The city of Charleston has an incredible opportunity to create an iconic gathering place at the intersection of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road, but it will require leadership and vision to create the catalyst for this area’s long overdue revitalization.

Located at the intersection of two of West Ashley’s main arteries, the site consists of two tracts that together comprise more than 35 acres: the much smaller Sumar Street site owned by the city (3.5 acres of vacant land commonly referred to as the old Piggly Wiggly site) and the much larger privately owned Ashley Landing property (home to the current Publix shopping center). For years, the highly visible Sumar Street site has been an eyesore that has come to symbolize West Ashley’s neglect on behalf of the city.

This week, the city’s long-delayed updated plans for the redevelopment of the Sumar Street tract were presented in executive session of City Council, and the public price tag has exploded to a reported $45 million — a number that is well beyond the realm of reality. This is due to cost overruns, expensive underground parking and interest rates nearly tripling in the six years since the city took ownership.

At the same time, the owners of Ashley Landing have been under fire for proposing the relocation of Publix, in part to accommodate a high-density market-rate apartment complex. This has resulted in a standstill that has neighbors extremely frustrated with no leadership charting a productive course forward.

I believe there is a solution to this compounding problem: The city needs to insist that these two parcels be designed, engineered and redeveloped together. It is the right thing to do in that it would allow the relocation of Publix (replacing a Big Lots and a Dollar Tree) and the building of a residential and retail product that would be more in scale with the neighborhood (think Avondale). My proposed course of action would include 20% affordable units, more public green space and amenities than currently contemplated in the Sumar plan, a more comprehensive stormwater design to mitigate flooding, better access to public transportation and an exciting opportunity for public art to welcome residents and visitors to an integral part of our city that has been neglected for far too long.

To be clear: I have no vested interest in either property, except that I see an opportunity for a win-win. I have met with many of the concerned neighbors, along with the owners of the Ashley Landing property. All are ready and willing to flush out the details that work for all parties and to adhere to the principles and guidelines outlined in the West Ashley Revitalization Plan, which to date has seen little to no activity.

But the city alone holds the cards as to which way this will go: It owns the Sumar Street site and more importantly can dictate, through a development agreement, where future tax-increment financing funds will go. The city’s current plan is, in my mind, a highly irresponsible use of public dollars in that whatever limited TIF funding is produced would all be needed to subsidize an over-market project that doesn’t come close to working financially. It is yet another example of a ham-fisted government solution that is well beyond a day late and well over a dollar short.

By comparison, what I have outlined will provide far more revenue (about $3 million annually) that could be used to ensure a lower height and scale residential-retail product complete with a real component of affordability and more public space and amenities than the city’s Sumar plan. It also could provide street, sidewalk, public transportation and drainage improvements, as well as an awesome opportunity for public art at the “suicide merge” that slows traffic and welcomes people to West Ashley. Thirty-five acres versus 3.5 acres transformed in a fiscally responsible way that adds to and enhances our city’s character is hard to argue with.

The question is: Will city leadership continue to stand back and let the higher-density option with no affordability component move forward, which the owner can do by right, while the city continues to fumble its own redevelopment next door, which it has been planning for more than six years with nothing to show except a blown budget?

Or will the city take off its blinders and recognize the incredible leverage it has to make a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial plan happen?

We need leadership and vision — this is a world I know — and, to me, the answer is crystal clear.

William Cogswell, a developer and former S.C. House member, is a candidate for mayor of Charleston.

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When he first ran for mayor of Charleston, John Tecklenburg stood outside the vacant Piggly Wiggly supermarket between Sumar Street, Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road and vowed to revitalize West Ashley, the largest part of the city and one that had not received as much attention as the downtown peninsula. Since then, his administration worked on improving this part of the city, with a specific focus on the grocery store site, which the city purchased in 2017 in part to prevent a new gas station from being built at this important gateway.

City officials, consultants and residents have worked with a private developer on coming up with the ideal plan for the 2.5-acre parcel. Their vision, presented to City Council last year, not only would create an attractive entrance to Charleston’s largest suburb but also would establish the city’s first meaningful civic space west of the Ashley River, a city-owned complex capable of handling office workers and council meetings, along with private offices and restaurants and 10,000 square feet of outdoor event space. About three-fourths of the 240 parking spaces would be hidden in a new underground garage.

The city must now decide whether to commit to its projected $45 million share of the cost. It’s certainly an eye-catching number but also a credible one for a project that would create new park spaces, more than 12,000 square feet of city office and meeting space, underground parking and drainage mitigation. The city expects to be able to avoid raising taxes: The project would be paid for through revenues from an existing tax increment financing district and parking garage collections.

What’s unclear is whether City Council will agree go forward. It should.

