Los préstamos VA se establecieron antes del final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y desde entonces han ayudado a numerosos veteranos, miembros del servicio y familias de militares a cumplir su sueño de ser propietarios de una casa. En los últimos tiempos, el programa se ha vuelto cada vez más importante, ya que el volumen de préstamos del VA se ha disparado y ofrece importantes ventajas financieras que permiten a innumerables veteranos comprar viviendas, lo que hace que la propiedad de vivienda sea una posibilidad para aquellos que de otro modo no habrían calificado.
Si sacrificó la comodidad y la seguridad para ayudar a proteger nuestra gran nación, Mission One Mortgage le agradece su servicio. Creemos que no hay mayor honor que servir a quienes han servido a nuestro país. No tenemos miedo de hacer todo lo posible por nuestros veteranos porque eso es exactamente lo que ellos hicieron por nosotros.
Un préstamo VA es una opción hipotecaria respaldada por el gobierno y disponible para veteranos, miembros del servicio y cónyuges sobrevivientes. Lo ofrecen prestamistas privados como bancos y compañías hipotecarias y no directamente el Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos.
Los préstamos hipotecarios del VA tienen tasas de interés y términos competitivos y se pueden utilizar para comprar una variedad de propiedades, incluidas:
Uno de los grandes beneficios de los préstamos VA es que los veteranos elegibles pueden comprar una casa sin pago inicial, sin seguro hipotecario, requisitos crediticios indulgentes y las tasas fijas promedio más bajas del mercado.
En Mission One Mortgage, trabajamos con muchos veteranos que saben que existen préstamos VA pero no comprenden toda la gama de beneficios que brindan. Si esto te suena familiar, sigue leyendo. Esta sección fue escrita especialmente para usted.
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Uno de los beneficios más destacados del programa de préstamos VA es que los prestatarios calificados pueden comprar una casa sin tener que hacer un pago inicial hasta el límite del préstamo conforme de su condado. Esta es una ventaja significativa sobre los préstamos convencionales y de la FHA, que normalmente requieren pagos iniciales mínimos del 5 por ciento y el 3,5 por ciento, respectivamente.
Por ejemplo, en una hipoteca de $400,000, un préstamo convencional requeriría un pago inicial de $20,000, mientras que un préstamo de la FHA requeriría $14,000. Ahorrar esa cantidad de dinero en efectivo puede llevar años a los miembros del servicio y a los veteranos, pero con el préstamo VA, pueden adquirir una vivienda sin tener que raspar y acumular durante años.
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Es importante que los compradores militares se mantengan informados sobre los requisitos de puntaje crediticio al considerar opciones de financiamiento de vivienda. Aunque los requisitos de calificación crediticia se han suavizado un poco, todavía es necesario cumplir con ciertos puntos de referencia establecidos por los prestamistas convencionales y la FHA. Sin embargo, incluso alcanzar estos puntos de referencia puede ser un desafío para muchos compradores.
La mayoría de los prestamistas del VA exigen un puntaje crediticio de al menos 620, que se encuentra en el rango de puntaje crediticio "justo" de FICO. Los prestatarios normalmente necesitarán alcanzar un umbral más alto para las hipotecas convencionales, particularmente si quieren asegurar una tasa de interés baja. Vale la pena consultar las tasas de préstamos VA para obtener más información sobre las opciones de financiamiento.
A pesar de los conceptos erróneos comunes, los compradores militares no necesitan un puntaje crediticio perfecto para obtener financiamiento. Si bien un puntaje crediticio más alto ciertamente puede ayudar, es importante recordar que los préstamos VA en Daniel Island, SC están diseñados para ayudar a los militares y veteranos a acceder a viviendas asequibles.
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Los costos de cierre son una parte inevitable del proceso de compra de una vivienda, sin importar el tipo de producto hipotecario que elija. Sin embargo, si es un veterano, le complacerá saber que el VA impone límites a las tarifas y costos que debe pagar en el momento del cierre. Además, los compradores de vivienda tienen la opción de pedir a los vendedores que cubran todos los costos de cierre relacionados con el préstamo, así como hasta el 4 por ciento del precio de compra para otros gastos como impuestos pagados por adelantado, seguros y cobros.
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Conseguir un pago inicial puede ser un desafío tanto para los compradores de viviendas convencionales como para los de la FHA. Además, deben pagar un seguro hipotecario a menos que puedan realizar un pago inicial considerable, normalmente el 20% del precio de compra. Por ejemplo, en una hipoteca de $400,000, esto sería la asombrosa cantidad de $80,000 en efectivo.
