Home offers too low, residents say
Summey says North Charleston willing to continue talks for properties near county trash incinerator
The Post and Courier
Harley Thompson (right) and his neighbor Carl Washington are looking for better offers for their Howard Heights homes.
Previous Story
Homeowners offered appraised value, published 12/04/08
Harley Thompson pictured himself and his wife moving to a clean, safe neighborhood, far from the stench and ash of Charleston County's trash incinerator.
He imagined himself and his neighbors in the tiny Howard Heights neighborhood of North Charleston, finally able to quit worrying about the proposed expansion of the Port of Charleston, which will pump a tremendous amount of pollution over the Neck Area.
His hopes rested on the price North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey would offer him for his home.
They were dashed when the city offered him $80,000 for his three-bedroom, 1950s house, which sits on less than a quarter of an acre. He said the price simply wasn't enough to make it worth his while to move.
Summey said he's willing to continue to negotiate with the current residents, even though they didn't individually schedule time to speak with city employees about their property on Dec. 22 as he had requested.
"They're in a bad situation," Summey said. "They're sitting in limbo."
The Rev. Bernard Brown, spokesman for the residents who also received an offer of $80,000 for his home, said "we'll keep talking and see what we can come up with."
Thompson and Brown are among 17 mostly elderly residents and property owners who are looking for a way to sell their property in a neighborhood they say has grown more polluted and is now barely habitable.
It's only fair that the city, Charleston County or somebody help them move, the residents said, because they've been breathing smoke and ash from the county's trash incinerator for nearly 20 years.
The heavily polluting expansion of the Port of Charleston also is in the works for their community.
In a deal with the State Ports Authority and without residents' knowledge, the city opened the tiny sliver of neighborhood on the east side of Spruill Avenue to heavy industry in 2002, ensuring its demise, they said.
Summey said last month that the city sacrificed Howard Heights to the SPA when it agreed to allow the neighborhood to become an industrial buffer between the expanded port and the Union Heights neighborhood on the west side of Spruill.
Brown said he asked North Charleston City Councilman Michael Brown, whose district includes Howard Heights, to help residents negotiate with the city.
Michael Brown said he will meet with the group in early January, even though he thinks "the people of the community fouled up" by not scheduling meetings with city employees on Dec. 22.
He also said the residents were given the appraised value of their property, not an offer to purchase it for that price.
Brown said residents were asked at a meeting in early December to look for homes they may wish to buy, then meet with city employees on Dec. 22 to discuss the possible purchase.
"I think they should get enough money to move if they would like to," Michael Brown said.
Bernard Brown said residents came away from the early December meeting thinking Summey had made them an offer, not simply told them the appraised value of their homes.
And they didn't call to schedule individual meetings because they hadn't yet decided how to proceed, they said.
The community not only wants more money for the homes, he said, but the current residents and owners of uninhabited property also would like to sell the entire 8-acre neighborhood as a group.
The city told the community that property zoned for heavy industrial uses is more valuable than residential property, but it offered residents the lower, residential price for their property, Bernard Brown said.
Summey said that land zoned for heavy industry is worth more, but industrial buyers would have no use for the houses. The highest appraised value is for residential land and a house, he said.
In a letter to property owners on Dec. 22, Summey stated that if he doesn't hear from them by Jan. 15, he will initiate the process to rezone the property back to residential.
Herb Sass, chairman of the state's Real Estate Appraisers Board, said if the residents sell the neighborhood as a group, they probably could get a better price. That is if they find a buyer.
Earlier this week, the city of Charleston proposed paying $3.8 million for a 16.5-acre property, which once housed a fertilizer-making operation run by W.R. Grace Co. That property, like Howard Heights, is in the Neck Area on the east side of Interstate 26.
Summey said the city can't afford to purchase all the Howard Heights property now. He just wants to help the current residents to move on.
He thought he had a buyer for the land, he said, but the buyer "didn't return to the table."
If the residents decide to sell for a reasonable price, he said, the city will hold their property until it can sell it to an industrial buyer.
"We will lose money in the deal," he said. "There's no doubt about it."
Reach Diane Knich at 937-5491 or dknich@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I suspect that $80K is about all these houses are worth, especially in this current depressed market. It would be interesting, if the P&C got an independent appraiser to do an estimate on a couple of these houses.
