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Medical Weight Loss in West Ashley, SC

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A New Solution to a Serious Problem

Obesity is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States. Recent statistics show that more than 78 million people are affected by obesity, whether that's through diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular issues, or even death. Millions try to lose weight every year to combat the negative effects that obesity brings about, but a large number of those people are unsuccessful. It can be easy for those without weight problems to say, "just lose the weight!" but unfortunately, weight loss isn't something that happens overnight. When done properly, it involves careful planning and professional help. When done incorrectly, it involves yo-yo dieting, fad diet solutions, and other unsafe methods.

Fad diets seen on TV can be encouraging, but the truth is most of these "programs" are less about healthy weight loss and more about losing weight fast. These unhealthy, unbalanced diets often foster weight gain, not weight loss over time.

Fortunately, more and more overweight adults and even children are turning to professionals for help, who not only help them achieve their weight loss goals but keep them on track and healthy for the long term. If you're looking for the highest quality medical weight loss in West Ashley, SC, look no further than Back 2 Health Physical Medicine.

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Medical Weight Loss West Ashley, SC
What Our Clients Say

What Our Clients Say

Losing Weight and Getting Back 2 Health the Right Way

If you were to ask one of our experienced clinicians their tips for a healthy life, maintaining a healthy weight would be at the very top of the list. This is especially true given the prevalence of certain viruses like COVID-19, which can wreak havoc on the body of an unhealthy, overweight individual. Unfortunately, given the sheer number of diet plans and "miracle" weight loss supplements, dieting can be a confusing, counterproductive journey. To make matters worse, many of these weight loss programs are not medically tested or supervised, which is dangerous.

At Back 2 Health, our team is committed to helping our clients lose weight and maintain that weight loss, so they can live a healthy, fulfilling life. Unlike some weight loss companies that tout "quick weight loss solutions," Back 2 Health Physical Medicine focuses on real results through time-tested techniques, strong support, and sustainable habits. There are no starvation diets or extreme exercise plans at our weight loss clinic in West Ashley - only medically-backed programs customized to your lifestyle.

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Our medical weight loss programs include:

  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Medical Counseling
  • Health Metrics
  • Access to Our Knowledgeable Weight Loss Team
  • Medication Management
  • Customized Weight Loss Program
  • Blood Work
  • Available Health Supplements Such as B-12 Injections

Why Choose Back 2 Health for Medical Weight Loss in West Ashley, SC?

If you have tried to lose weight in the past but have failed, don't sweat it - there are millions of other men and women in your shoes as well. Your weight loss challenges are less about you failing and more about the diets or regimens you used. When it comes to healthy weight loss, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. That's why, when you walk into our medical weight loss clinic, we will conduct a thorough assessment and develop a custom weight loss strategy that you feel good about.

Our clients choose Back 2 Health Physical Medicine because we truly care about our customers' health. Our goal is to be as flexible and open about your weight loss journey as possible. Our customized plans fit not only your health needs but also your fitness goals and budget requirements.

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Our comprehensive medical weight loss plans include:

  • Regular follow-ups to ensure that you are staying healthy as you slim down
  • Cutting-edge treatments that reduce food cravings and speed up your metabolism
  • Ongoing support from our highly trained weight loss team
  • Personalized diet and exercise plans created with your lifestyle and medical history in mind
  • Education about exercise and how you can start a regular exercise routine
  • Prescription medications when needed
  • Enthusiastic tips and recommendations if you hit a weight loss plateau or don't achieve your goals
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Choosing a medically supervised weight loss treatment plan from Back 2 Health Physical Medicine ensures that you lose weight safely and effectively, even after you achieve your weight loss goals. As you shed excess weight, we can also provide training and recommendations that keep the pounds off for good. If you're ready to give up on crash dieting and unsafe fads, it's time to call Back 2 Health in West Ashley, SC. Your body, your friends, and your family will thank you!

A Safe Solution to Long-TermWeight Loss

If you were to ask someone on the street to name a popular fad diet, they probably wouldn't have much trouble. From Atkins to South Beach and Keto to Paleo, we've all heard of at least one popular weight-loss trend. The problem with these diets is that they only work for some people. Even then, the results are often short-lived.