Los préstamos de la FHA conllevan una prima de seguro hipotecario inicial y un seguro hipotecario anual. Este último ahora dura toda la vida del préstamo. Por otro lado, los compradores de viviendas convencionales pagarán este costo mensual hasta que hayan acumulado suficiente capital, lo que puede llevar varios años.
Afortunadamente, los préstamos VA no requieren ningún seguro hipotecario. Sin embargo, existe una tarifa de financiación obligatoria que va directamente al Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos. Los prestatarios con una discapacidad relacionada con el servicio están exentos de pagar esta tarifa, lo que ayuda a mantener el programa en marcha para las generaciones futuras.
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Si ha experimentado un revés financiero, como una ejecución hipotecaria, una venta corta o una quiebra, es posible que le preocupen sus posibilidades de obtener un préstamo hipotecario del VA. Sin embargo, no pierdas la esperanza todavía. Con los préstamos VA, aún es posible ser elegible para un préstamo hipotecario solo dos años después de una ejecución hipotecaria, venta corta o quiebra. En algunos casos, los veteranos que se acogen al Capítulo 13 de protección por quiebra pueden ser elegibles para un préstamo del VA apenas un año después de la fecha de presentación.
Vale la pena señalar que los períodos de espera para el financiamiento convencional o de la FHA pueden ser significativamente más largos que los de los préstamos VA. Además, incluso si ha perdido una hipoteca respaldada por el VA debido a una ejecución hipotecaria, aún puede ser elegible para otro préstamo del VA.
Entonces, si es un veterano que ha experimentado un revés financiero pero aún sueña con ser propietario de una casa, no pierda la esperanza. Explore sus opciones y vea si un préstamo VA con Mission One Mortgage podría ser la solución que necesita.
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Es importante tener en cuenta que los prestamistas del VA normalmente prefieren que los prestatarios gasten no más del 41 por ciento de sus ingresos mensuales brutos en deudas importantes, como pagos de hipotecas o préstamos estudiantiles. Sin embargo, es posible obtener un préstamo hipotecario del VA incluso si tiene un índice DTI más alto. Algunos prestamistas pueden ofrecer hasta un 55 por ciento o más, según su puntaje crediticio y su capacidad para cumplir con requisitos de ingresos adicionales. Esto puede brindar a los compradores de viviendas más flexibilidad y mayor poder adquisitivo a la hora de encontrar la casa de sus sueños.
Recordar - Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre los beneficios que acaba de leer, como qué puntaje crediticio requiere Mission One Mortgage para un préstamo VA, comuníquese con nuestra oficina hoy. Sería un placer ayudarlo a navegar el proceso de préstamo VA, paso a paso.
Una de las preguntas más comunes que recibimos en Mission One Mortgage gira en torno a la elegibilidad para préstamos VA. ¿Quién es realmente elegible para este tipo de préstamo? ¿Cuáles son los requisitos para obtener un préstamo VA? Si cumple con los siguientes requisitos, es probable que sea elegible para un préstamo VA.
¿Tiene curiosidad por cuáles son los pasos generales para comprar una casa con un préstamo VA? No estás solo. Continúe leyendo para tener una idea de lo que debe hacer para disfrutar de los maravillosos beneficios de ser propietario de una vivienda.
Al solicitar un beneficio de préstamo hipotecario del VA, el Certificado de Elegibilidad (COE) es un documento importante que verifica su elegibilidad ante su prestamista. Si ya ha utilizado su beneficio de préstamo VA en el pasado, un COE actual puede ayudarle a determinar cuánto derecho le queda. Además, puede garantizar que se haya restablecido su derecho a préstamos anteriores respaldados por el VA que se pagaron en su totalidad.
Después de haber solicitado su COE, es una buena idea examinar sus finanzas. Estamos hablando de elementos como ingresos, gastos, perfil crediticio y su presupuesto mensual. De esa manera, estará seguro de que está listo para comprar una casa.
Como veterano, tiene la opción de acudir a un banco, una cooperativa de crédito o una compañía hipotecaria privada de VA como Mission One Mortgage. La mayoría de los prestamistas tendrán diferentes tasas de interés y tarifas de préstamo, por lo que es importante comparar precios. Recuerde: Mission One se especializa en préstamos VA en Daniel Island, SC. Otros prestamistas, como grandes corporaciones y bancos, a menudo no pueden igualar la experiencia y la atención al detalle que Mission One brinda a los veteranos.
