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North Charleston resident describes repeated flooding after nearby subdivision clearing
Summary
A long‑time resident told council that land clearing at the Magnolia Point subdivision has caused recurring flooding at her home, causing tens of thousands in out‑of‑pocket repairs and repeated damage; she said multiple city and state staff were contacted but problems persist.
Theresa Coffey, a North Charleston resident at 2850 Otranto Road, told the City Council during public comment that her property has experienced repeated and worsening flooding since land was cleared at the nearby Magnolia Point subdivision about five years ago.
Coffey said she has paid about $5,000 to pump out a crawl space and "a little over $23,000" in repairs after flood damage to flooring and subfloors. She said the flooding has recurred and described contacting several city and state offices, including Public Works, the Department of Transportation (she referred to a Mr. Black), and a permit manager identified only as Don in Monk's Corner. Coffey praised James Hall, a Public Works staff engineer, as the only local staffer who has consistently visited and assisted but said Hall cannot solve the problem alone.
Coffey said she provided inspections and permit information to city staff but told council no permanent solution has been implemented and that the covered storm drainage ditch remains blocked. She told the council, "I mean, how many more floors do we have to put in out of our own pocket? That's not right. I mean, we're retired," and later said the cost impact equates to "Dollars $25,000 every 2 years."
Council members and staff asked whether Public Works had advice that evening; the meeting record notes city staff were present, but the transcript does not record a specific solution or motion directing immediate remedial action. The comments were recorded as public testimony; no formal action was taken during the meeting.
