Berkeley County could improve old high school property through Brownfield Grant

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Berkeley County Government is looking to improve the old Saint Stephen High School property through a Brownfield Cleanup Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The county plans to apply for a grant next month to the EPA that would provide funding to remove hazardous materials identified at the property, which closed to the public in 1996.

“When I went there it was known as Russellville High School, and you know, that was back in the 50s,” said Ruthine Finley, who attended the school.

“And I graduated in 1980, and it was Saint Stephen High School- home of the Rams,” added Bernadena Beauford, who also attended classes at the former school.

Ruthine, Bernadena, and Lorraine now enjoy the senior center in one of the buildings on the old campus. This school, which closed in 1996, has seen better days.

“Sad. Because it wasn’t like this when we were here. It was very nice and all of the landscaping and everything was very nice. The teachers were nice and everything but now it’s an old, dilapidated building,” said Finley.

The county began a Brownfield Grant program to fund revitalization in the St. Stephen area in 2022.  According to the county, an assessment identified the property as a potential site for redevelopment to provide more job opportunities and other quality-of-life resources.

“Something for recreation for the younger generation- that’ll be nice for the younger kids to have somewhere to go to be safe.”

Before the county submits its application, they are encouraging the community to review and comment on the draft application with an analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives on Oct. 29. An electronic copy of the draft cleanup application will be made available online beginning Oct. 15.

A public meeting will be held at Saint Stephen Elementary School (1053 Russellville Road) at 6 p.m. where people provide public comment after a review of the plan.