Radcliffeborough

10/17/24 Minutes-Annual Meeting

17 in attendance

College of Charleston rep., Ann Jackson, Neighborhood Relations Coordinator attended and introduced herself. No other outside speakers.

RNA formally thanked Peggy Levinson for her 15 years of service as treasurer.  A gift was presented to her by Sallie Ballard.

Fiscal Year Amendment - After discussion Sallie proposed to table until next meeting for clarity;  Seconded by Peggy

Vote on Board:  Sallie introduced Barbara Gould, Treasurer Candidate, and the rest of the returning Board nomination.  All voted in favor of nominations; Board was elected.

General:

Lots of discussion and criticism about street sweeping and lack of consistent parking enforcement.

Jim Doyle suggested taking Undergrounding to Consortium as this is not just a Radcliffeborough issue.

6/20/24 Minutes

1.        Greeting– Liz Soule Brainard, President (1 minute)

2.        Attendee introductions / opening statements (2 minutes per speaker, maximum)

a.      Name, address & years residing in neighborhood

b.      What you LOVE about the neighborhood

c.       What you’d like to see IMPROVED in the neighborhood

3.        City Council Update, as available – Councilperson Mike Seekings attended. Discussed new city personnel org structure, status of Coming Street (and Ashley and Rutledge) traffic study, Drainage work (hoping to extend north of Calhoun), noted Zoning rewrite is on track.  Pedestrian and Bike Safety improvements through SCDOT and Low Country Rapid Transit.  Noted King Street traffic, parking patterns for Thursday-Saturday have yielded improved safety.

4.        County Council Update, as available – Councilperson Rob Wehrman attended.  Discussed Recycling program; noted there is a new app called Recycle Coach.

5.        College of Charleston Update, as available – Neighborhood Relations Coordinator Anne Jackson attended. She noted Orientation Sessions will have some live music in the mid-day.

6.        President Update:  Activities report (2 minutes)–Liz Soule -discussed Golf tournament, Stern Center Construction, Undergrounding and Newsletter. 

7.        Volunteer Request – Board Nomination  Committee members – 2 minutes (Liz Soule) – Treasurer position is open for Fall, and any member can also raise their hands to be on the Board.  Need a second member at least on the Nominating Committee.  Contact us or Sallie to volunteer.

8.        Volunteer Request - Community Building- revamp Welcome Letter, create door hanger, spread the word- target August move in. (2 minutes) (Dee and Jami) – Dee requested help in coming up with changes to our materials and approach to continue to expand our membership.

9.        Approval of prior minutes – 4/18/2024 – Jami and Dee Grimes (5 minutes)- Meeting Minutes - Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association (radcliffeboroughsc.org)

10.      Other Officer Updates (10 minutes total)

a.      VICE PRESIDENT (Jim) 113 Coming approved.  72 Radcliffe has broken ground.

b.      SECRETARY/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – (Jami/Dee)

c.       TREASURER UPDATE – (Peggy)

11.      Committee Updates and Announcements

a.      Environment – Underground Wires –Melaina Jones – (See President update)

b.      Safety/Traffic – Lowry Hughes –Coming Street update (See Mike Seekings’ update)

c.       Bike/Ped Safety –Sandy Fowler (See Mike Seekings’ update)

d.      Trash Clean Up – 3rd Saturday of each month 8:30 AM – Meet at Cathedral Steps 126 Coming.

e.      Robert Ballard Golf Tournament – report out (Sallie/Liz)

• Ratified 6/2023 - $500 reserved for expenses, $350 added to tree budget; total $1350 at 1/1/24

• Proposed 2024 - $500 reserved for expenses, $280added to tree budget, for total available $1630 – Voted – Motion –     Henry Bettke, 2nd by Henry Golabek, motion to add $280 to tree budget passed.

f.       Book Club?

g.     Next community event – Art Show and/or Garden Tour?

12.       Other Volunteer Opportunities - Liz Soule Brainard (2 minutes)

a.     Grants Committee – call for members (Coastal Community)

b.     Librarian/historian – scanning documents/indexing/drop boxor similar for future

c.      Block captains - drains and issues/communication tonon-electronically connected residents

13.          Adjourn

4/18/24 Minutes

1.       Greeting – Liz Soule Brainard, President(1 minute)   Approximately 24 people in attendance

2.         City Council Update, as available – Liz described conversation with Mike Seekings around CofC project, parking/decal enforcement and Coming 2 Way.

