Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting

traditional neighborhood development. Photos here show the subject property being a clear vacant lot and the property fronts on East Monu Avenue. Uh zone B1 uh the other properties fronting on East Monu and B2 most are cleared lots or occupied by single family houses and vacant commercial buildings. Uh the intent of B1 zoning is to is to encourage neighborhood scale commercial nodes and corridors that are compatible with traditional neighborhood residential. R2 zoning would not be out of character with the existing zoning neighborhood portion of property that is currently R1 located parallel would complement the existing B1 zoning on the front given the traditional neighborhood development designation. Uh given that the traditional development designation supports multifamily and appropriately scaled commercial uses, staff is recommending approval of the proposed reszoning of a portion of the property from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. All right. Do any of the commissioners have any questions for staff?

I have a question. Um, do they have a plan if they they get approved for the or the R2, they already have a plan in place on the size of the dwelling they're going to build there? So, when we're considering these zoning changes, we are not supposed to consider the project. There is a project that has been discussed. They have discussed town hall. This part that is not necessarily what we're here to discuss. We're here to discuss whether or not the zoning of the property, the proposed zoning is appropriate in this location.

Any other commissioners have questions for staff? Is the applicant here? Yes. Just state your name for the record. Yeah. Ford Smith of Charleston for public want to say anything on that? Yeah. Yeah. So, appreciate everybody coming out, the whole community. We'd love to see it. You know, what we're trying to do is reszone from R1 to R2. You know, as they said, um our goal is to build town homes. We've heard a lot of people talking about apartment.

We've heard a lot of people talking about um you know, big apartment buildings. Just want to reiterate that our goal is to do town halls. Um as the zoning is in the front to do office for retail in the V1 and then town homes in the back with the goal of the retail building office building blocking the town homes. Um I know there's a lot of concern about rental property. We do not plan to have these as rental property properties that would be for sale that anybody could buy. Um, we do think it is a good fit for the area with a comprehensive plan and, you know, we wish to work with the community to develop a product that everybody's happy with. Um, you know, we're open to all feedback and um, you know, I even hit the streets myself on Saturday. I saw some of the flyers you're passing out. I was out on Saturday in the rain, you know, as the developer trying to get the correct information out. um on what we are trying to do there after hearing about the apartment complex. Um we're not a big hedge fund. We're a local group, local guys. Our office is right on the crossroad. You know, I'm born and raised here in Charleston. By no means do we want to push anybody out. We're just trying to do something that would be, you know, rolling with progress, but also respecting the community. And again, we're open to any and all feedback. Our goal is just to create more housing, especially with Roper coming in. There's going to be a demand for nurses, doctors, you know, tons of more people coming in. So, there is going to be a need for housing. Um, I do think having town homes in this condensed area will create, you know, a good amount of density, more homes while also keeping it in a confined space. Um, you know, I know we're not considering the plans, but we do, you know, um, want

to have a buffer around the property, a large fence to again, you know, make it aesthetically pleasing. And we're just open to any and all feedback. And I appreciate you guys coming out. Happy to answer any questions staff asked. Any other commissioners have any questions for the applicant? Is this your first opportunity to address uh members of the community civic organization? Yes. So, you haven't spoken to like a civic organization?

Spoken to a small group of Liberty Hill. Um and they, you know, we were hoping we would set up a meeting with the larger community. Other than that, as soon as we heard about the uh apartment rumor going around, we just hit the streets right before the meeting to try to get that information out there. Um, you know, we do want to have further meetings and hopefully could come together to get a product that everybody likes. You know, the concerns that I'm hearing is rent rentals. You know, I've heard that several times. They're not going to be rentals. I know they would like to keep the aesthetic the same, you know, as what's in the neighborhood, which I completely understand. I will say that onestory, you know, town homes, typically they are twotory. A lot of the homes in Liberty Hill are one story. Um but you know that this is the first time speaking to the community outside of you know the flyers and speaking to a small group of um you know Liberty Hill members. Okay.

Thank you. Any other commissioners have questions for the applicants?

Again this is a public hearing. So, uh, we will begin calling names of individuals who have signed up to speak. Uh, remember as we go through the list, if you haven't had a chance to sign up but still want to speak towards the, uh, towards the end, we'll let you know when you can do that. The first name that I have on the list is Winfred Wright.

Good evening. What's the name? It's Winford, right? Winford. Yes. Um 4964 Elizabeth Avenue. Okay. Um me and my wife too sat Saturday in the rain flyers.

We are against it because um Liberty Hill is a historical for the city of North Charleston. Liberty Hill is 154 years old. This enhanced city of North Charleston. fact that we were lose that and possibly lose the part that we may came a historical zoning zoning history zoning that what he's asking for will probably knock us out. So we ask that this this committee keep it as as it is and the fact that uh taxes will go up which this could go up regardless you get it or not but the idea we want that historical you know and so I stand before you guys and actually stay thrown as it is. Thank you.

Anybody got any questions? Oh, also can one second ask those who from Liberty um stand with me please stand up with R2 so we can see who's these are Liberty Hillian so we all come as together as a group against this great thank Uh, the next person I have on the list is Sam Hart. My name is Sam Hart. I live at 4789 Hassel Avenue. in Liberty Hill. You can see by the number of people here that we have a great interest in deny your denial of this reszoning. There's an epidemic that is going on by developers who do not live in the city or the state of South Carolina but have connection with the developers who do live in the city or the state of South Carolina. The only thing that I can say is that the developers are interested in mostly one thing. They say they're

interested in improving the community, but they are interested in the almighty dollar. After the development and they leave your community, you are left to grapple with the problems that occur development increase in practice for the elder. Excuse me. for the elders and the property owners and I ask you to deny this request for rejoining. Thank you

Nelson. Good evening. Good evening.

My name is Evette Wilson and I am a descendant of from 4960 Gainor Avenue, the granddaughter of Caleb and Thomasina Gillard. I'm here tonight um to ask that you deny this request in your that's presented before you. I say that growing up or coming back to Liberty Hill, seeing the changes that have happened over time due to development, I remember walking the streets of Liberty Hill and seeing friends and family because if you're from Liberty Hill, every other person was related to you. And so we had that common um experience on Liberty Hill. And lately, we're seeing something different or I'm seeing something different. Every time I come home, there's some little pocket development that is told to me that this is a person that's just living here and they're enjoying the beauty of North Charleston. My concern is what happened to our community? Why were their values not put before the um investors who come in seeking profit? These families are here. when you bring on all of this new development, how is the schools impacted? How is the taxes impacted? And all of these things do not lead to a stronger community. And we had that right here.

We had that. We were strong and we bound. And because of past practices, our community is fragmented because you brought families amongst us that were not a part of us. and then you didn't do your best to in, you know, help them adjust to the way we live, right? Everybody looked after everybody. We don't see that now. And we're just afraid that another project coming in promising the world but giving us the same results. We're asking that you deny this and leave, and no offense here, leave our community alone. Let us grow and let us maintain our historic value and our families. Thank you.

Next person I have on the list is uh Carrie Gamrell.

Yeah. My name is Krie Gambriel. I'm a homeowner on Liberty Hill. I'm raised and born on Liberty Hill all my life. I'm standing here uh actually to deny this because I'm with making Liberty Hill the historical neighborhood. A lot of reason is that one my biggest reason is that in the morning time when I get ready to go to work I can't even get on Avenue due to the traffic congestion on Monu Avenue coming down from Sanders Ezekiel Independent Hassel Abraham cannot get out to go to work

can't get in come back home after work so I'm here standing on on their behalf of making it a historical neighborhood, not allowing the development to come in there to change this due to that impact of traffic that we already have. So if I look at it five years from now, I going to see that I might need one of these and shift that I just can lift up and drive off the hill because I won't be able to get out. Patricia Gamrell.

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Latricia Gamrell. I'm that man's wife. We live at 4 We live at 4704 Mint Avenue. I'm asking that the development not take place for several reasons. One, it's not going to be affordable. My husband and I was privileged enough to get a brand new home that we can afford to pay the mortgage on. We're not struggling. We don't live from paycheck to paycheck. If you're going to put housing in Liberty Hill, give another family a chance to have the same opportunity that we've been given.

