We have an issue with gentrification and its unlikely to go away. Making houses more affordable means building smartly and lowering the build cost whilst maintaining the downtown experience and walkable lifestyles. We may want to consider a special zoning ordinance for micro house development in a similar way to other US cities such as Portland or Denver. A modification to MU with a rental restriction based as a % of market rate for the area. Small but beautifully appointed houses build for a city where outside can be inside 9 months of the year. Lower build cost and lower rentals to retain key workers in our city precincts.
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I think this is the hope, have people live and work in the same area, develop it with its own distinct style rather than a replica of what is further south. On a similar note, we have the same situation developing on Johns Island aka Mt Pleasant to the West. My firm are having a hard look at small mixed Eco developments with forest and farmland for difficult plots. Low density, low impact living thats affordable for most. The only issue is build cost and increased density for smaller bedroom numbers. Not sure how this going to work out.
Reply • Follow • 1/13/2015
This is a great point Chris. Gentrification is likely to keep going as long as Charleston is a place where people want to be. What we need is affordable and desirable housing. I wonder if targeting taller structures with higher density in the neck area would also be a good direction. With the development of more high tech commercial space in the area, its seems like a natural location to try something like this.
Reply • Follow • 12/29/2014
I think taller structures in the neck area might be a good hedge against sprawl.
12/29/2014