Concerns Rise as Charleston County Housing Authority Plans to Sell 30 Affordable Homes

Concerns Rise as Charleston County Housing Authority Plans to Sell 30 Affordable Homes

Charleston, SC – It’s a sunny morning in Charleston, with just a hint of clouds in the sky—a pleasant day to talk about essential community matters. However, as we step into the heart of the city’s housing issues, the mood might just remind us of the clouds rolling in later in the day.

The Charleston County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is facing scrutiny as it plans to sell off 30 affordable homes, formerly a lifeline for many low-income residents. Why, you might wonder? Well, according to the authority’s CEO, Angela Childers, the sale is crucial to fund much-needed repairs at the troubled Joseph Floyd Manor, a high-rise community for low-income elderly and disabled residents.

What Led to the Decision?

The plight of the Joseph Floyd Manor is alarming. It’s in dire need of repairs, and the housing authority is hoping to use the proceeds from this sale to address those urgent needs. The houses in question are scattered around Charleston, including a highlighted property on Furr St. in North Charleston.

In a recent meeting with local state lawmakers, many voiced their concerns over the potential loss of affordable housing in the area. After all, with almost 700 people waiting for housing, the stakes are high. Lawmakers like Joe Bustos and Tom Hartnett demanded transparency from Childers about the housing authority’s decisions.

What’s the Selling Price?

The authority is asking for $7.75 million for these 30 properties, all of which need significant repairs. Childers explained that the authority had conducted market analyses separately from official appraisals and that the homes listed at an average price of $258,500 each reflect current market conditions.

However, questions remain regarding whether this price is adequate. With the median sale prices of homes in the tri-county Charleston having surged from $375,000 in 2020 to an astounding $560,000 in 2023, local representatives are concerned. Some of the lawmakers expressed skepticism about whether the asking price truly captures the value of these properties. Hartnett, who is also a certified real estate appraiser, emphasized that the last appraisals dated back over three years.

Past Sales and the Future

This isn’t the first time the housing authority has opted to sell homes to raise funds. Back in 2021, they sold off 18 houses using federal funds. Unfortunately, two of those properties were so rundown that they had to be demolished almost immediately after the sale. This history has lawmakers worried about the direction in which the authority is heading.

Despite these worries, Childers reassured the public that the aim is to eventually replace the lost affordable units. She mentioned plans to build additional housing on several large lots that the authority still owns. It’s a long-term vision that the community desperately hopes materializes.

The Investigation Call

On August 21, the local lawmakers formally requested an investigation into the housing authority’s sale process, emphasizing the need for transparency. However, the initial discussions seem to have fallen short, addressing only a fraction of the lawmakers’ concerns. Topics like the hiring of former housing authority CEO Karen Gorham to head the sales team were brushed over, which has left many feeling unfulfilled in their quest for answers.

“This is the beginning of an effort to educate ourselves,” Bustos noted, hinting that there is much work to be done. While the housing authority faces a steep hill to climb—reportedly needing around $27 million for repairs—locals continue to hope for resolutions that benefit everyone involved.

The Community’s Response

As the sun sets on Charleston today, it raises important questions about the future of affordable housing, the priorities of local authorities, and the commitments made to serve the community’s needs. For now, the city must navigate through a cloudy housing situation, hoping for clear skies ahead.

Will the housing authority’s plan rise to meet the community’s expectations, or will it create more turmoil? We’re all waiting to see what comes next on this vital issue.