Development advocates, opposers weigh in on James Island housing project [Video]

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) – Lowcountry homeowners are being offered an opportunity to weigh in on a development project intended to build future stays for new families.

The James Island Planned Unit Development project would clear seven acres of untouched woods on Battery Island Drive and transform it into housing, greenspace and potentially, an inn.

The inn would include two buildings with 20 suites, and the subdivision would be made up of 15 homes. It is unclear what the buildings would look like.

The property sits in the middle of Beefield, an African American community recently named as historic.

“It’s a desirable area, so why not build developments or things like that for people? I think it’ll add to the island, James Island, and I think this is a positive,” Pro-development resident Jose Bardallo says.

Many, like Bardallo, believe development is essential around the Lowcountry to mitigate growth. He is …