The city’s commitment is not unlike the one it made to revitalizing King Street four decades ago, specifically by extending a loan of $14.5 million in federal funding to the private developers working to create Charleston Place. Factoring in inflation, that sum is virtually the same commitment as the $45 million price tag for Sumar Street. Both Charleston Place and the Sumar Street redevelopment were envisioned as ambitious steps not only to create something new on their properties but to generate excitement and optimism that would spur further redevelopment nearby.

Of course, the comparison is imperfect. The 1983 deal was a loan on very favorable terms that eventually was paid back, while Sumar Street involves property and city facilities that will remain in the city’s hands.

This project has been vetted publicly on many occasions and promises to give the city its first substantial civic presence west of the Ashley; the new public assembly space as envisioned would cover almost 5,000 square feet, almost three times the size of the existing council chambers and 50% larger than Mount Pleasant’s new council chambers.

The renderings provided by Liollio Architecture, while not necessarily final, show a handsome park area, pond and civic building at the site’s most visible edge — the triangular tip where Old Towne and Sam Rittenberg join up. Further in, the redevelopment plan shows a mixture of indoor and outdoor spaces that work well together, not unlike the popular Pacific Box & Crate mixed-use development on upper King Street. Its efforts to hide the parking as much as possible, incorporate stormwater work and use high-quality materials deserve praise.

A case can be made that the city’s hasn’t moved fast enough. Already, City Councilman and mayoral hopeful Peter Shahid has made such a criticism, even though he was almost as involved as the mayor in this project in his role as chairman of the West Ashley Revitalization Commission. There are complexities involved in soliciting and incorporating public feedback and working out important legal and financial details, but the delay undoubtedly has driven up the cost. Another mayoral candidate, William Cogswell, suggests starting over and also having the city take a much more aggressive role in dictating the redevelopment of the nearby private property at Ashley Landing, but that would compound the delay with an unknown impact on the city’s cost.

Further delay is not what West Ashley needs. Residents deserve to know how their elected representatives stand on this proposal. This is too important and has involved too much effort by too many people to have it die quietly without a public vote by City Council, so we urge Mayor Tecklenburg to seek just that.

Charleston has many residents nearing retirement age who were born at a time when the city limits didn’t even cross the Ashley River. That changed in the 1960s, and West Ashley today represents by far the largest part of municipal Charleston, whether measured by area or by population. The city’s civic presence here has grown much more slowly, partly because downtown had entered a difficult era in the 1970s, while much of the new investment was focused not there but in the suburbs.

Mayor Tecklenburg vowed to change that, and as he nears the end of his second term, the city has arrived at a crucial decision point. It’s time to follow through on its years-in-the-making plan for its Northbridge-Charles Towne gateway site.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Big plans are approved for an affordable housing complex in West Ashley. The news sparked excitement among some neighbors, but concerns about traffic and the location as well.

The city’s housing department, council members and neighbors agree, affordable housing is a need in West Ashley. But the development does come with a lot of planning and factors to consider when approving a plan.

City of Charleston District 2 Councilmember Kevin Shealy says he initially did not support a 2020 zone change of the property from general business to diverse residential.

“At that time and in 2020, there was a there was an office building sitting there and it’s actually a good location for an office building because people may not have to drive downtown to go to work. They can work and live in the same place which fits in with the West Ashley Revitalization,” Shealy says.

In March of 2023, the planning commission approved initial design plans for the complex. Shealy says he is an advocate for affordable housing, but wants to make sure it’s being put in practical places.

Jerry Gray, who has lived in the area for about 15 years, thinks incoming affordable housing is good news.

“Charleston can be the land of opportunity for a lot of people. And it’s also a window of opportunity for people who want to start out. So having some level of affordable housing where people can start out, start building an American Dream is critical for any neighborhood,” Gray says.

While he says he’s excited about the complex and the opportunities it can bring, he admits that traffic does cross his mind when a project like this is approved.

“Highway 61, we want to keep it as a scenic road. So yeah, traffic would be a problem and a consideration but again, there’s work around for that,” Gray says.

Shealy says he also worries about traffic for people who live in his district. He explains that the South Carolina Department of Transportation grades state roads on a scale from A to F.

“Ashley River Road during peak times grade is an E, and it’s very close to an F. And it probably will be one day unless we can do something about those roads. Hopefully we get some help from the state, state or county and maybe they can help with traffic flowing,” Shealy says.

Gray referenced how widening Glenn McConnell Parkway and the development of Bees Ferry Road has created a connector between areas and will solve some of the traffic woes.

“So those things can be overcome with good planning,” Gray believes.

Shealy says he wants to see hard workers in Charleston like firefighters, police officers and teachers live and enjoy the same area where they work.

