Mixson to welcome first resident

oldglory (anonymous) says...

"The I'On Group's new Mixson mixed-use housing development . . ."

Being relatively new to SC, I'd find it helpful to have local information, etc, such as I'On, spelled out in full in its first use in an article. I don't have a clue.

I have learned to hook up IOP with the correct full name.

August 18, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

moonpie (anonymous) says...

Just take walks with your 44 tucked in your jogging pants sir. They failed to tell you about the crime all around you.

August 18, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DOODGUY (anonymous) says...

I live in Park Circle and the crime is HORRID! I have seen drug houses busted and prostitutes turn tricks in the Holmes Baptist Church parking lot (which is one block from Mixson). While the area is getting better it has a LONNNNNGGG way to go. I bought over here when ION first announced this project. I have been looking forward to cashing in and getting the H_LL out of here.

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/f...

Myers Grocery was robbed at gun point earlier this year.You can hit Myers Grocery with a tennis ball from his house. I hope that it continues to get better, but N. Charleston needs to cleanse some of these surrounding neighborhoods by fire. Liberty Hill, Chicora Cherokee, and Rivers would be a good place to start!

August 18, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rutide (anonymous) says...

I've driven past this neighborhood under construction and checked out their website. I like the product, those that don't spend a lot of time at home will, they are like glorified apartments. However, the area around this development really worries me and is the reason I will not be considering moving here any time soon.

August 18, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DoaMM (anonymous) says...

The "revitalization" idea has been working in the Atlanta area for some years now by buying up "ghetto" style property and starting from scratch with a new community. The key things that make it work though is:

1) The surrounding area also has to be bought and "revitalized" quickly to prevent the degradation of the neighborhood.

2) Keep the prices high enough to deter section 8 and government intervention.

3) No renting allowed.

We'll see how this is working in a couple of years. Good luck to 'em, but for the time being, I agree with moonpie...

August 18, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jimisle (anonymous) says...

Moonpie said: "Just take walks with your 44 tucked in your jogging pants sir. They failed to tell you about the crime all around you."

I think folks who move into the neighborhood are aware that the area has lots of crime. We just bought a house near Park Circle, and take the same precautions one takes in any urban area.

August 18, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

moonpie (anonymous) says...

$150000 TO $350000 for a 950 sf home? Wow their proud just like the DI people. Rode through DI just the other night and I amazed at the number of homes for sale. Still pricey!

August 18, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

I personally like my house in Park Circle, and I have been living there a year with no problems. It was not expensive, convenient to work, and I have a neighborhood community feel. I personally would take that over a slab housing McMansion in redneck suburbia (Goose Creek) anyday.

August 18, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

halfsheli (anonymous) says...

I love living in Park Circle. There is no need to constantly fear for your life if you only use common sense. That is a myth perpetrated by those who don't actually spend any time in Park Circle. Anyone can walk into criminal activity anywhere in Charleston County. In two years as a PC resident, I have wandered through most of the area -- usually riding a bicycle; I just use my noggin. (I don't walk through Liberty Hill at 3am carrying a brown paper bag and screaming the word crackhoes at the top of my lungs!) As far as I can tell; that applies to just about EVERYWHERE!

August 18, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nchashome (anonymous) says...

This is sometimes comical to me about how skeptical locals can be about this area. I have been in the Charleston area for 10 years. Starting downtown (high-class rental), to suburbia (West Ashley), and finally to a place I can finally call home (Park Circle) four years ago. My intentions weren't to "cash in" (DoodGuy). They were to participate in something worthwhile and see positive change to a declining community. I have meet some of the most genuine people that have the most unique vision of sustainable community living. I trust everyone that I have done business with in this area. Just stroll down Montague Avenue any time of the day and you will see what I mean. GO MIXON, GO NOISETTE, GO OLDE NORTH CHARLESTON. You have done so much for me so far. Cant wait for the years to come.

August 18, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

desspec (anonymous) says...

The book Almost Geechie by Richard Archambault describes what life was like there in the 1960s. It would be nice if that area, or any area, could return to simpler times and less crime.

August 18, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

PCChick (anonymous) says...

