Mayor Cogswell, Integral Carolinas COO, and Charleston Housing Authority CEO release statements following Housing Authority meeting this afternoon

City leaders, housing officials, and development partners signaled renewed alignment and momentum on Charleston’s landmark affordable housing initiative, Project 3500, following the May 18th Charleston Housing Authority meeting.

Chief Operating Officer, Integral Carolinas LLC

“Integral has spent decades working alongside cities and housing authorities across the country on large-scale redevelopment efforts, and from firsthand experience, we know projects of this scope and importance are most successful when the city, the housing authority, and the development team remain aligned around a shared long-term commitment to residents and the broader community.

We appreciate the constructive engagement with Mayor Cogswell, his administration, and the Charleston Housing Authority and look forward to continuing those conversations as discussions move forward.

There is still significant work ahead, but we remain focused on helping create a thoughtful and responsible long-term redevelopment approach while ensuring redevelopment is carried out thoughtfully and responsibly for the families who call these communities home.”

City of Charleston

“Tonight was an important step forward for the hundreds of families on the Eastern Peninsula who deserve better and have waited long enough.

After a period of frank and sometimes difficult discussions, I am genuinely encouraged by where we have landed. Integral has a thirty-year track record of building communities where people at every income level live together with dignity. That is exactly the vision at the heart of Project 3500, and I believe we have the right partner to help us deliver it.

There is still real work ahead of us, but what we have established is a shared commitment to the residents of Meeting Street Manor and Cooper River Courts, and that commitment will guide every decision we make from here.

Project 3500 is the most ambitious affordable housing initiative in Charleston’s history. Tonight, we took another step toward making it real.”

Chief Executive Officer, Charleston Housing Authority

“The Charleston Housing Authority appreciates the continued collaboration between the City of Charleston, Mayor Cogswell and Integral as discussions surrounding Project 3500 continue to move forward.

While there is still significant work ahead, we are encouraged by the progress being made by everyone involved in the redevelopment of our aging properties. We remain committed to transparency throughout this process and will continue ensuring residents remain at the center of planning and future decisions.

I am optimistic that our efforts will create safe, modern housing and transformational opportunities for future generations as a result of this important work.”