Durante esta fase, es una buena idea reunirse con una variedad de profesionales inmobiliarios. Intente elegir un agente que tenga experiencia en procesar y supervisar préstamos VA. Una vez que seleccione un agente, puede llevar la carta de aprobación previa de su prestamista a su oficina y comenzar a comprar.
Esta es la mejor parte del proceso de préstamo VA, además de recibir las llaves de su nuevo hogar. Cuando busque una casa, recuerde buscar casas dentro de su rango de precio y presupuesto. Confíe en su agente de bienes raíces, amigos y familiares para obtener ayuda en su búsqueda.
Si está pensando en comprar una casa, es importante sopesar los pros y los contras de ser propietario de una vivienda. Si bien el alquiler puede brindar flexibilidad y menos responsabilidad por el mantenimiento, conlleva el riesgo de aumentos en el alquiler, posibles ventas de propiedades e incertidumbre sobre los reembolsos de los depósitos de seguridad.
Por otro lado, ser propietario de una casa puede ofrecer pagos hipotecarios relativamente estables y una oportunidad de generar riqueza a largo plazo para usted y su familia. Antes de tomar una decisión, es fundamental determinar sus prioridades, como su presupuesto mensual para pagos de hipoteca y otros gastos como transporte y cuidado de niños. En última instancia, sólo usted puede determinar qué es lo mejor para sus necesidades financieras y de vivienda.
En Mission One Mortgage, nos enorgullecemos de simplificar el proceso hipotecario y garantizar que nuestros clientes experimenten el mínimo estrés. Entendemos que navegar por el mundo de las hipotecas puede ser desalentador, por lo que nos comprometemos a hacerlo lo más sencillo posible.
Al elegir trabajar con nosotros, no solo está contratando un agente hipotecario, sino que está seleccionando un socio que se dedica a su bienestar financiero y a ayudarlo a lograr su sueño de ser propietario de una vivienda. Trabajando juntos, podemos avanzar en el proceso de préstamo VA paso a paso.
Esto es válido para todos nuestros clientes, pero especialmente para los veteranos estadounidenses a quienes servimos. De hecho, nos especializamos en hipotecas VA y estamos orgullosos de ofrecerlas a los veteranos estadounidenses, a los que están en servicio activo y a sus cónyuges. Los préstamos VA son una de las mejores hipotecas disponibles, no ofrecen requisitos de pago inicial ni PMI y algunas de las tasas y términos más favorables.
Si está listo para dar el siguiente gran paso en su vida y brindar estabilidad a su familia con un lugar al que llamar hogar, comuníquese con nuestra oficina hoy. Está más cerca del sueño de ser propietario de una vivienda de lo que piensa.
Press ReleaseNews provided by: Home TelecomHome Telecom, the company that first brought fiber to Daniel Island in 2004, is proud to introduce their Tech Giant Internet Plan, designed for households and businesses that demand ultimate performance for work, streaming, security, and gaming—now with fiber speeds up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps).This launch reaffirms Home Telecom’s role as the community’s original and most trusted technology leader.“Home Telecom was the first to bri...
News provided by: Home Telecom
Home Telecom, the company that first brought fiber to Daniel Island in 2004, is proud to introduce their Tech Giant Internet Plan, designed for households and businesses that demand ultimate performance for work, streaming, security, and gaming—now with fiber speeds up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps).
This launch reaffirms Home Telecom’s role as the community’s original and most trusted technology leader.
“Home Telecom was the first to bring fiber technology to Daniel Island, and we’re proud to continue that tradition of innovation with the Tech Giant Plan,” said Gina Shuler, vice president of Marketing at Home Telecom. “As a local company with an office and technicians located right here on the island, we’re committed to delivering the best technology and an exceptional experience for customers who need the fastest, most reliable connectivity for work and play.”
The Tech Giant plan is built for power users who stream in 8K, game competitively, or run demanding cloud-based workflows. With symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps and capacity for multiple devices, it ensures seamless connectivity for homes and businesses alike.
This future-ready fiber infrastructure enhances lifestyles, supports work-from-home productivity, and adds long-term value to properties while attracting new businesses to the area.
Every Tech Giant Plan includes advanced smart device prioritization via Home Telecom’s managed Wi-Fi app, whole-home coverage with up to three MESH units, and complimentary access to SmartTown Community Wi-Fi—so you stay connected everywhere, inside and out.