Did y'all hear about the Super Bi-Lo opening up this week? It's a few miles down N. Rhett just past Yeamans Hall. I don't know what makes it a super bi-lo, but I'm going to check it out. I talked to an employee and it is supposed to be super nice. It's might be the only upscale grocery store that will be near our area in a while.

Also, to Old Glory, I'On is spelled out.

August 18, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

I am single and somewhat young (mid 30's) and it is great for me, but one of the biggest obstacles with the area is the schools. If I had a family, I would have probably chosen another option (probably Summerville). If this would change or families had other options with schools, this area would already be booming. Maybe people moving in will change the schools in the area, but with some of my friends with families that live in the area, this is a their biggest concern. They probably do not have any option but to go to a private school.

August 18, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cnstreet (anonymous) says...

Not allowing renting is a key to making redevelopment work, DoaMM? That's nonsense; look at downtown. It's also discriminatory. I'm a single woman and can't afford to buy a home. I work at a church and probably won't ever be able to afford to buy a home reasonably close to town. Renting opens up a lot of options that I could never afford, like downtown and IOP. I'd rather live in a tiny apartment in an area that I like than live out in the country or some crappy tract housing development that I can afford to buy. What is the logic of preventing renters? Are we bad people because we don't own? Why should I be kept from renting in an area I want to live in? Also, why would you restrict someone who wants to own a rental investment?

I like what's going on in Park Circle, and am considering moving there. DoaMM, I hope I'm not living next to you!

August 18, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

karmann (anonymous) says...

I have lived in the Park Circle area almost 19 years. I have great neighbors and love the location. Hardly any traffice concerns. My only concerns are the poor ratings of the schools in the area. I wish N. Chas would put more pressure on CCSD as Mt. Pleasant appears to do.

August 18, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

strongjohn10856 (anonymous) says...

Hi "oldglory" - It happens that "I'On" is the full spelling of the word - the name of a former plantation in Mt. Pleasant that was turned into an upscale residential development by these developers.

August 18, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

PCChick (anonymous) says...

I'On is actually the last name of Jacob Bond I'On who was a former mayor of Sullivan's Island - where he primarily resided. The property he owned in Hobcaw where the I'On neighborhood is located was not actually named I'On, until is was developed a few years ago. He is, however, buried there. You can go walk on I'On's trails. There is a cemetery there where he is buried.

August 18, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DoaMM (anonymous) says...

cnstreet, I was relating to what has WORKED in the Atlanta area. I never said that it was the best idea or even fair. Most of the properties I speak of in the Atlanta area are $500,000 and up, so renting is really not an option. Those communities that have a price range of $100-200k have a history of being "investment" properties for people looking to have renters and those communities (in Atlanta) went downhill within 5 years of them being built.

By the way, I also rent and have never owned a house.

:)

August 18, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cnstreet (anonymous) says...

I did not misinterpret your comment. You are wrong. It is a myth that a high number of renters reduces property values. There are countless high property value areas that have high numbers of renters. NYC and LA are great examples. In our area downtown and all the barrier islands are good examples. IOP is only 50% home owner occupied. The quality of an area and the amenities it offers to residents has infinitely more to do with the equation. The quality of the area reflects the quality of the renter. Having a high number of renters will not bring an area down; this is a false belief.

August 18, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

wpc3iop,
Another ignorant comment.....

August 18, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cnstreet (anonymous) says...

"Posted by ColdBeer on August 18, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No, it's a fact."

No, It's not a fact. It is a simplistic formula that does not take into account numerous factors. You can't impose property restrictions on people based on this narrow view.

August 18, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

shoelaces (anonymous) says...

cnstreet:

I lived in a community on James Island for 6 years. We owned our home while many others on the street were rentals. We worked very hard to maintain a beautiful home and yard. I couldn't say the same for the neighbors on either side of us or for many of the people on the street. Most of the well kept homes and yards were those of home owners and not renters.

Pride of ownership leads to a greater responsibility in property and pride in making it look nice.

As for living in this area if you have school aged children, good luck!!!!

And I think it is interesting that we are not addressing a larger issue...where are all the "bad elements" going???? I seriously doubt they are being reformed and are leading clean, crime free lives. It takes throwing out the trash to bring this area back up.

August 18, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

charlestonscman (anonymous) says...

