston, 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.


Avoid Hidden Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning in Charleston, 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.
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Latest News in Charleston, SC
Tropical Storm Idalia brings flooding to South Carolina
CBS Newshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-idalia-flooding-south-carolina-charleston/
Tropical Storm Idalia moved into South Carolina on Wednesday night after making landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane earlier in the day. While the storm had weakened as it moved across Florida and through Georgia, entering South Carolina with maximum sustained wind speeds of around 60 mph, it was still bringing heavy flooding to the coast of the Palmetto State. It later moved on to North Carolina.A storm surge warning was in effect for the Savannah River, on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, u...
Tropical Storm Idalia moved into South Carolina on Wednesday night after making landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane earlier in the day. While the storm had weakened as it moved across Florida and through Georgia, entering South Carolina with maximum sustained wind speeds of around 60 mph, it was still bringing heavy flooding to the coast of the Palmetto State. It later moved on to North Carolina.
A storm surge warning was in effect for the Savannah River, on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, up north to the South Santee River in South Carolina, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday night.
Along South Carolina's coast, North Myrtle Beach, Garden City, and Edisto Island all reported ocean water flowing over sand dunes and spilling onto beachfront streets Wednesday evening. In Charleston, storm surge from Idalia topped the seawall that protects the downtown, sending ankle-deep ocean water into the streets and neighborhoods where horse-drawn carriages pass million-dollar homes and the famous open-air market.
Emily Johnson of CBS affiliate WCSC-TV posted video of water coming over the seawall along the Battery, an area at the southern tip of the portion of Charelston that extends into the harbor.
Video posted to social media by Kathleen Culler showed two men walking through knee-deep water in what appeared to be a parking lot along the Ashley River.
Police in Isle of Palms, a small town on a barrier island to the east of Charleston, posted a video on social media showing "deep standing water" on one of the island's major roadways.
Preliminary data showed the Wednesday evening high tide reached just over 9.2 feet, more than 3 feet above normal and the fifth-highest reading in Charleston Harbor since records were first kept in 1899.
Idalia also spawned a tornado that briefly touched down in the Charleston, South Carolina, suburb of Goose Creek, the National Weather Service said. The winds sent a car flying and flipped it over, according to authorities and eyewitness video. Two people received minor injuries.
Donald Trump coming to Summerville today. Expect politics and traffic delays.
Post and Courierhttps://www.postandcourier.com/
...
Trump’s visit
Donald Trump coming to Summerville today. Expect politics and traffic delays.
Residents should expect traffic delays with former President Donald Trump coming to Summerville on Sept. 25. Read moreDonald Trump coming to Summerville today. Expect politics and traffic delays.
Four tenant spaces remain after two tenants leased almost three-quarters of the recently completed structure.
A 71-unit project is being built in West Ashley while a 99-unit townhome community in Summerville is now under new ownership.
Dozens of students that have gone through Explore Charleston’s Intern Cultural Enrichment Program, and six have officially come back to call Charleston home.
More than 250 people have confirmed for the 7-8 p.m. Monday forum, which is free to attend, although registration is required. All of the candidates will take part.
State Rep. Kambrell Garvin, former Columbia City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and activists Javar Juarez and Johnnie Cordero are seeking the Democratic nomination for the state Senate Dist. 19 special election.
+4 +7 0:10+2
Downtown Charleston museum offering free admission days
The South Carolina Historical Society is offering free admission to its downtown Charleston museum for a limited time to pique interest in the… Read moreDowntown Charleston museum offering free admission days
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Charleston airport passenger count soars above 4M, surpassing 2017 total in 8 months
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Charleston airport passenger count soars above 4M, surpassing 2017 total in 8 months
Warren L. Wise wwise@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/charleston-airport-passenger-count-soars-above-4m-surpassing-2017-total-in-8-months/article_5bd1d41a-4536-11ee-b405-d387d6efac06.html
Charleston International surpassed the total passenger count of six years ago in eight months this year.The state’s busiest airport...
Charleston International surpassed the total passenger count of six years ago in eight months this year.
The state’s busiest airport logged just over 4 million passengers from January through August, besting the 3.98 million for all of 2017, based on the latest report from Charleston County Aviation Authority.
Last month, nearly 536,000 ticket holders arrived and departed at CHS, setting a record for the month of August and exceeding last year’s count for the same month by nearly 12 percent.
For the year so far through August, the airport recorded more than 564,000 additional travelers, or 16 percent more than the same span last year.
