or years, Isle of Palms beach access paths have lacked handicap ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) boardwalks. Last year, the first was completed at 34th Avenue along with two handicap parking spaces on Palm Boulevard. And more are on the way to be built. This fall, construction will begin on two more ADA complaint boardwalks. Installments will be done at 46th Avenue and 52nd Avenue. “We have been working to develop multiple access paths for the last seven or eight years,” explained Mayor Phillip Pounds. “Last year was the 34A which was done through a county grant. This year will be 46th and 52nd avenues, which was greenlit through a state budget grant.” 8 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS ◊ Isle of Palms Resident Since 1984 ◊ Experienced Senior Business Executive Background ◊ Current and Former Board Member of Several Organizations and Charities ◊ Former Isle of Palms Councilmember and a Proven Community Leader ◊ Results Oriented ◊ Strategic Planner and Forward Thinking ◊ Strong Knowledge of Budgeting, Finance, Operational Planning, and Human Resources ◊ Excellent Listening Skills ◊ Collaborative Approach for the Good of our Island Paradise Rusty STREETMAN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR ALL ISLE OF PALMS CITY COUNCIL VOTE RUSTY STREETMAN NOVEMBER 5 Email rustystreetman@bellsouth.net or call (864) 414-0290 State grant to fund more handicap beach access paths, parking spaces By Maurice J. Frazier F Pounds elaborated that even though they received the state grant of $500,000, which may seem like a lot of money, each ADA installment costs $250,000. This includes parking spaces and E-pay meters. They are also installing two foot bridges located at 26A and 36A; these will not be ADA compliant. “We are aiming for the two ADA boardwalks to be completed by the end of this year. The foot bridges are estimated to be completed by the first quarter of next year,” said Pounds. Projects on this scale take time to produce and execute. Due to the increased population on the island and potential hurricane threats, IOP does not do any construction during hurricane season, which spans from June to November. “We just received money from the state. State budget season starts in July. Then we had someone survey the property, gather the permits and have designs drawn,” said Pounds. “Things do move slow, but with this situation, it’s moving fast. We had to factor in parking spaces and sidewalks so we needed to decide which access path would be more beneficial.” Substantial planning and countless hours of discussion and negotiation precede a project of this magnitude. However, once completed, these bridges and boardwalks will enhance the beach access on IOP for all to enjoy. Photo by Rachel Basye, Cooper River Photography ADA-accessible boardwalk at 34th Avenue beach access.
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