Safe? That area isn't safe. Lets try and figure this one out.

Let see....North Charleston is the 7th most dangerous city to live in the US. And Mixson sits in the middle of the worst part of North Charleston.

There are many pretty areas in North Charleston, like many cities, but there are some serious problems, just like any other city.

Plus, it looks ridiculous. If the idea is to create an environment that blends and is good work/life with the area then I don't think and Italian village blends at all.

In addition...$220,000 divided by 950 sq ft = 231 sq ft. That seems a little high.

Horizon, a couple of streets over, looks much better.

August 18, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DoaMM (anonymous) says...

cnstreet wrote:
"It is a myth that a high number of renters reduces property values."

You are correct...sort of. If one neighborhood has an average property value of $100-200K, your rent would in the hundreds of dollars, maybe up to $1500 a month, making in within the reach of dirtbags and losers who DON'T either have the money or the desire to take care of the property.

If another neighborhood's average house costs $400-500K, the rent would be upwards of $2500-3500 a month. Don't know too many dirtbags (even couples) that make that amount of money to where they're willing to spend it on RENT. They just have a tendency to buy the house and put their trailer and an extra car up on blocks in the back yard.

...and THEN you have the Homeowner's Associations that "keep the value of your property at its peak!"...Yuck...

Give me my big-mouth-bass mailbox, a few chickens running rampant, my truck with a triple gun rack in the window, and a double wide in the middle of 10 acres and I'll be happy.

August 18, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

iceman1978 (anonymous) says...

I'll keep my home on James Island. Park Circle has some very nice homes and there's a lot of greenery around but the crime rate in the surrounding areas is high. It's changing for the better with more gentrification. In another five-seven years the area will be very different.

August 18, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

halfsheli (anonymous) says...

I think that it's a real shame that people have very wrong perceptions about Park Circle. There are equally bad areas on James Island and in West Ashley (and, yes, even sacred Mt. Pleasant) as those surrounding Park Circle. Unfortunately the media sensationalizes the crime in North Chuck, and people who otherwise have NO CLUE (because they don't actually live in and frequent the area) buy into it.

Mixson is a lovely (and very expensive) development. The plans surrounding that part of Park Circle (which is NOT "in the middle of the worst part of North Charleston") will make a beautiful neighborhood.

August 18, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...

"Give me my big-mouth-bass mailbox, a few chickens running rampant, my truck with a triple gun rack in the window, and a double wide in the middle of 10 acres and I'll be happy."

BEST QUOTE OF THE DAY!

August 18, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CaptPete (anonymous) says...

I wonder does the top floor have bullet proof windows as a standard feature?

August 18, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

iceman1978 (anonymous) says...

halfsheli, There's a lot more that goes on in Mt Pleasant than people are aware of. James Island has a couple of bad sections but fortunately we're not near them.

Park Circle is close to the Remount Rd area which has some crime, but I would say the bulk of the crime in N Chas is around Ashley Phosphate and Midland Park.

Stewart, I don't blame you. I'm partial to JI because I'm so close to Folly Beach. This way I can surf daily. I used to live in Goose Creek and was miserable. If I had to choose between Park Circle or Goose Creek I would choose the former. At least you're closer to Barnes & Noble and some great locally owned places near N Chas high school. Ever been to Idle Hour?

August 18, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

iceman,
Sometimes I go to Idle Hour before I head to work, I like the option of going to the mom and pops places. I also like James Island but it is out of the way for work. If I had to go live in a burb it would be Summerville (though trafffic is less to be desired). I do not blame people wanting to live in the burbs for their families' sake, mainly because of the school system. As far as safety goes, my neighbors are very conscious of any suspicious activity, so I feel pretty safe. There is allot community pride and involvement that is starting to take effect and this is usually grounds for renewal.

August 18, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

clemson2000 (anonymous) says...

I completely disagree with CharlestonSCMan's comment about the development looking "ridiculous".

I attended a Green Drinks event at Mixson and was blown away by what is going on out there & feel it is a great addition to North Charleston. Also, projects that take time and actual thought are not the places where people strictly look at the per square foot price.

As far as crime, it is everywhere. I have been seriously thinking about buying at Mixson and that has not been a factor for me. I have walked around Mixson and I also frequent businesses on East Montague and have felt safe.