If you're wondering whether you have been on or are currently using a fad diet, ask yourself these questions:

  • Is there a "magic" food source that will melt the pounds off your body?
  • Is the speed of weight loss unnatural or unrealistic?
  • Can you achieve "weight loss" without proper diet and exercise?
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If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, chances are it's a fad diet, and it most likely won't be very effective over the long run. With fad diets, balanced nutrition often takes the back seat to sketchy weight loss pills or extreme life choices - all of which are counterproductive to a healthy life.

If you have struggled with your weight for any length of time, there's no doubt you're stressed out trying to find an effective solution. You probably have many stories about following fad diets, taking unhealthy diet pills, or even dropping big bucks on expensive exercise equipment. If you're like most of our clients, you're still struggling with your weight, despite your best efforts. The common theme here is that all of your self-made attempts happened without the medical guidance of a true medical weight loss clinic in West Ashley, SC.

If this sounds like you, we've got great news. The safest, most effective solution to losing weight starts with the help of Back 2 Health's medical weight loss plans. Instead of choosing a fad diet, speak to one of our weight loss healthcare professionals. We can help you lose weight in a way that you find enjoyable, so you actually like

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Factors That Contribute to Obesity

Obesity is a nuanced disease that involves excessive amounts of body fat. It's not just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical issue that raises a person's chance of severe diseases and health problems. Often, obese people have problems losing weight because of physiological, genetic, and environmental factors. There are many other contributing factors to weight gain, including:

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Inactivity

People who live sedentary lifestyles will take in more calories than they burn off through exercise or day-to-day activities. Inactivity is a huge problem in today's society, especially with the constant presence of computers, smartphones, and tablets that encourage the user to stay glued to their screen.

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Unhealthy Diet

If your daily food intake consists of high-caloric fast-food meals full of oversized portions, expect to gain weight quickly.

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Liquid Calories

Alcoholic and other high-calorie drinks like sodas cause people to intake large amounts of calories without ever feeling full. When combined with a poor diet and lack of water intake, consuming liquid calories can be a significant contributor to weight gain.

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Pregnancy

Weight gain is very common during pregnancy, but some women find it hard to lose the added pounds once they have given birth. With time, this weight gain will contribute to obesity.

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Lack of Sleep

When you don't get enough sleep, your whole body suffers. If you're only getting a few hours of sleep a night, you may notice increased appetite and even hormone changes. Both factors can contribute to obesity.

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Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is one of the healthiest choices you can make as an adult. However, sometimes smoking cessation causes weight gain. For some, this weight gain gets out of control and leads to obesity. Often times this happens as former smokers use food to cope with their withdrawals.

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Stress

When you're stressed out, you may turn to a chocolate bar or cheeseburger as "comfort food" to deal with whatever problem you're facing. Turning to fast food and sweets is not a healthy way to deal with stress and can lead to obesity.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER WHICH INCLUDES:

  • Medical Consultation
  • Nutritional Conselling
  • Medical weight loss program
  • Weekly lipo B-12 injections
  • Blood work

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Consequences of Obesity

Although being obese is considered a physical condition, obesity's effects stretch far beyond a person's body composition and weight. Being overweight is associated with several long-term health problems. Many of these problems rank among the nation's leading reasons for premature death. Generally, the more excess weight you carry around, the more likely you are to develop negative complications with your health.

Individuals who are clinically obese have a heightened risk of the following ailments:

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  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
  • Cardiovascular Issues (stroke, heart attack, and more)
  • Acid Reflux and Heartburn
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Joint Pain, Back Pain, and Orthopedic Issues
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Blood Clots
  • Fatty Liver Disease
  • Skin Infections
  • Incontinence from Stress
  • Breathing Problems
  • Cancer (colon, uterus, esophagus, cervix, pancreas, prostate, and more)
  • Severe Symptoms Resulting from COVID-19

The good news? Substantial weight loss is possible with diet, physical activity, and the help of a medical weight loss team. You do not have to be destined to live with obesity and a shorter life expectancy. Back 2 Health Physical Medicine is here to steer you down the path to a positive, healthy life for years to come.

Benefits of Using a Medical Weight Loss Clinic in West Ashley, SC

Controlling your weight is a healthy habit that allows you to maintain proper health. However, losing weight isn't just about looking better. It's about feeling better too and is a very important part of being healthy and well. Before you throw caution out the window and try a "miraculous" weight loss solution, contact Back 2 Health Physical Medicine. Our medical weight loss clinicians don't just focus on making you slimmer. Instead, we oversee improvements relating to hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, cholesterol, digestive problems, and diet. We are devoted to changing the lives of our clients, one weight loss plan at a time.