Second reason, it is historical. If you go across Mittson and Liberty Hill, you don't see apartment complexes. You don't see a townhouse. You look straight down there. The folks have a community as a neighborhood. And just like the other people said, we are a family. I help my neighbor anytime she needs it. My neighbors come to me and help me anytime I need it. Bringing a developing company ahead. No disrespect, sir, but it has to be affordable. It cannot be $2,000 a month when you living off of Oh, I'm sorry. When you living off of $15 an hour,

who can pay that kind of rent or mortgage? If you want to bring houses here, I'm talking Make it I mean, I'm talking to the Make it a house. Give someone a chance to live affordably who's from here like my husband to have an opportunity to build and become have keep a family go to their churches. We walk to church on Sundays. It's only a block away. Keep it that way. It's quiet. There's no place I can sit on my porch at 3:00 in the morning and thank God. No place I can come out on my porch and there's no noise other than the traffic. There's no crime. If you bring others in here, you got to babysit their families, too. And that's when you have crime, mishap, and corruption. So, please deny the building of the condos or town houses and let Liberty Hill stay the way it is. Craig Mitchell this first There's ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and

gentlemen, uh I've come to you to ask that you deny this request for uh building these. Sir, if you could state your name and your address. My name is Craig F. Mitchell.

I am the uh I'm the president of the Liberty Hill Redevelopment Group and I live at 8806 Lannister Drive and that is in North Charleston. Yes. Uh, but I come to you today asking that you deny uh this request to build these uh town houses in Liberty Hill. But I gave you uh the first sheet with that blue house. That's a sheet that respectively a builder came and he asked us what we thought. He as the leadership of the community what we thought of them building these type houses in the community. These type houses are the the uh what's in the community right now that's aesthetically pleasing to the community. It won't change the landscape of the community at all. The uh the the the the one this one this is of Day Hill. These are the developers came into Day Hill and what they did they built 17 of these buildings and didn't include the community at all. So, and this is this is what we are trying to stave off. The developers came into the community over the weekend when it was raining and they said that they had heard what we said. All they had to do is call me. My number didn't change, but they came in the rain and they started saying what we did, what what what what they what they thought we were saying. We knew what was coming, but we meet with the community once a month. Every month, community is well informed as to what we're doing. And a development and in Liberty Hill, it belongs to me. That's a redevelopment of Liberty Hill. And no developer came and talked to me but this other one. And

what I'm asking is that we consider the 154 rich history of Liberty Hill. It's been of single family homes for nearly 15 154 years and we want to keep that because all over this nation we look at communities like Liberty Hill and they've changed. The landscape has changed. People go to communities that used to be theirs but no longer theirs. We want to keep what we have. We want to build upon it. We need capital and we will get it and we're working on it. We need a facelift for the community and we're doing it. But we don't need someone to come in and tell us what it is that we need in our community. It's not time. It's time out for that. We've done it too long.

So, we're asking you all to please know on this and any developer that comes in, please contact the leadership of the community and we'll talk to you. Thank you, [Music] Michelle White. Sorry. I am Michelle Gathers White of 4761 Hassel and our property actually backs up to a portion of our property actually backs up to the proposed property that's um to be or asked to be zoned R2. I ask that and implore each of you to vote no on that project. As the ones that have come before me, we uh stand together in saying no to overdevelopment. I am all for progress. I am all for improving things that uh need improving. But creating a congested uh neighborhood, I am not for. I see the words traditional uh neighborhood development. And what my idea of traditional neighborhood development is not overcrowding. And right now we are on the cusp of that. If we allow more uh R2 building in our neighborhood, we already have it across Monagu on the other side on Bonds Avenue, Lester, and I believe Luella, there's already R2 building. So, or the at least the zoning. So, I believe that we have enough and that we need to continue in the framework of Liberty Hill that has had, as I said, in this history and the tradition, if you want to call that tradition, let's be the tradition of the um saving our neighborhood. at saving the the fiber of

our neighborhood how we see it. Let's not change that because we do have individuals like myself, third generation. My grandfather um built that land. My parents are here. OC and Ernest Gathers that have been there the entire what 60 years of your marriage, 60 something years of their marriage. And here I am back. I lived in Atlanta, came back. Here I am back on Liberty Hill. It's a tradition. I'm using your words. Let's keep it a tradition. Let's keep it single family homes and promote that. Take the empty lots. Let's put family homes on them. As the one young lady, I don't know her name, said before. Let's keep that tradition. Let's not move forward with overdevelopment in our neighborhood for the congestion purposes on Monu. Of course, I deal with it as well coming out of Hassel and all of the things that that factor in when you're trying to crowd people in. I know they look at that as good development. It is not because after it's sold, we have no control over what the owners do with it. It will create the uh Airbnbs and the rentals after they purchase it. We have no control over who buys it. So, transient people coming in and out, they don't add value to a neighborhood because they have no roots there. So, let the people who have the roots have a say in what happens going forward. We ask you to vote. No. Valerie Young.

Valerie Harper Young, 4763 Alexandria Drive, North Charleston. I'm the president of the neighborhood association.

Okay, this is what I think you all already have it and you have it up there. That's the footprint of Liberty Hill already that the city of North Charleston approved and they approved it for a reason because they're wanting to keep a certain density in Liberty Hill. So, we are here tonight to say no to R2 zoning in our neighborhood. Liberty Hill is a small and is small and our streets, parking, and drainage systems can't handle highdensity housing. When you add more people than the area can support, it hurts the quality of life for everyone who lives here. Years ago, when the city did the B1 B2, B1 can accommodate anything. So already there's actually property that can be actually developed as apartments. We already have R2 that can be developed as apartments. Let's leave that there and don't add to problem. We've seen developers come in with drawings and that don't match the reality, buildings that are too large, limited parking that doesn't fit, and plans that would change the look and feel of our community. It feels like they don't respect the people who built and care for Liberty Hill centuries, a century and a half. We're not against growth. We're here to support single family homes for working families making about $8,000 which is the mean for the city of North Charleston. Homes may be about $250,000 $300,000 where we can afford we can buy stay and raise our children there. So we ask for that Charleston affordable development group not over bill or overpric the units to recoup their investment. We ask them to work with our neighborhood association, our neighborhood to plan housing that fits our needs, not be against our needs. So tonight, we ask that you stand with

Liberty Hill. Help us to protect our history, protect our people, and protect our future. No to R2 zoning in Liberty Hill. Thank you,

Courtney Waters. Good evening. Um, my name is Courtney Waters. I live at 1204 Ty Lane. And, uh, that is not an address on Liberty Hill. It's an address in Park Circle, but I'm here as a South Carolina State House representative who represents Liberty Hill and quite frankly, almost every property that's on your list for consideration tonight. And so, there's a lot happening in District 113 where I serve. And I won't restate what's being what's been said. Um I I've had a lot of conversation with community leaders, the various groups that are in Liberty Hill. And honestly, um, it's been very impressive to work in Liberty Hill on Liberty Hill, uh, because it is my only community that is so organized and has so many folks who are, uh, sitting in roles that are very much necessary um, and trying to align behind a common purpose and strategy. And what is deeply concerning to me almost to the point of frustration is that I don't believe that we have dealt in earnest with the community of Liberty Hill. I say that because I think it was April when I sat in the city council meeting with the community members of Liberty Hill and they asked for a historic zoning overlay. And I know that wasn't the first time because prior to that in about December, I sat in one of their community meetings and listened to them have discussion about what they needed still to do in order to be eligible to make the ask. I sat in another meeting around January or something uh somewhere around that time when they uh sent out letters and and envelopes and got a team to work off hours um to try to get information out to the community to bring information in. And around June, I

I called around uh to some folks and I said, "What's going on with the zoning overlay in Liberty Hill?" And I learned that it still had not happened. And my job at that point was to figure out why. And I've had a lot of really productive conversations. And what I've come away with is the city is still asking them to jump through a lot of hoops to still uh get more information, collect signatures, collect letters of support. I've sent one personally. And whether the zoning overlay happens or not uh is not what's up for discussion today. But I wanted to make sure that I established that Liberty Hill is in process of trying to do everything they know to do to save the value and preserve the quality and character of the current neighborhood and piece by piece we are taking it out of their hands. And I don't believe that that is a genuine way to work when we say, "Wait, I'm going to work with you on this zoning overlay." But at the same time, we are making decisions on individual parcels that will in fact impact the integrity of the community. And the other thing that I would say is I am familiar with at least one other organization that wants to do development in Liberty Hill that is respecting and I would ask for a little grace as a state official to just finish my comments. Um because I will be brief but there is at least one organization that I know of that worked with the community to design a property a structure that the community did agree with. I have found Liberty Hill to actually be easy to work with if they're listened to and worked with in earnest. And so I ask that at this time you deny any reasonzoning. And the last thing that I would say about it is I understand that you are supposed to be discussing not the property that will

be built but the zoning and that you do have this zoning in the community at the same already. But it is again not the highest best thing we can do to do things simply because we can. Sometimes we have to do what is in the best interest of the people and not our profits. Thank you.