“We need affordable housing in the right locations. Live work and play. That’s kind of what the West Ashley revitalization idea said. But that’s also a reason for us to make sure we have commercial properties out in West Ashley out in the western part of West Ashley so that everybody’s not driving to downtown, causing these traffic congestions,” Shealy says.

Shealy says while he initially did not approve of the housing complex, now that it’s on its way, he is dedicated to making sure it fits into the neighborhood.

Gray says he is excited to see more people enjoying the area and hopes the city does its due diligence incorporating plans for runoff, traffic and other aspects of development in the plans.

To learn more about the details of the complex, click here.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

While downtown Charleston is known for its fine dining restaurants, fast casual spots, late night dive bars and craft cocktail joints, it isn’t the only area in Charleston with standout menu items. Just over the Ashley River in West Ashley, you’ll discover many locally-owned restaurants that serve quality food for a fraction of the downtown price.

Plus, when you’re hanging at these 13 restaurants, you can escape the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Avondale Wine and Cheese813 Savannah Hwy.(843) 769-5444Avondalechs.comOpen Mon.-Wed. 3-9 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 12-9 p.m.

Voted Best Wine Bar by City Paper readers this year, Avondale Wine & Cheese currently offers a variety of charcuterie and cheese board options, tapas and, of course, wine. Choose your own combination of meats, cheeses and tapas items for your board, so you can try a little bit of everything. It’s a lot to choose from, and can be daunting for those less educated in all things meat, cheese and wine, but the staff at Avondale is there to help pick the right flavors for you.

Boxcar Betty’s1922 Savannah Hwy.(843) 225-7470Boxcarbettys.comOpen daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Boxcar Betty’s is the perfect place to fulfill a chicken sandwich craving. The fried-to-order chicken sandwiches here can be customized to your desires, with a range of toppings and sauces to choose from. Or, opt for a classic sandwich like the Boxcar with pimiento cheese, house-made peach slaw, pickles and spicy mayo. Even vegetarians can indulge in Boxcar Betty’s offerings with pimiento-stuffed portobello mushrooms as a protein choice.

Early Bird Diner 1644 Savannah Hwy.(843) 277-2353Earlybirddiner.comOpen daily 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Though Early Bird made a name for itself as a spot for late night adventures and a hangover-fueled morning haunt, its hours have shifted to a traditional cafe, but it hasn’t lost its charm. The famous pecan-fried chicken and waffles taste as good as ever. The sweet, crispy exterior of the chicken pairs perfectly with the fluffy Belgian waffles. Pro-tip: Pour the syrup over everything on the plate, get a biteful of chicken and waffle and dip the syrup-coated pair into the honey mustard. It’s a flavor combo unlike any other.

Gene’s Haufbrau817 Savannah Hwy.(843) 225-4363Open daily 11:30-2 a.m.

Gene’s Haufbrau is a West Ashley staple. This year, it celebrated 70 years of serving Charlestonians one of the largest selections of beer. And, the food is stellar too. Gene’s knocks pub fare out of the park with classics like chicken wings and burgers, but ask about the daily blue plate specials, ranging from pork chops and pot roast to fried flounder.

The Glass Onion1219 Savannah Hwy.(843) 225-1717Ilovetheglassonion.comOpen Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

The Glass Onion has been a neighborhood favorite since 2008, serving fine dining quality meals in a casual atmosphere. Chef/owner Chris Stewart combines his native Alabama roots with cooking styles he learned in New Orleans and Charleston, giving the menu a creative Southern flair. Menu items like gumbo brimming with okra and sausage, pan-roasted flounder served over tender braised beans and thick mashed potatoes, shrimp and grits and fried catfish with red rice are part of the reason City Paper readers voted The Glass Onion as the Best West Ashley Restaurant in 2022.

Home Team BBQ1205 Ashley River Road(843) 225-7427Hometeambbq.comOpen daily 11-12 a.m.

Chefs Aaron Siegel and Taylor Garrigan started their acclaimed barbecue empire, Home Team BBQ, in West Ashley. The meats here, like pulled pork, smoked chicken, ribs and a superb salt-and-pepper brisket, are all cooked over wood on offset metal pits. Siegel and Garrigan’s fine dining roots show up in an array of creative snacks and tacos, like chopped brisket sliders on brioche buns and smoked shrimp tacos with white bean puree. And, don’t miss out on Home Team’s smoked chicken wings with tangy white Alabama-style sauce.

Old Li’s1662 Savannah Hwy. Unit 105(843) 640-3994Oldlisrestaurant.comOpen Thurs.-Tues. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Old Li’s is a hidden gem in West Ashley tucked in the Indigo Village shopping center on Savannah Highway. It first opened in 2021, serving Chinese cuisine, but not the standard Chinese American takeout dishes like General Tso’s. Instead, Old Li’s offers more adventurous meals like squirrel fish and griddled pork intestines. Of course, you can also stick to some favorites like pork fried rice, Yuxiang (or shredded) pork and Kung Pao Chicken.