Home Telecom is an innovative communications provider with a history that spans more than 120 years headquartered in Moncks Corner, SC. Home Telecom provides multi-gig internet, app-based video, next generation security services, home automation, and voice over IP telephone services to residents and businesses in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties of South Carolina. They utilize a variety of state-of-the-art technologies, most notably FTTP technology, making them a leader in providing the fastest broadband internet services in the state.
A joint venture between Woodfield Development and Simpson Housing has opened The Henslow Daniel Island, a 163-unit upscale property in Charleston, S.C.Simpson Housing also manages the property and oversees leasing, which began in July. The Henslow is currently 31 percent occupied.The project is part of the Daniel Island master-planned community. Housing Studio, SeamonWhiteside and SHAH Architecture & Interiors, as well as S. Wilkins Interior Design, contributed to the designs of the property. CF Evans served as general cont...
A joint venture between Woodfield Development and Simpson Housing has opened The Henslow Daniel Island, a 163-unit upscale property in Charleston, S.C.
Simpson Housing also manages the property and oversees leasing, which began in July. The Henslow is currently 31 percent occupied.
The project is part of the Daniel Island master-planned community. Housing Studio, SeamonWhiteside and SHAH Architecture & Interiors, as well as S. Wilkins Interior Design, contributed to the designs of the property. CF Evans served as general contractor.
The joint venture broke ground on the project in September 2023, according to Yardi Matrix. A year before, the duo took out a $43.2 million construction note from Renasant Bank.
Located at 350 Henslow Drive on a 10-acre site, the property is near Interstate 526 and 14 miles south of downtown Charleston. The Henslow is surrounded by several parks and close to Credit One Stadium, as well as a few retail options.
The community features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as 12 two-story, three-bedroom townhomes, with floorplans ranging from 687 to 1,713 square feet. Shared amenities include a swimming pool with sundeck, clubhouse with kitchen, rooftop lounge, fitness center, coworking area with private stations and a dog park.
Charleston’s current pipeline includes 34,135 units across 174 projects in all stages of development, according to Yardi Matrix information. Out of the total number, 38 communities consisting of 8,180 units are under construction. Meanwhile, South Carolina continues to attract multifamily developers, with Columbia, S.C., ranking eighth in the top emerging housing markets across the U.S.
The Henslow marks Woodfield’s 17th project in South Carolina. Over the past 20 years, the company has brought online more than 4,600 units in the state, amounting to north of $1 billion in investments.
One of Woodfield’s properties in South Carolina is The Ames, a 304-unit apartment community which opened in July 2024, in Charleston’s suburb of Summerville. The firm recently refinanced the asset with a loan from Mesa West Capital.
The company also owns more assets within the Daniel Island master plan. These communities include The Port House and Wharf 7, located within walking distance of The Henslow.
Woodfield Development, one of the nation’s top 20 developers of Class A multifamily communities, today announced the opening of , a boutique apartment and townhome community in Daniel Island, a master-planned community in Charleston, South Carolina. Developed in partnership with Simpson Housing, The Henslow pairs refined design with coastal charm, offering residents an elevated lifestyle in one of the Lowcountry’s most sought-after communities.Woodfield Development has deep roots in the Carolinas, with The Hen...
Woodfield Development, one of the nation’s top 20 developers of Class A multifamily communities, today announced the opening of , a boutique apartment and townhome community in Daniel Island, a master-planned community in Charleston, South Carolina. Developed in partnership with Simpson Housing, The Henslow pairs refined design with coastal charm, offering residents an elevated lifestyle in one of the Lowcountry’s most sought-after communities.
Woodfield Development has deep roots in the Carolinas, with The Henslow being its 17th project in South Carolina. Over the past 20 years, the Charleston-based firm has delivered more than 4,600 units, totaling over $1 billion in the state. On Daniel Island, Woodfield previously developed The Port House and Wharf 7, further underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to creating communities in Charleston’s most desirable locations. Leveraging the region’s exceptional growth and demand, Woodfield Development continues to maintain a strong development pipeline in the market.
In addition to being a Joint Venture Partner, Simpson Housing also manages The Henslow, overseeing day-to-day operations and leasing activity. Having announced leasing in July, the response to The Henslow has been impressive, with over 31% of the community leased.
