Charleston’s West Ashley Set for $300 Million Redevelopment Transformation

Exciting Changes Coming to Charleston’s West Ashley

The vibrant city of Charleston is buzzing with excitement as there are plans in the works to transform the Sumar Street site in West Ashley. During a public meeting held on Monday night, Charleston Mayor William Cogswell unveiled a bold vision for the old Piggly Wiggly lot that could reshape the area. This redevelopment plan carries a hefty price tag of $300 million, with the city earmarking $44 million to kickstart the project.

A Community Hub in the Making

So, what exactly is included in this expansive plan? The proposal aims to combine the three-acre Sumar Street site with a nearby 32-acre portion of Ashley Landing to create a vibrant community hub for West Ashley. One of the highlights is a public park, designed to be a green oasis where residents can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, the plan outlines the creation of multi-use paths for both biking and walking, encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

The redevelopment will also see the addition of new apartments, with 10% designated as “affordable” housing. This is great news for those looking for affordable living options in the area. Plus, developers are committed to incorporating local businesses and restaurants, which means residents can expect to see familiar faces and flavors in their neighborhood.

Addressing Community Concerns

While the excitement in the room was palpable, there are also lingering concerns from neighbors, particularly regarding parking and traffic. Joy Gerardi, a long-time resident of West Ashley, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “It’s looked the same exact way since I’ve lived here. It would be nice to have something new in West Ashley, because I feel like we kind of get the short end of the stick sometimes.”

The community is eager for change, and it seems this project might be just what they need to revitalize their neighborhood.

Flood Mitigation: A Key Component

An important element of Mayor Cogswell’s plan is the introduction of a massive 400,000-square-foot stormwater retention system. Given that flooding has been a pressing issue for West Ashley, the mayor highlighted the significance of this system in helping to manage stormwater effectively. “Right now, you’re sitting with 35 acres of asphalt that really has no retention whatsoever,” he explained. The new system aims to alleviate flooding that impacts local neighborhoods when it rains.

Timing is Everything

On a financial level, moving quickly on this redevelopment is crucial. Charleston has been operating within an eight-year Tax Increment Financing district (TIF) for the Sumar Street site, but the lack of development has limited revenue opportunities. Mayor Cogswell emphasized this point, stating, “It really is hitting the city’s financial capacity to do something impactful when it comes to public space and infrastructure resiliency measures.” 

Your Voice Matters

Feedback is a vital part of this planning process, and city officials are eager to hear from the community. After collecting input from Monday evening’s public forum, the earliest this proposal could make its way to the City Council is around mid-September. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and share their thoughts on this monumental project.

As West Ashley stands on the brink of this exciting transformation, many are looking forward to the positive changes it could bring to their community. With thoughtful planning and community involvement, the Sumar Street site could soon become a thriving hub that many residents have long dreamed of.