VA loan in Isle of Palms, SC

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) — Isle of Palms is planning a beach renourishment project to fight worsening erosion, which is estimated to be more than $30 million.

City leaders say the plan is to dredge sand from offshore and pump it back onto the beach.

“We’ll go 3 to 4 miles offshore and pump sand back to the island,” Mayor Phillip Pounds said.

The city plans to place more than two million cubic yards of sand, focused on the Wild Dunes area and Breach Inlet.

In recent years, erosion has affected more than beachgoers. Residents say it’s threatening oceanfront homes.

“In this corner here, a breach inlet is, I think, seen at the worst, the erosion,” said John Chiappardi, a resident of Isle of Palms. “I’ve seen swimming pools go into the ocean. I mean, I think there’s lost eight pools or something to that effect.”

For now, sandbags have been used in emergencies, but officials say those have been taken over during high tides.

“Tides have come over the sandbags in some areas, particularly in the Wild Dunes area,” Pounds said.

The last beach renourishment project was in 2018 and helped with the problem temporarily.

“It lasted, you know, pretty good for six years. We had been planning to do it in 2028, but we moved it up two years,” Pounds said.

Some residents want a more permanent fix.

“It’s correcting the problem, but we don’t know if it’s temporary or permanently,” Chiappardi said.

But that is not up to the city, but instead the state’s legislature.

“You know, in South Carolina, you’re limited by what you can do on the beach, certainly the public beach,” Pounds said.

Hard erosion walls are one of the structures that could help the problem, but aren’t allowed.

This project is estimated to start around the summer of this year.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — Efforts remain ongoing to fix heavy erosion issues that are causing concern on the Isle of Palms.

Despite not having a major weather event last year, the beachfront city still saw some damaging impacts. "We've had these king tides, we've had pretty significant northeast winds that drive the tides higher than what's stated, or what's expected," Mayor Phillip Pounds explained.

Current erosion conditions on the island's northern portion have lead to the city upping renourishment efforts by two years.

"We'll do this in 2026. Our hope is that it'll last at least 8 years," Pounds said.

The work, which if permits are in place in time, could start in the late spring, early summer. The project is estimated to cost the city around $25 million.

And that's not the only project impacting the island.

"The projects going on right now include permitting for a major beach renourishment project that includes placement of about 2 million cubic yards of sand on the north and south end of the island. Also, the Corps of Engineers is currently placing sand on the south end of the island as part of beneficial use projects," explained Steven Traynum, the president of Coastal Science and Engineering, a consultant being used by the city.

No matter where the erosion is on the island, fixing it is a big deal.

"So beach nourishment is incredibly needed right now at the city," Traynum continued. "The south end a couple of years ago had some uncharacteristic erosion that occurred. It was very traumatic."

The Army Corps of Engineers' work at Breach Inlet is a federal project that doesn't cost the city anything. However, to keep up with the Wild Dunes efforts and future renourishment projects, Mayor Pounds says IOP will need help.

He's been speaking with lawmakers about that potential funding.

According to Pounds, keeping the beach lifestyle in good health is key to the city's survival. "It's our engine. Economic engine for sure."

ISLE OF PALMS — A South Carolina judge has again directed two beachfront property homeowners to remove a seawall they constructed behind their house.

A month after S.C. Administrative Law Judge Ralph K. Anderson took back his decision ordering Rom and Renee Reddy to get rid of the ocean-facing seawall behind their Isle of Palms home, the judge has reverted to his original ruling.

Rom Reddy, who had the wall built in 2023, vows the fight is far from over.

This week, Anderson reversed his order from November after both Reddy and the Department of Environmental Services filed separate motions to reconsider the ruling. On Dec. 30, Anderson issued an amended order in the lengthy legal battle between the couple and the state.

In that order, the judge reaffirmed his original decision that the Reddys must tear down the erosion wall behind their house and restore the beach to its original condition.

The $289,000 worth of civil penalties levied by the state against the couple were also vacated. In his order, Anderson wrote that the homeowners were not “in direct violation of any permit” or had “violated a regulation, standard, or requirement” under the S.C. Coastal Zone Management Act when the state agency issued the fines in July 2024.