3.         113 Coming Street – Harrison Steinberg (10 minutes) Project review and request for support.  (10 minutes) Question was raised on intent of rental unit(s) on property; H. Steinberg committed to only long-term rentals.  Members voted to support, subject to any member who requested to review plans raising significant objections (none raised as of 4/25/24).

4.         Underground Wires FAQ Mac Gandy (City of Charleston Project Manager), Melaina Jones and Lani Connolly (30 minutes)– Q&A presented. 

5.        President Update:   Activities report (2 minutes) – Not for Profit Status; Drop Off/Pick Up zones on King Street; DASH Expansion

6.         Approval of prior minutes – 2/15/2024 – Jami and Dee Grimes (5 minutes)- Meeting Minutes - Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association (radcliffeboroughsc.org)  Approved

7.         Other Officer Updates (10 minutes total).

a.       VICE PRESIDENT (Jim) Detailed activities at BAR

b.       TREASURERUPDATE – (Liz  for Peggy) - provided budget update

8.       Committee Updates and Announcements

a.       Environment – Underground Wires – above

b.       Trash Clean Up – Saturday 8:30 AM –Meet at Cathedral Steps 126 Coming.

c.        Robert Ballard Golf Tournament – April 20, 2024

9.    Adjourn

2/15/24 Minutes - updated 2/24/24 with CofC answers

Approximately 20 people in attendance

1.         Madison Lee, Preservation Society (5 minutes) – priorities include Climate Change, development monitoring and membership expansion. 

2.         Cathedral Commons Project – Rev. Peet Dickinson (15 minutes) – Presented construction plan, highlighting safety of the public.  $2.85Million estimated cost, with over $770,000 raised already.  12 months duration, likely to begin at end of 2024.  Requested neighborhood support(both financially as well as patience during the inevitable disruption toComing Street during portions of the project). Liz followed up with email todistribution list 2/16/24 and posting on Facebook.

3.         College of Charleston Introduction and Update – Executive Vice President, Dr. Alicia Caudill (unable to attend), Associate Vice President for Student Well-being and Dean of Students Ann Almasi-Bush and Neighborhood Relations Coordinator Anne Jackson (20 minutes)- Introduced Anne Jackson and her role helping neighborhoods interacting with students.  Presented update on Campus Master Plan https://facilitiesplanning.cofc.edu/master-planning/index.php  Reiterating bringing students on campus housing is a high priority for CofC.  They have implemented registration change so they will be collecting local addresses which has already aided in resolution of reported problems.  CofC has taken over leases at 61 Vanderhorst and retained 99 St Phillip for upcoming 2024/2025 academic year. 

Answers to questions provided by Ann Almasi-Bush:

A question was posed if there was a specific timetable proposed for the Wentworth project- the timetable is currently undefined and the College continues to engage with the new Mayor's team. 

For admissions numbers- we are looking at having 2500 freshmen students this upcoming year, which would be smaller than this year's numbers.

There is nothing in the works right now in terms of thoughts of additional satellite campuses.

Future of College Lodge- the College is still in negotiation with the Board of Architectural Review on this.

4.         President Update:  Budget reallocation required (Trash Cans/Beautification) – Discussed Keep Charleston Beautiful’s funding issues and the need to reallocate money from the Trash Can budget in order to continue to offer monthly clean up.  Motion from Mike Jones, Seconded from Sallie Ballard to allow for up to $500 to be reallocated to purchase supplies.  Liz and Connie Hughes will make the purchases and allow residents, if they like, to purchase the equipment from our supplies at cost.  Equipment will be stored with Connie and/or Liz.

5         Approval of prior minutes – 12/14/2023 – Jami and Dee Grimes (5 minutes)- MeetingMinutes - Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association (radcliffeboroughsc.org)  Encouraged members to read minutes online and alert Dee/Jami/Liz of any issues.

6         Other Officer Updates (10 minutes total)

a.       VICE PRESIDENT (Jim)  - 162 Ashley – Jim was absent.  Liz presented plan to build attainable housing for MUSC students and staff, with provision that the new building will not allow parking decals to be issued.

b.       SECRETARY/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – (Jami/Dee)

c.       TREASURERUPDATE – (Peggy) – BAR meeting 82 Radcliffe, 24 Jasper  - Peggy explained 82 Radcliffe was going to be raised and renovated.  24 Jasper was already presented at 12/8/23 meeting.

