Sullivan's Island council approves stormwater master plan and green-infrastructure work

Sullivan's Island Town Council on March 18 approved a final Stormwater Master Plan prepared by Seamon Whiteside & Associates and voted to move forward with related drainage and shoreline projects aimed at reducing erosion and improving stormwater management.

The consultants, Aaron Akin and Ryne Phillips, detailed six key additions to the plan, including added drainage on the northwest side of Osceola Avenue; five- and ten-year escalated cost estimates; a project-priority and ranking analysis with short-term solutions for the top three projects; high-level recommendations and equipment needs for establishing a town stormwater department; and updated language in section seven of the town's Resilience Plan. The consultants took questions from council and members of the public during the presentation.

Council also approved a contract change order for the Cove Street Bridge rehabilitation that will add an additional tiered wall with backfill at the shoreline to protect against erosion; the project is expected to be complete by the first week of April. Town Administrator Joe Henderson said the change is intended to provide a more durable shoreline protection detail.

Separately, council authorized Thomas & Hutton to proceed with design and construction oversight for stormwater drainage improvements at Stith Park after the firm confirmed such improvements can be made without altering existing park structures or layout. Henderson described one design option that could convert existing volleyball courts into ADA-compliant parking and a laydown area for construction materials and equipment; council instructed staff to seek bids and return recommendations for a future vote.

Each motion on the master plan, the Cove Street change order and the Thomas & Hutton engagement passed unanimously.

The town made the updated Stormwater Master Plan and the consultants' slides available on the Town website.