Town presents Millpoint Park to James Island residents; community raises safety, access and conservation concerns

Town of James Island officials presented the newly acquired Millpoint Park to area residents and collected public comment on the park’s intended passive use, access and safety measures.

At the meeting the mayor introduced Kenny Brinkman, the town’s Facilities and Grounds Manager, who described the property’s history and natural features and urged residents to complete a town survey about the park. “The property is covered in mature landscaping and native vegetation,” the mayor said, listing azaleas, camellias, wisteria, crepe myrtle and a magnolia forest.

Why it matters: The property contains historical features dating to an 1824 tidal mill and, according to town remarks, was previously owned by local families and sold to the town by Rod Welch in 2012. The town applied to the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and, attendees were told, the Greenbelt application was for a passive park — a constraint that limits types of development and private functions on the site.

Most of the meeting consisted of public comment. Residents asked about opening hours, parking and traffic control, accessibility features, protections for historic artifacts and the safety of launching small boats in the tidal creek. Several speakers urged cautious, low-impact management because of limited town resources and the Greenbelt conservation conditions.

Specific points raised and responses

- Hours and access: Town staff indicated the park will be open during daylight hours; no firm opening date was provided. When a resident asked, “When are you opening the gate?” Bill Barna was told, “As soon as possible,” by a town representative.

- Passive-park restrictions: A member of the public pointed attendees to the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and reminded the group that land acquired with Greenbelt funds is intended for conservation. A town staff member said the Greenbelt application was for a passive park and noted that the Greenbelt program will not grant permission for strictly private functions.

- Safety on the water: Several residents described the creek as tidal and potentially hazardous for inexperienced kayakers and paddle-boarders. One resident, Sherry, said she and others “didn’t think that would be a great launch spot for a kayak.” Another neighbor described strong tidal currents that can make turning around difficult, and urged caution before permitting formal water access.

- Traffic and parking: Neighbors on Teal Avenue, Sierra Drive and nearby streets expressed concern that park visitors could increase cut-through traffic and speeding. Megan Brown, who said she grew up on Teal Avenue, said, “Teal Avenue is a massive cut through.” Staff said the town is evaluating defined parking areas and said it plans to put the road out to bid for a stabilizing surface material similar to the ROC material used elsewhere to make the dirt road easier to maintain.

- Policing and vandalism: The mayor noted the town pays for an “island patrol,” a deputy subcontracted from the sheriff’s department, and said deputies and extra patrols will be used to monitor the park. Several residents raised recent vandalism concerns and asked how historical artifacts such as a recovered millstone would be protected.

- Accessibility and facilities: Commenters asked about handicap-accessible restrooms, accessible walkways and picnic tables. Town staff said the Greenbelt application for the site was for passive uses and that many built amenities (pavilions, restrooms, playground equipment) are costly; several speakers cited the high expense of such facilities in existing county parks.

What was not decided

No formal vote or binding decision was made about specific amenities, a final hours policy, or a date for opening. Staff repeatedly said some questions would be addressed as planning continues and asked residents to complete the town survey to record preferences.

Next steps and contact

Officials asked attendees to sign up on the town email list and said they will post updates on the town’s Facebook page and website. The town encouraged residents to complete the survey that was circulated at the meeting.

Ending: Residents and town staff agreed to continue the planning process with further outreach; no additional meetings or timelines were specified during the presentation.