January 3, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chicago_Thug (anonymous) says...
I am not familiar with this, but trying to do the math.
They are 1950s era houses, from what I can gather from the article. Then the article states that "because they've been breathing smoke and ash from the county's trash incinerator for nearly 20 years."
So am I to assume that the houses were ther before the incinerator? If so, how many of those living there have moved in since the incinerator was built? How many have lived there passing down their homes before the incinerator?
Seems to me there are several issues.
Someone or group had to vote to put the incinerator there, were the residents involved in the decision?
If not why not? If so, why did they allow it?
Neponset, your comment is valid, $80K is about all these houses are worth, if that much.
Either way, from what I know right now, these folks should be helped.
January 3, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
The 'value' of the house really doesn't play into this, because the houses will be razed, the property rezoned. What the residents are trying to do is obtain a fair share of what the property will ultimately sell for and be used for (commercial) which is much more than what residential property would bring. Further, over fifty years ago when the houses were built? Do you really believe these residents had a vote/say in what was done to the surrounding land? I'm quite old enough to know how the world was then.
I hope these residents either hang on to what they have (as they indicated the would), or that the offers are reasonable enough to enable them to buy a house in this depressed market.
January 3, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
The house the background looks like 800-900sq ft. You can buy houses in similar neighborhoods like Waylyn or Dorchester Heights in the 900sq ft range for as low as $35k in need of some repair (like that pictured) up to about $70k in good condition. They're getting $10k minimum to move. I've got a couple I'll sell them for less than $80.
January 3, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HighDef (anonymous) says...
this is why city officials don't make good real estate agents. 80 K per is paying them more than they're worth.
January 3, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dawhetsell (anonymous) says...
When you pay taxes ,you think your house is a dump. When you are asked to sell it, you say it is a mansion. The real worth is what you can get for it ( best offer ).
January 3, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Didn't these people know they were moving into an industrial area? I doubt it was hidden. I agree with the other posters about the size, condition and value of these homes. $80,000 is probably quite generous. Think about it- they have new home communities in Summerville where BRAND NEW, nice 3 bedroom homes in a nice communitity can be purchased for $149,000.I'd love to know what they think they should be paid.
January 3, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
The County of Charleston government decided to put the Charleston County trash incinerator there, with no concern for anyone living nearby. Were these people to sell for commercial, buyers would only want the land.
Maybe the County of Charleston can match the North Charleston offer, to make it $160,000.
They are getting a fair price from the City of North Charleston - The city of charleston would let them sit amongst the pollution.
January 3, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Or even better, the County of Charleston, could provide the entire $160,000 so these poor unfortunate souls can move to a nicer city of charleston area, away from the evil City of North Charleston.
The entire County of Charleston has utilized the incinerator so all of Charleston County can make these people whole again. Even the P/C reporters can pay their fair share.
January 3, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
LOL.....LOL..!!!
Its NOT the value of the HOUSES...!!!
MAYOR SUMMEY and RILEY.....you BOTH need to get REAL !!!
It is the VALUE of the LAND to the Tricounty and STATE economy !!!! Do not act like BUFFOONS !?! You both know exactly what the LAND is worth...!!! Guess..??? That's right MAYORS and County Council and Legislators the answer is GOLD !!!!
The question is .....IS the Rev. Bernard Brown like Martin Luther King OR Jesse Jackson..????
It is high time that our state officials start treating the RESIDENTS with RESPECT...!!!!! WE ARE NO DUMMIES !!!!!
MY BACKSIDE..!!!!!!
Mr. Rev. Bernard Brown....I highly suggest you get yourself a BULLDOZER and raze all the houses and then rezone the property and THEN .....SELL !!!!!! This is NUTZ !!!! COme on Reverend...!! STAND UP !!! Stand up for the Parkers Ferry citizens too and the Landfill fiasco across our state ???!!!!!
WE ARE FED UP..!!!!!!
January 3, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Just look readers.......
NO other paper in our entire STATE even gives this topic INK? I WONDER WHY..? Do the fine editors not realize how much the PORT, Rail and trucking industry supports our STATE's economy?? How much campaign stash is bestowed upon our elected officials across our state to get re-elected?? No wonder our state citizens are kept in the DARK..!?!