The judge did conclude DES does have the authority to order the removal of hard structures in the coastal zone “whether or not they are in the beaches critical area or landward of the setback line.”

He noted the wall had been built without any review by DES, and its installation had accelerated erosion of the beach.

He ordered Reddy to craft a plan to remove the wall and any non-beach compatible materials used for its construction within 60 days and submit the plan to the state’s environmental agency. Once DES approves that effort, the homeowners will have roughly four months to complete the work.

A DES spokesperson said the agency appreciates the removal timeline the judge laid out in his order.

In a written statement, Reddy said he plans to appeal the decision, saying he is displeased with the finding that DES can order removal of erosion control structures anywhere in the state’s coastal zone.

“Allowing an agency to have unilateral authority on private property is unconstitutional,” he said. “However, the administrative court is prevented by law from ruling on constitutional issues, which is a travesty.”

Reddy continued that given what he called the “constitutional issues at stake that will impact every property owner in this state, the Pacific Legal Foundation is joining this case on our behalf and will lead the appeals process.”

The Pacific Legal Foundation is a national public interest law firm. According to the foundation’s website, the law firm “defends Americans from government overreach and abuse.”

Leslie Lenhardt, an attorney with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, said Anderson’s decision protects the public’s access to the beach.

“This order affirms that illegal seawalls disrupt natural beach dynamics and harm public access. The Court has protected the public interest in mapping out a clear timeline for Reddy's seawall removal,” Lenhardt said.

It's tough to find a location that meets all your retirement criteria. The good news is that many South Carolina towns come close to this. And one crucial criterion is hospitality. It's beautiful to live where you feel you belong and are welcomed. You want a place where you find yourself chatting with a random pedestrian along streets lined with moss-draped oaks. A place where you can plan joint outdoor adventures with friends, with whom you share jokes while roasting marshmallows. And the best part is that you have immediate access to a wide range of desirable amenities, including excellent hospitals. Although each South Carolina town may not be as hospitable as the others, we recommend the following as the 9 most hospitable towns in South Carolina.

Fort Mill

Fort Mill is a neat and pleasant town within earshot of a big city, yet laid-back enough to suit the tastes of most retirees. Charlotte, North Carolina, is just over 20 minutes down the road, meaning you can access all sorts of big-city amenities in a jiffy. The South Carolina Strawberry Festival, designed to celebrate the region's strawberry harvest, always creates quite a buzz, especially with all the rides, strawberry-themed eating contests, and live music. Retirees have doorstep access to several golf courses (such as the 77-year-old Fort Mill Golf Club), as well as recreation complexes.

Meanwhile, the Anne Springs Close Greenway is a cherished venue with swinging bridges, such as the historic Steel Creek Swinging Bridge, and over 30 miles of trails. Piedmont Medical Center, just down the road in Rock Hill, accepts Medicare patients. For sporadic fun on the water, the 28-acre Lake Haigler always saves the day.

Aiken

With its leafy neighborhoods where peace always seems to brood, as well as its thriving equestrian culture, you will find Aiken a lively, hospitable place to retire. And Augusta, which offers a bonus socio-cultural scene, is just about 20 miles away. With not less than 10 golf courses, including The Palmetto Golf Course, known for its 18-hole beauty, as well as the historic Aiken Golf Club, located right in the center of town, golf addicts have every reason to be satisfied. Keep in mind that the area around Aiken is renowned for producing thoroughbreds, making horse-related events a fixture of the local cultural landscape.

Speaking of this, the Aiken Polo Club often stages Sunday afternoon polo matches, while the Aiken Steeplechase Association hosts exciting spring and fall events. The popular Aiken Triple Crown, typically three consecutive weekends of thrilling horse racing, features harness racing, steeplechases, and head-to-head match-ups. The Aiken Area Council on Aging offers congregate meals and various other services, while The Smith-Hazel Senior Citizens Club is a seniors' group that provides opportunities to meet new people through engaging group activities. On healthcare access, the 273-bed Aiken Regional Medical Center is in town and is accredited by the Joint Commission.

