Charleston City Council Approves Controversial Parking Garage

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Historic Radcliffeborough neighborhood in Charleston with modern construction

News Summary

The Charleston City Council has approved a contentious parking garage in the Radcliffeborough neighborhood. This decision, made on March 25, 2025, has divided opinions among local residents. Many worry about increased traffic and the loss of neighborhood character after the parking garage is built on a historically significant site. Local leaders are calling for more housing rather than parking, while some council members see it as a necessity for economic development in the area.

Charleston City Council Approves Controversial Parking Garage in Historic Radcliffeborough

In an intriguing turn of events, the City of Charleston City Council gave the green light to a parking garage that is stirring up quite the buzz in the charming Radcliffeborough neighborhood. On March 25, 2025, the council made a split decision, approving the rezoning of the lot at 15 Radcliffe Street with a vote of 8 in favor and 3 against. This is not just any parking garage; it’s set to arise on a spot that once held a historic gem.

So what’s the big deal? Well, this unfortunate lot used to be home to an impressive structure built back in 1910 for the esteemed Rev. Henry W.B. Bennett. He was a key figure in the African Methodist Episcopal churches. A year and a bit ago, this handsome historic house was carefully relocated to 120 St. Philip Street, paving the way for developer Frank Brumley’s ambitious plan for a 360-space parking garage. It’s a hefty project that certainly has the neighborhood talking—and not always for positive reasons.

The Old Meets the New

Brumley, who acquired the historic home from Bennett’s family in 2020 for a cool $500,000, is shifting the lot’s current function from a mere surface parking lot, with only 120 spaces earmarked for College of Charleston staff and students, to a more extensive facility. But not everyone in the Radcliffeborough community is on board with this change.

Local residents are raising concerns about what this new parking garage could mean for their area. Many are worried about increased traffic, safety risks, and the overall character of their beloved neighborhood being transformed into a veritable parking oasis for downtown visitors. Instead of building more parking, some residents feel that more housing is what the area truly needs.

A Clash of Perspectives

The president of the Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association is among those advocating for housing rather than parking. Meanwhile, other residents echo fears that the project sacrifices their neighborhood for the sake of accommodating visitors during peak times, particularly downtown. They portray a vivid picture of overcrowding and urban decay, painting an alarmingly unwelcoming future.

On the flip side, planning manager Christopher Morgan argues that this rezoning is in line with the city’s vision for growth, pointing out that it aligns the parcel with surrounding commercial lots. It’s not without precedent, he insists. Public safety is also under discussion, with Police Chief Chito Walker ensuring residents that patrols will remain robust due to the area’s position near busy King Street.

What’s Next for the Garage?

The proposal received a favorable recommendation from the City’s Planning Commission back in February, but it does come with conditions. A traffic study is set to analyze how the addition of a parking garage might affect local traffic patterns. It’s a necessary step before the project can move forward and ultimately receive full approval from the City Council.

A noteworthy detail from the council’s initial vote is that it split along geographic lines—members representing the peninsula expressed their discontent towards the project, while their colleagues from other areas stressed the necessity of enhancing economic development along King Street. Although the mayor acknowledged the weight of community concerns, he reminded everyone of the pressing need for increased parking in the city center.

Continued Opposition

So, Charleston residents, what do you think? Is a parking garage really what Radcliffeborough needs, or is it time to stand firm for more housing and preserve the neighborhood’s charm? The discussion is just getting started, and the future remains uncertain.