City of Charleston Committee on Real Estate 10/26/26

The City of Charleston Committee on Real Estate met on October 26, 2026. The committee approved authorization for the mayor to execute a purchase and sale agreement for 28.86 acres in Berkeley County for $8 million, an increase from the previously authorized $7.5 million after the parties considered appraisals. The site is expected to support a joint fire station and police team, with possible public works or public service storage. The committee also approved a proposed agreement with the Longborough Owners Association to resolve a longstanding property dispute and secure land, including a crabbing dock, for public park access. The proposal includes $25,000 in earnest money, which could be used for survey work; the association would handle subdivision work and improvements to the dock, and the arrangement remains subject to conditions including permitting. The city noted that capital improvement funds had been set aside for public access at the site and could be redirected if the agreement does not proceed.

Other real-estate matters included approval of a lease arrangement allowing Landmarks for Families to lease city-reversionary-interest property at 5055 Lacawanna Boulevard to the Heron Institute for a learning lab, and an easement for Dominion Energy utility work supporting a neighboring workforce-housing project. The committee discussed an agreement involving the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation and West Edge properties: a proposed $10 million initial payment from West Edge funds, with a private developer expected to contribute a further $15 million toward a project anticipated to include more than 200 units; speakers said it would not require general-fund money or city debt. The committee also added and approved a perpetual access easement and public dedication agreement needed to advance construction of the John's Island Recreation Center. Several annexation items were considered, including one for a contractor's office, but these were not purchasing decisions.