6/8 NEWSBREAK: Planning commission to wait month on Union Pier

The city of Charleston's planning commission voted Wednesday to defer their decision on a controversial proposal to redevelop Union Pier downtown until the week of July 10. The decision came after a June 7 meeting in which residents voiced major concerns over the haste at which the Union Pier redevelopment proposal has been moving forward.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority officials presented its most up-to-date plans and rezoning requests to Charleston officials and the public Wednesday night at the planning commission meeting. The latest plan included lower building heights, reduced square footage, the expansion of the Rice Mill Mall and 367 units of affordable housing.

But many residents were still displeased by the adjusted plans.

"This is public land and therefore, it must provide a significant public benefit," said Coastal Conservation League Executive Director Faith Rivers James. "We ask the planning commission to recommend denial of this rezoning."

The planning commission did, however, outline a list of recommended changes to the plan ahead of its July 10 meeting:

In other headlines:

CP: Internet stars showcase Charleston's Celebrity Paws in the Park . The dynamic pet-owner TikTok duo of South Carolina real estate professional Johnathan Lower and his golden retriever Teddy will be featured stars all day Saturday in North Charleston's Riverfront Park at Celebrity Paws in the Park, the largest animal event of the year in South Carolina.

CP: Shem Creeps lead a Carolina punk revival . Charleston-based Shem Creeps is leading a revival of punk culture in Charleston, kicking off with Charleston Punk Night at the Music Farm on June 10 and at the Tin Roof to open for Bedlam Hour on June 18.

CP: Puerto Rican chef finds her place in Charleston culinary scene . Puerto Rican chef Reina Gascon-Lopez was born in the South, but explores her multiracial background and cultures through food and writing with her popular food website and blog The Sofrito Project.

Canadian wildfire smoke, haze may creep into S.C. Smoke and haze from Canadian wildfires that made New York City look like a Martian landscape Wednesday may creep into South Carolina today. Large patches of the U.S. are under air quality alerts. The state has issued air quality alerts in 31 counties — mostly in the Pee Dee, Midlands and Upstate.

Lowcountry Methodist churches discuss separation of denominations. A total of 11 churches in the Charleston and Walterboro areas are stepping away from the United Methodist Church denomination at the end of June, joining over 100 other churches throughout the state over what could change in the future regarding clergy and same sex marriage.

Teacher salaries could be increasing in Charleston County. During a district budget meeting, leaders discussed adding $7,000 to starting salary, bringing it up to $50,000. Some say the move is crucial to keep teachers in the classroom and provide them with what they need to live in Charleston.

Boeing delays shipments of 787 Dreamliner for flaw in planes . Boeing said Tuesday that deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner have been delayed again by another manufacturing issue on part of the tail called the horizontal stabilizer. This is the latest in a string of setbacks for the two-aisle aircraft.

Young boaters in S.C. now need to take safety class . South Carolinians born after 2007 looking to operate boats on the state's waterways will have to take a boating safety course administered or approved by the Department of Natural Resources and receive a boating safety certificate before operating a boat with a 10-horsepower engine or above.

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