Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Preservation of historic Garnet school building
A returning resident urged the city to help save the former Garnet High School, a landmark of Black education in segregation-era Charleston, now vacant with utilities shut off.
Mountaineer Food Bank takes over 748 Virginia Street West
The old Save-A-Lot bought with federal pandemic money will finally be put to use: Mountaineer Food Bank is taking ownership and turning it into a volunteer and distribution hub, its first physical Charleston location.
CDBG funds redirected to 915 Main Street demolition
Leftover federal block grant money from finished projects — Sojourner's roof and ADA curb cuts — is being pooled to demolish a vacant building at 915 Main Street with Fort City Charleston.
Data centers, street closures and East End renewal bills introduced
New bills would regulate where data centers can locate, adopt the East End Community Renewal Plan, add a stop at Venable and 44th, and require better notice when streets are closed off. All head to committee.
Ward 18 Council Vacancy Filled
Charleston filled the Ward 18 council seat with Jessica Hudson, a Kanawha City resident with health care and finance experience. She was sworn in immediately and voted on the rest of the night's items.
Vacant Holler Brothers tiny homes on Third Avenue
Six newly built tiny homes on Third Avenue's West Side have sat empty since completion despite $300,000 in CLRA reimbursements. The developer may shift to long-term rentals if buyers can't be found, and neighbors worry about break-ins and deterioration.
Abandoned houses and demolition contractor performance
Councilwoman Kerns said her ward and neighborhoods citywide are being damaged by vacant houses and negligent landlords, and she called for stronger ordinances, fines and enforcement tools so police can act.
HUD Annual Action Plan for housing funds
Year two of the city's five-year federal housing plan goes to HUD, carrying the CDBG project list that funds community development and housing work across the city.
Triangle District revitalization
A community group is raising $1.4 million to build a skating rink and cultural center in the New Triangle District and asked for council support.
Stadium lease extension with Charleston Professional Baseball
The city's lease on the 601 Morris Street ballpark was set to expire in May 2026. The amendment keeps minor league baseball at the stadium through the end of 2026, with an option to renew for the 2027 season.