67-452: The International Diving Institute ( IDI ) was a private, for-profit technical school in North Charleston , South Carolina . Originally a scuba diving shop called East Coast Dive Connection (ECDC), the school was founded in 2004 when it offered advanced dive training, especially in the use of surface supplied air, underwater welding, rigging and hyperbaric chamber operation, leading to
134-481: A Delaware corporation with ties to former state Commerce Secretary Bob Faith bought the largest parcel (approximately 240 acres (0.97 km ) at the north end of the former base) of Noisette land. The corporation transferred the deed for that land to the state's Commerce Department's Public Railways Division, which had the impetus to move forward with their proposed railyard with northern and southern access despite Summey's objections. Summey announced his intent to sue
201-456: A 30.5-square-mile (79 km ) area. In ten years, the city's growth rate was 250 percent. It had made $ 15 million in capital investments; $ 1.95 million invested in parks and recreation facilities, and $ 2.28 million in economic development. In 1983, North Charleston became the first city in South Carolina to implement a computer-aided dispatch system. Baker Hospital opened a new facility on
268-592: A bystander was broadcast nationally. Slager was charged with murder. A mistrial was declared on December 5, 2016. The second trial in state court and separate federal charges are still pending. North Charleston is near the Atlantic Ocean in the coastal plain just north of Charleston in South Carolina. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has an area of 81.06 square miles (209.9 km ), of which 77.63 square miles (201.1 km )
335-692: A certification required for commercial divers working on oil platforms in the offshore oil industry and for diving operations in the United States that are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration . In 1996, Sergio Smith, a former US Navy diver and member of its Seabee program, established a scuba diving shop called East Coast Dive Connection (ECDC), located in Summerville, South Carolina . The dive shop sold and serviced scuba gear and offered recreational scuba classes. The company
402-528: A city and elected John E. Bourne Jr. as its first mayor. When North Charleston was incorporated on June 12, 1972, it consisted of several areas, including the Russelldale, Ferndale, Morningside, Liberty Park, Palmetto Heights, Singing Pines, Dewey Hill, Liberty Homes and John C. Calhoun Homes neighborhoods. Within the first week of operation, the city passed a 61-page Code and signed a five-year lease for 308 Montague Avenue for $ 300.00 per month. Also during June,
469-469: A female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.10. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 17.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
536-459: A group of businessmen from Charleston formed a development company that bought the E.P. Burton Lumber Company tract and began to lay out an area for further development. The Park Circle area was one of the first to be designed and developed, allocating sections for industrial, commercial, and residential usage. Park Circle was planned as one of only two English Garden Style communities in the US, and most of
603-553: A place for the development of industry, military and other business sites. The first industry started in this area was the E.P. Burton Lumber Company. In 1901, the Charleston Naval Shipyard was established with agreements between the federal government and local Charleston city leaders. Shortly thereafter, the General Asbestos and Rubber Company (GARCO) built the world's largest asbestos mill under one roof. In 1912,
670-446: A two-story building with classrooms, offices, and work areas. Workshops included: metal fabrication, welding, a clean room for gas systems fabrication, and diesel compressor training area. There were hyperbaric chambers for compression/decompression. The school had three wet tanks. The main tank was 48,800 gallons and was 20 feet deep, and in 2009, a tube was appended to enable students to practice working in confined spaces. A second tank
737-437: A vote, the same as the other ten council members. The mayor is elected at-large and the council members from ten single-member districts . City government offices moved into a new, more centrally located city hall in 2009. The following table shows North Charleston's crime rate for calendar year 2020 in six crimes that Morgan Quitno uses for their calculation for "America's most dangerous cities" ranking, in comparison to
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#1732872116045804-478: Is a nonprofit art house theater that holds over 70 screenings of independent and documentary films each year. It holds the annual Lowcountry Indie Shorts Festival, South Carolina's festival dedicated to short film. The South Carolina Stingrays are the first professional ice hockey team established in South Carolina. They have been a member franchise of the ECHL since their inception in 1993 and have been affiliated with
871-521: Is also the location of a Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP). Major businesses in the area include: As of 2016, North Charleston had the highest rate of eviction filings and judgments of any American city with a population of 100,000 or more (in states where complete data was available). The National Weather Service Office in Charleston is also located in North Charleston adjacent to
938-470: Is land and 3.43 square miles (8.9 km ) (4.23%) is water. The city is bordered by Charleston to the south and east, the city of Hanahan to the north and east, the city of Goose Creek to the northeast, the unincorporated suburb of Ladson to the north, and the town of Summerville to the northwest. The Ashley River forms a large part of the southwest border of the city, and the Cooper River forms
