A significant rezoning request took center stage at the Charleston City Council meeting on August 19, 2025, as community members voiced strong opposition to the conversion of a church property on Magnolia Road from single-family residential (SR 2) to commercial transitional (CT) zoning. The church, seeking flexibility for a future sale as it plans to relocate, has sparked concerns among local residents who fear the impact of commercial development on their neighborhood.

The property, located midway up Magnolia Road near the West Ashley Bikeway, is currently surrounded by a mix of residential and commercial zones. Proponents of the rezoning argue that CT zoning is designed to fit within residential neighborhoods, allowing limited uses and operational hours. However, community members, including Marsha Higgins, president of the Maryville Ashleyville Neighborhood Association, presented a petition against the change, citing a unanimous vote from the planning commission to oppose the rezoning.

Higgins emphasized the community's desire to maintain the residential character of the area, stating, "We do ask you to please do not approve that this property is rezoned from residential to commercial." The council is now faced with balancing the church's needs against the community's concerns, as public comments highlighted the potential negative effects of commercial encroachment.

In addition to the Magnolia Road discussion, the council also reviewed other rezoning requests, including a proposal for the Star Gospel Mission on Meeting Street, which seeks to increase building height allowances. The city is the applicant for this change, indicating ongoing development plans in the downtown area.

As the council prepares to make decisions on these rezoning requests, the outcome could significantly shape the future of West Ashley and its surrounding neighborhoods. The next steps will involve further deliberation and consideration of community feedback before any final decisions are made.