kitchen countertopsIn West Ashley, SC

WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD) – A West Ashley man is warning others about a scam after someone attempted to gain access to his bank account while pretending to protect the victim from a fraud attempt.

“I initially got a text message asking if I had made a change,” explained Jamey Mellis, CEO of Software Solutions and Designs.

Mellis said the message appeared to come from his bank, Wells Fargo, on Wednesday.

“I’m looking at the message and just 10, 12, 15 seconds later I get a phone call from someone who said they’re from Wells Fargo fraud alert,” he recalled.

The person on the other end asked if he was attempting to make multiple purchases.

“Wanted to know if I had made a charge at Walmart out of Atlanta- I told him no. He asked me if I was out of town, and I said no. He goes ‘OK how about a charge at a gas station in Atlanta?’ No.”

The man texted him a link to confirm he did not make the charges.

“So, when I clicked on it, up came the screen asking me to sign into Wells Fargo — and I looked at it and did not have the same address as the link did. Nor was it a Wells Fargo address,” he warned.

Mellis told the man he didn’t know if this was legit.

“He said well, look- look at the number I’m calling you from and I want you to pull out your card. Turn your card over and you’ll see it’s the same number that’s on the back of your card and sure enough it was the same telephone number,” Mellis explained.

Mellis just happened to be driving by his Wells Fargo branch in West Ashley. He went inside and talked to someone.

“She told me that they were getting inundated with these types of calls and that it was definitely fraud.”

Mellis owns Software Solutions and Designs, and he is a certified, trained computer security expert. He said caller ID info can be faked to look like a call came from a legitimate number.

“Usually when I get a call and somebody tells me they’re from wherever I usually will hang up and call him to confirm,” he said.

He went the minute that I login, they capture my username and password and then they could’ve gone straight into Wells Fargo log into my account and got access to every account I have and drained everything that I have. I think if the average person, if they would have looked at that they would’ve fallen for that.”

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Some residents of the Avondale Community are worried about how proposed safety improvements in West Ashley will cause problems for their neighborhood.

Officials with both the city of Charleston and Charleston County said the improvements will make the intersection safer, but some Avondale residents worry it will negatively impact their neighborhood.

A petition called “Stop the Avondale Avenue at Savannah Highway Realignment Project” currently has over 300 signatures and counting.

READ MORE: Petition: “Stop the Avondale Avenue at Savannah Highway Realignment Project”

The writers of the petition claim realigning Avondale Avenue and Nicholson Street on Savannah Highway will bring “profound” and “permanent” effects on the livability, culture and safety of the Avondale Neighborhood.

For some background, the Avondale Realignment is just one part of the Savannah Highway Capacity and Intersection Improvement Project, which aims to improve traffic flow and safety at several West Ashley intersections. The project’s website states the plan for the Avondale portion of the project includes realigning Avondale Avenue with Nicholson Street, which would require the demolition of the building that currently hosts DBs and Alpha Graphics.

The City of Charleston said it is currently working with property owners to secure right-of-way acquisition for the realignment,’ which essentially means the city is working to secure the property owner’s consent.

Avondale Resident Katherine Anderson said she thinks realigning Avondale Avenue with Nicholson Street will push more cars through area neighborhoods, increasing traffic. She said she is also concerned that the realignment would enable a new parking garage to be built where the DBs and Alpha Graphics building currently sits.

“I think that this project is really to get the commuters into town and out of town, and the residents that live here are not necessarily being thought of, in my opinion,” Anderson said.

The City of Charleston said a private property owner has expressed interest in building a garage once the intersection improvement is done, but that it is not a part of the county or city’s plan.

