June 22, 2025

Residents Express Concerns Over James Island Development

News Summary

Residents of James Island are raising alarms about a proposed development on Folly Road, which includes 67 single-family homes and a commercial building. They fear that the project will worsen existing traffic congestion and flooding issues in the area. A drainage pond is planned to mitigate stormwater, but skepticism remains among locals regarding its effectiveness. Additionally, a controversial annexation request has drawn substantial opposition with 48 comments against it. As the city council prepares to review the plans, residents are asking for better infrastructure solutions to address these pressing challenges.

Charleston – Residents on James Island are raising serious concerns with the Charleston City Council over a proposed development on Folly Road that aims to introduce 67 single-family homes and a commercial building. The fear is that this new development will exacerbate already problematic traffic conditions and flooding in the area.

The location set for the development is 0 Folly Road, specifically at the intersection with Grimball Road Extension. Residents have noted that flooding has become increasingly severe, with reports of significant water accumulation during heavy rain events, affecting properties in the vicinity. One resident, Eileen Dougherty, indicated that her property faced significant water issues during recent downpours.

The development, led by Levi Grantham LLC, has been in the works since 2020. One crucial aspect of the planned development is the inclusion of a drainage pond intended to manage stormwater effectively and mitigate flooding impacts associated with the new homes. However, many residents have expressed skepticism about whether this measure will be sufficient to address their concerns.

Additionally, residents have voiced opposition to the city’s plans to annex a nearby 3-acre property, which they believe would further escalate drainage issues in the area. This annexation request has been postponed multiple times and is slated for reconsideration in July, drawing scrutiny from local residents who worry about the implications for increased flooding and traffic.

To date, the city council has received a notable response, with 48 written comments opposing the annexation. These comments underscore fears surrounding heightened traffic congestion and flooding risks related to the proposed development. In contrast, only three individuals were noted to support the annexation during the public comment period held on June 17.

Residents are calling for urgent improvements to existing infrastructure to better manage flooding challenges and hold developers accountable for planning and executing developments that pose minimal risk to the community. Many community members have indicated a common sentiment of frustration regarding what they perceive as a trend of poor planning practices, characterized by the approach of “develop first, fix problems later.”

The developer, Levi Grantham LLC, maintains that their proposed development will effectively address flooding through well-planned stormwater management strategies. Nevertheless, there remains palpable concern among locals that the influx of traffic from the new homes and commercial space will place further strain on an already burdened street system.

As the city council prepares to review the annexation and associated development plan next month, the final decision regarding this contentious project remains unclear. Public feedback continues to play a significant role in shaping the dialogue surrounding the area’s traffic and flooding issues, as residents seek a workable solution that will protect their community’s interests.

In summary, the proposed development on Folly Road has stirred significant concern among James Island residents, primarily focusing on the potential for increased flooding and traffic. With the upcoming reconsideration of the property annexation, the community continues to advocate for greater accountability and infrastructure improvements.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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