So I don't want to butcher your name but I have a Ashley Ashley. Okay. Thank you. My address is 4550 Durant Avenue. Thank you for letting me speak here tonight. Um, so I just want to say I stand in full support of Liberty Hill Community and I'm in strong opposition. Please ask

and I stand in strong opposition to any effort to reszone the neighborhood from R1 to R2. This issue is not abstract for me. My grandparents bought a home on Raven Avenue in the 40s. And that very house where my mother was born and raised. And the bonds that she actually built, I've been able to cultivate on my own since making North Charleston my home for the last 20 years. Family and friends know that Liberty Hill, its community stakeholders have earned the right to be taken seriously through persistence, self-determination, and stewardship. Liberty Hill has stood for over 150 years as a living record of black independence and resilience in the Low Country. And yet, although is often cited, celebrated verbally that Liberty Hill isn't is an historic community, the very merits of that history are being quietly eroded. This happens not only through resoning proposals like this one, but also through sloww walking li groups like the Liberty Hill Improvement Council and their effort for historic overlays, measures that would formally safeguard the neighborhood's historic and cultural integrity. This is a serious moment, one that will reveal whether our city's commitment to preservation is symbolic or substantive. Reszoning this property is not progress. It is a mistake. Once R1 becomes R2, others will follow. What begins as one minor adjustment can quickly erode the stability and identity that generations before us work so hard to protect. If Liberty Hill is ever to obtain protections it truly deserves and is entitled to, might I add, this proposed reasoning charge or change must not move forward. This isn't about blocking development. It's about defending balance, belonging, and legacy. Just as every other historic district in Liberty Hills radius has accomplished, and rather easily, rejecting this proposed honor honors those before and respects the living legacies of those who currently reside there. And remember, if

nothing else, that Liberty Hill is not just a neighborhood. It is a lineage, a beautiful living thing having earned its autonomy. Protect Liberty Hill and deny this request, please. Thank you,

Regina Hackett. Good afternoon. I am Regina Hatton. I reside at 2823 Ponobscot Drive in North Charleston. Um I am just here tonight to ask that this request is denied because I came out here in 20 20 the end of 22, the beginning of 23 to ask for the very same thing. I wanted to change a piece of my property to R2 so that I could build um maybe about five or six. Um I sort of wanted well I do want I I wanted an apartment building but I wanted it for seniors and I wanted it for veterans. I wanted it for uh just folks that um might have needed uh uh well a place to stay like a nursing home. So if if I am a 70-year resident of Liberty Hill, so if I've been a resident for that long and somebody comes in that doesn't know anything about Liberty Hill and want to try to do a thing that I don't think is necessary or that shouldn't be done for Liberty Hill, I'm trying to figure why would you tell me no, but then you would tell somebody else yes. Mhm.

So, if you're telling him yes, then I'm going to go look into it to see if it's okay for me to do it. So, I I I really think you need to just say no to anybody or everybody. If you're going to say no, just say it to everybody, not just one person.

Because I was looking out for I I needed um uh what's that word I'm looking uh affordable. I was looking to build affordable homes for like I said seniors and veterans. Some you have homeless and this that and the next thing. You have some people that can't care for their family because they're working and mama's home by herself. Well, if mama can live over here in this apartment and she's got people around her that it can also help to look out for her because if everybody's seniors, everybody gets along and this that and the next thing. But I still say if I am a a a a veteran resident of Liberty Hill and you tell me no, and I think the new person should get no, [Applause]

J Whipper. J Seth Whipper. Yes.

Good evening everyone. JF Whipper at 4820 Sanders Avenue, North Charleston on Liberty Hill. Um, so I I started out on Liberty Hill in 1949, 1969 and moved around and came back in ' 86 and I've been living there ever since. Um I served as a state representative for that area others the district that was um Courtney took over and so um here's the story before I got into elected office member of the group council and I can't tell you how long it was uh okay in the 80s in the 80s We we work along through the noise act program to propose the neighborhood plan for Liberty Hill which made recommendations for lot sizes. It was the emphasis for the R1 rating that occurred has stood for so long and we even had designs of houses and some other things. And then a few years later we did a second one. I think at the time I did that, I think sometime around when the uh what is now the low country uh mortary service when they came about because I remember Mr. Hilton moved back and we offered another plan that had to do with what we thought was appropriate for the lots that we had in keeping with the R1 designations as well as setting up some streetscapes for that part of East Monu to coincide with what was being done with Noise and other kinds of development. So the community the doortodoor nextdoor neighbor people were coming to the

community council meetings and we were making these particular recommendation for what we wanted. Well you know things happen and stuff gets delayed but the issue of R1 was primary to us and we battled with our neighbors to keep our one. Mr. I was fortunate enough to get a few things done uh because people had been grandfathered in, but we stayed R1 because of what happened with the public housing, but it's always been R1 and we have been working to a then as a part of that appreciation 154 year history you hear about the community. There's serious efforts being made for that historical designation. And as well, I mean, you got a church up there that was started, congregation started just after the Civil War. Matter of fact, I take that back. It was a year or two before the Civil War ended, which is St. Peters am church. The church itself is on the National Historical R. Okay. So, we're we're here to to say this is nothing that we're playing with. This is serious stuff. All of us have made sacrifices to maintain that R1 today. We know that it's important and so we are asking that you would recognize that as a part of your decision because the zoning is important. But we have a plan for the future of the community.

Looks like Marty Bell. Mr. Continu [Laughter] so as well. That was my fault. Connie Shaw. Connie Shaw.

My name is Connie Shaw. I live at 49 49 Avenue. Um, I've been in this community for about nine years. When I moved, it was uh 2008. I got married to somebody who's here. I'm not going to call his name. And um we got divorced in 2011. coming along the streets. I saw a sign a property for sale. I bought that property and maybe after three years another sign I bought that property. Um since I've been a resident of Liberty Hill, I understand what people saying keeping Liberty Hill story. Um, a year ago I sold my second property to this man over here, um, Brad Smith. And, uh, across the streets across from my house, they built a two-story house. It was old decapicated house that they repaired that house. And I think that what the people are doing in the community is a good thing. And I understand what the resident are saying about keeping it portable and keeping it restored though. when I sold my house, when I sold my second property and the guy next to me, he sold his property right uh on the corner of Lester and Nesbbit and they built two units there and I think it's beautiful. You drive down Nesbbit, you see those? I think it's it's lovely and I think what

the people are doing and if you ride down different house different streets in Liberty Hill you would see these houses but I'm going to say I'm just going to say stand neutral because like I say I'm not I'm now a resident of looking Hill you understand but I appreciate how the people are coming in and taking these old houses and putting up new houses. But like the female said, um, what I say is that

I'm for it if they're going to put up something affordable. So there's no rich people here. I understand what the people are saying. They want to keep it. So right now, my vote is just open. Russian language. Y'all didn't hear that. All right. All right.

So, I think this is Charles. Jerome Smalls.

