Planning commission recommends approval of rezoning at 7890 Dorchester Road over neighborhood objections

The North Charleston Planning Commission voted 4'0 to 3 to recommend approval of a rezoning application for 7890 Dorchester Road, forwarding the item to the mayor and council and scheduling additional public input at the Public Safety Committee on June 18.

Staff presented the proposal to rezone the parcel (TMS 3970000245) from B-1 (limited business) to B-2 (general business), saying the property's location on a principal transportation corridor and the mixed-use corridor designation support a broader mix of commercial and multifamily uses. "Given the subject property's location along a major transportation corridor, the proximity, other general business uses, and the support of the comprehensive plan, staff is recommending approval," the staff presenter said.

Several residents urged denial. Rhonda Ferrera, who identified herself as a Whitehall Subdivision resident, said neighbors do not want the corridor "turned into a concrete neon jungle" and criticized developers who "come here only to make a profit." Richard Hayes, representing the Coosaw Creek homeowners association, said planners spent years establishing the Dorchester Corridor zoning and that a change from B-1 to B-2 would be "going the wrong way." Other speakers cited loss of green space and insufficient community benefit.

Commission discussion noted outreach and traffic concerns. One commissioner asked whether the applicant had contacted surrounding neighborhoods; staff said legal notice requirements were met and that agendas are emailed to neighborhood presidents. After debate, a motion to recommend approval carried 4'0 to 3.

The commission's recommendation carries no final land-use authority; the mayor and city council will consider the rezoning at a future public safety committee meeting, where members of the public may again offer comment.