Planning commissioners recommend rezoning of 4937 Durant Ave to allow church fellowship hall

The City of North Charleston Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend rezoning 4937 Durant Avenue (TMS 4711500076) from R-1 single-family residential to B-1 Limited Business, a change the applicant said is necessary to add a fellowship hall and expand community services.

Planning staff told commissioners the corner property is currently developed as a church and that limited business zoning would be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and the site’s corner location near an elementary school. Staff recommended approval to allow a larger assembly space than the current single-family setback would permit.

Gwen Gathers, the applicant’s representative, told the commission the church runs a food-distribution program and other outreach that is constrained by the existing 25-foot single-family setback. "We provide food distribution twice a month," Gathers said, adding the sanctuary and converted classroom space are not large enough to serve clients and host additional community events.

Rob Hanwell, a neighbor who said he lives across Durant Avenue, testified in support and presented a petition he said included 21 signatures from residents on surrounding streets backing the proposed fellowship hall. "It's a phenomenal program," Hanwell said, describing after-school and outreach uses that would benefit local families.

With no opponents signed up to speak, commissioners moved and seconded a motion to recommend approval. The chair recorded unanimous support from commissioners and said the recommendation will be forwarded to the mayor and City Council; the next opportunity for public comment is the Public Safety Committee meeting on August 20.

The commission’s recommendation to the City Council is advisory; final action and the second public hearing will occur at the council level.