“The opening of The Henslow marks an exciting milestone for Woodfield Development, Simposn Housing and Daniel Island,” said Mike Schwarz, partner at Woodfield Development in a statement. “This community offers an address that is truly second to none, placing residents in the heart of one of the Southeast’s most celebrated destinations. With its blend of elegant design and welcoming, resort-inspired amenities, The Henslow sets a new standard for sophisticated apartment and townhome living on Daniel Island.”
Located at 350 Henslow Drive, The Henslow is an upscale apartment and townhome community offering 163 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences and 12 two-story, three-bedroom townhomes. Floor plans range from 687 to 1,713 square feet and feature elegant finishes such as luxury vinyl plank flooring, contemporary kitchens with quartz countertops and tile backsplash, stainless streel appliances, and large walk-in closets. Select homes include private patios or balconies, and all are equipped with smart home features for modern convenience.
The Henslow’s amenities include a resort-style saltwater pool with sundeck and cabana; a two-story designer clubhouse with an entertainment kitchen, game room, and rooftop lounge; a fitness center; and a co-working lounge with private stations. Additional amenities include an event barn with an outdoor living room, kitchen, and televisions; a dog park and pet wash station; and a private pond.
Located in Daniel Island, The Henslow is centrally located to all that makes Greater Charleston a world-class destination. Just 20 minutes from historic downtown Charleston, the beaches, and the airport, residents enjoy top-ranked schools, miles of bike paths, and a vibrant town center filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, including Credit One Stadium. With its thoughtful planning, scenic waterways, and welcoming village atmosphere, Daniel Island has become one of the Lowcountry’s premier residential destinations and among the most sought-after communities in the Southeast.
The project team for The Henslow included Housing Studio, Seamon Whiteside, SHAH Architecture & Interiors, S Wilkins Interior Design, and CF Evans as the general contractor.
Here are the developments before the various City of Charleston boards and committees this week, as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area.More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.UPCOMING: TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Nov. 13: Thomas Island Subdivision – Proposed 42-lot conservation development on 17.99 acres at 100 Sands Preserve Drive, Cainhoy. TMS: B2750000004. Owner: Clouter Creek Reserve L...
Here are the developments before the various City of Charleston boards and committees this week, as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area.
More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.
UPCOMING: TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Nov. 13: Thomas Island Subdivision – Proposed 42-lot conservation development on 17.99 acres at 100 Sands Preserve Drive, Cainhoy. TMS: B2750000004. Owner: Clouter Creek Reserve LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Zak Wortman, zwortman@seamonwhiteside.com.
Nov. 13: Point Hope Capstone – Proposed mixed-use development with 323 units on 23.4 acres at 1260 Clements Ferry Road, Cainhoy. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Capstone Collegiate Communities. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Bryce Lemon, lemon.b@tandh.com.
Nov. 13: Cainhoy Del Webb - Amenity Center – Proposed new amenity center on 8.9 acres at 2250 Wright Brothers Drive, Cainhoy. TMS: B2630601186. Owner: Pulte Home Company LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Steven Roach, roach.s@tandh.com
Nov. 13: Atlantic St. Thomas Sportsman Island Drive - Proposed preliminary plat and road construction plans for future development on 7.28 acres at 2815 Clements Ferry Road, Cainhoy. TMS: B2710002169. Owner: MSPSRE. Applicant: Sitecast, LLC. Contact: Jacob Cordray, jcordray@sitecastsc.com.
UPCOMING: PLANNING COMMISSION
Nov. 19: 1526 Clements Ferry Road - Cainhoy – Request zoning to General Business from Residential on .38 acres in Charleston County. TMS: 2680000043 Owner: Seven Sticks LLC.
RESULTS: TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Nov. 6: Daniel Island Self Storage - Proposed revisions to previously approved TRC plan on 21.77 acres at 460 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island. TMS: B2750000179. Owner: Daniel Island Self Storage LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton. Contact: Brian Riley, riley.b@tandh.com. Results: Revise and return.
Nov. 6: Point Hope Commercial - Parcel 0 - Proposed new commercial development at 1236 Clements Ferry Road on three acres. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Seven Sticks LLC. Applicant: C Baker Engineering, LLC. Contact: Jessica Meyers, jessica@cbakerengineering.com. Results: Revise and Return.