Here are just a few benefits of using a medical weight loss clinic:

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Inactivity
Inactivity

People who live sedentary lifestyles will take in more calories than they burn off through exercise or day-to-day activities. Inactivity is a huge problem in today's society, especially with the constant presence of computers, smartphones, and tablets that encourage the user to stay glued to their screen.

Unhealthy Diet
Unhealthy Diet

If your daily food intake consists of high-caloric fast-food meals full of oversized portions, expect to gain weight quickly.

Liquid Calories
Liquid Calories

Alcoholic and other high-calorie drinks like sodas cause people to intake large amounts of calories without ever feeling full. When combined with a poor diet and lack of water intake, consuming liquid calories can be a significant contributor to weight gain.

It's Time to Make a Change

When you sign up with Back 2 Health, know that you are taking a hugely important step to living a healthier life. If you're ready to feel better, look better, and live longer, call our medical weight loss clinic in West Ashley today. Before you know it, you will look and feel better than you ever have before.

FREE CONSULTATION

Latest News in West Ashley, SC

Editorial: It’s decision time in West Ashley. City Council should show its hand.

When he first ran for mayor of Charleston, John Tecklenburg stood outside the vacant Piggly Wiggly supermarket between Sumar Street, Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road and vowed to revitalize West Ashley, the largest part of the city and one that had not received as much attention as the downtown peninsula. Since then, his administration worked on improving this part of the city, with a specific focus on the grocery store site, which the city purchased in 2017 in part to prevent a new gas station from being built at this important g...

When he first ran for mayor of Charleston, John Tecklenburg stood outside the vacant Piggly Wiggly supermarket between Sumar Street, Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road and vowed to revitalize West Ashley, the largest part of the city and one that had not received as much attention as the downtown peninsula. Since then, his administration worked on improving this part of the city, with a specific focus on the grocery store site, which the city purchased in 2017 in part to prevent a new gas station from being built at this important gateway.

City officials, consultants and residents have worked with a private developer on coming up with the ideal plan for the 2.5-acre parcel. Their vision, presented to City Council last year, not only would create an attractive entrance to Charleston’s largest suburb but also would establish the city’s first meaningful civic space west of the Ashley River, a city-owned complex capable of handling office workers and council meetings, along with private offices and restaurants and 10,000 square feet of outdoor event space. About three-fourths of the 240 parking spaces would be hidden in a new underground garage.

The city must now decide whether to commit to its projected $45 million share of the cost. It’s certainly an eye-catching number but also a credible one for a project that would create new park spaces, more than 12,000 square feet of city office and meeting space, underground parking and drainage mitigation. The city expects to be able to avoid raising taxes: The project would be paid for through revenues from an existing tax increment financing district and parking garage collections.

What’s unclear is whether City Council will agree go forward. It should.

The city’s commitment is not unlike the one it made to revitalizing King Street four decades ago, specifically by extending a loan of $14.5 million in federal funding to the private developers working to create Charleston Place. Factoring in inflation, that sum is virtually the same commitment as the $45 million price tag for Sumar Street. Both Charleston Place and the Sumar Street redevelopment were envisioned as ambitious steps not only to create something new on their properties but to generate excitement and optimism that would spur further redevelopment nearby.

Of course, the comparison is imperfect. The 1983 deal was a loan on very favorable terms that eventually was paid back, while Sumar Street involves property and city facilities that will remain in the city’s hands.

This project has been vetted publicly on many occasions and promises to give the city its first substantial civic presence west of the Ashley; the new public assembly space as envisioned would cover almost 5,000 square feet, almost three times the size of the existing council chambers and 50% larger than Mount Pleasant’s new council chambers.

The renderings provided by Liollio Architecture, while not necessarily final, show a handsome park area, pond and civic building at the site’s most visible edge — the triangular tip where Old Towne and Sam Rittenberg join up. Further in, the redevelopment plan shows a mixture of indoor and outdoor spaces that work well together, not unlike the popular Pacific Box & Crate mixed-use development on upper King Street. Its efforts to hide the parking as much as possible, incorporate stormwater work and use high-quality materials deserve praise.