I live in Mt. Pleasant and grew up on the Isle of Palms & have always heard how horrible North Charleston is- but I feel that is not true. I recommend that everyone check out North Charleston and give it a second chance (and get some good grub too- EVO, Madra Rua, and Sesame are all great).

August 18, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cwmcpa (anonymous) says...

For the person who commented that 2 blocks in any direction from Park Circle is bad...I have live in North Charleston 45 years. My Neighborhood is just a few blocks off of Park circle and the only thing we've every had stolen was a childs bicycle from the front yard (we told him to put it up). The same goes for the homes several doors down in both directions from my house. I know the names of almost all those who live on my street. My home 15 years ago would have cost me approx. 50,000 more if I had bought it in Mount Plastic. Now my property values have increased by 10% in the past 5 years, homes are still selling here and new homes are still being built. I've got impressive home equity and I can make my house payment! The one problem we have are schools but I wouldnt send my dog to ANY charleston county school!

August 18, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnS (anonymous) says...

I remember awhile back a man was shot to death while using the pay phone at Myers Grocery. The store is next to Mixon. Several local youth were involved. Don't be fooled. Look at the Police reports the last three years. This is a very dangerous area anytime.

August 18, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LifetimeLearner (anonymous) says...

The areas you need to worry about in N Chuck is Ashley Shores, Chicora Cherokee and Accabee...not Ash. Phosphate like someone mentioned. Those neighborhoods have the stone cold killers...

August 18, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

charlestonscman (anonymous) says...

You all may try and gloss over the reality that exists....crime exists everywhere. It is the City of North Charleston that ranks 7th in crime.

I hope that they issue a bullet proof vest and a pass to get through the electric gate that will need to surround Mixson.

While some of you say that the per sq ft would not matter...at $263 sq ft you could do a lot better in the Charleston area than 1 block from the Amtrak station.

Also, try sleeping when the 4 am train to Miami pulls through.

August 18, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...

charlestonscman,
I live in the area and closer to th train than Mixson. Not a problem. BTW, I chose to live in this area, like it, and glad idiots like yourself are not my neighbors.

August 18, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Cid95 (anonymous) says...

I had never heard of this place prior to this article. So, good job P&C for putting this in the public eye.

Based on this and reading their site
I have to say this is a cool concept. I'm an East Cooper native, and I'on in Mt P just feels, to me, like a crowded subdivision, Snee Farm with smaller lots. It's neither suburban nor urban, so it's a double mess.

This place seems to be taking the real step to a "new urban" environment, which means smaller living space nad higher density, yet still allowing for some cars. Of course, they need to successfully get businesses into the place.

The surrounding area is a concern. But, to be honest, I've never spent a night in North Charleston in my life so I have no firsthand info other than all the murders I read about in the paper.

Yes, it seems better for single people that work in the area. But, that's how gentrification starts...

I will keep following this. I might even consider buying here as an investment. If Charleston keeps growing, this is where a lot of it will take place and N. Charleston in 20 years could be a totally different place.

August 18, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justjerry (anonymous) says...

What I believe alot of folks have forgotten is the neighborhoods next to I'On in Mt P were pretty shady when that development first started and there are still pockets of trouble as close to it as there are to Mixson. Wagenner Terrace 20 years ago was also not for the faint of heart and now it is a nice little community filled with folks who moved in because there were nice old homes that were affordable.

There are pockets of crime everywhere and for the most part all of the schools in the Charleston area pretty much stink. I would love for the schools in the Park Circle area to be better as it would increase the property value of the homes that I and my family own there and allow the folks with kids to stay and not have to worry about sending their children to local public schools. Until we get away from abandoning poor schools this will never improve but that is a whole different story.

Park Circle is a growing and vibrant area filled with great people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse lifestyles. The main thing that all of the folks that I meet seem to have in common, however, is a desire to live in the neighborhood and make it a better place for all. There is a neighborhood energy here that I have not fealt in any of the other areas I have lived in Charleston and I would not give it up to live in one of the other plastic-lands of the Charleston area.

August 19, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

halfsheli (anonymous) says...

Right On Jer!

August 19, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )