Charleston, August 31, 2025
News Summary
The City of Charleston has announced an ambitious plan to construct 3,500 new affordable housing units by 2032. Amidst a critical shortage of affordable housing, city officials aim to address this pressing issue through strategic development and strong community partnerships. Currently, only 178 units have been completed, with an urgent need for 2,400 more to meet the goal. Importantly, no public housing tenants will be displaced during these redevelopment efforts.
Charleston Unveils Ambitious Plan to Create 3,500 Affordable Housing Units by 2032
The City of Charleston has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at constructing 3,500 new affordable housing units by 2032. This initiative comes in response to the city’s growing shortage of affordable housing, which city officials have identified as a critical social, cultural, and economic challenge.
As of August 2025, only 178 affordable housing units have been completed within the city. In addition, 969 units are either under construction or currently going through permitting processes, highlighting an urgent need for an additional 2,400 units to meet the ambitious goal set forth by the city.
Strategic Focus and Development Approach
The plan emphasizes a dual approach that includes both affordable housing and market-rate housing. Mayor William Cogswell’s strategy involves a significant reliance on private sector investments to fund these developments once new guidelines regarding zoning, construction quality, and site parameters are established.
The majority of the proposed new housing—approximately 85%—is planned for the Charleston peninsula, owing to the availability of city-owned land and the region’s proximity to employment opportunities and public transit systems. Key potential locations for these new housing units include:
- 390 units at Morrison Drive
- 500 units at WestEdge, with a transition from research to residential
- 185 units at the Parks Department property on Meeting Street
Redevelopment and Community Impact
The plan also includes four properties under the Charleston Housing Authority, namely:
- Cooper River Court-Meeting Street Manor
- Gadsden Green
- Meeting Street Manor Extension
- Wraggborough Homes
Importantly, no public housing tenants will be displaced during these redevelopment efforts. City officials indicated that the aim is to potentially quadruple the number of housing units at these sites while integrating both affordable and market-rate options. Visual compatibility with downtown Charleston’s historical aesthetics is also a priority in the new developments.
Partnerships and Community Involvement
The success of this extensive plan will heavily depend on establishing strong partnerships for development. City Councilman Ross Appel highlighted the necessity of addressing affordable housing as a critical component of broader economic development strategies. Furthermore, opportunities for community involvement are being fostered, with the NAACP Charleston Branch organizing meetings to discuss housing issues and gather public input.
In parallel, Charleston County is working on its own Affordable Housing Land Acquisition Grant Program to assist in land purchases designated for affordable developments. Despite these various initiatives, city leaders acknowledge the complexities of the affordability crisis, emphasizing that ongoing support and collaboration will be vital to drive effective solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal for affordable housing units in Charleston?
The City of Charleston aims to create 3,500 new affordable housing units by the year 2032.
How many affordable housing units have been completed so far?
As of August 2025, 178 affordable housing units have been completed, with an additional 969 units under construction or in permitting.
Will public housing tenants be displaced during redevelopment?
No, there will be no displacement of public housing tenants during the redevelopment efforts.
What support is being provided for this housing initiative?
The plan will rely heavily on private sector investment and involves community involvement, with the NAACP Charleston Branch organizing discussions around housing issues.
Key Features of the Affordable Housing Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Goal | 3,500 new affordable housing units by 2032 |
| Current Status | 178 completed, 969 under construction/permitting |
| Units Needed | 2,400 more units required to meet the goal |
| Location Focus | 85% planned for Charleston peninsula |
| Key Locations | Morrison Drive (390 units), WestEdge (500 units), Parks Department (185 units) |
| Community Impact | No displacement of public housing tenants during redevelopment |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Mayor’s Housing Plan
- Live 5 News: City of Charleston Affordable Housing Plan
- Charleston Business: North Charleston Affordable Housing Acquisition
- ABC News 4: Charleston County Affordable Housing Grant Program
- Charleston City Paper: Housing Gap Challenges in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Charleston
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Google News: Charleston Affordable Housing
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