Hey, how y'all doing? My name is Jerome Smalls. I live at 4902 Gainer Avenue, which is in Liberty Hill. Um, I start off by saying I am not in support of y'all reszoning it to R2. Um, I bought my first property at that address that I just shared with you. I'm from North Charleston. I'm not from Liberty Hill. But I was able to afford a home that was built by someone from Liberty Hill that looks like Liberty Hill. And that's how I got my first piece of the American dream here in the city that I was born and raised in. And my thing is when we talk about R2, um the issue with that is that I left DC where there was plenty of congestion and apartments and so forth. And all we're asking is for our little 112 acres to actually feel like a neighborhood just like so many other neighborhoods in the city of North Charleston. And asking for it not just to be affordable, but attainable for the next generation of folks who are from this community, from this city who can't afford to live here. When we think about what is right, what is per what is purposeful as a city and as a staff that should be working for us, the people, we're asking that we keep an R1. Um, uh, we've heard things about this being good for the region and for the development, and that might be true, but it's not good for this neighborhood. There's plenty other spaces, um, for us to think about further development. And I ask that the planning commission be more strategic about where they actually want density and where they can allow the people who are asking for a traditional neighborhood aesthetic to remain. So, um, I also want to say that, um, we are asking to honor history and legacy. I am not from Liberty Hill, but I immediately can see its value and its beauty and its history. And that's why I'm immediately have been a part of trying to preserve Liberty Hill, even though I'm just a kid from Dorchester Road, because it is so easy to see. And I don't understand why our team and our community has to come out in such droves every time to continuously ask the city that works for us and that is paid by us to work for

us. Amen. And so with that being said, um this has been a struggle for me because throughout our country, and Mr. Craig hit on it a little bit, black folks and black land has always been seen as despendable as an opportunity to weather down the price point so that way capitalism can do what capitalism does and buy low and sell high.

We're asking for actual investment. We're asking for actual support. We're asking for an opportunity um to be seen as worthy of being developed as is and for what we have a vision for and not for what others have a vision for. Um and I guess the thing I'll say I know when we talk about a true frail market, highest and best use is the idea, but the city is not in the business of being always about highest and best use. The city is being in the business of representing its constituents. And right now you have a room full of your constituents asking you to vote no. Um, so again, I hope that we don't have to continue to come up in droves to make a statement, but we will. Um, because we are a city, a community that's unified, and I ask that the developer thinks about things that is unique and and and novel in how they approach it. There is the community first land trust that can help keep homes affordable forever. There are ways to think about single family homes that can have density as Liberty Hills already separated in such small lots. So, that's my time. Um, and I ask that you vote no in support of the community and what we want. have uh Quentyn Grant.

Uh Chris Collins also we're on we're on this one right now though.

So I support the people of the V Hill with the school on the video. Well, Chris calling the 126 Successfield Road. We also own property own hill. Uh I mean close to Liberty Hill, our neighbors, our churches over Liberty Hill. And I see a lot of people here that uh live on Liberty Hill that I know. And I appreciate you all coming out and uh for so long in the poor African-American communities, people put up a sign. They say nobody see trucks parking in the community. Didn't understand. Next thing you see some other business come up, fence going down there, playground being taken down and businesses getting getting the land. So our properties and communities historically have been exploited for years. Poor people haven't had any rights and they couldn't afford lawyers. So so many times we've had our communities destroyed by businesses. You know like one on Davis Hill, the mountain mountain apartments didn't even know they're coming. Next thing you know that that's being transformed. But you know nowadays we learn how to read.

We doing a little more reading than we used to do. Okay. A little more seeing a little more studying. And so the community is asking no. And I'm asking no not to put up the apartments on Liberty Hill. We don't need that. They can go elsewhere. They can let them go to an affordable area for that. Liberty Hill remain its own historical community serving the people that love it. And I love it too. Some I'm asking you not to put it up there but go elsewhere to the community. They got so much the land land on cross country road down Dress Road. But uh people leave Liberty Hill for us good church people. Amen.

Did Quinton come back in or is all right. So, this concludes all the the individuals that are listed to speak, but you still have an opportunity. If anybody has anything to say that did not get an opportunity to sign up, you can still do so now. So, all right. If I can get your name, please, sir. Name is Al Towns, 4677 Mint Avenue. Say that address again for me, sir.

4677 Mint Avenue. Uh I I sit here and I listen to and I've been here few other times and I watch all of you guys and I don't know none of you guys. Y'all the one making all the decision here and I don't know if you living here, come here, been here where y'all from. I don't know. But y'all here's at the table and the the balls is in y'all coat. But you know, I sit and I say to myself, how many years that we got to keep coming before you guys and sort of like begging y'all? Y'all don't think black folk get tired begging y'all all the time for same little bit of help that is ours. I mean, can we get a break? We always got to be among the team. Can we have this? Can y'all give us this? Can we do this? I mean, really, all four parents damn struggle. The history is is what it is. We ain't making up no history. We've been in bondage. We We've been enslaved. We've been slave people. We didn't act to be slave, but y'all did. And now we here trying to hold on to our ancestors what they struggle for with a whooping their tongue. We have so begging y'all. Can we have this? Can we have this? I mean I born in the struggle and it look like I'mma end up dying in the struggle. I mean can I get a break? I mean that's all we asking. Now now here we go.

Can can it bull us and can it bully? I mean, we don't we not discriminating about who bullying what, but like they said, can y'all just consider taking it somewhere else or even if you come to the president over here and Mr. President here and then you sit to the table and let's see if we can work something out. But if there any kids, then just leave Liberty Hole alone. Can't we have something? I mean, can we have something? When I look at my house and I look at how y'all are knock all these houses down and move all around us and now y'all ain't got us locked in. Now here y'all coming now. Not so much y'all but here we go. Now y'all ready to dive in the middle and take us out?

Can we get a break? I mean I mean I mean we really see it. Mixon. Where the men live around there back here in Century Oaks? I mean, we just being bombarded. I mean, can't come on y'all. We We tired. We tired begging and asking y'all to stay. Y'all ain't giving us nothing.

Lord, what we asking for? We got to beg y'all for that. So, my point is this. No, I can't get anything away from none of you guys cuz I don't know y'all like that. I don't know where you from. I don't know who you are. But we asking you to consider it. Here I go again. Consider to leave Liby Hill the way it is. Cuz like the guy who came in here and said he going to build something. If one thing came out of his mouth, I don't know if y'all got it, but I heard what he said. Uh, we going to pull a commercial down on the board. We going to put the partners in the back. Then we going to have anybody can come and live in.

What do you mean anybody? No. So again, thank you for the opportunity, but give us a break, man. Hi. [Applause] And again, this is still a public hearing. If anybody else has any comments that did not get a chance to sign up on the sheet, now would be the time 45 days.

I like Al. I know all y'all. And I will say this, uh, if you go down Marty early in the morning, it's hard, nearly impossible to make a left turn going out of Liberty Hill, especially when that train tracks there when school started. I walk past, everybody know I walk, I walk a lot just for exercise. I walk past cars going through there. And one thing I noticed, these traditional neighborhoods, uh, they should all stay R1 because for some reason on this side of town, that's always a recommendation for R2, but it ain't quite that stopping at Reb Road on the other side of town. So, please keep a traditional R1. It ain't conducive for the area itself. B1 is fine on that front part with the business front, but R2, nah, no good. Thank you. We have any else? Anyone else? Go in once. Go in twice. Public door is closed and commissioners, we will entertain a motion. Before we motion, can I request something staff after the motion? motion that be denied based on the

second got a motion and a second for denial of staff's recommendation. Any discussion? I request for discussion. Uh just to make sure. So, we're talking about reszoning basically dead center in the middle of R1, moving that up to R2, the center of the community with the only R2 current districtricting or zoning strictly across the street. Just to make sure that's correct. Yes. Okay.

Any other discussion? Ready to vote? All right. The motion on the floor is to recommend denial. Um vote Mr. Crawford denial. Mr. Dan I on the Mr. Monte I scarf I vote for denial and Mr. Belly.

So that is uh unanimous uh for recommendation of denial clear that you understand that this is a recommendation to city council. This is not the final decision. Uh, this item will be forwarded to the mayor and council with the next opportunity for public input at the public safety committee of city council on November 20th. We have 5:30 on that Thursday, November 20th here in this room. So,

thank you all. We appreciate the time. Um, you're welcome to stay. Uh but we do have other items. If we can make just a little bit of room, we would appreciate it. I love you guys. Thanksgiving.

I'll need it. I'll be hurry. Thanksgiving is the 27. Get out of there. Turn through. [Music] Good to see you. Thank you. [Music]

They did not give us an explanation. They just

I'mma call you mom and get What's going on? We do have to move along. night.