As the Lowcountry prepares for its municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters will have the opportunity to select the city’s next Commissioner of Public Works, a role central to maintaining the city’s infrastructure.Two candidates, Kathleen Wilson and Barbara Acobe, are seeking the nonpartisan office, which oversees the installation, upkeep and repair of water and sewer infrastructure. The six-year term gives the winner a long horizon to shape Charleston priorities surrounding public health and environmental protection...
As the Lowcountry prepares for its municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters will have the opportunity to select the city’s next Commissioner of Public Works, a role central to maintaining the city’s infrastructure.
Two candidates, Kathleen Wilson and Barbara Acobe, are seeking the nonpartisan office, which oversees the installation, upkeep and repair of water and sewer infrastructure. The six-year term gives the winner a long horizon to shape Charleston priorities surrounding public health and environmental protection.
Kathleen Wilson: Experience and forward planning
Current commissioner Kathleen Wilson, who has served on the Charleston Water System board since 2020, emphasizes preparation and infrastructure reliability.
“Charleston Water System has multiple challenges on multiple fronts. Customers often ask why rates are going up each year. There are the obvious causes, such as increased costs in everything that we do – goods and services purchased and the huge cost of maintaining our thousands of miles of infrastructure – but we constantly seek new and better materials in every aspect of this infrastructure, from new materials for water and sewage lines to reliable pump stations and ensuring that our product – finished, treated water – is as pristine as we can make it.”
Wilson highlighted the complexity of keeping water flowing in a growing city.
“We test constantly throughout our system, 120 or so tests each month, and the CWS operation runs 24/7/365. We anticipate issues, whether it is a sudden line break or strategically thinking through major capital projects.” She also noted the ongoing replacement of lead lines on the peninsula, ensuring homeowners receive new lines at no cost.
Facing future pressures, Wilson pointed to the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project, which will require costly relocations of water mains.
“This tremendous unfunded liability will force CWS to go to the bond markets. This greatly alters our capital projects plans and the ability to get smaller projects, less urgent, completed for several years.
"It will also result in additional rate hikes for all existing customers. We have no choice, and this will most likely fall to us. It is these types of occurrences that the public is not aware of that result in truly difficult decisions and increased rates that are not ours but rather poor planning on the part of another governmental agency.”
On balancing infrastructure growth with sustainability and affordability, Wilson stressed careful planning and financial oversight. She cited the $117 million West Ashley sewer tunnel extension, which she described as “a game changer," saying it will serve the area for the next 150 years.
In her bid for re-election, Wilson said, “I am proud to serve this utility and our customer base. We are fiscally sound, we think and plan well, and our staff is second to none. I would like to remain a commissioner and continue doing the quiet work of providing an excellent product, protecting the environment, and doing all at the most efficient cost to our customers.”
Barbara Acobe: Transparency and community-focused planning
Barbara Acobe, a former Charleston Water System employee of over 40 years, centers her campaign on proactive planning, community engagement, and balancing growth with affordability. She highlighted aging infrastructure and water quality concerns as her top priorities.
“(The city’s biggest challenges are) the depletion of our water south, conservation, and the replacement of many of the commissioner's water and sewer mains, which are nearing 100 years old,” she said. “To tackle this, I propose a thorough assessment of how growth affects our systems to guide us in identifying key areas for improvement and implementation.”
Acobe also emphasized the need to monitor chemical levels and aging pipes at the Plum Island facility while maintaining compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards. She outlined a vision for a comprehensive and transparent approach.
“I recommend establishing a comprehensive plan that emphasizes transparency, keeping residents informed about water quality, safety, and any health risks. It's important to equip residents with proactive measures they can take to ensure they have safe water.”
On affordability, she believes in balancing preservation with growth. “I would advocate for a comprehensive plan that predicts future growth rates, has a sensible rate increase structure for all new businesses, seeks more federal and/or state funding for major projects, and funds reasonable solutions to reduce labor and material costs that contribute to rate increases.”
Acobe stressed the importance of coordination with city departments to guide development responsibly. “The city should adopt a transparent and collaborative approach, actively engaging the Department of Health and Environmental Control, as well as the zoning, planning, and preservation departments, to provide input on future development. This collaboration will help address any potential changes in rates that could impact affordability for ratepayers.”
She also emphasized the importance of effective waste management and ongoing maintenance of sewer systems to meet growing demands and control costs.
“I would advocate for gathering input from customers by conducting a comprehensive feasibility analysis of growth trends. This will help address community needs and concerns about affordable rates,” Acobe said, underscoring her focus on practical solutions that balance infrastructure, growth, and affordability.