SC Ports defers to City of Charleston in plans for Union Pier redevelopment

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Leaders are pumping the brakes on a plan to redevelop the Union Pier terminal in downtown Charleston.

South Carolina Ports Authority CEO Barbara Melvin said during a Friday morning press conference that the SC Ports will defer recommendations to the city’s Planning Commission to allow more time and community input on the redevelopment project.

It comes after both the city and port received significant feedback from the community and various conservation groups regarding the proposed plans.

Following a series of public feedback sessions, the plans were revised and presented by South Carolina Ports Authority CEO Barbara Melvin at a June 7 meeting.

Updates to the project included more greenspaces, adjusted building heights, and more affordable housing units.

Still, the plan could not get enough support to move forward and the City of Charleston Planning Commission decided to table all votes until a later date.

Editor’s note: This story is breaking and will be updated.