Mayor's Monthly Letter: July 2015

As seen in Celebrate Hilton Head Magazine 

Our hearts still ache over the recent tragedy in our sister city of Charleston, South Carolina.
So, in the midst of these troubled times, what should communities do to build and strengthen relationships? Several weeks ago, I was honored to be in attendance with my good friend, Alex Brown at a meeting where Grace Community Church of Hilton Head decided to partner with Central Oak Grove Baptist Church of Hilton Head, to begin building better bridges between the residents of our community.

Since then, and perhaps sensing an urgency to come together, many from our community have joined the effort, and the inaugural event will be held on July 4th,  Independence Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.at Honey Horn titled "One Island - One Community."

This inaugural picnic and fellowship event could not be more timely in the aftermath of the Charleston tragedy. It will be emceed by Lavon Stevens with plenty of music, food and children's activities. It will be a wonderful opportunity to promote fellowship. I encourage all residents to attend to honor those who lost their lives in Charleston and support local efforts to increase understanding, build relationships and encourage unity.

Bicycling Accolades
Over the years Hilton Head Island has been given accolades for excellence by a wide range of publications and organizations... "Top 10 family vacation destinations", best golf resorts, best tennis resorts, best public beaches are just some of the long list of "best lists" that immediately come to mind. Cumulatively these awards have helped attract a broad variety of vacationers from around the world as well as retirees and new residents who are looking to enjoy a community that offers such a marvelous lifestyle.

Now we have a new distinction that those here at Town Hall feel very proud about - having Hilton Head Island selected a few weeks ago as a "Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community" by The League of American Bicyclists. It is a recognition our entire community should feel very good about -- whether you are bicycle a rider or not. This is because bicycling is recognized internationally as a significant factor for improving a community's environmental sustainability. Bicycling not only lowers the carbon footprint and improves air quality but also been shown to benefit public health and reduce childhood obesity.

Achieving Gold Status has put Hilton Head Island among the elite "Top 25" bicycling communities in America. It is the only such designated community in South Carolina and the Southeast. The recognition underscores more than just our island's 60 miles of pathways, but also our Town's commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. We have enjoyed a wonderful public/private/organizational partnership between the Town, The Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and several local cycling groups.

Mayor Bennett Monthly Article

Have you discovered, as I have, that Hilton Head Island is a great place for a treasure hunt? Wherever you explore, you will find something of remarkable value. These discoveries can't help but generate excitement. Our citizens are among these treasures.

Last December, Town Council identified the Master-Planning and Transportation Study of the Coligny Circle to Sea Pines Circle District as a priority. Incredibly, here on Hilton Head Island, we have three former state transportation directors each willing to volunteer their time and talents to our Town in order to achieve the excellent transportation and planning solutions we need to benefit our Island. Treasures!

Setting Priorities

Your Town Council is comprised of unique individuals representing a diversity of Islanders. We came together this past December along with members of staff at a workshop that extended beyond its' original schedule because of the magnitude of issues and opportunities faced by our community.

The Top Priorities developed by this hardworking group include the previously mentioned Circle-to-Circle district as well as:

Vision/Master Plan for the Island

Arts and Culture Collaborative Study

USCB Campus Development

The Mitchelville Project

Water/Sanitary Sewer Service Policies and Plans

Other High Priorities were identified

A complete inventory and analysis of Town-owned land

Initiating the Economic Development Corporation Plans and Initiatives

Forging a Workforce Housing Policy

Town and Community Organization financial/performance oversight and review

A comprehensive Town dredging policy

A schools and education strategy

You Can Participate

How is it that these priorities will become attainable action items? Your mayor, Town Council and staff are committed to these endeavors. But your participation is the treasure that I’d like to discover. Look for upcoming workshops, taskforces and public-private collaborations as your opportunity to be a treasure to your community. Communicate your thoughts and input to me at DavidB@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or speak to your Town Council representative.

This administration has already established two new Town Council Committees; the Finance and Administrative and Community Services committees and council members, John McCann and Kim Likins have been appointed to chair them. The first committee will be responsible for detailed financial oversight and establishing goals for and reviewing the performance of the Town Manager. The Community Services committee will work to develop the full potential of Hilton Head’s arts and cultural organizations. It will also identify affordable and work force housing opportunities.

Citizen of Month Search

We are always searching for the treasures in our community. Please bring to our attention Island residents for consideration for the 2015 Citizen of the Month Award. There are many precious jewels out there; please let us know who they are.