We going to continue with the gym if you don't come in the next on the original agenda.

So if they come back, you have to put a new put a new sign up and start over, right? Especially if they already said they Let's Everyone, do we want to close?

Good evening, y'all. Welcome to the second half. Just to uh give you a heads up, the uh the item the proposed resoning for the 2168 Gillyard Lane um address has been withdrawn by the applicant. So if you are here for that address, it's not being discussed this evening. Anyone here for that one? Good. Okay. All right. to letter A. Letter A

on the agenda. This is a proposed resoning of the property addressed at 1629 Summer Avenue, Charleston County TMS 4710000008 from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. Uh the property can be seen here highlighted in blue on Subar Avenue. The current uh current land use is uh an existing single family home. You can see here uh current zoning of the property is R1 surrounded by R1 norththeast and west. subject property is designated traditional neighborhood development. R2 zoning would be consistent with this designation which is applied to areas of the city to provide for andor sustained higher density neighborhoods with smaller lots and a mix of housing types. The principal use for this designation is mixed residential typical of urban neighborhoods including single family residential development on smaller lots. Attached residential structures such as duplexes and town homes. Smallcale multifamily development. You see the traditional neighborhood development highlighted in the green here for this area. Subject parcel is currently developed with a single family home seen here in the photo. And the subject property is part of the Charleston Farms neighborhood which is situated along Remount Road and north of Interstate 526. The area is developed with a mix of single family and multifamily residential uses. Staff uh is recommending approval given uh support from the comprehensive plan and the residential care for the

neighborhood. Staff is recommending approval of the proposed reszoning of the property from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential and in just a moment the map should pop up should be able to see now we can proceed. Do the commissioners have any questions for staff?

Is the applicant here? I can just say anything. My name is Matthew. This is my application. Thank you guys for the approval. I would like to add that there is a single family house. There's also a duplex in the back that has two units. So, right now on the property, there are three existing units uh with three separate meters and um so it already it already is kind of set up for the it's not just that single family house. But if anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer. Any other commissioners have questions for the applicant? Yes, I have a question. Have you um contacted um the community in regards to your ideas on what you want to do over that area? Uh I have not yet answer

I said I have not yet done that. You have not. This is a public hearing. Uh it looks like we have one person signed up to speak.

Um Robert Jameson maybe. Robert. No, Robert. All right. This is still a public hearing. If you not have not had a chance to sign up and do wish to speak on this item, you still have an opportunity to do so. Anyone has seeing none, we'll close the floor and entertain a motion. A motion for approval. Second motion on the second. Any discussion? Ready to vote. All right. The motion on the floor is for approval the resoning from R1 single family residential to R2 multif family residential. Mr. Crawford I

Mr. Duon hey um Mr. Montie Mr. Sharf hi

Mr. Felony. All right. The motion to approve carries 4 to one. And this item will be forwarded to the mayor and council at the next opportunity for public input at the public safety committee of city council on Thursday, November 20th at 5:30. item on the agenda. So this is a proposed reszoning of properties addressed at 1628 1634 Sumar Avenue, Charleston County TMS numbers 47314000099 and uh 100 from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. two properties highlighted here in blue again on Sumar uh currently zoned to R1 and currently used as single family homes. You see here by from the zoning map existing properties are R1 surrounding properties R1 area subject properties are designated traditional neighborhood development to zoning would be consistent with this designation which is applied to areas of the city to provide for and or sustain higher density neighborhoods with smaller lots and a mixed housing types. The principal use for this designation is mixed residential, typical of urban neighborhoods, including single family residential development on smaller lots, attached residential structures such as duplexes and town homes, and small-cale multifamily development.

Again, highlighted in green here neighborhood, traditional neighborhood development. Street view here can be seen photos of the properties. Uh as stated previously, they are currently single family homes. Adjacent views uh subject properties are part of Charleston Farms neighborhood which is situated along Remount Road and north of Interstate 526. The area is developed with mixed single family and multifamily residential uses. All the properties to the north and east are zoned R1. They are functioning as legal non-conforming apartment complexes. Staff's recommendation is approval given that the subject property's location in proximity to surrounding multifamily residential uses and support from the comprehensive plan. Staff is recommending approval of the reszoning of the properties from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential.

Any other commissioners have any questions for staff? The owners are here. I'm the applicant. May I speak? Uh in a moment commissioners have any questions for staff is the applicant.

All right. I'm major. I'm actually from one of the few graduate been here my whole life. Uh I'm representing Ry way back in the day. I was the benefit guy for Cobberg Dairy. I've known Ray for 30 some odd years. He has lived on Sumar and Outway Street for 71 years. Uh Ray has Parkinson's disease and he called me about wanting to sell his house. Unfortunately, the house is kind of functionally obsolete. It's too small and it has uh kind of gone through its paces to the point it's not financially feasible to repair the property and make it a real property to subsequently maybe sell down the road. And so I I found a comparable sale where someone had reszoneed their property from R1 to R2 and was able to get about 200,000 for the lot. At that time, Ray informed me that young Ryan Fitz over here had bought the house next door. And in a similar way, the house is kind of functionally obsolete. I went in there to look at it myself and the bedrooms were 7 ft wide by 10 ft long. uh basically they fit a a twin bed in there and that would be it for three people living in a home. So, and that house is built at grade. Anytime it rains, the water's coming inside, no matter how many times you change out the carpet, it's going to it's it's just going to flood. And so both of these houses from their footprint and their size based upon the size of their lot, I would say that you know com comparing it to the sale that took place and they are bounded by a church on the left, a massive apartment complex on their back property line, some multif family on the right hand side on Mole Lane, and I think maybe possibly some commercial on the front. You know, I I just hope and pray that you guys would agree with us that, you know, reszoning this to multif family and with these houses kind of being in the condition condition they are, they're really not worth rehabbing. Um, they're certainly not worth the

money to put into them to turn around and resell. So, the idea would be to put up some multif family affordable housing there for a potential buyer. And so, that's what I'm asking for on their behalf. Do

the commissioners have any questions for the applicant? We don't have anyone currently signed up to speak on this uh property, but it is a public hearing if anyone wishes to. Seeing no movements, we will entertain a motion. I have a motion for the for approved is we have a second. Any discussion?

Motion on the floor is to approve the reszoning from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. U Mr. Crawford. I for approval Mr. Jan. Hi. Mr. Monte I Mr. Sharp. Hi. And Mr. Bellamy. Hi.

All right. That motion is unanimously approved. And again, this project will next be heard at the public safety committee city council on November 20th at 5:30 in this room. Yes, sir. All right. Thank you. All right. C on the agenda is a proposed reszoning of the properties addressed as 5523 and 5525 Adaway Street, Charleston County TMS numbers 47340081 and 080 from R2 multifamily residential to B1 limited business. The properties can be seen here highlighted in blue at this intersection with um sorry Thomas Sumar and at web. Currently uh the properties are used at uh our cleared vacant lots. The current zoning of the properties are R2. See that here in the orange adjacent to B1 zoning here and R1 surrounding subject properties are designated traditional neighborhood development. This designation is applied to areas of the city to provide for and or sustain higher density neighborhoods with

smaller lots in a mixed housing types. Mixed housing types that are uh mixed Mix housing types that are supported single family residential development on smaller lots attached to residential structures such as duplex and town homes and small scale multif family development. Uh you can see by the subject photos they're cleared vacant lots. The subject properties are surrounded by R1 zonings to the north, west, and east across Adway Street and B1 to the south. The area is developed with the mix of residential uses and limited business zoning. Staff's recommendation given the subject property's location in proximity to surrounding residential uses and the lack of support from the comprehensive plan. Staff is recommending denial of the proposed reszoning of the properties from R2 multifamily residential to B1 business. Do the commissioners have any questions for staff? The applicant here [Applause] We don't have anyone signed up to speak on this address either, but is a public hearing if anyone's is interested. Seeing no movements. Uh we will entertain a motion. Move that we accept staff's recommendation.

Second that motion in a second. Any discussion? Ready for a vote. Motion on the floor is to recommend denial of the reszoning. Approval denial. Denial. I'm sorry. The recommended motion uh on the floor is to recommend denial uh of the reszoning from R2 to B1. Um Mr. Crawford I for no Mr. Duon

I for Mr. Monte I Mr. Sharf I for and Mr. felony.