7.    Committee Updates and Announcements

a.      Union Pier Community Advisory Council – Lee Dellicker (absent)  Sallie presented update as to how diverse the Community Advisory Council members were (noting significant number of boating groups wanting access to the river.

b.       Environment – Underground Wires –Melaina Jones- Guest speaker at 4/18 meeting.

c.     Safety/Traffic – Lowry Hughes –Coming Street update

d.       Bike/Ped Safety –Sandy Fowler

e.       Trash Clean Up – Saturday 8:30 AM –Meet at Cathedral Steps 126 Coming.

f.        Robert Ballard Golf Tournament – April 20, 2024 – Liz requested organizing assistance (email us).  Connie and Lowry Hughes and Barb and Adam Gould will fill the slots that were given up by 2 former hole host homes.

g.       Book Club?

h.      Next community event – Art Show and/or Garden Tour (Spring)?

8      Volunteer Opportunities - Liz Soule Brainard (2 minutes)

a.      Grants Committee – call for members (Coastal Community)

b.      Librarian/historian – scanning documents/indexing/drop box or similar for future

c.       Block captains - drains and issues/communication tonon-electronically connected residents

9.    Adjourn

12/14/23 Minutes

1.       Greeting – Liz Soule Brainard, President(1 minute) Attendance of approximately 20people

2.       Attendee introductions / opening statements (2 minutes per speaker, maximum)

3.         City Council Update, as available

4.         24 Jasper Project Overview - Thomas Chandlee – Thomas provided overview and handouts of project.   Residents were concerned about parking (Thomas states 3 cars will continue to fit as they do today.   Motion to support (Sandy Fowler, seconded by Jami Grimes) – passed.  Liz emailed letter 12/15/23.

5.         Cathedral Portico – Request for neighborhood support- Liz and Henry Golabek provided overview of renovation project, including grant requests which will need support from neighborhood. Rev Dickinson will attend a future meeting to discuss more details.  Motion to support (Sallie Ballard, seconded by Connie Hughes)- passed.  Liz emailed letter 12/15/23.

6.         President Update: 

·        Activities report (2 minutes)

·        2023 actuals vs budget

·        2024 budget – request for approval – Liz provided overview of the line items, discussed the Pros and Cons of becoming 501C3.  Motion to support Lani Connolly, seconded by Dee Grimes) - passed 

7.         Approval of prior minutes – 10/19/2023 – Jami and Dee Grimes (5 minutes)– Please read on website.

8.         Officer Updates (20 minutes total)

a.       PRESIDENT – (Liz) If anything else

b.       VICE PRESIDENT (Jim) 15 Radcliffe is now 120 St Phillip.  Jim attended BAR Large to voice support for preservation plan in accordance with prior RNA votes.

c.       SECRETARY/COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT – (Jami/Dee) None

d.       TREASURER UPDATE – (Peggy) None

9.       Committee Updates and Announcements

a.       Environment – Underground Wires –Melaina Jones – new personnel; we are in queue; neighbors will want to have more information before deciding to support, especially if there is a cost component to the project. Trees -  Sallie Ballard noted the sycamore in front of 46 Warren will be trimmed to save several branches.  Additionally 2 live oaks will be planted from the proceeds of the 2023 Robert Ballard golf tournament.

b.     Safety/Traffic – Lowry Hughes –Coming Street update - money for updated study is included in City Budget

c.       Bike/Ped Safety –Sandy Fowler

d.       Trash Clean Up – Saturday 8:30 AM –Meet at Cathedral Steps 126 Coming.

e.       Robert Ballard Golf Tournament – April 20, 2024 – Volunteers needed

f.        Book Club?

g.      Next community event – Art Show and/or Garden Tour (Spring) t/b/d date pending interest

10.      Volunteer Opportunities - Liz Soule Brainard (2 minutes).

a.      Grants Committee – call for members (Coastal Community)

b.      Librarian/historian – scanning documents/indexing/drop boxor similar for future

c.       Block captains - drains and issues/communication to non-electronically connected residents

11.    Holiday party

10/19/23 Minutes - Annual Meeting

1.       Greeting – Liz Soule Brainard, President(1 minute)  Approximately 20 members in attendance; all either paid dues in advance or paid them at the door, so they qualified as voters.  Additionally 3 guests from St Mark’s Church attended.

