Public Meetings - Goose Creek, South Carolina

The Goose Creek Board of Zoning Appeals meeting scheduled for November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, and no decisions were made. For questions, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (843) 797-6220.

The Goose Creek City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers (519 N Goose Creek Blvd). The meeting included public comments, presentations, adoption of the FY 2026 budget, several zoning and annexation ordinances, and approval of multiple contracts and expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a discussion on additional contingency funds for Fire Station IV at Carnes Crossroads. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Janice Henley (806 Doulton Lane) expressed concerns about the proposed development at the corner of N Goose Creek Boulevard and Old Mount Holly Road, citing traffic problems and aesthetic issues similar to the Chipotle development. She requested a site plan rendering. Mayor Habib offered to discuss further after the meeting. - Herbert Mathis (119 Parish Road) asked about sidewalk improvements along Highway 52 (Goose Creek Boulevard) from Red Bank Road to Button Hall Boulevard and from Stephanie Drive to John McCants Veterans Park. He noted unsafe pedestrian conditions. Mayor Habib explained that a quarter-mile sidewalk would cost approximately $1.2 million and that funds for such projects would come from the general fund, which is currently insufficient. He stated the city would continue to seek grants. Presentations & Proclamations - Mayor Habib presented a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as American Indian Heritage Month to Chief Lisa Collins, Vice Chief Joshua Shumak, and councilmembers Janie Leach and Darren Clark of the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians. - Recognitions: Bob Semashko (Golf Course Maintenance) as Employee of the Year; James Allen Cadien as Police Explorer of the Year; and Pastor Steve Kiser as Volunteer of the Year. Mayor's Leadership Council - Students Destiny Hall (junior, Stratford High School) and Charles Hauk (senior, Stratford High School) presented their monthly report. They visited the police station and learned about finance from the CFO. They are planning a spring event. Old Business (Second and Final Readings) - FY 2026 Budget Adoption: Unanimously approved an ordinance to adopt the budget for fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026. Mayor Habib described the budget as conservative with built-in contingency and savings. - Zoning Map Amendment: Unanimously approved changing approximately 10.17 acres at 603 N Goose Creek Boulevard and adjacent parcels from Village Node (VN) to Planned Development (PD). New Business & Public Hearings (First Readings) - Business License Ordinance Update: Unanimously approved an ordinance to update the class schedule as required by Act 176 of 2020. - Annexation Ordinance: Unanimously approved annexing property on Beverly Drive (TMS 235-13-04-045) and assigning Residential Single Family (RSF) zoning. - Zoning Map Amendment: Unanimously approved changing 5.15 acres on Etiwan Drive from Village Node (VN) and Central Creek District (CCD) Overlay to General Commercial (GC) and CCD Overlay. Administrator's Report - Sewer Line Contract: Approved a $2,088,280 contract with RH Moore Company, Inc. to construct a sewer line on the east side of S Goose Creek Boulevard. Funds come from remaining ARPA money