Mayor's Corner: The Lively is Back: 300 More Apartments Proposed for Folly

The developer is now proposing that the 300 unit apartment complex on Folly Rd. near the intersection with South Grimball be approved as a "planned development." A planned development is a rezoning and so existing zoning rules do not apply. It must be approved by Charleston County Council.

These parcels are currently in unincorporated Charleston County. The larger parcel is vacant and mostly behind the Brickhouse Restaurant. The smaller parcel is the large parking lot of the Brickhouse Restaurant. They used to be in the Town of James Island before 2011, but they were cut off from the rest of the Town by areas incorporated in the City of Charleston, so they were not included in 2012. The Town continues to seek legislation in Columbia that will allow the Town to be reunited, including these parcels.

The parcels have long been zoned community commercial. In the Town, that would allow 40 apartments on the 10 acre site along with shops and stores. In unincorporated Charleston County, it allows for 120 apartments, along with shops and stores. However, the County has a "mixed use overlay" that the developer sought to use to allow nearly three times as many apartments. This requires that a small portion (14%) of the apartments be for those with moderate incomes. After a careful review of their ordinances, County staff determined that the proposal was not permitted unless there was a change in the County's Comprehensive Plan. However, with a rezoning to a "PD" or planned development, it would be possible. Changing the Comprehensive Plan or an rezoning, including to a "planned development," requires a vote of County Council.

Because of the serious traffic problems on Folly Road, I think that such a rezoning would be a mistake. I think the idea of a market and artist studios is wonderful. And the 40 or so apartments that would be permitted under Town zoning would be fine. The 120 that would be allowed under the County zoning is a bit much, but 300 is way too many. The infrastructure on James Island, particularly the roads, cannot support ultra-dense development.

I will be asking members of County Council to please vote against this rezoning. I would recommend you do the same. There will be a public hearing and three readings before it can pass County Council. I will be sure to share the information.

There are two members of County Council who represent portions of James Island--Councilman Joe Qualey and Councilwoman Anna Johnson. Councilman Qualey strongly opposes this rezoning and will lead the opposition on County Council.