Red Top community opposes new development project citing flooding and traffic concerns

During a recent workshop held by the Charleston County Planning Commission, community concerns regarding a proposed development project took center stage. Residents from the Red Top Improvement Association expressed their strong opposition to the project, citing significant issues related to flooding, traffic congestion, and a lack of community engagement.

Jamal Wright, vice president of the association, highlighted that the community had only recently met with the developers, despite ongoing discussions with other local organizations. He emphasized that the proposed site, located near Lovely Hill Church, is prone to flooding, which poses a serious risk to both the church and the surrounding area. Wright noted that the road leading to the church is already problematic during heavy rains, raising alarms about the potential impact of new construction.

Traffic concerns were also a major point of contention. Residents fear that the addition of new apartments and the proposed development will exacerbate existing traffic issues at the Bear Swamp Road entrance, which is already difficult to navigate. Wright pointed out that the intersection is expected to become increasingly congested, making it challenging for residents to enter and exit their neighborhood safely.

Moreover, the community expressed frustration over the developers' lack of outreach. Wright stated that while the developers engaged with some groups, they failed to connect with the heart of the Red Top community, which would be directly affected by the project. This oversight has fueled the community's resistance to the development.

The Planning Commission concluded the workshop without further discussion, but the concerns raised by the Red Top Improvement Association are likely to influence future meetings and decisions regarding the project. The commission is scheduled to reconvene on March 10, 2025, where these issues may be revisited as part of ongoing discussions about community development and planning.