I So that is unanimous to recommend denial. The this item will be forwarded to the mayor and council with the next opportunity for public public safety committee city council on November 20th, which is a Thursday here at 5:30 in the street. Letter D on the agenda is a proposed reszoning of the property addressed as 2156 Midland Park Road, Charleston County TMS number 478160064 from O neighborhood office to B1 Limited business. [Applause] And this is the property highlighted in blue Midland Park Road to Rivers. Current use of the property is a commercial building. See by the zoning map here in pink. Property is zoned O neighborhood office and is directly adjacent to R1 uses as well as other O in the area. Subject property is designated as mixed use which establishes a mixture of commercial and residential land uses located within close proximity to one another. Appropriate uses include office, retail, multifamily and light industry. You see that highlighted here in blue on future land use map. See here in the photos the subject property is already developed as a two-story commercial building. Adjacent properties are already developed with a mix of residential zoning and commercial zoning.

Mixed use designation supports a mixture of commercial and residential land uses within close proximity. The existing neighborhood office zoning allows for business and professional offices. Staff believes the existing neighborhood office zoning is appropriate due to the parcel's location. Accordingly, staff is recommending denial of the proposed reszoning of the property from O neighborhood office to be one limited business. Commissioners have any questions for staff. Yes. Is the applicant here? Yes.

Hello. Um, my name is Alexandra Tea. I'm the applicant and the owner of the building. And the reason why I'm asking for resoning of the property is because the sweet 101 is in the first floor. It's been listing for two months already. And I have a lot of uh people coming in to want to do business in the area. Um uh most of the um interest people are basically um for a retail. I have a kind um an adult daycare retails about three or four person interested in retails. Um Mexican stores kind of businesses and we don't have that and uh and nail salon. So it's been um I've been struggling trying to rent it out uh after being uh the whole being the remodel like uh 15 place of parking lot in the back including one handicap and the rams accordingly with the code. So we have a we we did a great like um removation in the building and the exterior and interior and we want to provide like different type of business in the community. I'm the owner and I occupy the business. So I'm dealing with the community every day. The community council actually called me to be interested in what I want to do in the building. So I just wanted to know why you guys are recommending denial uh for this type of

so I would normally say this is time for her to talk to you all as to why she believes the project is viable or the reasoning is appropriate. it wouldn't be appropriate for them to go back and forth in in a discussion as to what their positions are. Staff should be clear as to how it reached its determination or whatnot in its presentation and she then responds with with her reason for the request and why she thinks it's appropriate. So that's my very first time ever in the meeting like this. So I apologize this is not the correct approach of it.

It's all good. Do any of the commissioners have any questions for the applicant? I do. What is the current uh building? You said it's currently being used for what?

My business is um I run um a bilingual services business. I do um insurance. I have three business license in the building like um uh real estate insurance and um bilingual services like taxes, translations and immigration services. Uh we do have a barber shop in the one of the um office downstairs and it used to be a salon in the other one. However, we don't have in the code because I I I I get into that code. We don't have the we can have any nail salon for example. So I have a lady who wants to do a bar um a nail salon. So it's not in the code. I have three people interested in set up like a Mexican store with um packaging for Latin America which is a very high populated for Hispanic in that area. So I don't have that in the code. I have a person who wants to run a mini adult daycare for adults because we have the ramps and we have the handicaps and it's it's a small but it's very pretty located there and we don't have that in the in the neighborhood. So we are I mean it's very small the office neighborhood for that um for the needs of the community I believe and I'm talking about getting having these uh lots completely remodel in the market sitting for two months having a lot of people coming interesting in getting like um the application but not for the business that they are interested in. She does have any other questions for Thank you.

Uh we don't have anyone currently signed up to speak, but it is a public hearing. If anyone else is interested,

floor is now closed and we will entertain a motion. Floor is closed. We will entertain a motion. Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to recommend approval of the proposed resoning of the property from O neighborhood office to be one limited business. I'll second a motion in a second. Any discussion?

From the looks of everything, there's currently B2 zoning all around it. Um with this one current go in

the dark red. The request was for B1 which is business. Any other discussion? ready to vote. So the motion on the floor is to recommend approval of the request to reszone from Owen Neighborhood Office to meet one Mr. Crawford. Nay Mr. Duon

Nay Mr. Monteth. Hi, Mr. Shore. Hi. And Mr. Bellamy.

Okay. So, the motion to approve fails. Two, three. And this item will also be forwarded to the mayor and council with the next opportunity for public input. safety committee as council on the uh just to repeat again the prior letter E that was on the agenda has been withdrawn by the applicant. So we are moving on to the next item which is street Proposed reszoning the properties addressed as 1161, 1165, and 1181 Wright Street, Charleston County. TMS numbers 471300, 043, 038, 037 from M1 Light Industrial to R2 multifamily residential. You see the properties highlighted here. in blue on right street. Currently the properties are vacant wooded lots. You see here by the zoning map the current zoning of the properties are M1 adjacent to some R1 zone properties across the street and R2 to the south. subject properties are designated as traditional neighborhood development partially within the mixeduse corridor of the North Front Avenue. Uh the mixed use corridor supports a mixture of

commercial and residential uses located within close proximity to one another. Traditional neighborhood development is applied to areas of the city to sustain higher density neighborhoods with smaller lots and a mix of housing types. It provides support for attached residential structures such as duplexes and town homes and small scale multifamily development. See here the hatch shows the mixeduse corridor of North Brent is does apply to a portion of the properties subject properties here in the photos. You can see it on it's a wooded lot and the properties are surrounded by R1 zoning to the east and north across Rice Street, M1 to the east, B1 to the west and R2 to the south. Uh staff's recommendation given that the subject property's location, the proximity of other residential uses and support from the comprehensive plan, staff is recommending approval of the reszoning of the property from M1 light industrial to R2 multifamily residential.

Any other commissioners have any questions for staff? is the applicant here.

Davis McNair just want to say we believe this reopening is a good transition from North Red to single family. Reach out to Councilman Brown as well as the Charleston Farms community for any initial feedback on the res. Here to answer any questions y'all may have. Any commissioners have questions for the applicant? Looks like we have one person signed up to speak on this property. Uh Lewis Wearing. Yeah. What I want to know is all of a sudden now give your address, please. Confirm your address.

I live at 1177 Liry Street.

That's directly behind my house. I spent what close to $5,000 rehabing my house. And I get that behind me right now. We got trouble with a multif family home behind us. Uh we have people cutting through our yards and everything. And I'm pretty sure I'm the only one here, but a lot of the neighbors didn't even know about it because the sign was put on right street instead of in nobody put a sign on Liry Street so the people could be advised. I just came out of my back door one day and saw a sign and all and I walked to it and read it, took a picture of it. People don't know about it. I'm pretty sure if you spend $5,000 for a home or $4,000, you don't want a multif family home right behind you because you're going to have trouble. Right now, it's a peaceful neighborhood. I've been there for over 30 years, almost 40. I rehab my house. It's been this year was the first year I've been in that house for one year. I don't want trouble in our neighborhood. Got older people live there and I'm older myself now. Uh all of a sudden that land was there. You know why it's been vegan so long? the guy that live in the back of me, that house has been torn down by SWAT uh because the vagrants were going in there to sleep and they make might have uh caught a fire, but we live peacefully now. You get a multif family home behind there.

the guy, my next door neighbor, if we were talking one day and all of a sudden five people come walking right around his yard, it's not a good thing. Not there. That land for years, the owner used to dump oil back there. All of a sudden, he was trying to sell it. He couldn't sell it because they say the land wouldn't perk. All of a sudden, it perks. Now, I'm pretty angry about it because it's just not not good. And I'm here to tell you that I object to that have one name signed up, but it is a public hearing if anyone else wishes to speak on this address. Uh motion a motion from commissioners. like to make a motion to approve staff's recommendation for the proposed returning of the property from M1 industrial to R2. Second that motion I second that motion motion and a second. Any discussion ready to vote? The motion is for approval of the

recommendation to reszone the properties from M1 light industrial to R2 multifamily residential. Mr. Crawford I Mr. Don I Mr. Monteth I Mr. Shi Mr. Bellamy.

