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Welcome to Holy City Dance Center! Feel free to email us at info@holycitydance.com

Discover the Joy of Movement at Holy City Dance Center

Large Multi-Room Dance Studio

  • Dance Classes
  • Dance Lessons
  • Top Dancing Tips for Beginners
  • Dance with Your Heart

Groove to the Music with Dance Classes Near Cainhoy, SC

Dancing has a wonderful way of taking us to a special place where we can embrace the moment and forget our worries, if only for a few minutes. It's enjoyable, healthy, and a great way to connect with others who share your passions. It can also be magical, like when you hear your favorite song and nail a high-energy dance routine that you've been practicing. But for new and seasoned dancers looking for classes in The Palmetto State, what options are there to consider?

If you're reading this and looking for a dance studio in South Carolina, look no further than Holy City Dance Center. From first-time beginners to experienced dancers with hours of on-stage experience, Holy City Dance has the leadership, facility, and classes to keep you moving to the music all year long.

Service Areas

Dance School Cainhoy, SC

You'll Be Happy to Call Holy City Dance Center Home

When you choose Holy City Dance, you get much more than a place to practice new dance moves - you get access to an elite dancing experience in a warm, welcoming environment full of feel-good juju purpose-driven instruction. We believe that dance lessons and dancing in general help produce happy people. As such, we do everything in our power to provide a happy, positive studio in which dancers, new and old, can learn and express themselves.

Every member of our leadership team and staff is professional, talented, and, perhaps most importantly, fully committed to safely and lovingly guiding dancers. While we specialize in teaching dance lessons, we also focus on building character and kindness - especially for our younger students. At the end of the day, our goal is to combine the best aspects of hard work and dance to create a fulfilling and fun experience for all.

With a long list of both youth and adult dance lessons near Cainhoy, SC, Holy City Dance Center offers something for everyone, whether you're looking to join a new performance team or a simple Mommy & Me program. Whether you are two or 102 years old, we want you in class having fun!!

Our class lessons include the following:

  • Ballet
  • Tap
  • Jazz
  • Hip Hop
  • Contemporary
  • Acro-Dance
  • Jumps & Turns
  • Stretch & Strengthen
  • Clogging
  • Musical Theater
  • Adult Dance Classes
  • Award Winning Competition Team
  • Performance Team
  • Recital Performance
  • Much More!

A Glance at Our Facility

Wondering whether or not our dance center is the right fit for you and your family? Located at 1939 Clements Ferry Road in Cainhoy, SC, we take a lot of pride in our facility and like to think that shows as soon as you walk through our front doors. With 4000 sq. ft. of space, we're able to provide the best everything you or your loved one needs for a high-quality dance education.

Our dance features many amenities that dancers love, including the following:

Dance Room

Three Large Dance Rooms

Each of our dance rooms is fully equipped with unique sub-flooring to help sustain joint health and to ensure our students can train in a safe environment.

Specialty Flooring

Specialty Flooring for Dancers

We incorporate Vinyl Marley flooring in studios one and two to help reduce injury and promote better training. In studio three, we have applied special acoustic flooring made specifically for tap dancers. By providing enhanced flooring for our students, we can better ensure they enjoy a professional, purposeful dancing experience.

Large Lobby

Large Lobby

Need to wait while your little one or spouse finishes dancing classes? Our lobby is spacious and has free high-speed WiFi, so you can surf the web or get work done while you wait.

Student Lounge

Student Lounge

When our students aren't in class, they have their own lounge with lockers where they can change and enjoy each other's company.

Livestreams

Livestreams

Pull up a chair in our lobby and get a peek into our process! Whether you're a student, parent, or spouse, our livestreams are fun and educational to watch.

 Dance Classes Cainhoy, SC

Holy City Dance Lessons Near Cainhoy, SC

At Holy City Dance Center, we're proud to offer dancing classes for all ages, from recreational programming for very young students to programs for teens and adults. Thinking we might not have a class for you if you're a beginner? Think again! No matter your experience level, we've got a dance program to help you grow.

A few of our most popular dance programs include the following:

Youth Programs

Our recreational youth programs are a great way for kids to learn about dance while practicing balance, motor skills, discipline, and much more.

 Dance Studio Cainhoy, SC

Mommy & Me: Ages 2-3

For toddlers who love to dance and move around, we offer a 45-minute Creative Movement class that focuses on basic ballet movements. This class is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 3 years old and aims to help fine-tune gross motor skills while building a passion for dance at an early age. To ensure that our young dancers stay engaged throughout the year, we integrate music, props, and seasonal themes into our lessons. Moms are welcome to join in on the fun or simply watch their little ones shine.