2.       Attendee introductions / opening statements (2 minutes per speaker, maximum)

a.       Name, address & years residing in neighborhood

b.       What you LOVE about the neighborhood

c.       What you’d like to see IMPROVED in the neighborhood

3.         City Council Update, as available – Mike Seekings provided update – see notes below.

4.         President Update:  Activities report (Welcome letter to Churches and several businesses; Thank you to outgoing Communications Board member Sylvia Szentpetery)

·        Qualifications to vote (5 minutes) discussed Bylaw requirements

·        Preservation Society survey https://www.preservationsociety.org/what-we-do/preservation-initiatives/climate-resilience-guidelines-for-charleston/ -encouraged

·        2023 actuals vs budget and proposed 2024 budget overview (vote to be taken at December meeting) ; encouraged review (displayed on wall, asked members to consider whether $25/pp dues was appropriate)

5.         Approval of prior minutes – July 27, 2023 – Liz, for Sylvia Szentpetery (5minutes) Motion to Approve 1st –Sallie Ballard 2nd – Jim Doyle. Passed.

6.         Vote for 2024 officers:  Sallie Ballard, Nominating Committee chair (5 minutes) – Committee consisted of Sallie, plus two other members (Jack Heaton and Henry Golabek) No nominations were offered from floor.  Slate elected.

a.      Elizabeth Soule Brainard, President

b.      James Doyle, Vice President

c.       Dee and Jami Grimes, Co-Secretary

d.      Peggy Levinson, Treasurer

7.         Robert Ballard Cup Tree Planting Update:  Sallie Ballard (5 minutes) –3trees (Warren and Thomas).  St Mark’s would like input (height/wires, type of tree); Sallie already working with David Grant (City’s Tree Warden) on their request.  All funding for these trees was approved by members  by vote on 12/8/22 for the 2023budget and was supplemented by the Golf Tournament profits of $350.

8.         Officer Updates (20 minutes total)

a.       PRESIDENT – (Liz)

b.       VICE PRESIDENT (Jim) 74 Radcliffe St; 165 Coming; Courier Square; Town andGown; rental registration; also discussed Union Pier, Preservation Society; CofC PUD at YWCA and 2 Way Coming.

c.       SECRETARY/COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT – (Jami/Dee)

d.       TREASURER UPDATE – (Peggy) Nothing additional from the budgets Liz discussed earlier.

9.       Committee Updates and Announcements

a.       Environment – Underground Wires –Melaina Jones presented process and benefits.  Asked for volunteers to help.  At Mike Seekings’ urging, will get Radcliffeborough on the list; noting that we will most likely have a years’ long wait to see movement on this issue with the exception, possibly, in conjunction with 2 Way conversions of Coming, Ashley and Rutledge.

b.     Safety/Traffic – Lowry Hughes –Coming Street update – Presented brief update;alerted to editorial supporting conversion.

c.       Bike/Ped Safety –Sandy Fowler (defer item to next meeting)

d.       Trash Clean Up – Saturday 8:30 AM –Meet at Cathedral Steps 126 Coming.  Liz reminded attendees.

e.       Robert Ballard Golf Tournament – April20, 2024  Liz announced and asked for additional hole hosts.

f.        Next community event – Art Show and/or Garden Tour (Spring)  Not discussed.  Will bring up at 12/14meeting when more information is available.

10.      Volunteer Opportunities - Liz Soule Brainard (2 minutes) Liz reminded attendees.

a.      Grants Committee – call for members (Coastal Community)

b.      Librarian/historian – scanning documents/indexing/drop boxor similar for future

c.       Block captains - drains and issues/communication tonon-electronically connected residents

11.    Holiday party/final meeting –December 14th  - Liz reminded attendees.

12.    Other?  Adjournment

Council Member Seekings provided an update as follows:

·        Noted that there will be a referendum item on the ballot in November about $70M for parks.  Most of this money will be spent on Johns Island

·        Brief history on Coming Street 2 Way conversion and noted that in 2024 the City budget contains money to update the study needed to move forward.  Current plan is limited to north of Calhoun, and including Ashley and Rutledge also back to 2 way.  Mike notes that as part of this work, Coming, Ashley and Rutledge could get underground wiring.

·        Noted new police chief was internal to police department, showing officers that they have career paths within the department.

·        Courier Square – currently proposed 12 stories is not in accordance with current zoning

·        UHaul site will be rebuilt with storage on site

·        Unground wiring – change in how this is funded to relieve cost to homeowners.  Currently 50/50 Dominion and City, with homeowners only paying for the hook up from the sidewalk to the house.  Mike recommended getting on the list now, and being realistic about the timeline (5+ years).  Ansonborough is first (having made that deal as part of the Gilliard building), then likely somewhere in West Ashley, then a peninsula neighborhood. 

·        295 Calhoun – BAR legality in question per developer’s suit

·        Greenspace coming as part of Charleston Place purchase of lots; will not be 100% open to public but still a great amenity

·        Union Pier – paying for infrastructure was the downfall in Mike’s opinion.  Lowe may still have some rights. Likely will be several years of planning.