“The city appreciates the county’s efforts to make this part of Avondale safer, particularly in light of last week’s tragic collision, and is working with area property owners to help secure the needed right-of-ways,” The City of Charleston said in a statement.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Bulls Creek Apartments, in Charleston, South Carolina’s West Ashley neighborhood, is a 57-unit affordable housing development geared toward families. All of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units are reserved for individuals and families earning less than 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). When Bulls Creek opened in August 2022, it was the first project in the city to be completed using revenue from the city’s dedicated $20 million affordable housing bond. Bulls Creek Apartments represents a promising step toward resolving Charleston’s affordable housing shortage.

The Apartments

Bulls Creek consists of 7 one-bedroom, 35 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom units ranging from 750 to 1,150 square feet. Forty-five apartments are reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of AMI and 12 are reserved for those earning up to 50 percent of AMI. Amenities at Bulls Creek include a fitness center, a clubhouse, and a laundry facility. The development is in Charleston’s West Ashley neighborhood, roughly 7 miles northwest of downtown, and a nearby freeway provides easy access to the city and surrounding metropolitan area. A large shopping center nearby offers residents retail and service job opportunities. The development cost approximately $16 million. The primary funding source was low-income housing tax credit equity. The city also provided roughly $2.6 million in dedicated bond revenue for construction.

Affordable Housing Bond

According to Geona Shaw Johnson, director of Charleston’s Department of Housing and Community Development, the city’s recent comprehensive plan found that Charleston needs to add more than 16,000 housing units to keep up with demand, nearly half of which should be targeted to those earning less than 30 percent of AMI. In November 2017, Charleston voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum allowing the city to issue up to $20 million in general obligation bonds for affordable housing. Bond funding could be used “for the acquisition, construction, and equipping of safe and affordable housing for persons and families of low- to moderate-income,” which is defined as those earning between 30 and 120 percent of AMI. The city uses bond revenue to award loans to developers who provide income-restricted units that remain affordable for at least 30 years. The city began accepting applications for loans in 2019, after the council approved funding to repay the bonds from the city’s general budget.

The city prioritizes projects based on factors such as the timing of the development process, duration of the affordability period, level of affordability, the energy efficiency of the project, and the project’s location. Reviewers also consider the projects’ proximity to grocery stores, medical offices, schools, parks, public transportation, and more. The city considered Bulls Creek an attractive project because the West Ashley neighborhood particularly needs affordable housing and because the project site is close to downtown Charleston, a bus stop, and neighborhood amenities.

Moving Forward

Although Bulls Creek was the city’s first project to be completed using bond financing, it is not the last. The city is planning eight other affordable housing developments that use bond financing. Most of these developments will also be targeted to families, although two will be designed for seniors. These projects will also be sited in West Ashley or downtown.

The city of Charleston still needs more housing units, particularly those targeted to low-income households, to meet its demand. City leaders are investigating additional sources of funding for affordable housing construction, including other municipal sources. For example, the city has started using tax increment financing for affordable housing. Although funding from the housing bond will support only a portion of affordable housing financing in Charleston, it has been a helpful local funding source for producing low- and moderate-income houses.

Saskia Lindsay

Telephone: (843) 295-2658

saskia.lindsaysmith@redcross.org

Chance at trip to Florida + $10 Amazon.com Gift Card for coming to give blood or platelets

CHARLESTON, S.C., February 15, 2023 — One in 7 patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. At the same time, only about 3% of Americans give blood. The American Red Cross needs more people to make and keep appointments to give blood or platelets in February and has three great reasons to do so:

Help prevent a blood shortage: Winter brings seasonal illness and dangerous weather, which can hurt the blood supply. When donors give now, they can help ensure blood is on hospital shelves when it’s needed.

It’s Heart Month: During a blood donation appointment, the Red Cross checks donors’ blood pressure and pulse, which are important indicators of heart health.

Treat yourself: All who come to give in February will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Those who come to donate this month will also automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/heart.

Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand. Protect the blood supply from dropping – book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 15-28

Okatie

2/27/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Church of Palms UMC, 1425 Okatie Hwy

Moncks Corner

2/24/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Home Telecom, 579 Stoney Landing Rd.

