Radcliffeborough neighbors voice concerns on downtown Charleston rezoning request

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Radcliffeborough residents voice their concerns to city council members at the City of Charleston planning commission meeting.

Developers with Evans and Schmidt Architects requested to rezone 15 Radcliffe Street from a diverse residential zone to a general business zone. Neighbors said the developer has stated that he intends to build a parking garage in that space.

“We do not want that. Not only do we not want the traffic, the noise and all that stuff but more importantly we’re worried about the housing dorms or otherwise would be a much better use of that spot,” Elizabeth Soule Brainard, president of Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association, said.

Other neighbors added that the impacts would go beyond providing a place to people to park.

“The traffic from King Street at night would increase significantly and the crime would increase,” Jim Doyle, vice president, said.

However, the space was previously owned by Marian Bennett’s family. The home was handed over the Preservation Society of Charleston, and moved to 120 Saint Philip Street. It was sold in 2020 and now sits as a surface lot. Bennett said this proposed parking garage may relieve some of the traffic congestion in the neighborhood.

“I just want to say I know churches in the area need places to park – people coming into Sunday service,” Bennett said. “I understand the need for garages in the area. There are no houses on the block where my grandparents house once stood.”

Other residents said they are worried about the neighborhood’s curb appeal.

“Also impacts your view when you walk down that street, don’t want people to feel all closed in – a little bit more open place,” Peter Brainard, a resident, said. “Parking garage doesn’t really any character, so I hope the city really considers that this is like the final thing that could fall.”

Several other property owners sent letters for public comment in support of the rezoning request.

Council members voted to approve the rezoning request, it will go to other boards before use and full approval.