January 3, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Zoomru~
Trying to teach you how to post is like trying to teach a pig to sing; It's a real waste of your time and it annoys the living hell out of the pig. Try watching Sponge Bob Square Pants.
January 3, 2009 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
ZoOM rU...weeeeee I'm off my meds...
80K seems fair for that area. The entitlement mentality is alive and well. When the next clown comes in they are forced to take less when a developer makes the offer, we'll be subjected to another pathetic whoa is me P&C article.
January 3, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JC (anonymous) says...
Summey is greedy...grabbing and growing with no regard for the current residents of North Charleston, environment, or for historic conservation.
..and the city of Charleston wants to spend millions in neck area property that they will no doubt give away to a developer for nothing when they are going through budget cuts. Wait, maybe they will build another park they won't take care of.
Politics....gezzzzz. Where is peopole's common sense.
January 3, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Government is so tainted, I don't blame these people one bit.
January 3, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
I'm surprised they were offered 80k for the place.
January 3, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
regulardude (anonymous) says...
For those who feel that 80k is more than enough for the home.
Imagine if it were your grandmother and grandfather breathing in pollution for over 20 years, against their will (side note: blacks had no say in charleston back then, and barely one now. "READ A BOOK"), and then being told to get out. 80K is unacceptable. The property may not seem like much, but the health issues that they may have developed over the years, that will have to be PAYED FOR, is worth more than 80k.
January 3, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
As I recall, 1989 was not the Antebellum South. The local Black Community had a say in the decision but no one in Charleston could stop that trash burner for two reasons. The incinerator was built to burn trash and provide steam for the US Navy Base. It made the Eco-Nazis very happy at the time. The Eco-Nazis and the Occupying Government's Military, that forced the end of the Constitiution, are responsible. It is not the fault of "Charleston" or locals including or even the Black Community. The offered price for their property has no bearing on future lawsuits for any health effects these folks may have developed. If the overbearing Federal Govnerment owes for damages, these families certainly deserve a judgement against them if they were damaged. The freaking Yankees have been sending their trash to SC, including Nuclear and Medical waste for decades. It is continuing punishment for our attempt at Freedom in 1860. More often than not, it ends up in poor Southern black or white neighborhoods. It is time for them to withdraw and allow the Blacks and Whites of the South to rule themeselves. Yankee Go Home! Once the Feds go broke...our second chance arrives!
January 3, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
These have been interesting responses to the story in the P/C.
The Charleston County Incinerator was built in the late 1980's
The Harley Tompson house was last sold on 10/31/97 - for $9.00. Harley Tompson, is this when you purchased the house?
The house that is appraised for tax purpose at about $30,000.00
The Carl Washington house was last sold on 2/2/1994 - for $5.00. Carl Washington, is this when you purchased the house? The house that is appraised for tax purpose at about $21,000.00.
Most of the houses in that area are appraised for tax purpose at about $30,000.00 or LESS.
This information is public/common knowledge via - the Charleston County Government website, Go to - Online services - GIS. Search by name via the box at the bottom of the screen. Check the properties nearby and what you see will shock you.
January 3, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Excellent investigation a_set_love! Just as most of us said their offer is very generous. To those griping that they have been inhaling polluted air- they are getting an offer on their homes value. If they are impaired by the pollution then sue. Two different issues.
January 3, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rollo (anonymous) says...
a_set_love,
Did you write to the reporter with your findings?
$9.00 to $80,000.00 in 11 yrs, that's @ a 90,000% return on investment. I'm crying for these folks too!
January 4, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tmsfits (anonymous) says...
Only in SC can someone take a housing situation like this and turn it into a rail against the yankees in north. You lost the civil war once due to ignorance like that and here you're speaking of the south rising again. Let the people of SC hope and pray you won't be one of the group leading the charge. Nobody is forcing you to take trash from northern cities...you are paid to accept it...if you don't want it, hold your political leaders responsible for making the deal. As for the people griping about being paid to move away from the incinerator...it appears many of them bought their houses in the last ten or 15 yrs...the incinerator was there at that time...if it was such a problem or concern to them, why did they purchase the properties? Just more blacks looking for entitlements from what i can see...nothing new.
January 4, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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