Charleston City Council approves first reading of controversial Radcliffeborough rezoning request

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston City Council passed the first reading of a controversial rezoning request in the Radcliffeborough neighborhood Monday night, which may bring a parking garage into the area.

In a roll-call vote after public comments and a lengthy staff discussion, a majority of the council approved the ordinance during the city council meeting. 15 Radcliffe Street now stands a step closer to being rezoned from diverse residential to mixed-use or general business.

“That 2000 square foot area of land is part of our city centers, which would be mixed-use in that location. Which would mean all uses from offices, residential, parking, to retail stores that kind of thing,” Christopher Morgan, planning manager for the City of Charleston, said. “So, that’s why we from a staff standpoint are recommending for the rezoning, and that’s why the planning commission recommended it as well.”

However, the Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association told News 2 they are not in support of this.

“I want everybody to realize Radcliffeborough’s neighborhood association is not going away. We really would like to see a better use of this site, we are very supportive of some sort of housing, but also looking at it as housing that doesn’t need a certain amount of parking,” said Elizabeth Soule Brainard, president of the association.

Multiple residents and neighbors of the area spoke during public comments at Tuesday night’s meeting. Among the concerns included potential impacts to the character of the area, traffic, and the community.

“I don’t agree with the parking mantra that we need more parking. King Street is chock-a-block with customers,” Jim Doyle, vice president of the association, said.

“The peninsula provides the tax base which gives them the money to provide for their communities, and by not being forward-thinking. They are in the process of destroying this lovely area, which people come to because it’s so different from the United States,” Elaine Doyle, a neighbor said.

The residents told News 2 that they commended the three councilmembers, who represent the peninsula districts, for voting against the request.

Though the sentiments did not sway some of the councilmembers, as a majority voted in favor of approving the first reading. Those representatives cited the need to continue economic development on King Street, giving more options for churchgoers to park, and the city’s comprehensive plan.

“We’ve built parking garages next to hotels to accommodate businesses primarily. We’ve built garages in communities to accommodate business, the community, the College of Charleston, and the religious community,” Perry Waring, councilmember for district seven, said.

The ordinance is expected to go to second-reading at the next city council meeting.