North Charleston council approves multiple annexations and rezoning measures as residents oppose proposed Rivers Avenue nightclub

The City Council of the City of North Charleston on Feb. 27 approved multiple annexation and rezoning ordinances and heard sustained public opposition to a proposed nightclub on Rivers Avenue.

Council voted to adopt annexation ordinances for parcels identified by TMS numbers including 411090011 (Section 55-L, Council District 5) and 41105081 (Section 55-M, Council District 6), and to annex and rezone a parcel addressed as 3401 Little Ranch Road (54 KS, TMS 39000000491.08 acres) into a planned development district in Council District 7. Councilmembers moved and seconded the measures and the roll calls recorded all present members voting in the affirmative.

The approvals came early in the meeting; later in the public comment period, a number of residents urged the council to block or reconsider licensing and zoning changes that would allow an establishment they described as a nightclub and lounge at or near 5624 Rivers Avenue. Neil Bailey, a resident who said he has lived in the area for decades, said the proposed use would worsen noise, shootings and other problems. “I am opposed to 5624,” Bailey said. Betsy Hayden, an architect and nearby resident, said the council must follow zoning law and “protect our zoning.”

Other speakers described repeated disturbances, threats and property crime they associated with existing late-night bars on or near Rivers Avenue. Andrea Erb, who identified herself…