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 Dorchester County and Summerville YMCA Partner to Develop State-of-the-Art Sports Complex in Oakbrook Area
Dorchester County and Summerville YMCA have announced a groundbreaking partnership that will enhance recreational opportunities for the community. With an investment of over $12 million from Dorchester County and a contribution of 17 acres from the YMCA, a new cutting-edge sports complex will be built at the current location of the Oakbrook YMCA.
This initiative signifies a milestone in the broader goal of the redevelopment of the Oakbrook area in Summerville. Leveraging a portion of Dorchester County's Tax Increment Financing (TIF), the project will support the long-range plan to revitalize this community by providing state-of-the-art amenities for residents and visitors. TIF is a tool that allows governments to use the incremental increase in assessed value and property taxes to fund infrastructure improvements in a designated blighted area without a tax increase. A portion of these funds totaling $10,350,000 has been allocated towards the sports complex project. Due to a cost project increase last year, the Legislative Delegation designated an additional $2 million towards the overall budget for a total project budget of $12,350,000.
The new sports complex will include state-of-the-art turf sports fields and courts, multipurpose spaces, a concession building with restrooms, a playground, and access to the Sawmill Branch Trail System. Under the Summerville YMCA’s leadership, the sports complex will also offer year-round programs and activities designed to cater to the diverse interests and needs of our community.
Please click the link for more information.
 Summerville Magistrate Court to Undergo Renovation, Temporary Location Established
The Dorchester County Summerville Magistrate Court currently located at 212 Deming Way will be undergoing renovation from March 8, 2024, through June 30, 2024. During this period, the building will receive upgrades and improvements.
To ensure continuity of services, the Ridgeville Municipal Court, located at 105 School Street, Ridgeville, SC 29472, will serve as the temporary location for all Court purposes. Operations will be conducted Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, at this temporary venue.
Unless otherwise communicated, all Preliminary Hearings, Pre-Trials, and Jury Trials will be conducted at the Ridgeville Municipal Court during the renovation period.
Additionally, for weekend and holiday "Bonds Hearings," the Summerville Municipal Court, located at 200 South Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483, will host proceedings between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
The Dorchester County Summerville Magistrate Court appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all parties involved during this renovation phase.
For further information or inquiries, please call (843) 832-0370.
 Dorchester County Announces Changes to Used Tire Disposal Locations
Beginning March 1st, 2024, Oakbrook and Knightsville Convenience Centers will no longer accept used tires. Instead, please drop them off to the Miles Road Convenience Center at 130 Suburban Lane.
The decision to consolidate used tire disposal services to the Miles Road site is in preparation for upgrades to the convenience site that will expand their ability to accept more recycling materials. Upgrades are expected to be completed by early 2025.
Beginning March 1st, 2024, residents can drop off their used tires (no rims) at the Miles Road Convenience Center (130 Suburban Lane). The site is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00am – 5:00pm.
For additional information regarding Dorchester County Convenience Sites, please visit our website.
 Celebrating National Procurement Month
National Procurement Month is celebrated throughout the month of March and is dedicated to honoring purchasing professionals. The National Procurement Institute, Inc. has proclaimed March 13 as Procurement Professionals’ Day! In county government, there are a lot of people who work behind-the-scenes - people that you may never meet like those in the Purchasing Services Division
Within the last twelve months, the three employees in the Purchasing Services Division have executed 252 contracts, worked with 346 vendors to add to the County’s approved list, generated over 6500 purchase orders, managed 60 solicitations, as well as administrated the purchasing card program, the archive room, and vehicle title transfers among other duties and tasks. Take time out to thank your procurement team this month and show your appreciation!
 The County is currently moving forward with several important projects thanks to the support by our Legislative Delegation! Their valuable assistance in securing funding to Dorchester County has helped to supplement county funding for the following projects:
St. George Veterans Center: Allocation of $500,000
The County has recently approved plans to purchase and renovate a 4,800 square foot building in St. George that will house the County's Veterans Affairs Office, DAV, American Legion, and other veteran services. Initially, Council identified $400,000 for the project with the Legislative Delegation allocating $500,000. The new center should be completed by late fall of this year.
North Charleston/Dorchester County Senior Center: Allocation of $2M for two fiscal years (total: $6M)
North Charleston and Dorchester County are working together to construct a 12,300 square foot senior center on Patriot Boulevard and Appian Way near the County's new North Charleston Library. This center will help serve our senior citizens by providing health, fitness, and wellness programs.
Oakbrook Sports Complex: Allocation of $1M for two fiscal years (total: $2M)
The new sports complex will include state-of-the-art turf sports fields and courts, multipurpose spaces, a concession building with restrooms, a playground, and access to the Sawmill Branch Trail System. Under the Summerville YMCA’s leadership, the sports complex will also offer year-round programs and activities designed to cater to the diverse interests and needs of our community.
Pedestrian Crossing on Bacons Bridge Road to Ashley River Park: $2.2M
This project is currently in the early design phase and will provide an ADA accessible pedestrian tunnel that will connect Ashley River Park and the new Library on the Ashley River.
