Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Residential Annexations and Density in West Ashley
Three West Ashley property owners have asked to have their parcels — on Teracotta Drive, Kaolin Street, and Doncaster Drive — annexed into the city. Annexation brings city services, zoning, and city property taxes to those parcels.
Wholesale window replacements in historic districts
Three applications ask to replace all windows — including one appealing a prior staff denial. How the board treats original windows in historic districts is a recurring tension between preservation and modern comfort.
Point Hope North Residential Phase 2 growth in Cainhoy
A 103-lot single-family phase on 94.4 acres in Cainhoy is moving through technical review. Roads and drainage plans for the development are on the same agenda.
Large accommodations project modification at 131 Columbus St.
The owners of a previously approved accommodations use on Columbus Street want to shrink the building — cutting required contiguous meeting space from 15,000 to 12,000 square feet. Neighbors who weighed in on the original approval may want to weigh in again.
Live Oak Square expansion on Johns Island
The Live Oak Square development wants to add three 3-story buildings with 89 more units off Reva Ridge Drive. The board's preliminary review is an early design checkpoint before the project moves forward.
Daniel Island Golf Club Teaching and Laundry Facilities
Daniel Island Golf Club is seeking site plan approval for new golf teaching and laundry facilities along with parking and utility upgrades. The project requires Board of Architectural Review oversight.
Pearl Baker Property Subordinations and Mortgage Modifications
The commission will review loan subordinations and mortgage modifications for several properties linked to Pearl Baker, affecting affordable housing management and property financing. These changes help homeowners or housing programs adjust their loan terms.
Cainhoy Del Webb Phase 2 RV and Boat Storage Facility
A proposed three-story storage building on Clements Ferry Road received final design approval after the developer simplified plant palettes and building elements based on board feedback.
Hope Center transition at 529 Meeting Street
The city renewed $215,210 in funding for Star Gospel Mission to keep helping homeless residents dealing with mental illness.
Disability Housing and Community Models
Commissioners discussed housing models for people with disabilities, debating whether specialized communities like SOS Cares offer helpful support or isolate residents from mainstream life.
West Ashley Commercial Development (McDonald's)
Review of a site plan for a new McDonald's restaurant on West Ashley Circle. The project brings new commercial infrastructure to the West Ashley PUD zone.
James Island Commercial Redevelopment and Demolitions
Two older ranch houses on Harbor View Road are set to be demolished after owners cited major maintenance issues, making way for new neighborhood possibilities.
Multifamily Residential Development at 1820 Wallace School Road
A developer is proposing a new six-unit multifamily residential building on a small parcel in West Ashley.
Ripley Cove Townhomes Early Site Package
An early site package for a future townhome development on Ripley Point Drive is under review.
MUSC Decant and Exterior Improvements at Citadel Mall
MUSC is proposing exterior building improvements, sitework, and landscaping at 2068 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard.
Washington Park Area Character Appraisal
Graduate students presented a detailed history and character appraisal of Washington Park, highlighting its African American heritage and current development pressures.
Cottage Development at Daniel Island Golf Club
Daniel Island Golf Club received approval for four new detached cottages, an amenity building, and associated parking.