1005-535: The 2010 census , there were 177,843 people, 65,419 households, and 47,141 families living in the county. The population density was 161.8 inhabitants per square mile (62.5/km ). There were 73,372 housing units at an average density of 66.8 per square mile (25.8/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 66.5% white, 25.0% black or African American, 2.3% Asian, 0.6% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.8% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.0% of
1072-683: The Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League since 2012, following the end of an eight-year affiliation with the Washington Capitals . The Stingrays play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum . The city is run by an elected Mayor–council government system, with the mayor acting as the chief administrator and the executive officer of the municipality. The mayor also presides over city council meetings and has
1139-657: The Charleston Naval Shipyard . By December, North Charleston had become the fourth-largest city in the state after annexing the Naval Base, the Air Force Base and the Charleston International Airport . In February 1973, North Charleston doubled its area through annexation, and in March expanded into Berkeley County. In May 1973, the city launched its new police department, which included 21 officers and six cars. By
1206-469: The National Register of Historic Places in 1971. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 1,233.88 square miles (3,195.7 km ), of which 1,103.62 square miles (2,858.4 km ) is land and 130.26 square miles (337.4 km ), or 10.56%, is water. As of the 2020 census , there were 229,861 people, 80,640 households, and 57,117 families residing in the county. At
1273-520: The U.S. State Department ), at the old Naval Station. Global Financial Services – Charleston is responsible overall for more than 200 bank accounts in over 160 countries and 169 different currencies. In 2005, it disbursed over $ 10 billion and purchased over $ 3 billion in foreign currency. As part of an initiative by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide mail-order prescriptions to veterans using computerization, at strategic locations, North Charleston
1340-451: The U.S. state of South Carolina . As of the 2020 census , North Charleston had a population of 114,852, making it the third-most populous city in the state, and the 248th-most populous city in the United States . North Charleston is a principal city within the Charleston -North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area , which had an estimated population of 849,417 in 2023. From
1407-554: The 12, only two people had previous experience in surface welding. In 2017, members of UCT 2's Construction Diving Detachment Alpha (CDDA) participated in the two-week underwater welding certification course. IDI was licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education as a non-degree occupational training institution. IDI was one of fewer than a dozen professional diving schools operating in North America. It
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#17328721160451474-463: The 17th century until the Civil War , plantations cultivated commodity crops, such as rice and indigo. Some of the plantations in what is now North Charleston were: The large plantations were subdivided into smaller farms in the late 19th century as the urban population began moving northward. Due to the large labor forces of enslaved African Americans who worked these properties for over two centuries,
1541-561: The 1960s, many whites who lived in this region (referred to by Charlestonians as the North Area) were unhappy about the way parts of their community were being developed. They wanted the citizens in the area to have direct control over future development. African Americans were still excluded from the political system due to the state's 1895 disfranchising constitution. Many white Democrats' attempts to create an independent city were defeated via court rulings. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 gave
1608-642: The 1990s. The influence of Lowcountry legislators and the threat of nuclear attack played an important role in keeping North Charleston's bases open in the face of periodic attempts at closure. In the early 1990s, with the resolution of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union, plus impending defense budget cuts, the Charleston Navy Base was proposed for closure. In 1993, the Charleston Naval Base
1675-406: The 49,922 households 39.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 14.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.50% were non-families. 19.40% of households were one person and 5.60% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.15. The age distribution was 28.00% under
1742-651: The Convention Center has attracted millions of guests and visitors to North Charleston and contributed significantly to the local and regional economy. The complex includes exhibition halls, ballrooms and meeting rooms. The Performing Arts Center, the North Charleston Coliseum, and the Charleston Area Convention Center are owned by the City of North Charleston and managed by SMG . Together with
1809-445: The GDP of Berkeley County was $ 10.6 billion (approx. $ 46,147 per capita). In chained 2017 dollars , its real GDP was $ 9 billion (about $ 39,335 per capita). From 2022 through 2024, its unemployment rate has fluctuated around 3%. As of April 2024 , some of the largest employers in the county include Blackbaud , Booz Allen Hamilton , Nucor , Publix , Volvo , and Walmart . All of