 Last Chance to Share your Feedback
The County asks for your help in sharing your feedback for the Greenbelt Survey. This survey covers various aspects of the Greenbelt Master Plan, including the preservation of existing greenspaces, the development of new recreational areas, and strategies for enhancing environmental sustainability. It should take only a few minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish. The survey will only remain open until March 5, 2024.
The County will be holding another Greenbelt session this Saturday. Please stop by our community engagement station to discuss the Dorchester County Greenbelt Master Plan! We will be set up near the playground at the Ashley River Park from 1:00 to 3:00 pm this Saturday, March 2. Staff will have displays to describe the Dorchester County Greenbelt project as well as opportunities to gain feedback from you! This engagement station is complementing our public engagement sessions that were held in St. George and Summerville earlier this month.
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Saturday, March 2, 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Ashley River Park
 SCDOT to rebuild Sawmill Branch Canal Trail in Dorchester County
On Monday, Feb. 19, the South Carolina Department of Transportation began rebuilding a portion of the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail in Dorchester County. This trail construction work is a component of the Berlin G. Myers Parkway Phase III Project, a new 3.25 mile roadway currently in construction and projected to open to vehicle traffic in 2026.
SCDOT will rebuild the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail between Luden Drive and the Elizabeth Street Trailhead using a three-staged construction plan. The first stage of trail construction will begin Monday, Feb. 19, between the Elizabeth Street Trailhead and the pedestrian bridge at Willet Drive, and will last approximately four weeks, weather permitting.
Working in coordination with the Town of Summerville and Dorchester County, SCDOT has developed a plan for the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail to remain open to cyclists and pedestrians throughout construction. During each trail construction stage, cyclists and pedestrians will be detoured onto an adjacent portion of the newly placed asphalt roadway, which is not yet open to automobile traffic.
As trail construction moves forward, SCDOT will share information about each of the trail construction stages on the Department’s press release page. For more information, please visit SCDOT.
 Upcoming Dorchester Paws Community Cat Clinics
- Community Cat Clinics are first come, first served. Check in will begin at 8am. Please do not block the gate entrance and please remain in your car.
- Dorchester Paws accepts 2 cats per car until they reach 30 cats. They MUST arrive in a trap; if they are not in a trap, they will not be accepted.
- Cats must be from within Dorchester County.
- The fee is $25 per cat which includes vaccines, ear tip, microchip, spay/neuter.
- You will pick up the cat you brought on the same day between 4pm to 5pm. The only information you will be receiving is the microchip.
- Cats need to be released back to their exact location the following day. An instruction sheet will be provided.
- No personal pets accepted. Resources are used for cats that do not have a home. If you need assistance with a personal pet, please see the Community Support page for more resources
- Traps can be rented from the Pet Support Department at Dorchester Paws for $15 from 12pm-5pm daily.
Community Cat Clinic Dates
- March 7th
- March 21st
- April 4th
- April 18th
- May 2nd
- May 16th
Have more questions? Please email: petsupport@dorchesterpaws.org
 Dorchester County Government Chat with the Chairman
Sign up to discuss community issues, share ideas, or ask questions with Chairman Todd Friddle.
Our next event will take place on Wednesday, March 13 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the North Charleston Library Branch located at 8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29420.
To reserve your one-on-one time with the Chairman, please RSVP by choosing a time slot at the link below.
 Stratton Capers Community Development Block Grant
Dorchester County is applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to install water lines in the Stratton Capers neighborhood. As part of the grant application process, the County will be conducting door-to-door surveys starting March 7. Surveys will only take a few minutes and all information is confidential.
To find out more about the project, please vist CBDG Projects | Dorchester County, SC website (dorchestercountysc.gov).
 Join Us at the Upcoming Dorchester County Hiring Fairs!
Looking for exciting Dorchester County Government career opportunities or a chance to explore various job prospects? Don't miss the Dorchester County Hiring Fairs coming to the Summerville Library and the North Charleston Library on the following dates:
Summerville Library Hiring Fairs:
76 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville, SC 29485
- March 5, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- March 19, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
North Charleston Library Hiring Fairs:
8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29420
- March 6, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- March 20, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore new career paths, connect to Dorchester County recruiters, and move forward in your professional journey.
 REMINDER: Business License Renewals
As a reminder, all Dorchester County Business Licenses will expire on April 30, 2024.
We encourage you to act promptly and renew your business license by April 30, 2024, to avoid any penalties.
Our Business License staff is available to assist you throughout the renewal process. They will be available at the St. George Office (201 Johnston Street, St. George) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as at the Summerville Office (500 N. Main Street, Summerville) Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Feel free to call (843) 832-0018, email, or drop by if you have any questions or need assistance with your renewals.
For more information, please visit: Business License | Dorchester County, SC website (dorchestercountysc.gov).
 In observance of the Easter holiday, all Dorchester County Government Offices and Dorchester County Courts will be closed Friday, March 29, 2024. They will reopen Monday, April 4, 2024.
Dorchester County Libraries will be closed Friday, March 29 and Sunday, March 31 for the Easter holiday.
Convenience Sites in Dorchester County will follow their normal hours of operation.
Parks and Recreation sites will follow their normal hours of operation throughout the holiday weekend.
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