moved to the general fund. Mayor Habib noted it is an economic development project and that Steinberg Law Firm will move its headquarters from Charleston to Goose Creek. Motion carried unanimously. - Pond Pavilion Design Contract: Approved a $270,000 contract with Rush Dixon Architects, LLC for design, engineering, and construction administration of the pond pavilion. A change order will be issued on The Assembly project with Trident Construction. Motion carried unanimously. - Fire Station IV Contingency Funds: After extensive discussion, the council approved an additional $202,500 in contingency funds for completion of Fire Station IV at Carnes Crossroads. Representatives from J Davis Construction (Alley Linder, COO; Ron Jaruzel, Regional Director) explained that unforeseen conditions (soil stabilization, gas line hookup, water line size increase, design revisions) consumed the original contingency. They stated the company had absorbed $150,000 in its own costs (insulation and fire alarm errors). Councilmembers questioned why soil stabilization was not included in the guaranteed maximum price. The motion passed 6-1, with Councilmember Cox opposed. - Dogwood Park Improvements: Approved use of up to $424,000 from the Hospitality Fund for improvements including: concession stand renovations ($100,000), bleachers ($64,000), bleacher pads ($10,000), basketball renovations ($65,000), press box ($65,000), fencing ($13,000), and other items (pavilion, playground). Councilmember Green-Fletcher raised the possibility of future lighting upgrades. Mayor Habib noted adding lights would increase operational costs and deferred discussion to a future workshop. Motion carried unanimously. - Fueling System Purchase: Approved $232,000 to replace the 34-year-old fuel system. The cost will be allocated to general fund, recreation, and water funds based on usage. Mayor Habib noted the city saves over $200,000 annually by owning its fuel service. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor's Report - Mayor Habib thanked participants in the Veterans Day ceremony (Goose Creek High School JROTC and Chamber Choir, Rep. Joe Daning, Recreation team). - Congratulated election winners: Melissa Enos-Sims, Gayla McSwain, and Corey McClary. Recognized outgoing Councilmember Hannah Cox for her service. - Commended Helping Hands of Goose Creek for community support. - Congratulated the Stratford Knights for winning the 2025 Golden Goose Trophy, with sponsorship from Century Aluminum. - Thanked volunteers for the Food Forest launch at John McCants Veterans Park. - Highlighted October events (Trunk or Treat, Halloween Carnival) and upcoming events: Christmas Parade (Dec. 13), Boulder Bites (Nov. 13), Holiday Farmers Market (Nov. 22), Cultures in the Creek (Nov. 15), Puzzle Palooza (Nov. 20), Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 5), Sensory Tree Lighting (Dec. 6), and others. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the city newsletter and follow social media. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved. The only non-unanimous vote was the Fire Station IV contingency (6-1). - The FY 2026 budget was adopted. - Contracts were awarded for the sewer line ($2,088,280), pond pavilion design ($270,000), and new fueling system ($232,000). - $424,000 was allocated from the Hospitality Fund for Dogwood Park improvements. - First readings of three ordinances (business license, annexation, zoning) were approved and will move to second reading.