A case can be made that the city’s hasn’t moved fast enough. Already, City Councilman and mayoral hopeful Peter Shahid has made such a criticism, even though he was almost as involved as the mayor in this project in his role as chairman of the West Ashley Revitalization Commission. There are complexities involved in soliciting and incorporating public feedback and working out important legal and financial details, but the delay undoubtedly has driven up the cost. Another mayoral candidate, William Cogswell, suggests starting over and also having the city take a much more aggressive role in dictating the redevelopment of the nearby private property at Ashley Landing, but that would compound the delay with an unknown impact on the city’s cost.

Further delay is not what West Ashley needs. Residents deserve to know how their elected representatives stand on this proposal. This is too important and has involved too much effort by too many people to have it die quietly without a public vote by City Council, so we urge Mayor Tecklenburg to seek just that.

Charleston has many residents nearing retirement age who were born at a time when the city limits didn’t even cross the Ashley River. That changed in the 1960s, and West Ashley today represents by far the largest part of municipal Charleston, whether measured by area or by population. The city’s civic presence here has grown much more slowly, partly because downtown had entered a difficult era in the 1970s, while much of the new investment was focused not there but in the suburbs.

Mayor Tecklenburg vowed to change that, and as he nears the end of his second term, the city has arrived at a crucial decision point. It’s time to follow through on its years-in-the-making plan for its Northbridge-Charles Towne gateway site.

Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier.

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Birds from nearby landfill causing chaos in West Ashley neighborhood

WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD) – They’re in the sky, perched in trees, and on top of roofs.Birds of all types are flocking to the Grand Bees neighborhood in West Ashley. According to neighbors, they’re leaving behind a mess. Dead vultures found in West Ashley positive for avian flu, cannot be removed “A...

WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD) – They’re in the sky, perched in trees, and on top of roofs.

Birds of all types are flocking to the Grand Bees neighborhood in West Ashley. According to neighbors, they’re leaving behind a mess.

“A lot of poop, a lot of debris left over in the yard. You know, it doesn’t matter how many times they clean it. It’s like ‘where’d this napkin come from, where’d this come?’” said Jamie Weiler, a Grand Bees resident.

The Lennar housing development is located right off Bees Ferry Road, next to a large Charleston County landfill.

Katie Fox moved to the neighborhood one year ago and said the birds are dropping off lots of trash when they fly in.

Wrappers, feminine products, chicken bones, and even needles are just a few of the items neighbors have seen in their yards.

“I have tons of trash in my backyard that I often use one of those trash claws to pick up because I don’t want to catch any diseases from this,” Fox said. “And then many kids can’t go out and play. Dogs are choking on bones. They had to go to the vet to get those removed from their stomach. So, it’s been pretty bad. We’re all running out of ideas.”

Fox said she’s woken up by the sound of the crows every morning. The noise doesn’t stop until the evening.

Jamie Weiler said the birds weren’t a problem when the homes were being built. Little did he know, a few months later, he would have some unexpected neighbors.

“Since there’s no construction noise there’s no hammering or anything like that. They’re not scared so they’re just hanging out, hanging out, hanging out. So, it’s gotten worse over time,” Weiler explained.

According to Charleston County officials, the landfill has been there since the 1970s.

News 2 reached out to Lennar’s Charleston office, but we have not heard back. We also made calls with county leaders in hopes of getting some answers.

Investigators search for cause of West Ashley weekend apartment fire

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Days after a large three-story apartment fire in West Ashley left at least 50 residents displaced, the cause of the fire still remains unknown.The fire at Colonial Grand at Cypress Cove, located near the 3500 block of Mary Ader Avenue, damaged 24 units. It was reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Sunday....

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Days after a large three-story apartment fire in West Ashley left at least 50 residents displaced, the cause of the fire still remains unknown.

The fire at Colonial Grand at Cypress Cove, located near the 3500 block of Mary Ader Avenue, damaged 24 units. It was reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Sunday.

The Charleston Fire Department said no one was injured in the fire and were still searching for a few missing cats on Sunday before firefighters with engine 116 located the last cat hiding inside a box spring of a bed in a fire-damaged apartment.

Lynn Walsh, who has lived in the complex since August, first heard about the fire when her Ring doorbell continued to go off with firefighters in front of the video camera.