All right. The motion uh to approve approved 421 and this will be forwarded to mayor and city council. The next opportunity for public input public safety committee of city council on November 20th at 5:30. All right. The next item on the agenda is a proposed reszoning of the property addressed as 2737 Dancler Drive, Charleston County, TMS number 4860016 from R1 single family residential 018N neighborhood office. See the property highlighted here on Dancler Drive south of University Boulevard highlighted in blue. Currently the property is here. Current zoning of the property is R1 single family residential. R it's adjacent to R1 single family residential to north to west to south. Uh there is B1 as well as and office uh neighborhood office to the east along Dansler. The subject property is designated as suburban residential which is applied to areas where the city intends to sustain lower density neighborhoods. The principal use of land within these designated areas is low density single family residential development with large yards and open space. You see that

here is designated in the tan color on the map. Subject parcel is currently a cleared vacant lot as you can see in the photos and the area is developed with single family residential uses along with some commercial uses along University Boulevard and Dancler Drive. Staff's recommendation is based on uh the future land use designation for this parcel which is suburban residential which does not support the requested resoning. Given the lack of support of the comprehensive plan and the residential character of Dancler Drive, staff is recommending denial of the proposed resoning of the property from R1 single family residential to neighborhood office. Commissioners have any questions for staff?

Is the applicant here? She was. She left. Um I don't know if she turned something in. I'm the owners. I'm not the applicant. Maybe not. Yeah. Doris. Dorothy. Yes. All right, it is a public hearing. We have several people signed up to speak. Uh the first one is Lou Baker.

Good evening. Thank you, folks. My name is Lou Baker. president of 2704 Fernwood Drive. I'm also the president of of the Civic Association for Dear Park. We agree with your decision or uh statement to not approve based on the 78 overlay. Uh when people are considering coming into Deer Park, they were concerned about all the growth on 78 and business coming in. the 78 overlay provided it would come in so far and stop. It happens to be right at that property line on that side. That property is also right in a very bad curve. Okay. Coming in the property and to put it to our office neighborhood. One of the things that can be had there is dentist offices, physicians, a lot of extra traffic right on a very bad curve, creating a very unsafe situation for people going in and out of that property. Also, if it was reszone again, there also is a buffer required between the com, you know, business and and that's a 25 foot buffer that would have to be created on the property they're asking to reszone for that as well. Okay. But the biggest concern as a civic association is is safety. Okay. We have a lady that lives right next door to that property. It's been here for 50ome years, Miss Mary. Okay. Now, she has grandchildren and things coming to play. The last thing she needs is all kind of that going on right next door. And also, one of the things that falls under office neighborhood is they could put a photo studio there with the max structure of

3,500 foot is a max structure on O property. She doesn't need something like that next to her house with her grandkids and everything. And we're respectfully asking to go with not approved office neighborhood. Thank you for listening. Alicia Dugan.

Hi. Um I was asked at the last minute to speak with my aunt Leven. Um I just came into this. Um, my mother passed away a couple years ago and um, I'm just going to read what I got wrote because I'm not good at public speaking. Okay. Um, I'm the granddaughter of Ellie Me, the original owner of this property. My grandmother passed away in 2006. It's 20 years ago. That's 20 years family members have been coming to you and asking for a zoning change. Since then, out of her seven children, we have endured the death of three of her children, including my mother. They will never see their part of their inheritance. It moves on to eight great grandchildren, two daughters, and two sons. We are not asking a change to anything in this area that isn't already there. There is already an MU MUSC help on Dancler Drive that is vis visible from this property. If you face the property to the left is an all-state agent office on Dancler Drive. As you turn in onto Dancer Drive, there is an East Bay Deli and on the other side of Zach's piece. We ask you tonight to please let this stoning take place, not just because it's time, but because this family has endured enough. Please let us get some closure after 20 years. Thank you,

Mary Hudson. You you don't have to, ma'am. If you want to speak from where you are, you're fine.

My name is Mary Hudson and I live at 2763 Dancler Drive. on that s same property right side of the the one that she was talking about it's 37 2737 and I have been there 50some years and I have stayed there and we wanted to be turned into a rental a place where we can live like a residence because when I when my children come to my house they are afraid to turn around in their yard my yard because there's a curve right there in the in the street and when you go by that they're dry the driveway to 27 37 is u um it's right there right there side of my fence line almost and so and if you go leave my house you you go out the 78 you go there and you're going to that you have to make sure everybody's around that curve. And my kids even had to get people out of the ditches right over there on that same property that we're speaking about. And cuz one got in this ditch and constantly people stay in those ditches right there in that area. And so it's a dangerous turn in that street that her property connects on the driveway. So that's what I would like to talk to you about this that my kids said that one day somebody's going to get killed in that curve because they have to go out that they don't have to. They can go to another street to go over out but they need to come in that way if they want to get closer to my house. And so

that's why I am here. And I want to say that I wish they would reszone it as it is now. To keep it reszoneed as residential. That's the way I feel about it. And my children, I have one ch daughter that comes to stay with me. In the daytime, I have somebody to stay with me daytime. Not all the time, but some of the time. And at night, I stay by myself. So anyway, they um it's like a freeway through there because they coming off of 78 going back into the back back there and they're um just um they don't care how they drive. They go drive like a maniac through there. And so I'm just waiting one day to somebody get killed on that corner because my son had to stop a truck coming around that curve. He blowed his horn to keep from them hitting him head on. cuz he was on my side going out to the street 78. Thank you for listening. I appreciate it. [Music]

Dennis, say it again. Light biscuit with a I

Okay, okay, Dennis. Dennis. I live at 2987 Headville Ellis Road in Deer Park. And I would like to say that denial is what I'm asking for. And I'm g just note the things that Blue Baker said about the overlay uh and the dangers of that road. And we also have a real issue with uh traffic coming through our area. So for those reasons, I ask you to deny. Thank you,

Melanie Rogers. Reges. Reges. James Reges.

Hi, good evening everyone. My name is James Regis. My wife Melanie Regis. Uh we live directly across from the property um on 2758 Dancler Drive. that the the picture you guys have up there doesn't really do justice for that curb. That curb is really more almost like a 90 degree angle. So when people come around there too fast, you know, they they lose it. We have pictures of cars, you know, winding up in our in our in our ditch right in front of our house. We've been there for 3 years and we've had at least four cars end up in our ditch coming around that bin right there. We've had multiple cars come across on the other side as well, taking out, you know, but we're not here for that. We're, you know, we just want to make sure that, you know, our 8-year-old son is right across the street from that property. He plays basketball in the driveway right there. You know, any type of commercial property that's going to go there is going to completely change the aesthetics of the neighborhood. As you can see, it's a it's a nicely cut, you know, line there where the buffer zone on the east side of her property, that 25 ft buffer zone he talks about is basically a green, you know, treat area and on the the west side and north and south sides are residential, you know, as you can see on the map right there. So, you know, any type of commercial property that's going to go there is just going to be an eyesore for the neighborhood and just not going to fit the aesthetics of the neighborhood as well. Plus, it's going to bring even more, you know, traffic into the neighborhood on that deadly curve, I should say deadly curve, on that dangerous curve, right, that we just don't need right now. And, you know, at some point, and and and you're showing two streets coming off of Dancer Drive, there's only one street there. So, I don't know what that other, you know, Y formation going on 78, but it's just one street coming on there. And most of the commercial traffic stops well before it gets into the residential neighborhood. We're just talking about some commercial

some traffic that's coming on there at the end that's that that that can cause issues if they're coming on there too fast. And the last thing we want is having another commercial aspect there that's going to bring in even that much more traffic. It's going to make it that much more dangerous on that road right across the street from our house.

I just like to repeat what um the other residents and our neighbors have said. Obviously, there's really a line of demarcation between business and the residential side of that street, and we want to keep that side residential as it is. Uh the Zachbies, you know, the MUSC, all of those other businesses, we signed up for that. We understood those were on that side of the street when we uh uh you know, bought this property three years ago. But it is a safety issue. Again, I have pictures of, you know, cars that we weren't at home at the time, but they came into our ditch. And we can see obviously what happens when cars go too fast around that curb. If it's directly across from our property, then it's going to intrude on uh again the culture and the nature of this neighborhood and keeping that side of it residential. And we ask that you continue with the current recommendation which is a Edward Meyers. Edward Myers This is the public hearing. If you do not have an opportunity to sign up and you wish to, you can come forward now.