1876-831: The Station's Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic (POMFLANT), hundreds of nuclear warheads and their UGM-27 Polaris , UGM-73 Poseidon , and UGM-96 Trident I delivery missiles ( SLBM ) were stored and maintained, guarded by a U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Company. In 2010, the Air Force Base (3,877 acres (1,569 ha)) and Naval Weapons Station (16,274 acres (6,586 ha)) merged to form Joint Base Charleston . Today, Joint Base Charleston, encompassing about 24,000 acres in Charleston and Berkeley counties; supports 53 Military Commands and Federal Agencies, providing service to over 79,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, DOD civilians, dependents, and retirees. In supporting Joint Base Charleston , 231 acres (93 ha) of
1943-419: The age of 18, 11.70% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 7.90% 65 or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.20 males. The median household income was $ 39,908 and the median family income was $ 44,242. Males had a median income of $ 31,583 versus $ 22,420 for females. The per capita income for
2010-673: The airport, serving Southeastern South Carolina and Southeastern Georgia including Savannah , but the radar it operates is located in Beaufort County . North Charleston, Goose Creek , and Hanahan are home to branches of the United States Military. During the Cold War, the Naval Base (1902–1996) became the third largest U.S. homeport serving over 80 ships and submarines. The Charleston Naval Shipyard repaired frigates, destroyers, cruisers, sub tenders, and submarines. The Shipyard
2077-489: The banks of the Ashley River. Plans were revealed in 1985 for the 400-acre (1.6 km ) Centre Pointe retail development. By 1986, North Charleston's population had reached 78,000, spanning 47 square miles (120 km ). A monument to honor Vietnam veterans was erected and dedicated in front of City Hall, where it stood for over 20 years before being moved to Patriots Point in 2008. The city celebrated its 15th anniversary
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2144-475: The base returned to the city to retire. After the Charleston Naval Base and Charleston Naval Shipyard closed, parts of the base and dry docks were leased to various government and private businesses. Community parks for North Charleston were established on old base grounds, including Riverfront Park. After years of development, community input and revisions, the Noisette Community Master Plan for
2211-460: The city hired a police chief, and treasurer and annexed its first industry, which was Textone Incorporated Plywood, Westvaco . On June 21, a ribbon was cut on the first city park on Virginia Avenue. At the end of the first month, the city officials reached an agreement for garbage collection and fire protection by the local public service district. The month concluded with the city's first big annexation, south of Bexley Street between Spruill Avenue and
2278-406: The city was 37.90% Non-Hispanic White , 46.69% Non-Hispanic African American , 0.34% Native American , 1.92% Asian , 0.12% Pacific Islander , 0.23% from other races , 1.90% from two or more races, and 10.89% Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 34,012 households, out of which 37.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.0% were married couples living together, 22.8% had
2345-534: The city's second mayor. Kinard's tenure as mayor was tumultuous and was marked by repeated conflict with the City Council; its members stripped Kinard of his mayoral powers during a council meeting. Kinard resigned in 1994 on the grounds that his relationship with the council was damaged irreparably. R. Keith Summey was elected the city's third mayor to fill the vacant seat. Kinard returned to his law practice. In 2023, former North Charleston Police Chief Reggie Burgess
2412-513: The co-located Embassy Suites hotel, they help create an entertainment and cultural complex that serves the City of North Charleston and the entire region: The Jenkins Orphanage (now Jenkins Institute For Children) left Charleston in 1937 and moved to 3923 Azalea Drive in what is now North Charleston. The institute is known for its contributions to child welfare in the area and the Jenkins Orphanage Band. The Park Circle Film Society
2479-403: The county was $ 16,879. About 9.70% of families and 11.80% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over. County government (as of 2023): Berkeley County Council: Other Elected Officials: In 2020 , Joe Biden received 43.3% of the vote, the best performance for a Democrat since Jimmy Carter in 1976 . In 2022,
2546-561: The county. The population density was 130 people per square mile (50 people/km ). There were 54,717 housing units at an average density of 50 per square mile (19/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 68.00% White , 26.63% Black or African American , 0.52% Native American, 1.87% Asian , 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.20% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. 2.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 16.4% were of American , 10.0% German , 8.4% Irish and 7.7% English ancestry according to Census 2000 . Of
2613-520: The current county was created in 1882. Berkeley County is included in the Charleston - North Charleston , SC Metropolitan Statistical Area . Berkeley County was established in 1682. It was named after John and William Berkeley , co-owners of the Province of Carolina . It became part of the Charleston District in 1769. It did not exist as a District during most of the 19th century and generally
2680-408: The end of North Charleston's first year, the population had increased from 22,000 to 53,000, largely through annexation. Through continued growth and the development of 20 churches, a 62-store shopping mall and other large tracts of residential neighborhoods, the city was ranked as the third-largest city in South Carolina on July 3, 1976. On June 12, 1982, North Charleston had a population of 65,000 in
