North Charleston, August 29, 2025
News Summary
North Charleston has initiated a program to donate city-owned land to nonprofits and small businesses to address the affordable housing crisis. Ten properties have been identified, mostly in southern neighborhoods, to support developments for moderate- to low-income residents. This shift in strategy aims to boost homeownership amidst rising median home prices. A dedicated evaluation committee will assess applications from developers, with City Council meetings set for August 28 and a final vote on September 11.
North Charleston has launched a new initiative to combat the growing affordable housing crisis by donating city-owned land to nonprofits and small businesses focused on developing homes for moderate- to low-income residents. The initiative aims to contribute significantly to the local housing market, where rising costs have made homeownership increasingly inaccessible.
City officials have identified ten properties available for donation, with eight situated in the south end neighborhoods, including Chicora-Cherokee, Union Heights, Accabee, Dorchester Terrace, and Waylyn, and two others near Remount and Midland Park roads. This area has experienced a surge of investment, which has led to inflated property prices and potential displacement of long-time residents.
North Charleston’s housing market has seen a drastic shift over the past decade, with the median home sale price rising from $160,000 to $360,000. This increase has made finding affordable homes a pressing issue, placing strain on local residents, especially those with moderate to low incomes. North Charleston’s Mayor has emphasized that housing remains the paramount challenge for the region, expressing concerns about the availability of vacant lots when many residents are facing housing difficulties.
The initiative marks a strategic pivot from prioritizing rental properties to enhancing the inventory of homes for sale. A dedicated evaluation committee will be tasked with reviewing applications from interested developers seeking to utilize this land to construct affordable housing. This process is expected to commence after a City Council approval meeting scheduled for August 28.
A final vote on the project is anticipated on September 11. Previous projects have set a positive precedent; in February, the City Council approved donating a property on Robertson Boulevard to the nonprofit FR33 Lunch Inc., which intends to build a single-family home. This particular project is estimated to cost around $330,000, with plans to sell the finished home for $500,000. The home will be designed to accommodate teachers, illustrating a targeted approach to address affordability for educators within the community.
To ensure a streamlined application process, a policy was developed in late 2024 outlining eligibility criteria for prospective applicants. All interested parties must submit project overviews, evidence of nonprofit status, organizational structure, construction experience, and demonstrate financial capability. Properties not developed within three years will revert back to the city, safeguarding municipal interests in land utilization.
The FR33 Lunch project, which is set to serve as a model for future initiatives, has also shifted financing partners in pursuit of better rates. The city administration is optimistic that this initiative could inspire similar efforts in other municipalities grappling with affordable housing challenges.
Moving forward, the city plans to issue requests for proposals through its procurement department, followed by evaluations from the established committee that will recommend projects for final City Council approval.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the North Charleston affordable housing initiative?
The initiative aims to donate city-owned land to nonprofits and small businesses that build affordable homes for moderate- to low-income residents, addressing the housing affordability crisis in North Charleston.
How many properties have been identified for this initiative?
A total of ten properties have been identified for this initiative, with eight located in the south end neighborhoods and two others near Remount and Midland Park roads.
What is the timeline for project approval?
The City Council approval meeting is set for August 28, followed by a final vote on September 11.
What happened with the FR33 Lunch project?
FR33 Lunch Inc. received approval for a property donation to build a single-family home, and they expect to have a groundbreaking ceremony soon.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| City Initiative | Donation of city-owned land for affordable housing |
| Number of Properties | 10 identified for donation |
| Neighborhoods | South end neighborhoods, Remount, Midland Park |
| Median Home Price Increase | $160,000 to $360,000 |
| Key Dates | City Council meetings: Aug 28 & Sept 11 |
| FR33 Lunch Estimated Cost | $330,000 for single-family home |
| Projected Home Value | $500,000 |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: North Charleston Initiative
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Charleston Business: Affordable Housing Acquisition
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Initiatives
- Live 5 News: Affordable Home Development
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing North Charleston
- Business Wire: Permanent Loan for Affordable Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Post and Courier: Cooper Crest Apartments
- Google News: North Charleston Affordable Housing
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