Public Interest Law Firm Intervenes in Ashley River Site Rezoning Proposal
In the city of North Charleston, South Carolina, a public interest law firm has joined the dialogue regarding the rezoning proposal for a site along the Ashley River. The South Carolina Environmental Law Project issued a letter to city decision-makers on March 28, denouncing the suspected use of reciprocal influence, which the law firm concerns as political donations exchanged for favourable votes, amidst negotiations for the former Baker Hospital site.
Amy Armstrong, the firm’s Executive Director expressed, “That’s a violation of state law. We don’t want elected officials to be influenced by either people or entities outside the community.” The council is scheduled to deliberate a request to rezone the site on April 11. The proposed plan would establish a combined-use multi-stage park, with a designated area for a Sea Fox Boats manufacturing plant.
Concerns of Influence from Renken Family
The Sea Fox Boats company operates a plant in Moncks Corner and is owned by the Renken family. The law firm, in its letter, alleged that members of the Renken family neither live on nor own property in the North Charleston area and have not made any known campaign contributions to the city prior to 2023. However, Ethics Filing SC reports show that the family donated at least $11,000 to several candidates on the 2023 electoral ballot, including two mayoral and two District 4 and District 10 candidates.
Renken Family Responds
In response to the law firm’s accusations, Sea Fox Boats owner Fred Renken sent a comprehensive email to the firm and council members, debunking what he termed as “false information and defamatory accusations.” He also claimed that Armstrong was inadvertently backing gentrification in the area by endorsing a poor cleanup of the environmental damage on the property, thereby loading the taxpayer. Renken stressed that many family members have had extensive association with the city through personal and business engagements for several decades. He also clarified that the campaign donations were made to candidates he believed would honestly and respectfully represent the community.
Community Reviews
The proposal has brought forth mixed reactions from the community. Several residents who prefer to see the site fully devoted to recreational use have expressed their disappointment with what they perceive as a betrayal. There have also been voiced concerns about the area’s historical ties with industrial use. However, other locals maintain that they wouldn’t mind having the plant if it contributes to the broader benefit of the community. North Charleston city officials have yet to react to the accusations or offer further commentary on the rezoning request.
Community discussions on the rezoning will officially begin on April 11, with the next public feedback opportunity set for April 18. The proposed project is set to bring more jobs to the area and fund the completion of the park through a lease partnership with the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission.