The Cultural Arts Commission met on November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Creek Collective in Goose Creek, South Carolina. The meeting was called to order, but no transcript or minutes are available. The following agenda items were scheduled for discussion and potential action. Public Comments & Testimony - No comments were recorded. Discussion Items - Approval of Previous Minutes – The commission was to review and approve minutes from the prior meeting. - Old Business – Previous programming updates were planned: Porch Goose Painting Class, Poetry Workshop, and Food Forest Planting. - Art Director's Report – Barbara Richardson - Adopt A Goose updates. - Request for Approval – Limelight Custom Sign Co. Mural. - Request for Approval – Installments of Art in Public Parks (Lake Greenview Park, Dogwood Park). The request was noted as contingent on 2026 budgeting and availability. - Arts & Entertainment Report – Hannah Miller - Upcoming Events: Veteran's Day (11/11), Cultures in the Creek (11/15), and a Motion Filmworks update. - Upcoming Creek Collective Programming: Therapeutic Candle Class (11/17), Mahjong 101 (11/19), Floral Arrangement (11/20), and closures on Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving Day. - Request for Approval – Public Art Design Standards. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes are recorded. The meeting was scheduled to adjourn after these items. Without a transcript or minutes, the actual outcomes of the approvals and reports remain unknown.

The Goose Creek Planning Commission met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The commission approved a rezoning request for a commercial auto service property on Etiwan Drive, approved an annexation and rezoning for a residential lot on Beverly Drive, and voted to approve one of three proposed street names for the McCants Park Townhomes development. No public comments were received. The meeting concluded with staff announcements regarding upcoming training and events. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Moved by Lisa Burdick, seconded by Heather Byrd. Approved unanimously. - Approval of Minutes (October 7, 2025): Moved by Heather Byrd, seconded by Anthony Jenkins. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the General Public Comments period. Discussion Items - Map Amendment – Etiwan Drive Rezoning (TMS 243-04-00-077): - Proposal: Rezone a 5.15-acre vacant parcel from Village Node (VN) with Central Creek District (CCD) overlay to General Commercial (GC) with CCD overlay. Applicant John Tecklenburg (on behalf of Leo Calwell of Auto House of Charleston) plans to build an import auto service facility (oil changes, alignments). - Staff Recommendation: Approval, noting the comprehensive plan allows General Commercial on this site. - Discussion: Joseph Tecklenburg, representing the applicant, confirmed egress from Etiwan Drive (right-in/right-out) and that a portion of the site contains wetlands, with minimal impact. Commissioners asked about spill containment measures to protect the adjacent creek; the applicant agreed to provide a spill containment plan to staff. The applicant also expressed willingness to coordinate with the city on a connection to the Goose Creek Trail through the property. A site plan will be required at a later stage. - Vote: Motion to approve by Anthony Jenkins, seconded. All in favor (ayes). Motion carried. - Map Amendment – Beverly Drive Annexation/Rezoning (TMS 235-13-04-045): - Proposal: Annex a 0.381-acre vacant lot into the city and assign Residential Single Family (RSF) zoning. The property is currently zoned Berkeley County R1. Applicant Isis Marcos de Jutra was absent due to a family emergency. - Staff Recommendation: Approval, citing the comprehensive plan's emphasis on annexing donut holes and the surrounding low-density residential designation. - Discussion: Staff clarified the applicant intends to subdivide the lot into two single-family homes, each meeting minimum lot size requirements. The property will connect to city water. Commissioners noted the irregular shape and neighboring encroachments, but staff confirmed the plat would be reviewed separately. - Vote: Motion to approve by Nick Matthews, seconded. All in favor. Motion carried. - Street Name Approval – McCants Park Townhomes: - Proposal: Approve street names from a list provided by the developer. The applicant originally submitted six names; three (Springer Street, Cedar Circle, Partridge Lane) were already rejected. The remaining three were Visla Circle, Chukar Street, and Grouse Lane. Only two streets are needed. - Discussion: Commissioners expressed concern that Visla Circle would be difficult to pronounce and spell in an emergency (e.g., confused with Tesla). Chukar Street was considered less problematic but also disliked. Grouse Lane was deemed acceptable. The commission voted to approve Grouse Lane and reject the other two, directing staff to ask the applicant for two replacement names. - Vote: Motion to strike Visla Circle and Chukar Street, and approve Grouse Lane, by Heather Byrd, seconded by Anthony Jenkins. All in favor. Motion carried. Key Outcomes - Etiwan Drive Rezoning Approved: The parcel will be rezoned to General Commercial with CCD overlay, subject to staff receiving a spill containment plan. A future site plan will be required. - Beverly Drive Annexation/Rezoning Approved: The property will be annexed into the city and zoned RSF. The applicant must still submit a plat for subdivision approval. - Street Name Approval: Only "Grouse Lane" was approved for McCants Park Townhomes. The developer will be asked to provide two additional, more distinguishable names. - Informational Plat: Staff noted approval of a Berkeley County water and sewer easement plat for Oaks Phase Two and a boundary survey at 119 North Goose Creek Boulevard. No action taken. Commissioner and Staff Announcements - Upcoming training session for commissioners on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 PM at City Hall. The session will cover legal updates and qualifies for 1.5 hours of required training. Dinner provided. - Holiday dinner for commissioners on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Creek Collective. RSVP deadline: December 1st. - Staff announced a strawberry planting event at the McCants Park Food Forest on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 2:00–5:00 PM as the last major planting push of the season.

This meeting was a training session for members of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, held at Goose Creek City Hall on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM. No minutes or transcript were available for this meeting, and no public comments, discussion items, or formal decisions were recorded. The sole agenda item was the training itself.