·        Landlord registration. City is expanding pilot program requiring landlords to register a local presence with City to Radcliffeborough. Likely will be approved in January.

7/27/23 Minutes

1. Greeting  – Liz Soule Brainard, President

- Approximately 12 neighbors in attendance

2. President Update: Activities report — Planning Commission update from 7/19

3. 134 Smith Street — ZBA application approved, BAR plans. New single house build on empty lot.

4. Coming Street Two-Way Conversion— Michael W. Mathis, Deputy Director, Department of Traffic and Transportation. Approved by City Council in 2012; at that time ~$360K estimated cost, primarily for traffic signals. An updated traffic study will be needed. Discussion of North vs South of Calhoun Street conversion to two way. Additional discussion on Lowcountry Rapid Transit, Bike/Pedestrian Safety.

5. Nominating Committee and process for election of 2023-24 officers. Henry Golabek volunteered to assist.

Approval of prior minutes – June 15, 2023 – Sylvia Szentpetery Requested. Sandy Fowler second.

6. Officer Updates

a. PRESIDENT – (Liz) College of Charleston/PUD at 74 Radcliffe dorm and other construction planning.

b. VICE PRESIDENT (Jim)

c. SECRETARY/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

d. TREASURER UPDATE

7. Committee Updates and Announcements

a. Safety/Traffic – Ongoing discussion of Coming Street safety; opportunities for engagement of city council

b. Environment

c. Bike/Ped Safety –Sandy Fowler – upcoming meeting on August 9 at 6:00 pmduring the Traffic & Transportation Committee Meeting

d. Trash Clean Up – August 19 – Meet at Cathedral Steps 126 Coming.

e. Other?

8. Volunteer Opportunities - Liz Soule Brainard

a. Grants Committee – call for members (Coastal Community)

b. Librarian/historian – scanning documents/indexing/drop box or similar for future

c. Block captains - drains and issues/communication to non-electronically connected residents

Contact us at RadcliffeboroughSC@gmail.com or www.RadcliffeboroughSC.org or on Facebook:

d. Unkempt properties – any interest in organizing a list and contact the property owner or at least local property manager.

e. Next community event – Church Tours? Other? (Fall 2023)

9. Other

10. Adjourn

1. Greeting  – Liz Soule Brainard, President

- Approximately 15 neighbors in attendance

2. President Update: Activities report Keep Charleston Beautiful, RNA and Connie Hughes personal award. PNC

meeting.

3. Guest – Courier Square Development (1) and Low County Low Line Overviews (2)

• Miller Harper followed by Christian Sotille presented detailed conceptual slides and answered questions. Mixed use, hospitality, residence, offices 3.7 acres with 1 acre of open space. Parking underneath. Multilevel skyline/height variation planned. Courier Square goal of being “living room of upper King” and serving as catalyst for Low Line.

• Scott Parker presented detailed conceptual slides and answered questions. Public Infrastructure - spine concept through 8 neighborhoods. Storm water management for storage of water and cleaning before being discharged into rivers. Revenue generation for maintenance. Partner with Charleston Moves. DOT has $7.5M grant for planning, then expect $25M construction grant. Will need to close the funding gap.

4. 119 Coming St. ADU update and formal request for RNA support – Connie and Lowry Hughes; presented plan, answered questions. Motion by Sallie Ballard which was seconded by Jim Boyle. Approved. Liz to sent letter of support to Hughes’ for the BAR/ZBA.

5. Approval of prior minutes – April 20, 2023 – Sylvia Szentpetery Requested.

6. Officer Updates

a. PRESIDENT – (Liz)

b. VICE PRESIDENT (Jim) 2 Murphy Court in ZBA this week.

c. SECRETARY/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Golf Tournament Update (Sylvia) – presented income, expenses, net income of $350 and reserve of $500 for next year. Sallie Ballard presented use of the income – to plant tree at Warren, described meeting with Charleston Tree person (David Grant). Expect October installation. 28 Warren (Grimes) and 48 Warren (Meg and Scott) have offered to be hole hosts for 2024. Announced tentative date of 4/20/24

d. TREASURER UPDATE – Year to Date Budget (Liz presented year to date income and expense, including the tree contribution of up to an additional $1000 as approved 12/8/22 budget)

7. Committee Updates and Announcements

a. Safety/Traffic – Lowry Hughes – new speed monitor signs on Coming.

b. Environment – Underground Wires – Melaina Jones (cost may be addressed by grants, transformers are not that noticeable)

c. Bike/Ped Safety –Sandy Fowler – no news to report

d. Trash Clean Up – Saturday 8:30 AM – Meet at Cathedral Steps 126 Coming.

e. Other?