Red Orchid’s China Bistro1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. (843) 573-8787redorchids.com

City Paper readers have voted Red Orchids Best Chinese for many years — and for good reason. Not only are the dishes affordable but also delicious. Tucked away in the back of the Ashley Landing Mall parking lot, Red Orchids is the perfect place for a quiet lunch or dinner out. Pro-tip: As the temperatures in the Lowcountry drop, stop by Red Orchids for a bowl of wonton soup. It’s savory, warm and served with delicious pork dumplings. It also comes with crispy wonton strips that add extra crunch.

R Kitchen1337 Ashley River Road(843) 789-4342Rutledgekitchen.comOpen Wed.-Sat. Reservation Only.

R Kitchen is a different dining experience than the traditional sit down, order and eat. R, is reservation only and the menu changes every night, offering a five-course menu based on seasonal ingredients and the chefs’ creativity. Reservations can be made by texting (843) 789-0725.

Swig & Swine1217 Savannah Hwy.(843) 225-3805Swigandswinebbq.comOpen daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Swig & Swine specializes in fresh-smoked meats with ice-cold drinks. Its extensive drink menu includes local draft beers as well as signature cocktails. Try the St. Louis ribs or the pork rind nachos for a messy good time.

Three Little Birds65 Windermere Blvd.(843) 225-3065Threelittlebirdscafe.comOpen Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Located near the Earth Fare in the South Windermere Center, Three Little Birds is a quaint dining space wrapped in lush greenery. big breakfast and lunch meals. Serving big breakfast and lunch meals, some classics standout like Tom’s Plate offer two eggs any style, toast, a side and the choice of bacon, ham or sausage. Or, you can try the lox bagel, topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers or the Carolina Scramble with eggs, andouille sausage, shrimp, peppers and onion.

Triangle Char & Bar828 Savannah Hwy.(843) 377-1300Trianglecharandbar.comOpen Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11-12 a.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Triangle Char + Bar is a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant with a cozy vibe and delicious food. Highlights of the menu include a selection of grass-fed burgers like the Hot Sh*t, a blackened burger with jalapeno-bacon jam, an over easy egg and pepper jack cheese. Or if you don’t feel like getting your hands a little messy, Triangle has “fork and knife” options like the retro bowl made with quinoa, sweet corn, spinach, bacon and white onion, all tossed in a parmesan cream sauce.

Zen Asian Fusion2037 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.(843) 766-6331Zenasianrestaurant.comHours vary

Zen is the perfect spot to relax after a long day or hang out with a group of friends. The dim lighting and calm ambiance adds to the delicious sushi rolls and entrees offered at this Asian fusion restaurant. Traditional Chinese dishes like Mongolian beef share the menu with chef specials like crispy roasted Mandarin duck or noodle dishes like pad thai and mei fun. But Zen shines in its abundance of delicious and well-crafted sushi rolls. Take, for example, the Holy Moly Roll, made with King crab, tuna, avocado and spring mix, then deep fried and topped with a creamy sauce.

WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD) – They’re in the sky, perched in trees, and on top of roofs.

Birds of all types are flocking to the Grand Bees neighborhood in West Ashley. According to neighbors, they’re leaving behind a mess.

“A lot of poop, a lot of debris left over in the yard. You know, it doesn’t matter how many times they clean it. It’s like ‘where’d this napkin come from, where’d this come?’” said Jamie Weiler, a Grand Bees resident.

The Lennar housing development is located right off Bees Ferry Road, next to a large Charleston County landfill.

Katie Fox moved to the neighborhood one year ago and said the birds are dropping off lots of trash when they fly in.

Wrappers, feminine products, chicken bones, and even needles are just a few of the items neighbors have seen in their yards.

“I have tons of trash in my backyard that I often use one of those trash claws to pick up because I don’t want to catch any diseases from this,” Fox said. “And then many kids can’t go out and play. Dogs are choking on bones. They had to go to the vet to get those removed from their stomach. So, it’s been pretty bad. We’re all running out of ideas.”

Fox said she’s woken up by the sound of the crows every morning. The noise doesn’t stop until the evening.

Jamie Weiler said the birds weren’t a problem when the homes were being built. Little did he know, a few months later, he would have some unexpected neighbors.

“Since there’s no construction noise there’s no hammering or anything like that. They’re not scared so they’re just hanging out, hanging out, hanging out. So, it’s gotten worse over time,” Weiler explained.

According to Charleston County officials, the landfill has been there since the 1970s.

News 2 reached out to Lennar’s Charleston office, but we have not heard back. We also made calls with county leaders in hopes of getting some answers.