Crowfield Residents to Oppose Low-Income Development

Several Crowfield residents will come out tonight in opposition to a proposed low-income apartment complex on the edge of the plantation.

The 5.6 acre development on Bridgetown Road will include 60 units. The developer, RHA Housing, has applied for a low income tax credit through the South Carolina Housing Development and Finance Authority to support the project.

That would mean the units would cater to single people and families on a limited income — somewhere between $20,000 and $45,000.

The Crowfield Homeowners Association held a special meeting Tuesday night to review the plans and discuss their questions or concerns.

Chase Northcutt with RHA Housing told the crowd that he wanted to dispel some rumors. "I've heard all types of stories about what kind of tenants we would have," he said, stressing that tenants would have to have jobs and undergo background checks. "This is not a public housing project. This is workforce housing."

Few residents were assured by the developer's pitch. Barbara King, an outspoken critic of the project, said that she was impressed with the design, but she still objected. "This neighborhood is not low income and it is not compatible with this project," she said.

Resident Scott Stevenson noted the large plantation is already struggling to address covenant violations. "A low-income element is going to exacerbate that problem," he said.

The Crowfield community could get a little something out of the deal: Responding to questions by Crowfield HOA board member John Causey, the developers confirmed that each of the 60 units will have to pay HOA dues. "I'll let you end on that positive note," Causey said.

The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 519 N Goose Creek Blvd.