8. Volunteer Opportunities - Liz Soule Brainard

a. Grants Committee – call for members (Coastal Community)

b. Librarian/historian – scanning documents/indexing/drop box or similar for future

c. Block captains - drains and issues/communication to non-electronically connected residents

Contact us at RadcliffeboroughSC@gmail.com or www.RadcliffeboroughSC.org or on Facebook:

d. Unkempt properties – any interest in organizing a list and contact the property owner or at least local property manager.

e. Next community event – Church Tours? Other? (Fall 2023)

9. Other

10. Adjourn

1. Greeting – Liz Soule Brainard, President

Approximately 12 members present.

2. Attendee introductions / opening statements

3. President Update: Activities report – provided overview of activities including CofC, Post and Courier

development, parking enforcement etc.

4. Guests – Paul Patrick (Chief of Staff) and Ann Almasi-Bush (Dean of Students and Neighborhood Relations) –

College of Charleston – Discussed proposed Student Housing at 99 St Phillip and 106 Coming Street as well as student

expectations around living in the neighborhood, off-campus student discipline options. The attendees

emphasized they’d like the College to be a stronger advocate for not bringing cars to Charleston, and for

discipline actions for students who are repeat ticket or towing offenders. Mr. Anthony McAllister also joined and presented

an overview of the options that aligned with CofC’s discussion. The Phase 2 work at 99 St Phillip will include a new

building on the existing parking lot, coupled with additional building on the front of the building along the parking garage site,

would deliver approximately 200 beds and be done by 8/2025. Phase 3, which will begin with a Request for Proposal from

the College in the near term, would be for possible dorm and/or office/educational space near the campus. Mr.

McAllister indicated that he would be responding to that RFP for the Coming Street lot. The intention of the

College is whatever is built will be leased to the College and under its security and residence hall policies. The College

intends to increase overall availability of affordable on campus housing for students as residence halls are renovated.

Student body size is not to increase significantly.

5. Guest – Council Updates Mike Seekings: provided benefits of the “overlay” district, formerly known as Student

Housing Overlay. Primarily keeping students on or very near campus would pull students out of the

neighborhood. They would have limited to no parking. Per Seekings, the City is going to eliminate parking

requirements going forward with residential buildings, which should also help density (more room for beds),

keeping costs down and parking down. Seekings also stated the best way to get Coming Street two way above

Calhoun is to push for Ashley and Rutledge to change to two way as well.

6. Accessory Dwelling Unit at 119 Coming – Connie Hughes – plans available for review.

7. Approval of prior minutes – February 16, 2023 – Given the already extended meeting length, members asked to review the

minutes online and bring any questions to our attention.

8. Other officer Updates

a. VICE PRESIDENT (Jim) -Provided updates on Zoning Re-write and a cautionary warning about making

improvements without BAR approval (citing a Thomas Street house that will have to redo their

unapproved work.)

1. Greeting – Liz Soule Brainard, President

Quorom met: Approximately 20 members present.

2. Attendee introductions / opening statements

3. Approval of prior minutes – December 8, 2022 –  Approved 1st Sylvia, 2nd Andy.

4. Officer Updates

a. PRESIDENT

• Work orders (multiple) placed to repair uneven pavement on Vanderhorst.

• Summary of Special Meeting on 1/20/23 - decision to support preservation of 15 Radcliffe even if move required was upheld.

• Multiple areas of outreach re: parking garage ongoing (police, CofC, city council, Zoning/Planning, etc.)

  • To be discussed at neighborhood association consortium

b. VICE PRESIDENT

• Discussed meeting with Planning/Zoning

  • Currently garage project is dormant at the city level - no zoning application; 15 Radcliffe lot would require re-zoning from residential

  • Engaging with neighborhood stakeholders

c. SECRETARY/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Block captain map reviewed, including areas which could be supported

d. TREASURER UPDATE • Dues • Membership Drive

• Reminder to pay $25/member dues in Q1

5. Budget 2023 – Update - Liz Soule Brainard  – on budget so far; dues collected $325, more than expected.

6. By Laws update and approval request – Liz Soule Brainard – Reviewed, updated to include Trash pick up, Mike 1st, Jim 2nd – passed.

