4/6 NEWSBREAK: S.C. ports agency to scale down Union Pier plan

The State Ports Authority (SPA) is expected to submit an updated plan for redevelopment of its Union Pier Terminal later this month, which includes a bigger park and stricter guidelines for buildings. The new revision aims to address resident and preservation group concerns over what the waterfront site would look like after being redeveloped.

The revision shows significant changes to an original proposal that SPA CEO Barbara Melvin called “jarring.” New revisions include an extra acre of greenspace, less density of the buildings and a mall with a rice mill facade as the centerpiece.

“We have been trying to determine how we could assuage the community’s fear that these buildings are going to be just one big block,” said Melvin, who added updated paperwork would be filed April 17. “This is not going to be bland, Texas-style doughnuts that don’t fit into the city of Charleston.”

In other headlines:

CP: Charleston public charter school suing district. Charleston Advancement Academy filed a federal lawsuit March 8 against the South Carolina Public Charter School District for revoking its charter status in January.

CP: Charleston-based Americana group to debut at High Water Festival. Charleston cosmic Americana act She Returns From War is set to perform at High Water Music Festival in Riverfront Park. The group was invited to play in 2020, but never got the chance due to the pandemic. In other music news, Charleston-based instrumental act Hot Mustard unveiled its new LP Seconds.

CP: Charleston bread makers talk supporting local. Bread makers across Charleston talk about the importance of buying local bread, including better flavors and nutrition.

Permitless gun carry presses ahead in state Senate. On a 3-2 party line subcommittee vote Wednesday, Republican senators advanced legislation to a full committee that would allow adults in South Carolina to legally carry a handgun with no training required despite many criticisms from law enforcement officers that it will increase more gun-related incidents.

Spirit Airlines to launch non-stop flight to Las Vegas. Spirit Airlines announced the first-ever direct flight from Charleston to Las Vegas. The flights will be five days a week Thursday through Monday starting in September. The expansion comes as airport officials consider an expansion of the airport.

Community Research Center complex opening in N. Charleston. The Community Research Center is opening a new location in North Charleston Thursday and will serve as a site for large grocery, hygiene products and baby necessity distributions. Meanwhile, a newly renovated laundry mat in North Charleston has transformed into a community hub in the neighborhood where people could sleep, hang out, eat, watch television, use free Wifi and enjoy a safe, clean space.

Charleston’s Moxy hotel now open. The Charleston’s newest hotel, Moxy Charleston Downtown, makes its debut this week as the northernmost lodging to date on the Charleston peninsula.

New Folly Beach ordinance to require approval for large beach weddings. The City of Folly Beach is considering a revised ordinance that would require approval from a special committee to have a large wedding — more than 25 attendees — on Folly Beach.