“I was just kind of along with everyone else in the building. Whether you were home or not, it was kind of a waiting game to see what happened,” Walsh says. “All the first responders and everyone who worked at the apartment complex were super nice, super gracious with their time. They made us feel settled and were a good calming presence to have around.”

Charleston Fire Department Chief Fire Marshal Mike Julazadeh said the crews arrived on the scene six minutes after the fire was called in. He said the fire was very difficult to control after it was extended into the attic.

“There are things that I still have, and there are people whose structure and belongings were burned,” Walsh says. “A lot of my damage is water damage and the roof is gone. All of my things were still there, but are they usable? No.”

A fire happened at the same complex in 2020 leaving 24 units damaged as well, but it is still unknown if the cause of the fire is the same in both cases.

Despite losing her apartment and the majority of her belongings, Walsh continues to look on the bright side.

“The biggest thing that I’ve learned is that people are really good; there’s a lot of good people left in the world, and think other people that lived in the unit are experiencing this as well,” she says. “The love, support and generosity that has been coming my way has been incredible.”

Julazadeh said Red Cross responded to the scene to help residents.

The fire department said the investigation is ongoing and has asked for the public’s help. Anyone who took photos or videos of the fire that may help as fire investigators reconstruct the timeline of the fire is asked to email them to CFDmedia@charleston-sc.gov.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Letters: West Ashley project has potential benefits

A recent letter to the editor argued against building the planned apartments at Ashley Landing Shopping Center as proposed by real estate developer Faison, which owns the shopping center.I think, however, there are good reasons to support the project.The writer states that the location is a centerpiece for the community.Th...

A recent letter to the editor argued against building the planned apartments at Ashley Landing Shopping Center as proposed by real estate developer Faison, which owns the shopping center.

I think, however, there are good reasons to support the project.

The writer states that the location is a centerpiece for the community.

The developer seems to agree, as the company has made meaningful improvements to Ashley Landing and is planning a full-scale makeover to fit the city’s vision for a central community space.

Faison, the city and the community all agree on this goal.

Traffic flow there needs an overhaul. I am likely not the only resident who takes a longer route home in order to avoid the “suicide merge” at Old Towne Roade and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard.

This should not be a reason to oppose new development. Traffic concerns are not stopping plans for the Sumar Street redevelopment, and they shouldn’t hold us back from building a lively community center.

In many ways, this location would be a great place for people to live. Residents could live a short walk from accessing their basic needs and have easy access to CARTA’s bus route 32.

Many driving trips could be replaced with short walks and bus rides, which would actually reduce traffic.

These benefits simply wouldn’t exist if these apartments were built somewhere else, such as on the urban periphery where many new developments are built.

Like other nearby residents, I plan to monitor the project through the Design Review Board process, but I also hope that others watching the project recognize its potential benefits.

GRAHAM GLAAB

Charleston

Post and Courier sports columnist Gene Sapakoff’s recent column, “Charleston needs a new sports arena,” was written by someone who has a seat up front on press row for sporting events and probably has never attended a concert in a generic modern mega-stadium like those in Atlanta and Charlotte.

My kids still joke about how I once took them to “see” Michael Jordan play for the Washington Wizards.

Even binoculars didn’t help the view from our seats in the far reaches of the Wizards’ arena in D.C.

The same is true when attending a concert or other event in those arenas.

Part of the charm of Charleston is that one can attend a show at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center or Coliseum or Charleston Music Hall and get closer to top performers than is possible at venues in other cities.

A large arena or stadium would likely lead to more traffic and tourists.

This may please those who are building all of the new hotels in town, but is it really what everyone else wants?

ROBERT ZISK

Mount Pleasant

Capping short-term rentals at Folly Beach keeps it as one of the few remaining and recognized rustic “funky” beach towns left in the United States.

Short-term rental advocates worry about optimizing their monetary investments by using arguments such as zoning and property rights.

Many of these advocates do not even live on Folly Beach. They may not understand that all land around Charleston is zoned in some manner, partly to prevent situations such as a strip club from opening next to a school or a residential district.

Supporters of short-term rentals have every property right to not purchase on Folly Beach or to sell their existing property.

Hardship cases could seek exceptions before Folly Beach City Council.

There are excellent places to operate short-term rentals such as Myrtle Beach, but not so much on Folly Beach.

