IslandVibesIOP.com 7 facility, which included collaboration with the building and planning department, the fire marshal, the police chief, architects and engineers for original design and owners/clients. Rather than finding it too involved, Hart said each experience reinforced her desire to stay in planning. “You review what works and what clearly does not for an efficient city – not only the aesthetics but the function,” she said. “Each element of the design should work effectively and efficiently.” Hart’s initial duties for IOP have been to review the city’s zoning plan, tree preservation and setback requirements and the Conservation Overlay District. Aside from all the nuts and bolts, Hart’s motivation for working in zoning comes from her “insane passion” of wanting to be an integral part of the community’s growth and betterment. “I’m an island girl, I love the beach and a more coastal environment,” Hart said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of a community that is increasing and growing in shared purpose, common objectives and development of core elements – especially its environment.” McKenzie has had a lifelong love of all things water related and currently enjoys spending time surfing and fishing. He and his wife Teresa can often be found walking the beach and spending time with friends at the marina. The couple have lived on the island together for 32 years and in 2003 purchased the home that McKenzie grew up in from his mother. Teresa described the beginning of their life together: “We met through mutual friends. Our first date was a Wando football game and the rest is history!” After raising their two sons on the island and welcoming two daughtersin-law, along with their first granddaughter, the family is looking forward to McKenzie’s newly acquired leisure time during retirement. According to Teresa, one of the best things about working on the island for the always active McKenzie was the convenience of being able to walk to work as well as being able to serve the community in which they live. While spending time with their granddaughter is among the top priorities for both McKenzie and Teresa, he is looking forward to finally getting his charter fishing business, Isle of Palms Fishing Charters, off the ground and into the water. Longtime Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission employee Terry McKenzie recently retired after 35 years of service on the island. Prior to joining the team at the IOP Water and Sewer Commission, McKenzie worked for two-and-ahalf years with the Isle of Palms Water Company and another two-and-a-half years with Wild Dunes Utilities, which were private water companies on the island. As water and sewer operator, McKenzie’s duties included installing water meters and water taps, water and sewer repairs and locating water lines for island subcontractors. An island native in every sense of the phrase, McKenzie has lived his entire life on the island apart from a few years spent living in Mount Pleasant. Longtime city water and sewer operator McKenzie retires By Laura Fogarty City hires new zoning administrator after 6-month vacancy By L. C. Leach III NEWS Terry McKenzie and his wife Teresa Duette Hart Duette Hart, a native of Jamaica, has been hired for the long overdue zoning administrator position for the City of Isle of Palms. Hart’s hiring came after a six-month vacancy and search. “It is right up my alley with my knowledge of architecture and city/ urban planning,” said Hart, who relocated with her family from Florida to IOP. “I have always worked in private architecture firms in the U.S. and the Caribbean, each having its own area of focus and design.” Hart’s duties will include administering the city’s code and directing activities of the Building, Planning and Zoning departments to enforce zoning, flood zone, building and licensing regulations. “Without this position, either our City Administrator Douglas Kerr would have to fill in, or we would look to outsource the service,” said Mayor Phillip Pounds. “It would slow down the approval process for our residents building new homes or renovating an existing home.” Hart’s experience has included high-rise, mixed-use buildings, health care facilities, religious structures, multi-family residential, hospitality projects and civic projects. However, this is not her first job addressing zoning issues with a municipality. While working as part of a Design Research Committee for the City of Bradenton, Florida, between 2023 and March 2024, Hart was engaged in a number of city projects, such as a master plan for a new public works POINT, SCAN, CLICK Discover the Carolina Coast www.ExploreCoastalCarolina.com
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