Grace Impact Development Center seeks explanation after council reallocates $100,000; residents raise construction and traffic concerns

Residents and community organizations used the public-comment period at Berkeley County Council to demand explanations and action on three separate local concerns: the denial of an award to Grace Impact Development Center, persistent construction defects in new homes built by Pulte, and traffic capacity on Nexton Parkway.

Grace Impact Development Center speakers said the nonprofit was the only organization denied a $100,000 award from a county funding process that vetted nearly 40 projects. Shalad (Shalah) Durant, identified as co-executive director of Grace Impact Development Center and a resident of Moss Corner, told council the organization was "very disheartened" after learning funds staff had recommended for Grace were reallocated to a soup kitchen project. Durant said Grace runs a food pantry and farmers market, provides food education and serves hundreds of families monthly; she asked council…