New developments could be in the works for NOMO district of downtown Charleston

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - New plans are underway that could change the landscape of downtown Charleston. A new Morrison Drive redevelopment plan could be in the works and would include the Laurel Island area.

This area in the Morrison Drive area of downtown Charleston has been left relatively untouched in terms of development. A new apartment complex is going up near Romney Street and this new development will be close to that, on Luarel Island.

Charleston City Council will vote Tuesday night to approve the tax increment finance district for the project. That would set aside taxes from a property specifically for redevelopment in that infrastructure. The plan for the project will come later.

“Laurel Island was a former city landfill and it includes some area near Morrison drive that’s currently undergoing redevelopment.” Charleston’s Director of Planning Jacob Lindsey said. “We think it will look totally different in a decade or two. We anticipate a whole development with a park that’s open to the public and that includes a mix of whole new uses and development.”

For one neighbor who lives in the Bridgeview Village Apartments, he is worried the big boom around his home could have a negative impact on his family.

“It’s needed but the way they’re going about it, I feel is gentrification coming back full force in a different way,” Brandon Waiters said.

Lindsey said there are no plans to develop that community.

“Protecting affordable housing is one of our most important jobs and we would of course make sure the residents can stay in place when possible,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said by council approving the tax increment finance district for the area, it’s the first step in a long process.

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