CTAR’s Advocacy team monitors issues impacting REALTORS(R) and property rights across the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester region. Expand each section below to learn more.
The BCD-region’s rapid population growth, combined with a lack of available land and restrictive zoning laws, has made it difficult to build sufficient affordable housing. As a result, demand for affordable housing is high, leading to gentrification in historically working-class neighborhoods.
CTAR works to support affordable housing options through advocating for:
Missing Middle Housing concepts
Urban Revitalization
Density Bonus
Housing Finance Programs
Transportation is one of the biggest issues plaguing the Charleston region. The homeowners and communities our members serve are suffering from intense traffic congestion made worse by lack of multi-modal transit options, aging infrastructure, and sea level rise.
Expanding our current transportation network to accommodate population growth is necessary. Mobility across the region can be more efficient and accessible by adding new routes and a variety of transit options.
CTAR monitors the following transportation infrastructure initiatives:
I-526 Mark Clark Expressway
Glenn McConnell Parkway
Highway 17 & Main Flyover
Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT)
Impact fees are real estate taxes paid by developers or builders to offset the costs of capital improvements within a new development. While developers and builders typically pay the impact fee, the ultimate burden of the impact tax is passed on to the end user – the property buyer.
CTAR maintains Impact Fees strip private property rights and subvert responsible growth. There are several alternatives to Impact Fees including:
CTAR supports efforts to institute a TIF District for the Navy Yard redevelopment. The TIF could use future property tax revenue to fund infrastructure improvements and stimulate the redevelopment of the historic Navy Yard area in Charleston. It aims to attract private investment, create mixed-use developments, and preserve historic structures, while fostering economic growth, job creation, and regional prosperity.
Read more about how the Navy Yard TIF District could help finance affordable housing options.