Mayor Gregory S. Habib called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Council Chambers. Councilmember Melissa Enos-Sims was absent. The meeting included public comments, approval of minutes, a Mayor’s Leadership Council report, second readings of two ordinances, introduction and first reading of the FY 2026 budget and a zoning map amendment, a mayor’s report, and an executive session to select the Employee of the Year. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the August 29, 2025 Budget Workshop and September 9, 2025 City Council meeting were approved unanimously without discussion. - Annexation Ordinance (Second Reading) – An ordinance annexing three parcels on Nello Drive (TMS 235-14-04-030, -036, -040) was approved unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Stewart, 208 Blenheim Court – Inquired whether the city or police department planned to address articles published by the Carolina Courier. Mayor Habib stated the public comment period was for statements, not a back-and-forth, and did not provide a response. - Donald Nash, 213 Laurel Avenue – Reported that a police vehicle ran a stop sign near the Department of Public Works, nearly causing a collision. Mayor Habib said he would have Captain Hornor investigate and report back. - Kevin Patterson, 446 Indigo Road – Presented extensive concerns about an Airbnb next door, including excessive parking, blocked driveway, noise, and lack of property management. He requested a dialogue with the city to clarify codes and enforcement. Mayor Habib acknowledged the complexity and agreed to have staff research code vs. criminal issues and then follow up. - Barbara Bates – Asked that candidates running for non-partisan Goose Creek City Council seats avoid making the race partisan. Presentations & Reports - Mayor’s Leadership Council – Two students, Parker La Mere (senior, Cane Bay High School) and Avery Perez (junior, Northwood Academy), presented their recent activities: visiting city parks (suggesting a water fountain near basketball courts and improved parking signage at Central Creek Park), learning about local government, touring the Button Hall Avenue Fire Department, and receiving assignments to interview school resource officers. They also previewed upcoming job shadowing opportunities. - Introduction – A.D. Jordan, Regional Director for Senator Tim Scott – Mr. Jordan was unable to attend due to the federal government shutdown and will schedule a future appearance. Discussion Items - Micro Drive-Through Facility Ordinance (Second Reading) – An ordinance adding “Drive-Through Facility, Micro” to the Village Node (VN) district’s table of permitted uses. Councilmember Cox moved to amend by removing the condition “does not contain an amplified ordering system” from the definition. The amendment passed unanimously. On the main motion, Councilmember Tekac opposed, stating that the planning department’s two-year effort should be allowed to play out without changes. The ordinance passed 5-1 (Tekac opposed). - FY 2026 Budget (Introduction and First Reading) – Mayor Habib presented the $66,601,000 expenditure budget, including $50,298,381 in general fund expenditures (a 6% increase without a millage increase). Revenue drivers included local option sales tax (20% of budget) and business license revenue (20%, having doubled over 7–8 years); property taxes accounted for only 11%. Highlights included five new positions (two sworn officers, a crime analyst, a court clerk, a business license specialist), 12 fully funded firefighter positions for the upcoming Fire Station 4, adjustments to police and fire pay, a 4% cost-of-living increase for all employees, and capital projects (Fire Station 4, joint police/fire training facility, City Hall renovations, the Safe James Avenue crossing project, and rolling stock replacements). The public hearing had no comments. Councilmember Tekac thanked CFO Tyler Howanyk and staff. The motion to approve carried unanimously. A “Budget and Brews” community event was announced for October 21 at Stones Throw Brewing. - Rezoning from Village Node (VN) to Planned Development (PD) (First Reading) – A request for +/-10.17 acres at 603 North Goose Creek Boulevard. Developer Logan Stern of JJR Development spoke. Councilmember McSwain expressed concerns about lack of shade (requesting tree preservation), opposed a potential hotel, questioned the contemporary design versus traditional architecture, and relayed Planning Commission concerns about lighting and density (noting the maximum of 584 units but that actual plans are lower). Councilmember Harmon supported the boutique hotel idea and encouraged creative thinking. Councilmember Tekac liked the contemporary look. Mayor Habib disagreed with McSwain on the hotel, agreeing with Harmon. The motion to approve carried unanimously. - Executive Session – Council voted unanimously (6:43–6:53 PM) to enter executive session under SC Code §30-4-70(a)(1) to discuss the City Employee of the Year. Upon returning, they unanimously approved the selection of an employee from the Golf Department. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from August 29, 2025 and September 9, 2025 (unanimous). - Adopted the micro drive-through ordinance as amended (5-1). - Approved annexation of three Nello Drive parcels (unanimous). - Introduced and approved first reading of the FY 2026 budget (unanimous; public hearing held with no comments). - Approved first reading of the rezoning from VN to PD (unanimous). - Selected and approved the Employee of the Year from the Golf Department (unanimous after executive session). - Mayor announced numerous upcoming community events, including the Christmas Parade (Dec. 13), Budget & Brews (Oct. 21), Halloween Carnival (Oct. 25), Trunk or Treat (Oct. 31), Cultures in the Creek (Nov. 15), and Senior Christmas Dinner (Dec. 10). - Meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM.