VIC PROCKOW

Folly Beach

Last weekend, I took part in the “Chucktown Showdown,” a U.S. Pickleball Association sanctioned event at the Bees Landing Recreation Center in West Ashley.

I want to thank Katie Mell, a local resident who served as the organizer and director of the event, and Des Brown, who provided much-needed help and support. I also thank the many volunteers who helped to transform six tennis courts into multiple pickleball courts, the vendors and the more than 300 players who came from as far away as Seattle to make this such a great event.

I hope that in the future the city of Charleston will do more to recognize and support this sport that has become so popular with players of all ages in Charleston.

NORM HARRISON

Charleston

To submit a letter to the editor, send an email to letters@postandcourier.com or fill out the form on our online portal.

Letters can be a maximum of 250 words and are subject to editing for clarity, tone and libel. They must carry the writer’s name and address for publication and a daytime telephone number for verification.

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Affordable Housing Development Becomes First Project To Use Funding From Dedicated Municipal Bond in Charleston

Bulls Creek Apartments, in Charleston, South Carolina’s West Ashley neighborhood, is a 57-unit affordable housing development geared toward families. All of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units are reserved for individuals and families earning less than 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). When Bulls Creek opened in August 2022, it was the first project in the city to be completed using revenue from the city’s dedicated $20 million affordable housing bond. Bulls Creek Apartments represents a promising step toward resolv...

Bulls Creek Apartments, in Charleston, South Carolina’s West Ashley neighborhood, is a 57-unit affordable housing development geared toward families. All of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units are reserved for individuals and families earning less than 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). When Bulls Creek opened in August 2022, it was the first project in the city to be completed using revenue from the city’s dedicated $20 million affordable housing bond. Bulls Creek Apartments represents a promising step toward resolving Charleston’s affordable housing shortage.

The Apartments

Bulls Creek consists of 7 one-bedroom, 35 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom units ranging from 750 to 1,150 square feet. Forty-five apartments are reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of AMI and 12 are reserved for those earning up to 50 percent of AMI. Amenities at Bulls Creek include a fitness center, a clubhouse, and a laundry facility. The development is in Charleston’s West Ashley neighborhood, roughly 7 miles northwest of downtown, and a nearby freeway provides easy access to the city and surrounding metropolitan area. A large shopping center nearby offers residents retail and service job opportunities. The development cost approximately $16 million. The primary funding source was low-income housing tax credit equity. The city also provided roughly $2.6 million in dedicated bond revenue for construction.

Affordable Housing Bond

According to Geona Shaw Johnson, director of Charleston’s Department of Housing and Community Development, the city’s recent comprehensive plan found that Charleston needs to add more than 16,000 housing units to keep up with demand, nearly half of which should be targeted to those earning less than 30 percent of AMI. In November 2017, Charleston voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum allowing the city to issue up to $20 million in general obligation bonds for affordable housing. Bond funding could be used “for the acquisition, construction, and equipping of safe and affordable housing for persons and families of low- to moderate-income,” which is defined as those earning between 30 and 120 percent of AMI. The city uses bond revenue to award loans to developers who provide income-restricted units that remain affordable for at least 30 years. The city began accepting applications for loans in 2019, after the council approved funding to repay the bonds from the city’s general budget.

The city prioritizes projects based on factors such as the timing of the development process, duration of the affordability period, level of affordability, the energy efficiency of the project, and the project’s location. Reviewers also consider the projects’ proximity to grocery stores, medical offices, schools, parks, public transportation, and more. The city considered Bulls Creek an attractive project because the West Ashley neighborhood particularly needs affordable housing and because the project site is close to downtown Charleston, a bus stop, and neighborhood amenities.

Moving Forward

Although Bulls Creek was the city’s first project to be completed using bond financing, it is not the last. The city is planning eight other affordable housing developments that use bond financing. Most of these developments will also be targeted to families, although two will be designed for seniors. These projects will also be sited in West Ashley or downtown.

The city of Charleston still needs more housing units, particularly those targeted to low-income households, to meet its demand. City leaders are investigating additional sources of funding for affordable housing construction, including other municipal sources. For example, the city has started using tax increment financing for affordable housing. Although funding from the housing bond will support only a portion of affordable housing financing in Charleston, it has been a helpful local funding source for producing low- and moderate-income houses.

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