Parkway Improvement Project Schedule Coming Soon

As previously announced, the Town is getting ready to begin a major road improvement project to repair and resurface the Kiawah Island Parkway from the roundabout at Freshfields to the front gate. Since the Parkway is the only access on and off the island, a great deal of planning has gone into scheduling to maintain access and minimize the impact of construction on traffic.The timeline for mobilization of the project is currently under final revision and will be released as soon as it is confirmed. Look for a special notice to be released with specific timeline information.

While Kiawah has proven itself to be resilient and adaptable to ever-changing coastal conditions, one cannot ignore the significant role that the ocean and rivers play in community planning. The Town, alongside all the island entities, is taking a proactive approach to address the issue of flood mitigation and sea-level rise. Look for the resiliency icon above in future communications that highlight projects and information on resiliency efforts.

New Tidal Station

At the February Town Council meeting, Council approved the purchase of a tidal station that will be installed on the outside of the pedestrian bridge on the Parkway. Currently, tidal data predictions for the Kiawah River Bridge are extrapolated from nearby stations in the Charleston area. This new tidal station will provide a mechanism to begin collecting water level data specific to Kiawah and allow for monitoring the long-term effects of sea-level rise. It will also provide real-time data for storm-related water movement that can help with emergency management decision making. Ultimately, this data will allow for accurate tidal predictions for storm-related water movement and trends over time.

Conservancy Research Projects

The Town is excited to support two significant  Kiawah Conservancy projects that were recommended by the Environmental Committee for 2020. The two projects detailed below will be an essential contribution to the community’s joint effort to address the issue of flooding and sea-level rise.

Groundwater Table Research ($50,000)  The ecological health of a barrier island is directly tied to the availability of freshwater in the soil. This groundwater takes the form of a freshwater lens that “floats” on deeper saltwater. Saltwater inundation during storms, king-tide events, and eventually, sea-level rise can threaten the quality of the groundwater by increasing the salinity. Learn more Marsh Vulnerability Study ($19,000) Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. They provide essential food, refuge, and nursery habitats for more than 75% of fisheries species.They also provide important protection for shorelines from erosion by buffering wave action and trapping sediments. Salt marshes reduce flooding by slowing Learn more

Q1 Town Notes Published

The Quarter 1 edition of Town Notes is now available.  Read it online.  In this issue:   2020 Census Mayor's Corner  Town Council Quarter in Review  Parkway Improvement Project Kiawah Rising Deer Population Fall Migration Banding and more This is the digital issue of Town Notes. Residents signed up for the print edition will receive a mailed issue.

Station 6 Grand Opening

St. Johns Fire District is excited to announce the grand opening of the new Station 6. The community is invited to attend the open house on Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 3 - 6 p.m. at Station 6 (66 Ocean Course Drive). No RSVP required.

Democratic Presidential Primary

The Democratic Presidential Primary is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 29 and voting will be held from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Sandcastle Community Center . All voters will need government issued photo identification. For information on absentee voting or to view the sample ballots visit here.

Brown Trash & Hazardous Waste Collection

 Mark your calendars! Friday, March 6 is the next Brown Trash & Hazardous Waste Collection. Brown trash must be placed on the curb by 7 a.m. Hazardous waste must be brought to the Municipal Center between 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Check here to see what classifies.

2020 Elections

2020 is full of elections, including the Town's municipal election in December. Provided here is a summary of election dates. Interested in the election process? Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration needs poll managers for Election Day.

The Red Knots Are Coming!

Each spring from March through May, the Red Knots make their way to Kiawah Island. Did you know? Red Knots undertake an incredible journey from South America to the Arctic traveling over 9,000 miles, sometimes flying for 6-8 days continuously over the open ocean without stopping. They have chosen Kiawah as their critical staging area during migration to rest and feed before continuing to their Arctic breeding grounds. Be on the lookout for them on the beach beginning in March! Please remember they have a nonstop flight to the arctic after leaving the island, so please do not disturb them. Using binoculars to admire them from afar is an excellent way to see them up close while they are visiting.

Shorebird Stewardship Kickoff

Are you interested in helping to protect Kiawah's shorebirds? Join the Kiawah Shorebird Stewardship Program! Stewards serve as advocates to protect shorebirds and their critical habitats by teaching residents and guests about the birds that nest, rest, and feed on our beach. No experience is required, and training on the key bird species of concern and how to engage with the public is provided. The 2020 season kickoff meeting will be Tuesday, March 17 from 2-4 p.m. at the Municipal Center. Everyone is invited. Learn more

Violation Hotline

Anyone can report an ordinance violation to the 24-hour hotline at 843-259-2137 or through the online submittal form. Please add the hotline to your contacts on your mobile phone so it's easily accessible.

Arts & Cultural Events

Spring Strings Fling with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 4 p.m. Holy Spirit Catholic Church Price: No Charge Ticket Release: Kiawah 2/18 Public 2/21 Learn more | Get tickets here

Previously Mentioned

You have seen these announcements before, but here it is one more time in case you missed it.

Market Analysis Study Parkway Improvement Project Business/contractor/rental license renewals began Jan. 1

Committee Meetings

February Arts Council Planning Session #1 – Feb. 20 | 9 a.m. Board of Zoning Appeals – Feb. 24 | 3 p.m. March Town Council Meeting – March 3 | 2 p.m. Arts Council Planning Session #2 – March 6 | 9 a.m. Public Works Committee – March 9 | 10 a.m. Environmental Committee – March 10 | 2 p.m. Public Safety Committee – March 11 | 11:30 a.m. Board of Zoning Appeals – March 16 | 3 p.m. Audit Committee – March 19 | 1 p.m. Ways and Means Committee – March 24 | 2 p.m.  Agendas are available here . Meeting dates and times sometimes change. Before attending a meeting, be sure to check our website.

(843) 768-9166 www.kiawahisland.org

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