CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston City Council is considering an ordinance that would annex a little over three acres on James Island from the county to the city.
A stormwater system would be built on that land, which would service future townhomes in the area. Social media posts on community group pages are asking the council to vote no to the annexation, but city leaders say some community members may not fully understand what’s in question.
Development planned regardless of annexation decision
Dozens of new townhomes will be built whether the annexation happens or not. The question is whether the city or county will govern a planned stormwater system on the land that could be annexed.
“Whether we do or whether we don’t, there will still be development on that site if it’s in the city 67 townhomes if it’s in the county, I believe 71 so really the question for those who are developing for those who live in the community around it who would you rather have guiding the process from a governmental perspective,” Mike Seekings, Charleston City Councilman said.
If the city annexes the parcel, the conceptual plan for the project would include 67 townhomes. The newly annexed adjacent parcel would be used to satisfy stormwater detention, not additional housing.
If the city rejects the annexation, the conceptual plan for the project would still include 67 townhomes, but it may allow a few more. The project would be subject to two municipal reviews.
City touts stricter flood protections
Another concern from nearby residents is more flooding in an area that’s already prone to floods.
“It’s a special protection area, we require more stringent requirements, especially when it comes to flooding, so as I said, before we require a reduction in water that gets to the downstream system. So in theory, the development cannot make the runoff worse in any scenario because of those requirements,” Ron Bucci, Director of Development Services for the City of Charleston, said.
Seekings said his feeling is that it’s best if the project proceeds in the city, regulated by the city on the zoning side and stormwater side.
City of Charleston Chief Communications Officer Deja Knight McMillan said in a statement, “Staff would prefer that the entire project fall under one set of rules and guidelines so the city can ensure all stormwater requirements are fully and consistently met.”
Bucci said the city has strict regulations that aim to ensure flood conditions don’t get worse with new developments.
“The goal of the city is to make sure that these sorts of projects are not adversely impacting downstream properties or surrounding properties and that’s why we have these stringent requirements,” he said.
All of the council members, except one, voted yes of the ordinance and two members abstained.