Gaffney

The self-proclaimed Peach Capital of South Carolina is a hospitable rural beauty known across the state for its delicious peaches. One of the best spots to sink your teeth into a ripe peach is Abbott Farms, a family-owned and operated establishment that has been in business since 1955. The South Carolina Peach Festival, a 48-year-old tradition that celebrates the region’s rich peach-growing heritage, often electrifies the town with an eclectic list of events, including live music, parades, beauty pageants, and the popular Peach Jam Concert. There's Lake Whelchel Trail, which offers scenic views of the water and the woods, and the Cherokee County Museum, which keeps thousands of exhibits on local history. Cherokee Medical Center is a 125-bed, acute care hospital that offers several specialist services, and there's Gaffney Little Theatre, where you can occasionally drag a friend for a live performance.

Bluffton

Bluffton began as a quiet summer escape, and although much has changed, it still retains much of its friendly character and soul. Huge, moss-draped live oaks lend the environment a countryside feel, as does the meandering presence of the bass-filled May River, a picturesque waterway with epic recreational opportunities and stunning views. You will want to check out Sun City Hilton Head, an amenity-rich 55+ community, and explore the many outdoor playgrounds in the area, including The Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve, which is open for hiking, horseback riding, and bird-watching.

Hilton Head Hospital, about eight miles away, accepts Medicare patients. With its mood-lifting shows, May River Theatre has the potential to transform a dull afternoon into an epic one, as does Cinemark Bluffton, which offers reclining seats and a huge selection at the snack bar. Mayfest, also known as the Bluffton Village Festival, features numerous food vendors and artists.

Isle of Palms

The very name of this beachside location connotes a peaceful Neverland where the water is exuberant, the breeze gentle, and the people friendly and down-to-earth. The Capers Island Heritage Preserve, one of the last intact barrier islands that has been relatively untouched by humans, is a pristine space where bald eagles wheel about in the air. Retirees have access to six miles of clean beaches, beautiful homes, and a neat downtown with colourful eateries and palm trees.

People look forward to several events during the year, including a beach run, a sea turtle release (typically at the Isle of Palms County Park), an oyster roast, and Island Gras. The oyster roast is an initiative of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and features Southern-style chili, hot dogs, and stunning waterfront views. East Cooper Medical Center, down the road in Mt. Pleasant, provides medical care. And don't overlook The Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club, which has beautiful golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools.

Murrells Inlet

From when it was a pirate's hideout to its current reputation as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet has always attracted vacationers willing to unwind and drift into bliss. As a retirement destination, its desirable qualities include proximity to the world-famous Myrtle Beach (and its oceanfront beaches), as well as its busy social calendar. Speaking of this, the annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival brings in more than 100 artists and large crowds for a celebration of food, music, and art. Similarly, the Lip-Rippin' Chilympics Chili Cook-Off is a fun-filled contest with cash prizes, a large crowd of spectators, and plenty of chili.

Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital offers basic medical care, but if you are seeking high-quality specialist services, Conway Medical Center is just 15 miles away. That said, for avid golfers, retiring in Murrells Inlet is like hitting the jackpot, especially with nine local courses and another 90 or so in nearby Myrtle Beach. The TPC Myrtle Beach deserves a mention as the only course on the Grand Strand to be awarded 5 stars by Golf Digest.

Travelers Rest

With its location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its close proximity to Greenville, Travelers Rest is another hospitable South Carolina jewel offering almost all the comforts and conveniences an empty nester can think of. Spring Park is a clean and highly rated assisted-living facility that offers caregiving with incredible empathy and skill. The Travelers Rest Beer & Cider Festival, known to sell out occasionally, features handpicked breweries curated by craft professionals, a variety of food options, live music, and awe-inspiring views at Trailblazer Park. The park hosts the Travelers Rest Farmer's Market, which is open Saturday mornings from 8:30 to just after noon. It is known for its diverse mix of produce, ready-made dishes, and bakeries, as well as a few craft vendors interspersed throughout.

