🌱 SC Affordable Housing Expands + Charleston Navy Base Redevelopment

Hello and happy Friday. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 63 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in Charleston today:

1. An $8 million affordable housing project aimed for residents with autism expands in South Carolina. The project, Oak Tree Farm, plans to collaborate with other nonprofits in the future to create developments, including one in Charleston. The rental units within the developments will include duplexes and apartment-style homes that can house about 130 residents, rent will be about $500 a month, and there will be onsite life skills trainings and job coaching provided by SOS Health Care LLC. (Subscription: The Post and Courier)
2. There are new proposed redevelopment changes coming to the Navy Base in North Charleston, including the addition of single and multi-family homes. The "Navy Base Redevelopment District" will include areas around Virginia Avenue, Noisette Boulevard, and Reynolds Avenue, according to the city. On Jan. 9, the city's planning commission will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed plan and another one regarding the approval of rezoning the property. (Live 5 News WCSC)
3. The Charleston Commission on History has approved a downtown marker of the 1919 race riot that killed three Black Charleston residents and injured dozens. The Charleston County Public Library continues to work to accurately educate citizens about the city's history, and the marker is one way to do so. The St. Stephen Episcopal Church is sponsoring the marker, but there is no current timeline from the Charleston Commission on History for creation and placement. (Live 5 News WCSC)

Today in Charleston:

• YA DIY: Poe-Themed Accessories And Short Story Scavenger Hunt, At Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan's Island Library (All Day)
• Canvas Painting, At Turtle's Nest Art Studio (9:00 AM)
• Tasting At Ten, At Counter Culture Coffee (10:00 AM)
• Farm Snuggle Sessions, At Flowertown Charm Farm (11:00 AM)
• Heather Taylor Music Performance, At Palmetto Brewing Co (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Nathaniel Pearson, assistant principal of North Charleston High School was recognized as the "Unsung Educator of the Week" by the Charleston County School District! One of his colleagues who nominated him described him as demonstrating "the epitome of teamwork" and helping anyone who needs assistance no matter how busy he is. (Charleston County School District via Facebook)
• Charleston County Public Library is rebranding Storytime. Their kick-off event at Bees Ferry West Ashley Library will be on Jan. 10 at 9:30 a.m. for a story time, fun crafts, a meet-and-greet with CCPL's mascot Owlbert, and more! (Charleston County Public Library via Facebook)
• Lowcountry fire departments met at the North Charleston Fire Museum on Wednesday to update the existing automatic aid agreement. The Isle of Palms fire department has joined the agreement, expanding the partnership to seven agencies! (Charleston Fire Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.