The unexpected announcement came at the end of Hallman's third State of the Town address, which primarily focused on his goals to keep town growth in check.

He said the town made its $7 million Hunley offer with the expectation of getting an answer within a few months. Instead, it's been a year, and the Hunley Commission has so far rejected the offers of Mount Pleasant, Charleston and North Charleston to provide the Hunley a permanent home.

Hunley Commission Chairman Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, has said all of the offers fall short of what he thinks is needed to build a proper museum for the submarine. North Charleston offered the most, at $11 million. But McConnell said a museum may require $38 million.

Hallman said the town has set aside hospitality tax revenue to support the offer, and the money could be used for other town needs, such as roads and a waterfront park.

He intends to call a special meeting of council in the next couple of weeks to discuss pulling the Hunley proposal.

Late Tuesday, McConnell said he hoped that Mount Pleasant, which made its offer with Patriot's Point, would "stay the course," but that he would not intrude into the town's decision-making process.

He reiterated the importance of making the right decision for housing the Hunley for the long term, saying it requires an investment of $35 million to $40 million.

"We can't rush into this decision ... We won't be stampeded into making one," said McConnell, adding that the commission appointed a subcommittee of members who aren't from the Charleston area to study the proposals further.

Patriot's Point, which provided about $1 million of Mount Pleasant's total offer, would not join the town in withdrawing from the proposal.

"We still feel Patriot's Point is the appropriate place for the Hunley's home," said Jim McElroy, spokesman for the naval and maritime museum.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said he understands Hallman's frustration but had no comment about possible action by Mount Pleasant Town Council.

"Harry's got to do what he's got to do, and I don't question another mayor's decisions."

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. was unavailable for comment Tuesday night.

Most of Hallman's address Tuesday pertained to growth issues. Hallman said he plans to ask Town Council to consider buying and renovating the three-theater cinema on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard near Anna Knapp Boulevard for use as a museum, visitors center and forum for conferences, theatrical productions, art exhibits and training seminars. He proposed paying for the project with hospitality tax revenue and money set aside for the town's visitors center.

He also encouraged the council to urge the U.S. Post Office to build a post office near S.C. Highway 41.

HIGHLIGHTS

-- Mayor Harry Hallman Jr. is going to ask Town Council to consider retracting the town's offer of about $7 million to build a proposed Hunley museum at Patriot's Point.

ON THE WEB

Go to www.charleston.net/speech/hallman.shtml to read Mayor Harry Hallman Jr.'s 2003 State of the Town Address.

Used with Permission from the Post and Courier and Charleston.Net   Mt. Pleasant May Pull Hunley Museum Bid Wednesday February 12, 2003 5:14pm http://www.abcnews4.com/news/stories/0203/74013.html Mount Pleasant (AP) - Mount Pleasant may withdraw its offer to build a museum to display the Confederate submarine Hunley.  Mayor Harry Hallman says the town made its $7 million dollar offer a year ago, expecting a decision in months.  He says the town set aside hospitality tax money for the offer. He says that money could be used for roads and a waterfront park.  Charleston Senator Glenn McConnell chairs the South Carolina Hunley Commission. He says bids from Mount Pleasant, Charleston and North Charleston are all too low.  He's suggested the communities be allowed to submit revised offers. McConnell estimates the cost of a museum at about $38 million dollars.    Hallman says he will ask town council to consider retracting its Hunley offer.  The Hunley was the first submarine to sink an enemy warship.