7. Volunteer Opportunities - Liz Soule Brainard

a. By Laws and 501c3

b. Legal/LCC research

c. Event Planning/Social – golf, wine club, piazza fest, church tours, other – 5 yr April; Water Company Simonton Park/Ashley Hall/Church? - 3-5 holes? Organizing? Calendar to avoid certain dates. Jack, Sallie, Sylvia, Peter, Henry, Liz, others?

• Planning committee organizing first meeting; tentative April timeline

d. Grant Committee

e. Block Captain Organizing Group – Sylvia presented.

f. Librarian/Historian

g. Environment: priorities – Sandy – pedestrian/traffic, provided links to SCDOT resources, will post on resource list (Helpful Information). Lowry – re Coming Street speeding, meeting with mayor. Temporary and permanent signs. Melania re environment and adopt a block, underground wires. Provided Keep Charleston Beautiful resource guide.

i. traffic safety (pedestrian/bike/speed)

ii. advocating for 2 way Coming Street

iii. beautification (homes, adopt a block, maintaining tree canopy/preventing tree loss, exploring underground wires etc.) – House next to Julie on St Phillips needs to be reported to Livability by as many people as possible.

iv. monthly trash pick up

h. BAR/Zoning/Zoning Appeals activities – including 15 Radcliffe and other concerns – banner or lawn signs, discussed some possible content changes. Group was ok with the concept. Some suggestions on re-wording. Liz to take to Consortium meeting.

8. Other

9. Adjourn Sallie 1st; Phillip 2nd motion to adjourn.

Approximately 18 members in attendance, 0 online.

1. Greeting and Level Set – Liz Soule Brainard, President (1 minute)

-Quorum present

-Review of prior position duly adopted by Members on 11/15/22

i. Neighborhood opposes the parking garage as currently proposed (5 stories with no buffer besides plantings.)

ii. All support single family home and quality renovation if the house is moved. This should be supported by some legal means (financial bond, lien, etc.)

iii. All in favor of saving the house, including if this requires moving it.

iv. All in favor of starting with BAR jurisdiction challenge (BAR-S rather than BAR-L).

2. Julie Skinner – Reason for Special Meeting Request

– Determine whether to rescind RNA support for 15 Radcliffe move in relation to possible appeal to circuit court

-30 days from 1/11/23 is window to appeal BAR-L decision to approve move of the house

a. Discussion in favor of changing RNA position (house must stay in place)

-Preservation plan presented by Brumley stated that house could be preserved in place

-House would lose theoretical historic designation once moved; it is not currently on historic register and some members have heard this designation could be re-applied after move

-Moving house makes larger garage/project easier for developer; not an impediment

-A garage would encourage more drivers to the area and not reduce parking burden in Radcliffeborough

-Neighborhood would prefer return to residential area or at least mixed use; house could be rented/lived in if developer allowed area for yard, parking

b. Discussion in favor of affirming RNA position (house move is accepted with provisions to renovate as above above)

-Something will be built no matter what

-CofC parking lease status may be running out

-Preservation plan ensures the house will be saved as part of the preservation plan as laid out by BAR (lien offered by developer), enforceable

-Demolition by neglect real possibility; can still be fighting the garage but ensure saving the house

c. Vote: Raised to revise existing RNA position and support only the house staying in place raised by E. Doyle, second P. Brainard. 2 votes for, 12 opposed, 4 abstained. Existing RNA position maintained

4. Garage Next Steps – Volunteers needed.  Committee in development.

Approximately 18 members in attendance.

1. Greeting - Liz Soule Brainard, President

   -Liz presented overview of outreach and identified member concerns relayed to date (parking enforcement, traffic/speeding, spillover from King St, neighborhood street based lighting, student engagement).

   -There is to be increased police presence on King St. and in Radcliffeborough

   -Repeat speed monitoring on Coming St. in early 2023

   -CofC contact identified and in communication

2. Approval of prior minutes

   -Sylvia reviewed discussion of 15 Radcliffe/Garage at November meeting

   -Clarified that jurisdictional fight is just a delay tactic.

   -11/8/22 Meeting Minutes were approved (first motion by Sylvia, seconded by Lowry Hughes)

   -Ongoing discussion on being stewards of the house and neighborhood

   -Discussion of purpose of BAR, legal challenge with 295 Calhoun

3. Budget – presented as circulated.

   -Commentary that membership dues should be $25/pp per year, collect in Q1.

   -Ideally new people who join during the year pay full bore but if needed, could prorate.

   -Discussion of specific gifts (trash cans, beautification, speeding strategies, etc.)

