Goose Creek planning commission approves rezoning for 10.7‑acre destination district

The City of Goose Creek Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request that will allow a mixed‑use "destination district" on approximately 10.7 acres adjacent to the municipal complex.

Staff planner Kendra told the commission the proposal from Goose Creek Destination District Partners LLC asks to change the parcels from Village Node to Planned Development. "Again, as stated, the staff recommendation at this time is to approve the rezoning request," Kendra said, summarizing the application and packet materials that show roughly 32,000 square feet of retail and food service and a range of multifamily unit types.

Under the plan packet the multifamily building in the design shows 54 market‑rate units; the PD text limits density to 50 units per acre, and staff said the final unit count could fluctuate but must comply with the PD caps. The PD also includes flexibility to allow a boutique hotel as an alternative use in the multifamily portion if an economic case supports that change.

Developer representative Logan Stern described the site layout and design intent: "The goal all along of this project was to bring a destination district to the city of Goose Creek, place a gathering place, sort of tie in with the municipal center," he said, noting plans for a two‑story restaurant, retail wrapping a plaza and a clock‑tower feature.

Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on access and traffic management. The applicant said the primary driveway would be operated as right‑in, right‑out only and that the team is coordinating with DOT and Berkeley County. "It would be a right in, right out only," the presenter said when asked about the Old Mount Holly access. Commissioners also requested that staff require photometric analysis and pedestrian‑scale intersection lighting as the plan advances.

Parking and phase sequencing were recurring concerns. One commissioner warned that walking from off‑site or shared parking through the community center lot may not be convenient for patrons, and another recommended stronger coordination between the city and county projects on Old Mount Holly Road to ensure the multi‑use path and any road widening align. The applicant said the project had been downscaled from earlier iterations to address practical elements including parking and access.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the rezoning for the listed parcels and a second was given. The commission approved the rezoning by voice vote; the maker reported the motion "carries" after the roll call of ayes. Commissioners asked staff to work with the design team to incorporate pedestrian‑scale and intersection lighting and to provide any necessary follow‑up information on access and parking.

The rezoning clears the way for the applicant to proceed to plan review and permitting steps; the commission did not adopt specific development permits during the hearing and retained authority to review final site details during subsequent approvals.