News Summary
Governor Henry McMaster has signed a law aimed at enhancing affordable housing development at the former Charleston Naval Base through special tax districts. The new legislation allows local municipalities to invest in infrastructure and economic initiatives in the Battery Park project, set to include 1,400 residences, with a focus on providing attainable housing for low-to-moderate income families. This marks a vital step in addressing the housing crisis faced by many in North Charleston.
North Charleston – A new law signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 8, 2025, is set to enhance the development of affordable housing at the former Charleston Naval Base through special tax districts. The legislation allows local municipalities to invest in vital infrastructure, workforce housing, security, and economic development initiatives in the region. This comes as part of one of North Charleston’s largest development projects, known as Battery Park.
The agreement for Battery Park, which encompasses a 50-acre riverfront property located north of the Noisette Creek Bridge, received approval from the City Council at the end of 2023. This project marks a collaborative effort by prominent development firms Jamestown, L.P., Weaver Capital, and WECCO. In tandem with Battery Park, the development team is also enhancing the Navy Yard Charleston project, aimed at revitalizing various old Navy buildings on the base’s southern portion.
A key aspect of the new law is its expansion of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, now including provisions for affordable housing. Under this definition, affordable housing refers to homes accessible for individuals who earn 80% or below the area’s median income. Furthermore, the TIF funds can facilitate benefits that extend beyond the designated districts, aiding projects such as the relocation of Department of Defense operations.
The passage of this legislation is especially noteworthy as similar attempts previously failed during the 2024 legislative session. Supporters of the bill included a range of stakeholders, with particular backing from Col. Michael Freeman, commander of Joint Base Charleston. The bonding period for TIF funds has also been extended from 15 to 35 years, enabling a longer-term investment scope for infrastructure development.
Battery Park is planned to offer a total of 1,400 residences, with at least 250 designated as “attainable housing” for residents earning less than 120% of the median income in the tri-county area. With a current median income for singles in the region approximately at $88,350, these new developments aim to provide affordable options for many. The estimated costs for the new 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family homes range from $225,000 to $250,000, with a lottery system potentially in place to select applicants.
This legislation also comes against the backdrop of a housing crisis in North Charleston, where many residents are considered housing-burdened—spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Local leaders are currently discussing partnerships with nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing and alleviate financial insecurity among residents. The city plans to donate about a dozen properties for affordable housing once it confirms that nonprofit partners have a solid track record of successful projects.
The ongoing development projects in North Charleston, such as the North Bridge Townhomes initiative spearheaded by Bridge North Charleston, illustrate the city’s commitment to revitalizing underserved neighborhoods. The North Bridge Townhomes project is designed to include 20 units priced based on income, ensuring long-term affordability with deed restrictions in place for 99 years.
In summary, the approval of the new legislation by Governor McMaster represents a significant step towards addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in North Charleston. As the Battery Park project looks to revitalize the former Charleston Naval Base, it aims to create opportunities for homeownership while fostering community stability and growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phoenix Job Market Booms: 4.5% Growth and 45,000 New Jobs Drive Economic Recovery
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage Leases Office Space in Charleston
South Carolina Named Top Growth State
Charleston Unveils New Affordable Housing Initiatives
Second Arrest Made in Downtown Charleston Shooting
Charleston Springs into Action with Exciting Events
Charleston County Reaches $9.6 Million Settlement with Airbnb
Charleston Leaders Address Affordable Housing and Transit Challenges
South Carolina Housing Market Faces Potential Downturn
North Charleston Plans Real Estate and Zoning Overhaul
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Navy Base North Charleston TIF Affordable Housing
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Live 5 News: North Charleston May Donate Land for Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Affordable Housing North Charleston
- Charleston Business: North Charleston Affordable Housing Acquisition
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing North Charleston
- ABC News 4: Union Heights Revitalization with EPA Grant for Affordable Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Count On 2: Redevelopment Project for Affordable Housing in Union Heights
- Google News: Affordable Housing North Charleston