2747-482: The federal government the means to enforce citizens' constitutional rights, and African Americans in South Carolina gradually reclaimed their franchise. As a means of bringing the government closer to the people, an incorporation referendum was held on April 27, 1971. On June 12, 1972, after a series of legal battles, the South Carolina Supreme Court upheld the referendum results. North Charleston became
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2814-601: The former Charleston Naval Base have been transformed into a multiuse Federal complex, with 17 Government and Military tenants, as well as homeport for six RO-RO Military Sealift Command ships, two Coast Guard National Security Cutters , two NOAA research ships, Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy , and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers . Museums, historical sites, and other attractions include: From its establishment in August 1999,
2881-582: The heart of Charleston County." On October 7, 2014, Palmetto Business Daily reported that UC Funds was funding $ 13.9 million in loans to the Chicora Life Center for completion of the project. That newspaper also reported that Bennett Hofford Construction Company also completed Phase 1 of a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC) for the portion of the building leased by the County of Charleston. Discussion between city and state officials regarding
2948-445: The industrial development of the remaining portions of the former base stalled in 2009, primarily due to a dispute over rail access to a proposed intermodal terminal to occupy the central portion of the area. Representatives of the state government sought to have rail access from both the north and south. This notion was contradicted by Mayor Summey, who insisted that the northern rail access be abandoned to avoid heavy rail traffic through
3015-418: The land on the former base without their knowledge. The next year, Noisette borrowed $ 23.7 million from Capmark Investing Group, using most of its remaining land on the base as collateral. Noisette failed to make timely repayment to Capmark, and the property went into foreclosure . Noisette representatives insisted at the time that they would be able to repay Capmark and make good on their vision for redeveloping
3082-431: The national average. The statistics provided are for a crime rate based on the number of crimes committed per 100,000 people. Berkeley County, South Carolina Berkeley County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina . As of the 2020 census , its population was 229,861. Its county seat is Moncks Corner , and the largest community is Goose Creek . After two previous incarnations of Berkeley County,
3149-555: The next year, marked by such events as the opening of the Northwoods Center shopping complex and the development of a beach in the middle of the city with the opening of Treasure Lake. In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated the area, causing a total of over $ 2.8 billion in damage to the South Carolina Lowcountry . In 1991, John E. Bourne, Jr., lost his bid for a sixth term as mayor to Bobby Kinard , who became
3216-507: The old Navy base. In July 2014, the City of North Charleston and Chicora Garden Holdings, LLC announced the planned redevelopment of the old Naval Hospital property, to be known as the Chicora Life Center. As part of that announcement, Chicora Garden Holdings announced an initial $ 3 million investment in the project. The City of North Charleston announced that the Chicora Life Center "will feature myriad social, government, non-profit and care facilities—all in one building conveniently located in
3283-553: The old naval base was finalized in a contractual agreement in early 2004. The plan sought to preserve historic architectural styles, neighborhood diversity, and the area's unique social fabric. It is also intended to restore environmental stability and beauty, attract jobs, improve services such as education and health care, reduce dependence on car travel, promote recreation, eliminate the foundations of crime and poverty, and strengthen residents' sense of pride. In 2005, city officials discovered that Noisette had borrowed $ 3 million against
3350-401: The original planning concept remains today. Some of the streets in the area still bear the names of these original developers: Durant, Buist, Mixon, Hyde, and O'Hear. During World War II , substantial development occurred as the military bases and industries expanded, increasing the personnel assigned there. New residents moved to the region to be closer to their work. From World War II through
3417-416: The other half were practical applications as required by Association of Dive Contractors International . Some additional training courses for certifications ran another two weeks. Training was done on-site in the wet tanks, at the dive stations in the Cooper River , and also nearby piers. IDI was situated at an old Navy base on the Cooper River in North Charleston, South Carolina . Its facilities included
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#17328721160453484-597: The population of Charleston County in 1870 was 73 percent black; they were freedmen by this time. After the Civil War, phosphate fertilizer plants were developed, with extensive strip mining between the Ashley River and Broad Path (Meeting Street Road). The main route for transportation of these phosphates eventually became known as Ashley Phosphate Road. Since the early 20th century, the section of unincorporated Charleston County that later became North Charleston had been designated by Charleston business and community leaders as
3551-421: The population. Of the 65,419 households, 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 27.9% were non-families, and 22.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.10. The median age was 34.5 years. The median household income
