A legal dispute is currently unfolding over the future of Charleston’s Union Pier, as the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) takes legal action against Norfolk Southern regarding land deed restrictions that could derail a major redevelopment project.
The Heart of the Dispute
At the center of the lawsuit is a 1957 deed that Norfolk Southern claims imposes limits on how the Ports Authority can use the property. The railroad company argues that the land, which is part of the historic Union Pier Terminal, is restricted to “public purposes only.” Norfolk Southern is demanding $36 million to release this restriction.
However, the SCPA contends that the restriction was tied to old tax benefits and is no longer enforceable. The agency argues that it acquired the land decades ago through eminent domain and now has full rights to the property.
Plans for Waterfront Development
The SCPA is seeking to sell off a portion of Union Pier to make way for a large-scale waterfront redevelopment project. The development would include new housing, retail spaces, civic areas, and increased public access to the waterfront. Officials say clearing up the legal ambiguity surrounding the land deed is crucial for moving forward with the sale and development plans.
Legal Action and Urgency
In response, the SCPA has filed a lawsuit asking a Charleston County judge to declare Norfolk Southern’s claim invalid and unenforceable. The Ports Authority is also requesting that the case be expedited, emphasizing the need to finalize the sale and redevelopment plans as soon as possible.
The Bigger Picture
The legal battle presents a significant obstacle to what is poised to be one of Charleston’s largest and most transformative projects in recent years. The outcome of the case could determine the fate of the redevelopment plan for Union Pier, a prime piece of real estate in the city’s waterfront area.
