Gene Borzendowski

The meeting commenced with introductions by council members and key staff. Discussions included the approval of minutes from the February 19th meeting. A significant portion of the regular session involved a detailed discussion regarding finance items (4A and 4B), which concerned incentives, tax benefits, and fiscal ratios for projects, specifically addressing concerns about job impact and the nature of the fee in lieu of taxes incentive. Council proceeded to an executive session to discuss matters related to agenda items 6A and 6B concerning 99395 Morrison Drive. Prior to the executive session, a representative from the city provided an update on the process to remove the tech overlay on 993 and 995 Morrison Drive, including scheduling a public hearing and a week-long design charrette for the property. Following the executive session, a motion was passed to authorize the chairman to negotiate an exclusive listing agreement for the 993 and 995 Morrison Drive term sheet, contingent upon county attorney approval and review by the full council before execution.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a reminder about compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. The commission's role, encompassing review and recommendation for comprehensive plan amendments, zoning text amendments, and decision-making authority on road name changes and final plats, was outlined. Key discussions included the approval of minutes from the September 20, 2021 meeting and the approval of the 2022 Planning Commission schedule. The agenda then transitioned into a conceptual plan development presentation for the "Island Park Place Medical Health and Wellness Village." The presenter detailed the project's location within the Urban Growth Boundary, alignment with the comprehensive plan for urban suburban mixed-use development, site characteristics including elevation, wetlands, and tree cover, and proposed design principles focused on nature first, culture first (including a 75-foot undisturbed buffer along Betsy Garrison Parkway), sustainability, smart village utilization, controlled parking provisions, and utility considerations (connection to existing sewer or on-site treatment). The presentation concluded with remarks on building height determined by stories rather than feet, consistent with City of Charleston standards, and an outline of community engagement strategies, including a planned community workshop.

The session included proceedings for a case concerning the creation of two lots from one existing lot at 8340 Shingle Creek Road, which is located within 300 feet of a historically registered property, requiring evaluation under the Charleston County Historic Preservation Ordinance. The commission reviewed staff recommendations supporting approval for this subdivision based on consistency with the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. Key discussions also covered proposed amendments to the Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance regarding short-term rental regulations, specifically adding digital notification requirements. Finally, the commission reviewed a preliminary plat for Exchange Landing Phases Two and Three, proposing 141 additional lots, and received a presentation on the monthly subdivision report. A continuing education training webinar on 'Rezoning and Action: Community Engagement Builds Trust and Transparency' was also conducted.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, which functions as a quasi-judicial body, addressed procedural matters regarding public hearings, evidence entry, and appeal processes. The board reviewed and approved the minutes from the February 2nd, 2026 public hearing. The main discussion involved Case BZA0126-0000934, an appeal concerning a home occupation application for the sale of eggs and poultry, which the board granted a continuance for until June 1st to allow the applicant to address opposition. Case BZA0125-0000925 involved a request for a special exception to establish an extended home rental at a duplex property. Staff noted that the case might meet criteria 1 through 3 and presented staff-recommended conditions for approval, including completion of site plan review and adherence to the 144-day rental limit. Board members questioned the parking allocation for the duplex and the engineering scale of the submitted site plan, which staff confirmed met the required standards.

This emergency meeting addressed immediate concerns arising from Tropical Storm Debby. The key discussion points included receiving an update on the expected impact of the storm from the Emergency Management Deputy Director. Subsequently, the Council considered and unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance declaring a State of Emergency for Charleston County due to the threats posed by high winds and flooding. The Council also addressed fiscal preparedness by authorizing a Subrecipient Public Assistance Funding Agreement with the State of South Carolina related to potential FEMA reimbursement for Tropical Storm Debby costs, and designated the primary and alternate agents for executing this agreement.