This meeting of the Goose Creek Cultural Arts Commission was scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM (per the agenda) at The Creek Collective. The provided timestamp for the meeting is 2025-10-13 11:00:00+00:00, which conflicts with the agenda's listed time; this discrepancy is noted but cannot be resolved without additional information. No transcript or minutes were available, so the summary below is based solely on the agenda. Call to Order - The meeting was called to order. General Public Comments - This agenda item was listed; no record of public comments exists. Motion Works Film Updates - Agenda item, no details on discussion or outcome. Approval of Previous Minutes - Approval of September meeting minutes was listed; no action recorded. Old Business - 2026 Planning: Agenda item. - Creek Collective New Hours: Agenda item. New Business - No specific items listed under new business. Art Director's Report - Barbara Richardson - Adopt A Goose Updates: Agenda item. - Request for Approval - Londonderry School Mural: Agenda item; no decision recorded. Arts & Entertainment Report - Hannah Miller - Upcoming Programming: Listed events include Halloween Carnival at Central Creek Park (10/25), New Art at Creek Collective (beginning Nov 1, installed Nov 4), Guild Members volunteer for extended hours (1-6pm), Artist Meet and Greet at Graffiti Park (10/18), Community Mural Night at Graffiti Park (10/24), Porch Goose Painting Class (11/07), Cultures in the Creek (11/15), Poetry Workshop (11/08). No further discussion details. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, directives, or next steps were recorded due to the absence of a transcript or minutes.

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Goose Creek Planning Commission met at City Hall to consider a rezoning request for a mixed-use development, approve minutes from September, and receive informational updates. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:46 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Byrd, seconded by Commissioner Glaze. Approved 7-0. - Approval of Minutes (September 2, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Burdick, seconded by Commissioner Jenkins. Approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Map Amendment – Goose Creek Mixed-Use Destination District PD Phase-2 (Rezoning): The applicant, Goose Creek Destination District Partners LLC/Jeffrey Roberts, requested to rezone approximately 10.17 acres of vacant land from Village Node (VN) to Planned Development (PD) for parcels TMS 223-00-00-031, 235-00-00-035 (603 North Goose Creek Boulevard), and 235-00-00-088 (formerly a portion of 235-00-00-038). Director Kendra Wise presented the staff report, recommending approval. The proposed PD plan includes up to 54 market-rate multifamily units (studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom), with a maximum density of 50 units per acre, and at least 25,000 square feet of commercial/retail/food service space (currently shown as approximately 32,000 square feet). Multifamily units may be substituted with a hotel (not exceeding the same unit count). All buildings will be served by pedestrian sidewalks and surface parking. Traffic impacts will conform to SCDOT requirements. The applicant’s team presented a conceptual design featuring a large public plaza (roughly the length of a football field), a two-story restaurant, retail, a clock tower, and preservation of a large elm tree. Commissioners raised concerns about: - Traffic access and deceleration/acceleration lanes on U.S. 52 and Old Mount Holly Road (right-in/right-out only at one access; left turns only via a rear entrance). - Pedestrian safety and lighting: Commissioner Matthews requested pedestrian-scale lighting and intersection lighting with a photometric analysis. - Adequacy of parking and overall site plan integration between phase one and phase two. - Delivery access for 18-wheel trucks serving the restaurant. - Coordination with Berkeley County’s planned widening of Old Mount Holly Road and multi-use path connections. - The design of a digital clock on the clock tower (Commissioner Lilly expressed a preference against digital). - The potential for short-term rentals in the multifamily/hotel use. The applicant noted that the project has been downscaled significantly from earlier proposals to resolve parking and circulation issues. Key Outcomes - Rezoning Approved: The Commission voted 7-0 to approve the map amendment rezoning the subject parcels from Village Node (VN) to Planned Development (PD), as moved by Commissioner Jenkins and seconded by Commissioner Burdick. The approval includes a directive for staff to work with the design team to incorporate pedestrian-scale lighting and intersection lighting with photometric analysis. - Other Items: - Staff noted the final subdivision plat for Planet Road Townhomes, Phase 1 (27.73 acres) was approved administratively. - Chairperson Edwards confirmed that a pedestrian path along Old Moncks Corner Road to the park is still in engineering/encroachment permitting. - Commissioner Matthews emphasized the need for safer pedestrian crossings that exceed SCDOT requirements, citing recent pedestrian fatalities and a school child struck in Crowfield Plantation. - Commissioner Byrd inquired about expanding the ordinance for electronic messaging boards (EMBs) beyond schools, places of worship, and government buildings. - Staff reminded commissioners of the Resilience 101 training session on October 21, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 PM at City Hall, and a Food Forest event on October 18, 2025. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:46 PM.

The Board of Zoning Appeals regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM at City Hall (519 N Goose Creek Boulevard) was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, and no decisions were made. The cancellation notice was issued by the Planning and Zoning Department in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, with electronic and print media duly notified and a hard copy posted at City Hall. For questions, contact Planning at (843) 797-6220.