Charleston airport CEO Elliott Summey attributed the continued upsurge in passenger growth to creating an environment that incubates economic success for the airport and the airlines.
“We are making money and they are making money,” he said.
The August tally was down from the all-time one-month record of more than 600,000 passengers set in July, but travel usually falls off in late summer as children return to school and family vacations end.
Hurricane Idalia also affected travel at the end of the month as nearly 90 flights were canceled Aug. 30-31 in the Lowcountry. The runways at CHS also were closed for just over 13 overnight hours on Aug. 31-Sept. 1 as the storm passed to the west of Charleston.
Charleston airport officials are eyeing a record 6 million passengers, or roughly 700,000 more than in 2022, by year’s end. With four months remaining, the airport will need to see about 483,000 travelers each month to reach the milestone. Through the first eight months, the terminal has seen roughly 508,500 each month.
A year ago, Lamont Ferrebee was nearing graduation from Atlanta Technical College and staying in Charleston for a culinary internship. Now he’s a Sous Chef with Queen Street Hospitality at 82 Queen.
He is one of the dozens of students that have gone through Explore Charleston’s Intern Cultural Enrichment Program.
When the program was launched in 2020, the objective was to help students secure hospitality roles in the region after graduation and create a workforce pipeline for the area’s growing industry.
As the evening sous chef, he starts his day in the early afternoon. After taking inventory of what ingredients they have in stock, he gets to curating specials for the evening. One of his favorite dishes to date was a pan-seared halibut with summer vegetable medley, garlic butter mashed potatoes and citrus dill oil. Now that he’s settled in Charleston, he spends his days off in the kitchen at his West Ashley apartment experimenting with new dishes.
Ferrebee said that it wasn’t just the network he built during the internship that made him want to return. It was his love for Charleston as a city and as a fine dining scene.
“I didn’t just become a chef to cook, I became a chef to create,” he said. “It’s like artist walking up to a fresh blank canvas to paint whatever they want. I get to create new dishes every day. It’s unique to be able to have that creative freedom in such a historic restaurant.”
While not everyone chooses to return to the Holy City, Explore Charleston is now seeing that vision come full circle. Six alums recently accepted full-time opportunities in the market.
The 10-week internship program was designed to connect underrepresented minority college students with real-world paid work opportunities in Charleston’s hospitality, food and travel industry.
The internship doesn’t just help place students with a job and summer housing. It’s a leadership development and mentorship program to introduce students to the industry and give them the communication tools and network to professionally grow.
Kyonna Bryant was also a member of the ICEP class of 2022 and returned to the area after graduating from Atlanta Technical College. She is now a line cook with The Charleston Place at the Charleston Grill. She started in the role in June and said she was most excited to be under Chef Michelle Weaver’s wing. Weaver was a primary mentor for both culinary students Bryant and Ferrebee.
“When I thought about where I might start my career, Charleston didn’t cross my mind. That changed after my internship here,” Bryant said. “Charleston hospitality is different than what I was used to in Atlanta and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Many of the intern students say Charleston was not on their radar until the internship. That was also the case for Iyanna Freeman, internship class of 2021 who graduated from Benedict College.
“By the end of my internship, I had a strong feeling I’d return,” Freeman said. “The connections I made during my time in Charleston made me feel like it was the perfect place to start my career in the event industry.
She interned for Charleston Place and is now working as a Special Events Associate at the newly opened International African American Museum.
“I love the idea that I can build the experience that becomes a memory for someone,” she said. “I get to play a small role in furthering our mission to honor the untold stories of the African American journey in a space that connects the past to the present.”
Marc Gibson, Director of Inclusion & Engagement at Explore Charleston, said as the program wrapped up its third year, that they are now seeing the program come full-circle.
“When you plant seeds in a program like this, you don’t always see the reward right away. Sometimes it takes years to see that impact and when you do, it’s even more rewarding,” Gibson said.
The program was launched in the height of the pandemic and has added more workplace opportunities every year since. This year, Halls Chophouse and Taco Boy join an existing lineup of employers including The Charleston Place, Charlestowne Hotels, Hilton Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hotel Bennett, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Lowcountry Hotels and Wild Dunes Resort.
One of the resources that helped Ferrebee land the job, was the networking opportunities through the internship. An informative panel of hospitality leaders and mentors sat down with students and discussed what they look for in a candidate.
“As students, it helps tremendously because it was like a roadmap to get where they are. It’s a cheat sheet of what they’re really looking for in a resume,” Ferrebee said.
Ferrebee said he had a job offer in hand before he walked across the graduation stage.
Explore Charleston wrapped up its third Intern Cultural Enrichment Program class this month. The ICEP class of 2023 included 10 students from six universities that completed internships with 12 area employers. Three of those interns and Kayla Harrison just accepted full-time positions in Charleston.
Brittney Espitia and Richlyn Jackson were offered at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Kayla Harrison is joining the Charleston Area Convention Center.
“The experience these interns get is a win for all,” he said. “They leave the summer knowing that they are better prepared to work in the hospitality industry. Even if it’s not in our area, is a definite impact wherever they go in the field that they work in.”
Bailey: Lowe’s sweetheart Union Pier contract is an albatross we must maroon
Steve Baileyhttps://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/bailey-lowe-s-sweetheart-union-pier-contract-is-an-albatross-we-must-maroon/article_94e32244-58a1-11ee-bd5b-279503b82636.html
What about Lowe?With a new city-led 2.0 effort underway to reimagine Union Pier, the question of how to get rid of Lowe and its odious contract with the State Ports Authority is now critical. The Los Angeles real estate giant was hired to sell the project to Charleston and its residents so the Ports Authority, which sat on this prime waterfront property for decades, could cash in on the rise of Charleston.There’s no way around it: Lowe failed completely. Totally. Miserably.And yet, Lowe remains at the front of the ...
What about Lowe?
With a new city-led 2.0 effort underway to reimagine Union Pier, the question of how to get rid of Lowe and its odious contract with the State Ports Authority is now critical. The Los Angeles real estate giant was hired to sell the project to Charleston and its residents so the Ports Authority, which sat on this prime waterfront property for decades, could cash in on the rise of Charleston.
There’s no way around it: Lowe failed completely. Totally. Miserably.
And yet, Lowe remains at the front of the line to buy Union Pier, at a discount. If nothing else, you have to admire those Lowe lawyers.
The Ports Authority contract with Lowe looked bad when it was signed three years ago. Lowe’s comfy $50,000 a month in fees and expenses was just the start. What really raised eyebrows was that Lowe was given a right of first refusal to buy Union Pier, along with a 9.5% share of the sale price (i.e., the “incentive fee”) if it went to another buyer. Who was going to bid against such a wired deal?
Today, that bad deal looks even worse. “Horrible” is a better word. Former State Ports boss Jim Newsome’s signature is at the bottom of this albatross. If there wasn’t a clawback provision in Newsome’s employment contract, there should have been.
Lowe’s job was to get Union Pier through the city’s permitting process, and it had the perfect guy to do it: Jacob Lindsey, Charleston’s former planning director. He knows the system better than anyone. He knows everyone. Everyone likes Jacob Lindsey.
“Dare I write the words ‘this time could be different’?”
I own those words, written in this column in April 2022 in reporting Lindsey’s return to Charleston from that Rocky Mountain paradise called Boulder, Colo. If this time is to ever be different, though, it will not be because of Lowe and Lindsey.
They have been reduced to overpaid bystanders after Charlestonians, in a rare show of consensus, shouted down their top-down vision of a too-tall, too-dense waterfront. Too not Charleston.
“The Riley Center, as well as the Union Pier Stakeholder Advisory Committee, is leading the planning and engagement processes for the redevelopment of Union Pier,” the Ports Authority said in a statement to me.
Lowe is nowhere. So why is it still in line for a huge payday? That’s the question of the moment. The Ports Authority declined to comment on the contract; Lowe didn’t respond to my inquiry.
Bill Stern, the Ports Authority chairman, told The Post and Courier’s David Wren in February the gold-plated contract — the right of first refusal, the incentive fee, etc. — was necessary to attract a big hitter like Lowe to get the project through the city’s zoning process.
Lowe didn’t get the project entitled and still has the contract. This cannot stand.
Lowe has lawyers; so does the state of South Carolina, and it can hire more. This is what lawyers do: Negotiate, threaten to sue, sue if they must. Start with Section 4(a) of the contract: Termination by Owner for Default. There are pages and pages of whereases and therefores to parse.
The Ports Authority is not without leverage. Lowe has to live in this town. It has a huge investment in The Cooper, the 225-room luxury hotel nearing completion on the site of the authority’s former headquarters adjacent to Joe Riley Waterfront Park, and ambitions to do more. The Medical University of South Carolina, for instance, is about to start the master planning process for its “Innovation District” on the peninsula. Lowe would be a natural fit for that. But not if its name is poison in Charleston.
If Lowe wants to bid on Union Pier, then welcome! The playing field, however, needs to be leveled: No right of first refusal, no incentive fee.
By removing Lowe as The Chosen One, the Ports Authority would widen the field of bidders, a good thing. There might even be an interested hometown developer. Who knows what’s possible with a level playing field.
Here’s all the incentive Lowe should need: We will forget all about the last unfortunate year if you will. Time to start over.
Steve Bailey is a regular contributor to the Post and Courier Opinion section. He can be reached at sjbailey1060@yahoo.com.
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Editorial: Don’t lock public out of discussion about superintendent’s performance
THE EDITORIAL STAFFhttps://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-dont-lock-public-out-of-discussion-about-superintendents-performance/article_046a23fe-562e-11ee-a6d3-c3e294ff537c.html
For a board elected by an organization that claims to prioritize transparency, and chaired by a member who has said repeatedly she doesn’t want closed-door sessions except when South Carolina law requires it, the...
For a board elected by an organization that claims to prioritize transparency, and chaired by a member who has said repeatedly she doesn’t want closed-door sessions except when South Carolina law requires it, the Charleston County School Board sure is keeping the public — and even some of its members — out of a lot of the public’s business.
If we believe what little board members have said about the recent last-minute, closed-door meeting about their new superintendent, it was not in fact cooked up by the five Moms for Liberty-backed board members behind the backs of the four other board members; one of the Moms candidates, Carlotte Bailey, said even she didn’t know about it in advance.
Also contrary to the criticisms of the four members who routinely end up in the minority, there was nothing inappropriate about discussing the superintendent’s performance after only two months; his contract appropriately requires a minimum of an annual evaluation but allows additional evaluations “at any time the Board deems necessary.”
More significantly, though, both the explanation from Chairwoman Pam McKinney and a rebuttal from Board Member Daron Lee Calhoun II suggest that the board had no business holding its discussion about Superintendent Eric Gallien’s performance behind closed doors.
Ms. McKinney, who called the special meeting with the closed-door session, said afterward it was to clarify Dr. Gallien’s duties and responsibilities based on his contract. And as The Post and Courier’s Hillary Flynn and Maura Turcotte report, Mr. Calhoun said the board also discussed “procedures of termination for a position and grounds certain board members felt a termination of a contract may be necessary.”
Boards may legally discuss grounds for terminating an employee in executive session, although we’ve never understood why: What in the world is more the public’s business than whether people running school districts or government agencies are doing a decent job? Well, except perhaps for whether the people we elect to oversee them are doing a decent job overseeing them, which we only learn if we can see how they evaluate them.
But there’s nothing in the law that requires such conversations to be held in private. And there’s nothing appropriate about having a private discussion about the duties an already-approved (and therefore public) contract spells out, or the procedures that already-approved contract requires for termination.
Except for agreeing to discuss an undefined “personnel matter” in private along with the superintendent’s contract, it’s unclear that a court would rule that the board violated the law, which offers far more wiggle room than we’d like, particularly when boards can find an excuse to hear advice from their attorney. (And yet, many governments still manage to violate numerous parts of our state’s Freedom of Information Act, routinely.)
It’s clear, though, that the closed-door session broke trust with the spirit of the open-meetings law, and any pledges any members of the board made to do the public’s work in public.
It’s clear that the public isn’t being served when the factionalism of the board is so bad that a member of one faction apparently can’t even get a straight answer from the board chairwoman when she reaches out to ask why the board is discussing the superintendent’s contract so soon after it was signed.
Perhaps even more disturbingly, the meeting suggests that at least some members of the board already are suffering buyer’s remorse. And that validates our concerns about the board’s decision to hire the last man standing rather than reopening the search process after two of the three finalists backed out, apparently upset that, in compliance with state law, their names had been released before they expected — a misunderstanding that itself pointed to problems with the search process.
Also disturbing is the confusion by at least some board members about what privacy and transparency mean. Board Member Keith Grybowski sent an email to Ms. Turcotte arguing that the board has to balance public access and protecting individuals’ privacy rights, calling it “essential for our community to understand that transparency doesn’t equate to revealing every detail of every discussion.”
We’re not sure whose privacy he hoped to protect: Dr. Gallien’s or his own. In either case, we believe it’s essential for our board to understand that state law makes it clear and our courts have ruled consistently that “privacy” rights are far narrower than those who throw around the term would like us to believe.
The law might indeed allow a board to hide behind closed doors in order to discuss whether it wants to fire a superintendent, but that’s not because it has anything to do with protecting anybody’s privacy. To the contrary, there are few things that have less to do with privacy than who runs a government agency, and why.
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