There are several theatres in Greenville (such as Greenville Theatre), and academic institutions that offer several learning opportunities, including Furman University. The Cliffs Valley Golf Course & Clubhouse, just north of town, features a versatile, well-groomed course with fabulous views. Finally, besides being a great place to chill, the Travelers Rest Library Sargent Branch boasts an impressive selection of books.

Batesburg-Leesville

Batesburg-Leesville is an underrated location, boasting desirable features such as a 40-minute proximity to Columbia and the available recreational opportunities at nearby Lake Murray, an angler's paradise known as the Jewel of South Carolina. More than that, retirees enjoy easy access to the Batesburg Reservoir, which has peaceful fishing and kayaking spots, and the Ponderosa Country Club, situated on more than 210 acres in a rural setting with stunning views. The Batesburg-Leesville Senior Center is a fantastic place for retirees to mingle and have fun.

Meanwhile, the South Carolina Poultry Festival, held annually on the second weekend of May, features music, vendors selling their crafts, and mouthwatering delicacies. With Columbia a short drive away, high-quality healthcare is readily accessible and features reputable names, such as Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital, which recently earned national recognition for excellence in nursing.

So, while Southern Hospitality is a genuine cultural phenomenon and South Carolina is at its heart, some communities have really taken it to the next level. Think of neighbours with the purest of intentions and folks who invite you over for family events. People may not wave at you from across the street, but you can see in their faces that they mean well. The cherry on top is the surrounding amenities, meaning you have all the comforts and conveniences you could ever hope for.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — The legal battle over an allegedly illegal Isle of Palms Seawall reached another turn.

Judge Ralph King Anderson III ruled on Tuesday, Dec. 30, that a seawall, constructed by Isle of Palms property owner Rom Reddy, must be removed. The decision upholds an earlier order from October, which required the dismantling of the seawall. The South Carolina Environmental Law Project and Coastal Conservation League claim that, if left up, the seawall would block public beach access and accelerate erosion.

“This order affirms that illegal seawalls disrupt natural beach dynamics and harm public access," said Amy Armstrong, the executive director of the South Carolina Environmental Law Project. "South Carolina’s coastline is a precious public asset that must be preserved."

The seawall was first constructed in 2023. It has since been the main character in a lengthy legal battle between Reddy and the state.

Reddy, at the time, claimed he was building the wall to protect his property from heavy weather conditions.

“What was happening is the waters were coming in so severely that the soil in my yard was unstable," Reddy said in early 2024.

Now, Reddy is looking at a specific timeline and detailed requirements for a Corrective Action Plan for the removal and restoration of the affected beach area.

Judge Anderson's order mandates that Reddy submit the plan within 60 days, outlining removal methods, schedules, beach stabilization measures and the use of beach-compatible sand for restoration that complies with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Marine Turtle Conservation Program.

Removal of the seawall must commence within 90 days of the plan's approval and be completed within 30 days after, according to court documents. In Reddy's favor, the judge vacated $289,000 worth of civil penalties and claimed that he did not violate "any permit" or "regulation, standard, or requirement" under the S.C. Coastal Zone Management Act.

However, Judge Anderson did rule that the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has the authority to order the removal of seawall structures – a portion of the ruling Reddy found disappointing.

“Allowing an agency to have unilateral authority on private property is unconstitutional," Reddy said in a statement to News 4. "However, the administrative court is prevented by law from ruling on Constitutional issues, which is a travesty."

As a result of the ruling, Reddy said the Pacific Legal Foundation – a law firm that "defends Americans' liberties" when threatened by government overreach – is joining the case on his behalf as he plans an appeal.

Environmental protection advocates, on the contrary, are viewing the judge's decision as a victory for public beach access and coastal ecosystems.

“Illegal seawalls may seem like a solution for individual property protection," Armstrong said, "but they ultimately lead to a loss of the dry sand beach humans enjoy and wildlife depend on."