City of Charleston Committee on Community Development 6/25/26

The City of Charleston Committee on Community Development met on June 25, 2026, to discuss several key community and development issues. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the city's policies and procedures regarding development on burial grounds, including the legal framework, public notification, council approval processes, and examples of past projects involving cemetery relocations. The committee also deferred approval of an agreement with the MUSC Foundation related to the West Edge project, which is shifting focus from biotech to housing development. Additionally, the committee received a presentation on the Hagood Avenue improvement project, which includes road raising, bike and pedestrian enhancements, and drainage upgrades, with funding anticipated by November. The committee approved a letter of intent to explore redevelopment of a vacant 600-space parking garage near the Citadel for parking use, emphasizing the need for further evaluation and partnership development. Updates were provided on upcoming RFPs for professional services related to Project 3500, focusing on architecture, civil engineering, and landscape design. Lastly, the committee discussed opportunity zone designations aimed at encouraging affordable housing development, and a proposed mixed-use, mixed-income housing project with permanent affordability for seniors was introduced, highlighting collaboration with local religious organizations and community partners. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of ongoing efforts and community engagement in these initiatives.