3618-521: The poverty line, including 33.8% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those aged 65 or over. With the arrival of Boeing Aircraft, the city is one of only three places in the world for the manufacture and assembly of wide-body long-range commercial aircraft; the other two places are in and around Everett, Washington ( Boeing ); Toulouse , France ( Airbus ). North Charleston is the home to the Global Financial Services – Charleston (a section of
3685-427: The slowly revitalizing Park Circle neighborhood. In October 2009, Boeing announced the selection of North Charleston for its new 787 Dreamliner aircraft assembly and delivery prep center. This positioned North Charleston as one of the major aircraft centers of the world, with the potential for thousands of new jobs to provide quality work for residents of the city and the entire Tri-County area. In December 2010,
3752-439: The southeastern border. As of the 2020 census , there were 114,852 people, 47,066 households, and 24,660 families residing in the city. At the 2010 census , there were 97,471 people, 35,316 households, and 23,271 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,360.6 inhabitants per square mile (525.3/km ). There were 42,219 housing units at an average density of 574.5 per square mile (221.8/km ). The racial makeup of
3819-479: The state Commerce Department on the grounds that its plan violated the city's agreement with the State Ports Authority that no rail be run through the north end of the former base. On April 4, 2015, a shooting incident took place, in which Walter L. Scott, who was driving a car with a suspected broken taillight in North Charleston, was fatally shot after being stopped by Officer Michael T. Slager. A video by
3886-511: Was $ 18,100 for the 2017–18 year with 21 students enrolled. IDI offered programs in Air/Mixed Gas Surface Supplied Welding, Underwater Welding , HAZWOPER / HAZMAT for general and commercial diving, ROV pilot , Underwater Burning, and Diving Supervisor. Courses typically ran for 640 hours over 16 weeks, and met certifications for OSHA and commercial diving jobs. Of those hours, about half were classroom lecture and
3953-424: Was $ 50,777 and the median family income was $ 56,869. Males had a median income of $ 40,534 versus $ 30,997 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 22,865. About 9.9% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over. At the 2000 census , there were 142,651 people, 49,922 households, and 37,691 families living in
4020-406: Was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 36,719, and the median income for a family was $ 34,621. Males had a median income of $ 30,620 versus $ 28,248 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 20,361. About 19.9% of families and 23.2% of the population were below
4087-715: Was a member of Association of Diving Contractors International and trained to the Standards published by the Association of Commercial Diving Educators , the American National Standards Institute , and the Sea Research Society . Admission requirements were: 18 years or older, GED or high school diploma, US citizen, and passing a diving physical exam . Students were not required to have previous experience. Palmetto Business Daily reported that tuition
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#17328721160454154-516: Was also equipped for the refueling of nuclear subs. During this period, the Weapons Station was the Atlantic Fleet's load out base for all nuclear ballistic missile submarines . Two SSBN "Boomer" squadrons and a sub tender were homeported at the Weapons Station, while one SSN attack squadron, Submarine Squadron 4 , and a sub tender were homeported at the Naval Base. At the 1996 closure of
4221-482: Was elected mayor, the first Black person to serve in the role. In 1993 a squadron of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft was established at Charleston Air Force Base , bringing more residents and jobs. The North Charleston Coliseum opened, and the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL began play later that year. The Charleston Naval Base ranked as the largest employer of civilians in South Carolina into
4288-470: Was given a closure date of April 1, 1996. Given its annual expenditures of approximately 1.4 billion dollars in the region, the base's closing represented a major loss of jobs and a blow to the entire Tri-County economy. Over the years, billions of federal dollars had flowed into the region's economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs were filled by military and civilian personnel, the vast majority civilians. Many military personnel who worked at or passed through
4355-508: Was part of the Low Country culture. In 1882, after Democrats regained control of the state legislature following the Reconstruction era , they established the current incarnation of Berkeley County, with its seat at Mount Pleasant . The county seat was moved in 1895 to Moncks Corner. Berkeley is also known for Revolutionary War connections. The Old Berkeley County Courthouse was listed on
4422-653: Was then turned into a school in 2004, establishing its campus in North Charleston, with underwater archaeologist E. Lee Spence as a co-owner, and retaining the Summerville location as a dive shop. In 2004, it was renamed to International Diving Institute and the underwater welding curriculum was added. Both Smith and Spence have served as instructors. In 2016, 12 members of the Seabee Underwater Construction Team 2 (UCT 2) enrolled in IDI's wet welding course. Of
4489-549: Was used for installing in confined spaces with minimal visibility and also for rigging and hoisting. A third tank was used for wet welding. The school also had access to the Cooper River in which dive stations had been installed. The school had a dive shop that also serviced other divers besides the students. North Charleston, South Carolina North Charleston is a city in Berkeley , Charleston , and Dorchester counties in
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