 Dance Courses Cainhoy, SC

Pre-K Combo Ages 3-4 (Ballet & Tap and Ballet & Jazz)

If your little one is between the ages of three and four and interested in dance, these hour-long classes are a great way for them to learn about different styles. Props, music, and games are still incorporated, but with added technical elements that will expand their dance knowledge and prepare them for a successful dance career. During each class session, students will focus on both style offerings and should ensure they have the necessary shoes and attire for each.

 Youth Dance School Cainhoy, SC

Youth Combo 5-7 (Ballet & Tap and Ballet & Jazz)

This package mimics our Pre-K Combo with all of the same features but is tailored to older children between the ages of five and seven.

 Adult Dance School Cainhoy, SC

Kinderpop Ages 5-7

For children aged five to seven, this 45-minute class offers a fun and lively introduction to hip-hop dance. While training, students will learn the fundamentals and vocabulary of hip-hop in an upbeat environment.

 Child Dance School Cainhoy, SC

Recreational Programs

These dance classes near Cainhoy, SC, are best suited for beginner and intermediate students between the ages of eight and eighteen.

 Youth Dance Classes Cainhoy, SC

For those who wish to delve into the intricacies of tap technique, these classes run for 45 minutes and cover all the fundamental tap moves. As students progress to higher-level classes, they will build on their skills and expand their repertoire. The classes include warm-up exercises, center-floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and complex choreography.

For students dedicated to improving their jazz technique's precision and intensity, these classes are the perfect fit. The classes run for a duration of 45 minutes and cover a range of activities, including a rigorous warm-up with a focus on flexibility training, center-floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and sharp choreography.

Our ballet classes are structured to help students master classical Vaganova techniques through barre exercises, center floor work, across-the-floor combinations, flexibility training, and explanations of ballet terminology. Each class is 1.5 hours long.

These 45-minute classes are designed for students who love to have fun and be the center of attention. They are perfect for lively, cheerful, and enthusiastic learners who want a welcoming and secure environment to express their energy. The classes concentrate on teaching the basics of footwork, body rolls, dynamics, and other essential dance skills.

If you're a student looking to express yourself through contemporary dance, these 45-minute classes are perfect for you. They focus on exploring the connection between emotion and movement, incorporating elements of lyrical dance, floor work, partnering, and improvisation. Through these methods, you'll be able to experience a sense of free movement and develop your own unique contemporary dance style.

These classes focus on building strength and flexibility for dancers while prioritizing injury prevention. Consisting of 45 to 60-minute sessions, taking this class one to two times a week can improve dancers' movement quality, style-specific skills, endurance, and prolong their dance careers.

Other recreational dance programs at Holy City Dance Center include:

  • Musical Theater - Focusing on techniques and dancing styles used in Broadway shows.
  • Dance FUNctions - Learn how to be a well-rounded, successful dancer.
  • Dance Comp & Improv - Learn the foundational skills of dance improv and the building blocks of dance composition.
  • Acro Dance - Learn how to blend the art of acrobatics and floor tumbling with traditional dancing.
  • Inclusive Dance - This class is perfect for dancers who have developmental delays or disabilities.

Adult Programs

If you're looking for a dance studio near Cainhoy, SC, that offers dance lessons for working adults, look no further than Holy City Dance Center. Our adult dance classes cater to all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced. We aim to create a free and open environment where adult dancers can express themselves.

It's time to get those jazz hands moving! This 45-minute beginner-intermediate jazz class includes warm-up, strength training, center floor work, across-the-floor combinations, and sharp choreography.

This one-hour ballet class focuses on the power and accuracy of ballet technique. The class includes a well-planned barre warm-up, exercises for stretching and strengthening, center floor work, combinations across the floor, and ballet choreography.

This class is designed for those who are new to line dancing or need to refresh their skills. We will review choreographed steps and dances at a slower pace, covering the basics of line dancing and common dance terms. Each week, we will also learn at least one new dance.

Additional adult dance programs offered by Holy City Dance Center include:

Hip-Hop - This fun class features a structured walkthrough of the high-energy dance techniques known in hip-hop dancing.

Contemporary - Learn how to show emotion through dancing while adopting a free sense of stylization and movement.

Tap - If you're a beginner or intermediate dancer craving a journey that explores the precision and complexity of tap dancing, this class is for you.

 Adult Dance Classes Cainhoy, SC

Top Dancing Tips for Beginners in South Carolina

At Holy City Dance Center, we welcome students of all ages and experience levels. In fact, many of our students come to us with little-to-no dancing experience. We work closely with these students to help develop their dancing fundamentals and gradually incorporate new techniques and styles. If you know that you want to begin dancing but feel like the learning curve is too high, don't worry. We can help build your skill and confidence step-by-step with beginner dance lessons near Cainhoy, SC.

To help you along the way and expedite the learning process, keep these easy-to-implement tips in mind.

