Charleston SC Metro Real Estate: Charleston Metro Growth Forum

Today I went to a growth forum for the north area of the Charleston Metro.  The panel consisted of Jim Hill (MeadWestvaco), Larry Hargett (Dorchester County Council), Michael Heietzler (Mayor of Goose Creek), and Rick Vale (Daniel Island Development).  Each got an opportunity to speak and answer questions.  The following is a summary of their presentations that indicate the direction of growth in the Charleston Metro over the next 10-20 years.

Jim Hill - MeadWestvaco

• company owns over 400K acres of land is SC (it was 2.5 million acres in 2001)
• they have sold a lot of land since 2001 because improvements in technology have decreased the need for large amounts of forested land and it has become impractical to manage large amounts of forested land.  The sale of this land has lead to increase commercial and residential development.

Larry Hargett - Dorchester County Council

• Dorchester County is the fastest growing county in SC
• Summerville has a population of 40K
• Dorchester County is about 42 miles long and it is expected to grow north and west in population around St. George and Harlyville.
• Dorchester  county has had problems in the past with poor planning with regards to infrastructure but county has made legislative steps to remedy that to include the 1 cent sales tax for roads. 
  
• Dorchester County's biggest draw is the school system.

Michael Heitzler - Goose Creek Mayor

• Goose Creek is a vastly diverse population with 42 ethnic groups
• The demographics of age were shifting up and also shift from blue collar to white collar.
• Population of Goose Creek in 2000 was nearly 30K; it is expected to increase dramatically in the next 10 to 20 years.
• Current major developments in Goose Creek include Liberty Hall Plantation, Longleaf, Brickhope Gardens, and Canes Crossroads.
• Expected to spend 15 millon dollars over the next 10 years to develop downtown and beautify it while preserving the history.

Rick Vale (Daniel Island Development)

• Daniel Island Development is overseeing the development of Carnes Crossroads (to be located near the intersection of HWY 17A and HWY 176.
• Carnes will be referenced for resedential and Carnes Crossroads will be referenced for Commercial.
• The development will consist of about 2000 acres.
• They plan to start building in early fall 2008 and the first homeowners are expected to move in the spring of 2009.  Price points will start at mid 200K 
• 15000 people will make up the community of Carnes.
• There will be 300 acres of lakes, much of which will be recreational; there will also be biking and walking trails.
• Carnes Crossroads will have a marketplace with specialty shops and restaurants.
• Roper/St Francis Hospital has purchased 66 acres in the area and will be the only Hospital in Berkeley County within the Charleston Metro.