Lowcountry’s Push for Affordable Housing Backed by $1.2M Federal Grant
The Lowcountry region in South Carolina is poised to modernize its transport infrastructure with a new transit line, facilitated by a $1.2M federal grant awarded to the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDOG). With affordability being a major concern in the region, this transit line seeks not only to address transportation issues but also to create affordable housing along its route.
Funding the Project
BCDOG, the key driving force behind the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project, received the grant to further investigate the process and implementation of affordable housing along the transit line. The planned transit system will span over 21 miles of service and include 20 stations.
A Timely Intervention
With prices going up in the area, Tony Joyner, housing director for Metanoia, stresses the urgency of addressing the issue of affordable housing. Failure to do so could lead to losing the opportunity to offer affordable housing solutions in the face of increasing land prices.
The Role of Lowcountry Rapid Transit
Lowcountry Rapid Transit is being hailed as a potential relief for North Charleston and other areas struggling with affordability issues. The project is set to be South Carolina’s first mass transit system, providing not just transportation services, but contributing to the creation of affordable community spaces along the transit line.
Addressing Rising Housing Costs
The nonprofit Metanoia, witnessing the departure of locals from North Charleston neighborhoods due to soaring housing expenses, champions the cause of affordability. They urge prioritizing affordable housing from the commencement of projects like this. Recognizing that public transit lines often catalyze increases in property values, the organization affirms the necessity to both retain existing affordable housing and add new units along the transit line.
Impact of the Transit Line
On completion, the transit line is anticipated to augment accessibility and connect communities from Ladson to downtown Charleston. This is regarded as crucial for residents living along the line, many of whom work in downtown areas. The Transit line could alleviate travel and traffic concerns while encouraging the neighborhood exploration, especially for those without access to private transportation.
Future Expansion
There also exists potential for expansion of the system; indeed, possibilities of extending it to regions as far as Moncks Corner are already under consideration. The project team has made significant strides in the engineering and design phases of the project, and construction is hoped to commence by the end of 2025.