Pinopolis

2/26/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Pinopolis United Methodist Church, 1833 Pinopolis Road

Charleston

2/23/2023: 9:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., West Ashley Blood Donation Center, 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd

2/23/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Marine Resources, 217 Fort Johnson Rd.

2/24/2023: 6:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., West Ashley Blood Donation Center, 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd

2/25/2023: 6:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., West Ashley Blood Donation Center, 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd

2/26/2023: 6:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., West Ashley Blood Donation Center, 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd

2/27/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., West Ashley Blood Donation Center, 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd

2/28/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., West Ashley Blood Donation Center, 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd

Mount Pleasant

2/24/2023: 6:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Mt Pleasant Blood Donation Center, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd

2/25/2023: 6:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Mt Pleasant Blood Donation Center, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd

2/26/2023: 6:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Mt Pleasant Blood Donation Center, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd

2/27/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Mt Pleasant Blood Donation Center, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd

2/28/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Mt Pleasant Blood Donation Center, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd

N Charleston

2/23/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., North Charleston High School, 1087 E. Montague

North Charleston

2/23/2023: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary, 1600 Saranac St.

2/28/2023: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Delta Air Lines & Charleston County Aviation Authority, 5500 International Blvd, #101

Hampton

2/24/2023: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Parker Law Group, 14 Mulberry St East

Hardeeville

2/27/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hardeeville Recreation Center, 285 John Smith Road

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Those Statehouse boys are cooking up a good, old-fashioned “Yankee tax” to bring in new revenue.

But, unlike their dated Civil War terminology, it may not be a completely Lost Cause.

As Sen. Stephen Goldfinch explains, counties would have the right (via a successful referendum) to charge new residents moving in from out of state an extra $250 for a South Carolina driver’s license and another $250 for their car’s license plates.

The Post and Courier’s Alexander Thompson quotes Goldfinch saying it’s not fair when people just get to move here and enjoy all of South Carolina’s lovely amenities — our silky smooth, extra-wide highways, our highly ranked schools — without ever paying for any of it.

“What people from out of state are doing is they’re coming in and they get the opportunity to basically become part of our state and what we’ve already built at no cost,” Goldfinch said.

That’s a bold stand from a guy who has an inordinate share of carpetbaggers for constituents. And since those new residents wouldn’t be charged extra for their voter registration card, you’d think they might express their displeasure at the ballot box.

But what Goldfinch is actually describing is a user fee, and sometimes those aren’t a bad idea.

Sen. Chip Campsen has proposed a good bill that’s sort of a user fee. It would take a quarter of state park admissions tax revenue and earmark it for beach renourishment and rebuilding dunes trampled by hurricanes. Sure, it’s not a pure user fee since most state parks have no beaches.

Still, South Carolina’s beaches are one of the state’s biggest assets, but they don’t do us any good if they get washed away. And we often depend on the feds to come up with the untold millions it takes to pump that sand out of the ocean and back up on the beach.

It makes perfect sense to dedicate revenue generated by beaches to maintain them. And the Legislature has set a precedent for not making people pay for things they don’t use.

For instance, Act 388 stripped away property taxes for school operations from owner-occupied homes, all because some folks who had no kids in public schools (and who saw no benefit to a well-educated electorate) raised a stink.

Despite the dubious success of that program (some argue it wrecked public education), perhaps the state should go a la carte more often — like people who cut the cord on cable and just stream Hulu or Netflix.

For example:

Of course, West Ashley residents would happily pay the 526 toll for Johns Islanders if it would keep them off Savannah Highway.

Now, all this could get a little confusing, and complicate tax season, but the Legislature has never conceded Act 388 created problems, so why should this be one?

Even with some senators’ brazen hostility toward newcomers (who, by the way, are contributing mightily to our ever-expanding state budget), short-sighted state officials would probably be open to one discount: That is, no one would have to pay a toll on roads that lead out of the state.

Of course, if state leaders keep acting like loons, those will be the busiest roads in the state.