Johns Island residents voice concerns over proposed affordable housing development

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A new affordable housing project on Johns Island has sparked debate as it headed to Charleston’s Design Review Board for preliminary approval.

Some residents continue to express concerns about its impact on the community.

Despite pushback from some community members, the Design Review Board granted preliminary approval for the project during today’s meeting.

The 12-acre site was purchased by the city of Charleston around two years ago to address the pressing need for affordable housing solutions. The Grove on Johns Island will be a three-building housing community consisting of 90 units on River Road at the section of the future Bernice Robinson Road.

Residents like Robin Mitchell are questioning the need for further development on Johns Island, expressing concerns about the strain on infrastructure and the preservation of natural habitat.

“There’s 5 to 10 acres that’s being developed now, with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. And then this development is going to be 12 acres of rental property,” Mitchell said. “And it’s all going into a one little roundabout and now we have a traffic light. Which is appreciated by the D.O.T. We also have at least four other streets coming into the main way to get in and out of three different neighborhoods.”

Earlier today, residents gathered to voice their concerns over a proposed housing development on Johns Island.

“We’re just going to regroup. And, like I said earlier, we just want transparency. And we want to all work and flow for all of that,” Mitchell said. “And, you know, Johns Island it is a community full of history and we really would love to see its trees preserved for next generations.”

During the meeting, developers stated that they have conducted a tree survey and traffic study.