Researching better parking solutions, especially on Palm Boulevard. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure everyone full access to all of our public accommodations and beaches. Beach and waterway maintenance and restoration. The stability of our beaches and cleanliness of our shoreline and waterways are what we are known for. Ongoing erosion issues in critical spots must be part of a well-designed plan to protect our beaches. Question 3: If elected, what changes/expansions would you strive to make in the community? Josh Hooser: I will vote with a deep focus on enhancing the quality of life for all residents. I will work to strengthen our Code of Ordinances to improve issues that impact daily life, such as traffic congestion, parking challenges, litter and noise. I will champion coastal resilience initiatives, including enhanced flood protection, dune restoration and sustainable practices that protect our beaches for future generations. As a member of city council, I will roadways. We need to fulfill all of the city’s remaining drainage project recommendations at a quicker pace for today and the future. Proactive beach preservation – As we resolve emergency erosion issues and prepare for a large-scale beach renourishment, we must also develop a clearer plan for future challenges and additional revenue streams to support it. Resolving traffic challenges – Gridlock on busy beach days is beyond inconvenient, it’s unsafe. A key solution is to add an extra traffic lane exiting the Isle of Palms Connector. Mount Pleasant must approve this adaptation to move forward. I can help get them on board. Livability issues – Concerns about short-term rentals cannot be forgotten. I will press for effective enforcement and possible expansion of ordinances while working with leading property managers to promote good neighbor policies. Rusty Streetman: We currently have many specific island concerns that include: Utilizing our Comprehensive Drainage Plan to more efficiently handle storm water issues. Our Phase 4 Drainage Plan will be crucial to achieving this goal. More efficient traffic flow. We are a residential island first, and improvements to elevate the multi-use Waterway Boulevard path is essential for the safety of everyone who walks, runs, jogs or bikes. always be mindful to listen to all residents regarding the impact of short-term rentals on the community. We must consider thoughtful and reasonable restrictions on shortterm rentals for single-family homes to balance the quality of life of our residents with our thriving business community. Susan Hill Smith: The city should add a staff position for someone with a STEM background to help advance flooding protection projects, beach preservation and conservation while securing related grant funding. Rusty Streetman: With all of the island’s current issues and others pending, effective collaboration between council members and between both members and all IOP residents might be the most important factor. I pledge to promote and improve civility and teamwork, and more involvement collaboratively with all residents of the island, including regular community meetings. Our residents are an unlimited source of great ideas, and we need to encourage more feedback and input from them. Through this approach, I believe we can make IOP an even better place for residents and visitors alike. All island residents eligible to vote are encouraged to cast their vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5. For more information, visit scvotes.gov. Marina restaurant rescue “And by the time we got them back to the dock, their vehicle had already sunk and all we could see was lights underwater,” Himmelsbach said. “I’m just glad no one was hurt.” An EMS unit arrived shortly thereafter to make sure the couple was ok. The rescued couple had been visiting IOP from the Chicago area. They drove their rented SUV off a boat ramp, not realizing where they were. "The driver stated that he was following GPS instructions and got confused,” said IOPPD Sgt. Matt Storen. “Once he realized the error, it was too late and the vehicle went into the water. When Charleston County dispatch received the 911 call, the first officer arrived at 10:29 p.m.” Islander 71 general manager Christopher Sollom not only praised the efforts of Himmelsbach, Standhart and Luther, but acknowledged the luck of the timing because “we had closed up for the night and could have just as easily been gone. Instead, we were all in the right place at the right time for a coordinated effort and I am so proud of all of them.” “Everything happened so fast – it felt like a movie,” Standhart said. “Johnny didn’t bat an eye – he acted on instinct, and it was all over in about 5 minutes. But this could have been a totally different outcome and we can’t stop thinking about that – angels on our side for sure.” 7 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS From Page 3 Provided by Mic Smith Photography.
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