4. Volunteer Opportunities – presented.

   -ByLaws, 501(c)3

   1. Members thought 501(c)3 should be investigated even with the cost to file.

   2. Sandy Fowler noted that getting grants may be easier; Sylvia noted setting up paypal/venmo would be easier as well.

   -Legal/LLC research

   1. Suggestion to contact Tim Muller for input from nearby CENA

   2. Can contact Secretary of State

   3. Discussion of rental reporting as pilot project in CENA

   -Events/Social - golf, wine club, piazza fest, church tours, pig roast

   -Grant committee ($3000/year from city)

   -Block captains

   · Connie and Katie Hughes will take Coming Street between Vanderhorst and Duncan.

   · Jim and Elaine Doyle will take Radcliffe Place

   · Dianne Marks will take Morris around DeReef/Simonton parks.

   · Liz and Peter will take Warren Coming to Ashley Hall.

   -Librarian/Historian

   1. Liz will follow up with city to see if high speed scanner is available to scan documents.

   -Environment - Lowry Hughes and Sandy Fowler agree to head this

   -BAR/Zoning/Appeals - Jim Doyle continues to head

5. Calendar – Liz to review BAR calendars to ensure planned membership meetings do not conflict and ideally are ahead of BAR meetings such that items impacting the neighborhood can be discussed in advance. Thereafter, the planned meetings will be announced.

   -Meeting dates for 2023: 2/16/23, 4/20/23, 6/15/23, 10/19/23

6. Logo Contest - deferred for now as most members like current logo.

Approximately 20 members in attendance.

1. Greeting – Liz Soule Brainard, President

2. Presentation on 165 Coming Street with Questions and Answers – Ashley Jennings (AJ

Architects) and Matt Anderson (homeowner)

• Property purchased 2022. Built in 1971 and original floor plan is 1300 sf. New home build to be 2800 sf.

• BAR approved demolition; architects hopeful to present to BAR floor plans in December with single family home and pool house, possible pool with two off street parking spaces.

• They propose bringing the main house forward to match the streets overall roofline and architecture, align eaves.

• Pool house/accessory dwelling unit with NOT be rented/no AirBnB. It will be 1.5x stories tall.

• Question of possible live oak tree on lot. Owner will follow up survey and appropriately preserve any grand oaks. Will engage an arborist as appropriate.

• Exterior plans for siding and standing seam metal roof.

• Estimated length of project is 15 months from establishment of permits.

• Owner (Matt) may live in home or may sell it.

• Any questions - contact the architect Ashley by email (ashley@ajarch.net)

• Members overall seemed to think the house was a nice addition and had no expressed concerns.

3. Gain consensus on 15 Radcliffe Street House Move – Jim Boyle, Vice President

• Options for approach

  1. Save the House : Let it be moved. Is this greasing the skids for the parking garage? The prior proposal 5-6 years ago fell based on egress secondary to the house being in the current location.

  2. Save the House in the current Location : Risk loss to the elements; BAR deferred in August because there were no plans provided for the house after the move. Historical Preservation Society is against moving the house.

  3. Challenge the BAR : City ordinance restricts 5000 sf and smaller to BAR-S (not BAR-L which reviewed recent proposal in August) .

4. Gain consensus on 15 Radcliffe Street/Warren Dorm proposed parking garage - Jim Boyle, Vice

President

• Discussion of lien on neglected houses in the past. Is the BAR no longer interested in protecting neighborhoods.

• Area of proposed parking garage is zoned for business use

• Goal of St. Philip being more residential

• Proposal for mixed use structure (housing and business surrounding smaller parking garage)

• An additional parking garage was approved on St. Philip near Redux — building not yet started.

• Question regarding length of parking lease for CofC

• Could alternate plan be considered by BAR? Mixed use building, work force housing, monthly parking?

• Doubt of developer holding his word given history

• Is BAR considering upper King St. to be pedestrian only? Is that reason for parking garage? Thought to be unlikely

• Motion by Sylvia, second by S. Fowler

• Neighborhood opposes the parking garage as currently proposed (5 stories with no buffer besides plantings.)

• All support single family home and quality renovation if the house is moved. This should be supported by some legal means (financial bond, lien, etc.)

• All in favor of saving the house, including if this requires moving it.

• All in favor of starting with BAR jurisdiction challenge (BAR-S rather than BAR-L).

5. Other – Connie Hughes reminded us about Saturday Clean Up, Speeding/Proposal of Coming St becoming two-way (to be taken up at 12/8 Volunteer/Committee call)

6. Adjourn – optional social hour