My name is Jamal Mean. I own the property at 2762 Dancler Drive, which is adjacent to the property that we're talking about. So, the address one more time, Jamal.

2762 Dancler Drive. I've lived there for about uh it's going on five and a half, six years. Six years will be in December. Uh, probably once a year, if not twice a year, I have to call 911 for people ending up in my ditch as well as my neighbors ditches. I work weird hours. I used to be a bartender. Now I work from 4 to 2 at night at a warehouse. So, I'm home during the day. Um, I have a dog. I have no children. I'm single man who lives in that house. Uh, I can't walk my dog out of my neighborhood on that street at night or during the day. Uh, multiple times cars have come off 78 doing 30, 40, 50 miles per hour. I've screamed, yelled. I've watched Miss Mary, my neighbor, almost get hit by cars going to the mailbox. I myself, I have to walk across the street adjacent to this property to get my mail. Uh, the concern for me is not only for myself, but my neighbors. It is not a safe neighborhood. Uh, I knew that when I bought the house. I knew what I was getting into being a single man moving into that house. It's a very quiet neighborhood other than the traffic. Uh it takes me sometimes 20 minutes to get home off 78. Sometimes it takes me 10 minutes if I turn left out of my driveway to get to 78. That's that sometimes 7 to 10 minutes itself. I have to go through weed myself through the neighborhood. putting a commercial reszoning it putting commercial there a to me add to the problem as well as cause more confusion for people coming off 78 of that neighborhood I like my neighbors do not want it there I don't feel safe as it is I've requested and asked for speed bumps I've talked to my neighborhoods about that my neighbors about that and I just think it's a bad idea to resone that area

we have anyone else that wishes to speak on this address. All right. Floor is now closed and we will entertain a motion. Recommendation with denial. I second.

Have a motion in a second. Any discussion? I'd just like to say I I live in the uh I've lived in the neighbor uh in the uh the Northwoods Estates uh area out there and for 20 years and so I drive through the Deer Park area um quite often. My son loved Zach Zachby so um we go down quite a bit. That road is um is interesting. It is a 90° turn. Uh it is very difficult to navigate at the speed that you want that's even advised uh to take. There are ditches out there. The entire Dearwood Street is u needs uh Dearwood Road needs some some improvements as well. I think there made some strides towards that, but um it's just a very difficult area full of homes, single family homes. Um, and that road is really I don't think it is would accommodate a business on that road. Very well. Are you one of the speakers? I am not one of the speakers. I may have my my son may have been at one trying to get this accus. Is there any other discussion? All right. The motion on the floor is to recommend denial of the reszoning from R1 single family residential to neighborhood office. Mr. Crawford

I for denial. Mr. Duon I denial. Mr. Monty I. Mr. Sharf. I for denial and Mr. Bellamy. I that is a unanimous vote to recommend denial and this item will be forwarded to the mayor and council with the next opportunity for public input at the public safety committee of city council on November 20th

question. Is the November 20th also a public meeting that we have to attend as well to make sure you you can come in and provide public input. You can sign up to to speak one way or the other

uh just like this. Uh but instead of planning commission it will be committee of counsel. That was good. All right. The next item on the agenda is an ordinance amending section 32, 52, 54.2, 22 54.3 511 512 518 514 517 518 519 and 613 of the zoning regulations of the city of North Charleston to define loading zones, relocate loading zone screening requirements and clarify loading zone orientation conditional use requirements. The zoning text amendment is proposed to define loading zones and consolidate loading zone screening requirements uh within the zoning ordinance. This will provide a loading zone standard that is consistent throughout the city and apply equally to all zoning districts. Pretty straightforward. Yeah. Uh currently it's slightly um unclear and there are multiple ways for it to be applied throughout the various districts. Uh staff's recommendation is to change that, take it out of the individual districts, put it into one central location so that applies

universally districts. question have any questions for

we're here to speak here. We'll entertain a motion. A motion to approve staff's recommendations. I'll second. Any discussion? Ready for a vote. All right. The uh motion is for approval of the zoning text amendment. Mr. Crawford. I. Mr. Duant. Hi. Mr. Monte. Hi. Mr. Sh. Hi.

And Mr. B. Hi. So, this item will be forwarded to the mayor and council at the next opportunity for public input safety committee of city council on November 20th. On to section five, which is our plat. The first one is proposed reapproval of a preliminary plat bearing the title of preliminary subdivision plat the park and edge phase three to create lots 1 through 76 open space AB private rideway in various ements. So this preliminary plot was originally approved in March of 2024 and was valid for one year which has since expired. This preliminary plan combines phases 3A previously October 21 and 3B previously approved 22 and phase three of park at River's Edge which consists of 76 town home lots. The extension of existing Palm Street and a new private rideway called Saw Pit Circle as well as various easements into open space parcels totaling approximately 13 acres. This preliminary plat is in proper order and may be approved at the discretion of the commission contingent upon the following. Approval of detailed drainage and road plans by the city engineer and availability of water or sewer. Staff's recommendation is contingent reapproval of plan. Commissioners have any questions? So, not really much has changed from their original development plan. This is just strictly renewal of it.

Correct. This is a reapproval of the March 2024 combined two u three which were originally approved separately and they're combined in March. Now they're going to reapprove the uh to the final plat is also on the agenda. Um that means they're getting ready to actually establish the property lines now that construction of infrastructure is finished that area. It's been a long time. Any questions for the uh not a public hearing? We'll entertain a motion. I like to make a motion for contingent approval um of the preliminary plan. Second that motion. Have a motion on the second. Any discussion? Discussion. for a vote.

The motion is for contingent approval of the preliminary of the reapproval of the preliminary plat. Um, Mr. Crawford, I Mr. Duon, hi. Mr. Monty, I Mr. Sharp. Hi, and Mr. Bellamy. Hi.

And that motion carries unanimously has received contingent approval. Next item on the agenda [Applause] is approval of the final plat bearing the title final subdivision plat park at river's edge phase 3 to grade lots 1 through 76 open space and B private rideway and various easements. Um this is the same property as uh in the prior item. Final plan proposes to create 76 town home lots, the extension of existing Palm Freed Street and new private rideway called Soft Circle, as well as various easements and two open space parcels totaling approximately 13 acres. Final plat is in proper order and may be approved at the discretion of the commission contingent on the following council acceptance of the bond. Staff's recommendation is contingent approval of the final plan. Commissioners have any questions? Entertain a motion. I can make a motion for contingent approval of the final plant. Motion second.

Second that motion. All right. Any discussion and we're ready for a vote. There's a motion for contingent approval of the final plat of the park at Rivers Edge phase three. Mr. Crawford. I. Mr. Duon. I. Mr. Monte. I. Mr. Sharf. Hi. And Mr. Bell. Hi.

All right. That motion carries unanimously and the plat has received contingent approval. Next plat is consideration of a preliminary plat titled right-of-way plat for tract C1.1 TMS 393000000502 to create new variable with public right ofway track C1 A1B and various easements. This preliminary plant proposes to extend the rightway of Blue House Road across Weber Boulevard to the south and will also connect to a proposed extension of Knox Lane with future phase. The proposed road extension will bisect the parcel creating two residual tracks to totaling 7.33 acres. This preliminary plat is in proper order and may be approved at the discretion of the commission contingent upon the following detailed drainage and road plans by the city engineer. Staff's recommendation is contingent approval of preliminary. Commissioners have any questions. Entertain a motion. Like to make a motion for contingent approval of the preliminary plan. Motion. We have a second. Second. And we are ready for vote. So the motion is contingent approval of the for the rightway. Um Mr. Crawford

I. Mr. Duon I. Mr. Monty I. Mr. Sharp I and Mr. Belly I. All right. Motion carries unanimously and the plan has received approval. Um next item on the agenda would be commission member comments. members have comments.

Comments. Um, thank you all. We appreciate your time and uh the effort that you put in all my turn. Sure. Y'all have a good night.