Local attorney Linton buys Woodlands Inn

Summerville's most storied getaway, the Woodlands Inn, changed hands from Black Entertainment Television co-founder and Washington-area billionaire Sheila Crump Johnson to local attorney and longtime Flowertown resident Johnny Linton.

Johnson's Salamander Hospitality will continue to manage the property, but financial terms were not disclosed. The ownership changes comes after major renovations at South Carolina's only hospitality property that holds the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings for accommodations and dining.

Third rail

The developer of the Noisette project got a new lender in a move raising questions and concerns about the future of the north end of the former Navy base, including its rail line.

That 240-acre property owned by Noisette at Navy Yard fell into foreclosure last year when Capmark Finance said the developer fell behind on a $24 million loan. Capmark sold its note last month to CHSA LLC. Some worry that CHSA is part of a deal to allow Norfolk Southern to use the tracks in order to compete with rival CSX for business at a new port terminal being built on the ex-base.

CHSA's identity is a closely guarded secret, but people familiar with the deal say it includes Bob Faith, the former state commerce secretary.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey is opposed to using the rail line for the new terminal.

"If they were to try and do that, we'll end up in federal court," he said.

Ship movements

City and port officials unveiled an aggressive plan to take cargo operations out of the historic district, move cruise business north and create public waterfront access at the foot of Market Street.

The State Ports Authority hopes to begin construction by the end of 2011. The new cruise terminal would open in late 2012.

In the muck

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham issued a warning: If South Carolina's congressional delegation can't secure money to deepen Charleston Harbor, the result could harm the state's economy. The state needs up to $300 million to take the shipping channel to 50 feet from 45 feet, making it attractive to huge ships that can start using an expanded Panama Canal in a few years

A port official worried that Charleston will become a second-tier port without the dredge money.