Find Your Inspiration

Find Your Inspiration

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the secret to becoming a great dancer is having the desire to excel. Always remember the reasons why you love dancing, as it will motivate you in moments of discouragement or lethargy. Ignite your passion by watching dance performances, chatting with fellow dancers, attending dance events, or simply listening to music that gets you moving.

Always Warm Up

Always Warm Up

Dancing without taking the time to warm up is sort of like baking biscuits without preheating your oven. You might be anxious to jump in and start, but doing so can leave you deflated and unprepared. Dancing with a cold and stiff body can be unpleasant and may lead to muscle injuries. Therefore, it's advisable to warm up and stretch before dancing. Doing so will help you move with greater range and control and also reduce the risk of injuries.

Let Go and Have Fun

Let Go and Have Fun

Always keep in mind that dancing is supposed to be a fun activity, not a burden or a source of anxiety. Dancing should be an outlet for those negative emotions! When you come for lessons at Holy City Dance Center, you can look forward to a fun, inviting atmosphere. No matter how many (or how few) dance moves you know, you can always have a good time learning how to dance with the right instructors and partners. Relax, have fun, and go with the flow. You'll be happy you did.

Get Your Groove On

Get Your Groove On

To improve your dancing skills, it's best to narrow down the specific styles you want to learn and focus on their foundational movements. One thing that all dance styles have in common is the "groove." You may not know it, but you probably groove out naturally to music all the time. Do you bob your head while driving or sway side to side at the club? If so, you've got the groove. Practicing grooves and becoming more comfortable with your body's movements will help you look better while dancing, whether in class, at a performance, or anywhere else.

Mix It Up

Mix It Up

When you first start dancing, it's common to want to dance with the same partner or friend. However, this can become boring over time. To avoid this, try dancing with a variety of people, especially when you're still learning the dance. Each person's interpretation of the music will give you a new perspective on the dance. You may worry about dancing with someone who is more advanced or less skilled than you. However, dancing with different people can help you practice being a good leader or follower. Every dance can be an opportunity to learn and grow. That's why, at Holy City Dance Center, we encourage multiple dance partners in applicable programs.

Learn and Repeat the Basics

Learn and Repeat the Basics

They say that repetition is key when it comes to learning a skill, and that's especially true when dancing. Practicing techniques over and over helps them become ingrained in your muscle memory, allowing you to execute them effortlessly. For instance, Popping exercises can enhance your control and control. House Step routines can improve your footwork and make you more comfortable on the dance floor. Whatever the dance style, start by nailing down and repeating elementary techniques. Before you know it, you'll be executing full routines from muscle memory.

Request Class Information

Dance with Your Heart and Your Feet Will Follow at Holy City Dance Center

 Child Dance Classes Cainhoy, SC

Whether you're looking for an extracurricular outlet for your child or want to learn how to tap dance in your 40s, our dance studio near Cainhoy, SC, is the premier choice for quality dance lessons. Our instructors are passionate about bringing your dancing dreams to life and are committed to providing you with an experience like no other. If you're ready to dance with your heart, your feet are sure to follow. All it takes is a little guidance and inspiration. Contact our dance studio today and take the first step toward a true dancing education tomorrow.

Latest News in Cainhoy, SC

Infrastructure, conservation at forefront of concern for Huger developments

HUGER, S.C. (WCSC) - With just over a hundred homes expected to be built in Huger, some residents worry the lack of proper infrastructure will just be one of the factors that will cost the area its small, hometown feel.Berkeley County says these homes are coming along Cainhoy Road near Cainhoy Elementary School. Construction has already been approved for the Royal Cokeland development, which will be 49 homes, and the county is still in the stages of approval for the French Quarter Preserve, which will be 57 homes.“It&rsqu...

HUGER, S.C. (WCSC) - With just over a hundred homes expected to be built in Huger, some residents worry the lack of proper infrastructure will just be one of the factors that will cost the area its small, hometown feel.

Berkeley County says these homes are coming along Cainhoy Road near Cainhoy Elementary School. Construction has already been approved for the Royal Cokeland development, which will be 49 homes, and the county is still in the stages of approval for the French Quarter Preserve, which will be 57 homes.

“It’s a rural community and we would like to see it stay that way,” lifelong Huger resident Richard Coen said.

Another Huger native, Vincent Holback, and Coen say they have watched Cainhoy Road become a hazard over the years. Cainhoy Road had over 200 collisions from 2011 to 2020, according to the State Department of Public Safety.

The agency has not yet responded to a request for more up-to-date accident information.

“We see growth coming that we aren’t able to sustain because of the infrastructure not being developed along with the growth,” Holback said.

Holback says the lack of proper infrastructure in this area to keep up with the homes is the top concern. He says he sees constant traffic coming from the Nucor Steel production company and Cainhoy Elementary during rush hour.

“There are senior citizens here that drove up and down this road all their lives,” Holback said. “And some of them are afraid to leave home after 3 o’clock in the evening because of the traffic and the speed of the traffic.”

Although the county says these subdivisions will have at least 20% of their area dedicated to wetlands, conservation is also at the forefront of concern.

Coen says the growth does not need to take over.

“It’s going to destroy an area that’s so sensitive and is such an incredible asset for Berkeley County,” Coen said.

Although there’s no stopping what’s already under construction, the two say they just want the county to look out for the ones who already live here.

“I have nothing against growth as long as you bring the growth and do the infrastructure along with the growth,” Holback said.

Coen praises Berkeley County for prioritizing greenspace as part of their 1% sales tax.

“They’re very receptive to all of the efforts regarding the private lands, conservation easements, property rights,” Coen said. “But the property rights are the people who live here.”

Berkeley County public information officer, Jenna-ley Jamison, provided this statement in response to the concerns:

The County routinely works with the state to help improve various roadways, intersections and other transportation infrastructure around the County. The County passed a moratorium on development earlier this year. Also, the 2022 One Cent Sales Tax Referendum that was passed in November 2022 has a Greenbelt Preservation component which addresses setting aside property, easements, natural resources, agricultural, landscaping and protecting scenic corridors while improving road infrastructure.

In addition, with Cainhoy Road being state-maintained, the South Carolina Department of Transportation is responsible for the infrastructure. They have not provided a statement.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Cainhoy peninsula’s population and development are booming

Cainhoy peninsula is experiencing an unprecedented rate of growth in development. Both new residential and new business development are in a boom phase.Clements Ferry Road has long been a thoroughfare for the import and export of goods. Now, the ever-expanding corridor, soon to be a 10-mile long, four-lane wide, $66 million strip is an avenue of commerce. It’s a gateway of intertwining housing and business development that is keeping the City of Charleston planning department busy.According to a January report from the Ci...

Cainhoy peninsula is experiencing an unprecedented rate of growth in development. Both new residential and new business development are in a boom phase.

Clements Ferry Road has long been a thoroughfare for the import and export of goods. Now, the ever-expanding corridor, soon to be a 10-mile long, four-lane wide, $66 million strip is an avenue of commerce. It’s a gateway of intertwining housing and business development that is keeping the City of Charleston planning department busy.

According to a January report from the City of Charleston’s Department of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability, Daniel Island and Cainhoy combined have doubled its population since the 2010 Census from 8,095 to 16,391.

Daniel Island and Cainhoy saw residential building permits increase from 465 in 2019 to 529 in 2020. The total number of single and multi-family unit permits issued nearly doubled across the city, according to the city’s building permit data.

The following are a series of developments potentially coming down the pipeline that have been under review by the city’s Technical Review Committee (TRC) in the past three months.

Note: Not all of the following developments have in-depth site plan details and/or renderings documented with TRC. All of the information was accessed from the city’s website (charleston-sc.gov).

Cainhoy Sports Park

At the Aug. 12 TRC meeting, a project called Cainhoy Sports Park Amenity was under pre-application review. The location for the site plan is River Village Drive in Cainhoy (no exact address listed).

The plan calls for a 23.5-acre plat with three buildings, parking, sports courts and pools. The owner is Cainhoy Land & Timber, LLC. The applicant is Thomas & Hutton.

The site plan was ordered to be revised and resubmitted to TRC. For more information, contact Will Cox, cox.w@tandh.com.

Coastal Kids Dental

At the Sept. 9 TRC meeting, a project called Coastal Kids Dental was under second review. The location for the site plan is 122 Renaissance Drive in Cainhoy.

The plan calls for a half-acre, pad-ready site for the construction of a dental office. The establishment is estimated to be approximately 5,400 square feet. The owner is Daniel Island resident Jacob Driggers and the applicant is Earthsource Engineering. The architect is Loring Design Group (Florida), the landscape architect is Outdoor

Spatial Design, LLC and the surveyor is Parker Land Surveying.

The site plan was ordered to be revised and resubmitted to TRC. A third review is set for Oct. 28.

For more information, contact Vince Sottile at sottilev@earthsoureeng.com.

Del Webb

At the Sept. 16 TRC meeting, a project called Del Webb was under second review. The location for the major subdivision concept plan is Clements Ferry Road and Cainhoy Road in Cainhoy (no exact address listed.)

The site plan calls for a 585-acre plat with 1,094 multi-family units. The owner is Cainhoy Land & Timber, LLC and the applicant is Thomas & Hutton.

The site plan was ordered to be revised and resubmitted to TRC. A third review is set for Oct. 21.

For more information, contact Will Cox at cox.w@tandh.com.

Project Throughput

At the Sept. 30 TRC meeting, a project called Project Throughput was under first review. The location for the site plan is Charleston Regional Parkway in Cainhoy.

The plan calls for a 162-acre plat for an 89,200-square-foot transload facility for trucks to transport cargo as well as an area for trailer parking. The early site work includes clearing of vegetation and rough grading.

The owner is South Carolina Ports Authority, the applicant is Thomas & Hutton and the developer is TKC Tradeport, LLC based out of Charlotte.

The site plan is pending final documentation. Once approved, it will be submitted to Zoning for stamping.

A second review is set for Oct. 28. For more information, contact Scott Greene at greene.s@tandh.com.

Woodfield II

At the Sept. 30 TRC meeting, a project called Woodfield II was under second review. The location for the site plan is Point Hope in Cainhoy (no exact address listed).

The plan calls for a 10-acre plat for a mixed-use project on Point Hope Parkway, Foundation Street and Hopewell Drive. The project includes a four-story residential building with 223 multi-family units, a one-story retail store, a one-story mail/leasing office and four other buildings with a total of seven altogether with 224 parking spaces.

The street lighting is to be provided by the owner/developer and designed for city requirements for appearance and mounting height. The owner is Woodfield Investments, LLC and the applicant is Thomas & Hutton.

The site plan was ordered to be revised and resubmitted to TRC. For more information, contact Brian Riley at riley.b@tandh.com.

Point Hope Village

At the Oct. 7 TRC meeting, a master-planned community project called Point Hope Village Retail was under first review. The location for the site plan is 116 Renaissance Lane in Cainhoy.

The plan calls for a 5,065-square-foot retail building on a half-acre plat. The building would require a minimum of 10 parking spaces and right now 34 exist and two of them are designated for handicap motorists. The parking lot, drainage system and utilities are already installed. It is the owner’s responsibility to repair all damaged sidewalks to reinstate an ADA-accessible route. The owner is Joseph Lasardi, the applicant is Earthsource Engineering and the architect is SMHA, Inc.

The maximum building height is six stories. The site plan was ordered to be revised and resubmitted to TRC.

For more information, contact Vince Sottile at sottilev@earthsourceeng.com.

Wando Village - Pocket Park

At the Oct. 14 TRC meeting, a project called Wando Village - Pocket Park was under third review. The location for the site plan is 335 Blowing Fresh Dr. in Cainhoy.

The plan calls for a 1.3-acre plat for an amenity pavilion, boardwalk, paths/sidewalk, and parking. The owner is Pulte Homes and the applicant is Thomas & Hutton.

The site plan is pending final documentation. Once approved, it will be submitted to Zoning for stamping.

For more information, contact Will Cox at cox.w@tandh.com.

Point Hope Commons

At the Oct. 14 TRC meeting, a project called Point Hope Commons was under second review. The location for the site plan is 112 Renaissance Lane in Cainhoy.

The plan calls for just less than a half-acre plat for a commercial building and restaurant space. The square footage was unattainable from the site’s architectural plans. The owner is Renaissance Lane, LLC and the applicant is Lowcountry Land Development Consultants.

The site plan is pending final documentation. Once approved, it will be submitted to Zoning for stamping.

For more information, contact Kevin Coffey at kevin@lowcountryldc.com.

Southern Eagle Expansion

At the Oct. 14 TRC meeting, a project called Southern Eagle Expansion was under pre-application review. The location for the site plan is 1600 Charleston Regional Parkway in Cainhoy.

The plan calls for a 4.2-acre plat for a warehouse expansion and construction of expanded truck court, trailer parking areas, and existing utility relocation. The maximum building height is 55 feet and two parking spaces will be allotted per employee. The owner is Southern Eagle Distributing and the applicant is Southern Eagle Distributing.

The site plan was ordered to be revised and resubmitted to TRC. For more information, contact Jim Henderson at jhenderson@soeagle.net.

Governor’s Cay

Next Thursday, at the Oct. 28 TRC meeting, a project called Governor’s Cay Amenity will be under first review. The location for the site plan is 808 King Oaks Court in Cainhoy.

The plan calls for an 8-acre plat for a pool, bathrooms and a pavilion to serve the existing townhome community. The owner is Lennar Carolinas, LLC and the applicant is Thomas & Hutton.

For more information, contact Jason Hutchinson at hutchinson.j@tandh.com.

The city’s TRC meets every Thursday morning online via Zoom at 9 a.m.

Point Hope’s Sanders House may see park, open space improvements

This week there are new developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as the application results for items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.UPCOMINGCITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEEApril 13Medical Office Building – Site plan for a new medical office building with associated infrastructure at 1236 Clements Ferry Rd. in Cainhoy.Primu...

This week there are new developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as the application results for items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.

UPCOMING

CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

April 13

Medical Office Building – Site plan for a new medical office building with associated infrastructure at 1236 Clements Ferry Rd. in Cainhoy.

Primus Park – A concept plan for a new, single-family subdivision with 101 units on 108 acres at 2150 Clements Ferry Road in Cainhoy.

Clements Ferry Industrial – A site plan (eReview) on one industrial building with a stormwater detention pond and bioswale at 1001 Charleston Regional Pkwy. in Cainhoy.

Marshes at Daniel Island – Review of revisions to previously approved single-family major subdivision road plans at 146 Fairbanks Drive on Daniel Island.

April 20

Cainhoy Sanders House – Site plan on park and open space improvements at 2025 Sanders House St. in Cainhoy.

Nowell Creek Pedestrian/Cycling Bridge – Linear construction (eReview) on shared-use path and pedestrian bridge along Daniel Island Drive.

RESULTS

CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

April 6

Cooper River Townhomes – A plat and road development plan for right-of-way extension, roadway construction and master infrastructure at 2620 Clements Ferry Rd. in Cainhoy. Results: Revise and resubmit to TRC.

Cainhoy Del Webb Sales Center – A site plan for a sales center at 2301 Coastal Carolina Drive in Cainhoy. Results: Approval pending final documentation to Zoning, Engineering, MS4, and Fire Marshal.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY & COUNTY MEETINGS

Berkeley Co. Bd. of Education is meeting the first and third Tuesday each month through April 2023. Starting May 2023, they will meet the first and third Monday. Executive Committee meets at 5:30 p.m.; meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

Berkeley Co. Council meets fourth Mon. of each month, 6 p.m., Berkeley County Admin. Blg., 1003 Hwy 52, Moncks Corner.

City of Charleston Council typically meets the second and fourth Tues. of each month, 5 p.m., City Hall, 80 Broad Street, Charleston, SC and/or virtually via Conference Call #1-929-205-6099; Access Code: 912 096 416. Exceptions: Summer Schedule - 3rd Tues. of June, July, and August; December meetings on the 1st and 3rd

Tues. Dates and locations subject to change.

City of Charleston Technical Review Committee meets every Thurs. at 9 a.m.via Zoom.

City of Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals – Site Design meets the 1st Wed. of each month at 5 p.m. via Zoom.

City of Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals – Zoning meets the 1st and 3rd Tues. of each month at 5:15 p.m., except for January and July when no meeting is held on the 1st Tues.

City of Charleston Design Review Board meets the 1st and 3rd Mon. of every month at 4:30 p.m.

City of Charleston Planning Commission meets the 3rd Wed. of every month at 5 p.m.

City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review – Large projects meets the 2nd and 4th Wed. of every month at 4:30 p.m.

City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review – Small projects meets the 2nd and 4th Thurs. of every month at 4:30 p.m.

All meetings are open for public comment except the City of Charleston Technical Review Committee meetings.

For more information, contacts for specific projects and on location and time of the meetings or to learn more, visit charleston-sc.gov/AgendaCenter/.

Compiled by Zach Giroux,

Riley: Charleston should support responsible smart growth on Cainhoy peninsula

Reports of recent, unfortunate litigation compel me to address the facts regarding planned development on the Cainhoy peninsula.As the mayor of Charleston for 40 years, I considered one of my most important duties to be planning for responsible growth to ensure that the city would flourish long beyond my tenure. A vibrant, economically thriving city requires opportunities for expansion, but Charleston’s unique geography and historical context demand careful and deliberate planning to maintain a sustainable balance between growth...

Reports of recent, unfortunate litigation compel me to address the facts regarding planned development on the Cainhoy peninsula.

As the mayor of Charleston for 40 years, I considered one of my most important duties to be planning for responsible growth to ensure that the city would flourish long beyond my tenure. A vibrant, economically thriving city requires opportunities for expansion, but Charleston’s unique geography and historical context demand careful and deliberate planning to maintain a sustainable balance between growth and environmental sensitivity. To address this priority, we established the city’s urban growth boundary and created a comprehensive city plan that, by state law, is revised every 10 years from the collective feedback of all stakeholders, including neighbors and conservationists.

In 1991, prior to the opening of the Mark Clark Expressway, I approached the landowners of what was then the farm fields of Daniel Island for annexation into the city as a logical location for expansion. They acquiesced, and after 30 years of visionary planning and development in partnership with the city, Daniel Island has become an award-winning, often-emulated national model for thoughtful community growth. The community’s master plan provides for connectivity of roads, stormwater systems, neighborhoods, parks and trails, all culminating in a vibrant, self-sustaining extension of the city.

These landowners then permitted their Cainhoy family property to be annexed into the city in 1996 and encompassed within the city’s urban growth boundary. They also complied with land requests from the Berkeley County School District that led to the excellent Philip Simmons K-12 schools as well as road and power infrastructure providers to help accommodate the needs of our growing metro area. These landowners are people of integrity who have been thoughtful stewards of the land for decades. They have followed the wishes of the city and recognize the inevitable growth needs and infrastructure investments happening on the Cainhoy peninsula.

They have approached the planning of their Cainhoy property with the same high standards and goal of excellence as they did for Daniel Island. Considerable time was invested in working with citizens to determine ways in which to balance growth. Among the areas of concern for residents in the Wando, Huger and Jack Primus communities were the need for businesses, services and jobs, a variety of housing opportunities, and sensitivity to the history of the area and the adjacent Francis Marion National Forest. As planning for this corridor began, these concerns were central to discussions that took place between the city, a talented team of visionary planners and the landowners.

The owners were then requested by regulating agencies to plan the entire 9,000 acres at once, which is an extremely costly and time-consuming process. They concurred, and the Army Corps of Engineers, biologists, archaeologists, planners and engineers have spent the better part of a decade establishing the framework for a responsibly planned community that serves the needs of our region. They’ve provided for interconnectivity of road systems and stormwater management. Wetland impacts have been minimized and are primarily for road crossings and other efficiencies. They’ve carefully preserved wildlife corridors in a healthful balance with the needs for schools, health care, retail, recreational public access and housing.

Multiple environmental groups were active participants in the creation of this plan for Cainhoy’s development. At the request of the Coastal Conservation League, the landowners generously placed miles of valuable Cainhoy Road frontage in conservation for a buffer to serve as a gateway to the national forest. They also worked with numerous conservation groups to establish an innovative on-site wetlands impact mitigation plan rather than purchasing mitigation credits elsewhere in the region. The landowners’ decision to place 650 acres of valuable highland and natural areas into perpetual conservation as a nature sanctuary clearly demonstrates their dedication to this vision and should be celebrated. This will constitute the largest conservation easement in the city of Charleston.

We should not expect the growth of the Charleston region to subside anytime soon. Yet, when landowners take the time to work closely with all stakeholders and plan with conservation, resiliency and sustainability solutions at the heart of their development, they should be encouraged and not prevented by an ill-considered legal battle.

Joseph P. Riley Jr. was the mayor of Charleston from 1975-2016.

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Cainhoy HS grad Robert Porcher basks in SC Football Hall of Fame glow

By his fourth season in the NFL, Robert Porcher was already an established starter for the Detroit Lions.In three short seasons, Porcher had gone from an unknown first-round draft pick out of tiny South Carolina State University to a solid NFL contributor. He wanted more. He was far from satisfied with just making an NFL roster or being just another defensive lineman for the Lions.The former Cainhoy High School star wanted Detroit fans to remember his name long after his career came to an end.It was during a practice tha...

By his fourth season in the NFL, Robert Porcher was already an established starter for the Detroit Lions.

In three short seasons, Porcher had gone from an unknown first-round draft pick out of tiny South Carolina State University to a solid NFL contributor. He wanted more. He was far from satisfied with just making an NFL roster or being just another defensive lineman for the Lions.

The former Cainhoy High School star wanted Detroit fans to remember his name long after his career came to an end.

It was during a practice that season in 1995 that Porcher noticed Barry Sanders all by himself on a parallel field running gassers, the least favorite conditioning drill for any football player. By 1995, Sanders was a perennial all-pro running back on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

“I was a starter, my job was pretty secure, but I wasn’t really pleased with my development,” Porcher said. “I knew I could be better. I wanted to be more than I was. I remember watching Barry running these sprints during one of the defensive periods when the offense is supposed to be on the sidelines resting and wondering why the best running back in the NFL was doing all this extra work."

Porcher pondered.

"Maybe Barry was the best running back because of the extra work he was putting in," he recalls thinking. "I thought I was doing enough, but I realized I wasn’t.”

The next day, while the offense was working on their portion of the game plan and Porcher had a break, instead of taking a knee, and searching for water, he started to run his own.

“I went from gassers to eventually running 100-yard sprints,” Porcher said. “As soon as I committed myself, my career took off.”

Over the next six seasons, Porcher was among the most feared pass rushers in the NFL, recording 68 sacks, including five seasons with double-digit sacks. Porcher was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (1997, 1999 and 2001) and finished his NFL career with 95½ sacks, which still stands as a franchise record.

Next week, Porcher will be inducted into the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame along with former South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, former Citadel and Furman head coach Art Baker, former USC and NFL standout Willie Scott and former Clemson and NFL star Charlie Waters. The ceremony, which had been scheduled for July 23, has been moved to 2021 due to the coronavirus.

“Anytime that I’m recognized for my contributions as a football player, it’s always an honor,” said Porcher, who lives in Charlotte and runs a trucking and logistics company. “When you’re playing, you don’t realize what kind of impact you are having, so I’m truly blessed to be recognized and to go in with such a great class. Coach Spurrier is one of the all-time great coaches, a coach I really idolized, so to be in the same class as coach Spurrier is truly an honor.”

Not bad for a guy who had just two college scholarships offers coming out of Cainhoy High School.

Cainhoy, 200 students

Porcher, 50, spent most of his childhood in Mount Pleasant. He went to Wando High School for 2½ years, but played just one season of junior varsity football for the Warriors. His family moved to the city of Wando in Berkeley County during his junior year, and he transferred to Cainhoy High School, which barely had 200 students in the late 1980s.

Porcher decided to give football another chance and played for Cainhoy during his senior season. He was good enough to catch the eye of coaches at Tennessee State and S.C. State.

“The reason I didn’t get more scholarship offers was because I only played varsity football that one year,” Porcher said. "I think if I'd played another year, maybe, I'd have gotten a better look."

Porcher signed with Tennessee State and played two years for the Tigers before transferring to Orangeburg to play for Willie Jeffries.

“There was just something about coach Jeffries that made you want to play for him,” Porcher said.

Porcher was a late bloomer with the Bulldogs. Going into his senior season at S.C. State, Jeffries knew that Porcher had more to give.

“Robert was a good player, but I felt like he wasn’t realizing his full potential,” Jeffries said. “I think everyone on the coaching staff knew he could play in the NFL.”

COVID-19

Before the season began, Jeffries and defensive line coach George Wheeler sat down with their pupil and implored him to work harder.

“We laid down the law with Robert,” Jeffries said. “We told him he was going about 80 percent of what he could be doing. I’m sure he thought he was giving 100 percent, but he wasn’t.”

Porcher didn’t get mad. He didn’t pout. He didn’t talk about transferring.

He went back to work.

“A lot of the players today would probably transfer if you talked to them like that, but Robert wasn’t like that at all,” Jeffries said.

Porcher spent his senior season terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen.

“Robert literally made one tackle from Florida A&M cry during a game because he couldn’t block him,” Jeffries remembers.

NFL scouts began to take notice. At 6-3 and 275-pounds, Porcher’s quickness and athleticism made him a prototype defensive rush specialist.

“I mean, the top scouts were coming, and by the end of the season, Robert had turned himself into a first-round pick,” Jeffries said.

Sports

Porcher was taken by the Lions in the first round with the 26th overall pick. He spent the next 13 seasons in Detroit.

“At first, I wanted to prove that I belonged in the NFL and that Lions didn’t make a mistake taking a kid from an historic black college in the first round,” Porcher said. “That drove me the first few years of my career. When I got over that hump, I wanted to be one of the team leaders, then I wanted to finish my career as the all-time sack leader for the Lions.”

Porcher can still remember his first NFL sack against the Washington Redskins nearly three decades ago. Washington was coming off a Super Bowl championship the season before, and the game was on national television at RFK Stadium.

“When you live in Charleston, you are either a Washington, Atlanta or Dallas fan,” Porcher said. “Those were the only games on TV. This was before the Carolina Panthers came along. I remember I couldn’t sleep the night before, and, running onto the field, all I could think about was, ‘God, if this is a dream, don’t ever wake me up.’”

Porcher admits that lining up across from the 6-7, 300-pound All Pro offensive lineman Joe Jacoby was a bit nerve wracking.

“You just don’t realize how big he is until you get on the field against him,” Porcher said. “He was huge, and I knew, if he got his hands on me, there was no way I was getting to the quarterback. I knew I had to be faster than him.”

National and World News

Late in the second quarter, Porcher finally was able to get around Jacoby and sack Washington quarterback Mark Rypien.

The first thought that went through Porcher’s head was not that he’d made his first NFL sack, but the reaction from his friends back in Wando watching the game on TV.

“My cousin owns this joint called Lucky’s, and every Sunday they watch the NFL games on TV,” Porcher said. “All I could think about was everybody back at Lucky’s going crazy, high-fiving each other because Pat Summerall and John Madden had just said my name. That was back when you recorded games on VHS tapes. I’ll pop that tape in and listen to John Madden say, ‘I like this rookie, he’s fast.’”

Football loyalty

Porcher never forget where he came from. Each season, he’d fly Jeffries and his wife up to Detroit for at least one game.

“Robert is still the same person he was when he played for us,” Jeffries said. “He hasn’t changed, and that’s a great quality to have.”

Porcher has few regrets about his NFL career. One, however, was that he may have retired too soon.

“Physically, I was still able to play at a high level,” Porcher said. “I could have played two or three more years. I was just mentally burned out. I would have liked to have gotten to 100 sacks. Not many players in the NFL have 100 career sacks, but I think my career turned out OK.”

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