Kailey Cota
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Charleston reporter @postandcourier | @UofSC alum, previously @thegamecock, @thestate, @thecurrentga
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Articles by Kailey Cota
Dominion to answer resident questions about undergrounding before Charleston finalizes new agreement Original
CHARLESTON — Balancing the city’s goal to put some power lines underground with a mandate Dominion Energy South Carolina provide affordable and reliable service has become a central discussion as the parties inch closer to a new franchise agreement. The agreement would give Dominion the right to provide electric and gas service to Charleston residents and businesses and to conduct any necessary work in public rights-of-way.
MUSC Foundation to get $25M buyout of WestEdge property where Charleston plans affordable housing Original
CHARLESTON — The city plans to buy the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation out of a WestEdge property so it can build affordable housing on the 2.5-acre parcel. The city and MUSCF have worked together for years as the combined WestEdge Foundation to redevelop part of the western peninsula into an urban area that supports the medical district and surrounding community.
Proposed agreement could generate $60M over 20 years for undergrounding power lines in Charleston Original
CHARLESTON — A proposed agreement could generate roughly $60 million over the next 20 years for burying power lines underground, according to information shared during a special City Council meeting. Council member Mike Seekings had requested a meeting with Dominion Energy South Carolina and Berkeley Electric Cooperative before City Council makes a final decision on new franchise agreements Oct. 27.
Here’s how Charleston is managing growth on Daniel Island and the Cainhoy Peninsula Original
DANIEL ISLAND — Addressing traffic and managing growth have been the central themes of the city’s roaming State of the City series. The event tailored to the Cainhoy Peninsula was no different. More than twice as many people now live in the area between the Cooper and Wando rivers than in 2010. While Daniel Island has nearly reached its 7,500-unit cap, the city estimates the Point Hope community could add another 10,000 homes.
Graves likely present at planned dorm site, but excavation is needed to confirm, CofC survey says
Black lines indicate the path where a ground-penetrating radar survey was conducted at 106 Coming St. in February 2026. The College of Charleston plans to build a freshman residence hall atop the site where a municipal cemetery previously operated.
Early voting is beginning in SC; Holiday parade applications open in Charleston
Early voting for the statewide general election begins Oct. 19. South Carolinians can bring their photo ID to any early voting center in their county, according to scVOTES.gov. Centers will be open from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday to Saturday until the early voting period ends Oct. 31. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Visit The Post and Courier’s Palmetto Politics page for more information. Here’s what else is happening in the tri-county area.
Emanuel survivor Polly Sheppard tells story of her life purpose, legacy through museum, documentary
CHARLESTON — For the last 11 years, Polly Sheppard has thought a lot about her life’s purpose and the legacy she wants to leave. It has been that way since the night of June 17, 2015, when a white supremacist opened fire during a Bible Study at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Dylan Roof murdered nine parishioners, but told Sheppard he would spare her so she could tell the story. Roof had hoped to spread hatred and racial division.
Emanuel survivor Polly Sheppard tells story of her life purpose, legacy through museum, documentary
"You need to know it all," said Polly Sheppard about history, including the good and the bad, which led her to include the Confederate flag and a KKK hooded figure wearing glasses that read "KKK-ICE" on them as part of her collection in Florence Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Sheppard has spent decades collecting artwork and artifacts that she has gathered, chronicling the African American experience.
Charleston to phase out physical parking meters, require drivers to pay online Original
CHARLESTON — The city plans to remove physical parking meters and transition to an online payment system over the next several months. The move is part of the city’s ongoing effort to strike a better balance between providing a high quality of life for residents and managing the booming tourism industry.
Proposed agreement with Dominion Energy emphasizes undergrounding Charleston’s power lines Original
CHARLESTON — For the first time in 30 years, the city is working to reach a new agreement with Dominion Energy South Carolina. A key change could help remove delays associated with undergrounding power lines. Residents have voiced concern and distress each time crews have taken chainsaws to palmetto trees that grew too close to power lines.
Charleston seeks to expand technology that helps staff identify, cite cars that haven’t paid to park Original
CHARLESTON — Two little white cameras mounted like antennas atop an unmarked black Chevrolet are helping the city ticket more cars violating parking regulations — and the technology could be expanded next year. Since March, this vehicle has been driving the peninsula’s residential areas, automatically scanning the tags of vehicles parked in the public right-of-way areas of residential neighborhoods.
Cogswell: Charleston could make new developments consider local traffic before they get approved Original
JOHNS ISLAND — Developers with projects in the city of Charleston may be required to conduct more extensive traffic reviews before their plans are approved. Mayor William Cogswell announced the potential change to the city’s process at a packed State of the City meeting Oct. 6 at St. John’s High School.
Parent of boy struck by car in Charleston: Crosswalks by schools should be ‘safe zones’ Original
CHARLESTON — It was 7:09 a.m. on a Friday. The sun was rising. The weather was clear. A 7-year-old student was walking to James Simons Montessori. He was in the crosswalk at Grove Street, about 0.2 miles away from school. A vehicle turned left from King Street. It struck the boy. The Oct. 2 collision left the child scraped and bruised, but otherwise OK. His backpack might have helped save him from getting more seriously injured, said his mother, Jillian Schenzel.
City purchases home of disgraced judge to help fix flooding issues in West Ashley neighborhood Original
WEST ASHLEY — The city has purchased a home from a former Charleston County magistrate judge who pleaded guilty to owning and sharing child sexual abuse material. It expects to use the property to address flooding issues in the area. James B. Gosnell Jr. sold his property at 1233 Bamboo Dr., to the city for the appraised value of $610,000, according to a public deed document dated Sept. 21. The home is not far off Old Towne Road, in the area near the Wespanee and Heathwood Old Towne neighborhoods.
Sea turtles released on Folly, Park Circle Gallery apps open
Hundreds gathered on Folly Beach on Sept. 30 to watch the release of three rehabilitated sea turtles. The South Carolina Aquarium released Hope and Buffalo, two Kemp’s ridleys, and Honey, a loggerhead sea turtle, at the Folly Beach County Park. The turtles returned to the ocean after being nursed back to health in the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center. The trio of turtles were all hooked by fishermen. Honey arrived with a carapace, or shell, wound and an infestation of leeches.
How can the city of Charleston manage growth on Johns Island? You can find out.
Follow How can the city of Charleston manage growth on Johns Island? You can find out. Updated Fri, October 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Charleston Housing Authority ends fiscal year with surplus, in ‘strong position’ ahead of overhauls
CHARLESTON — The city’s Housing Authority passed a $62 million operating budget its leaders say sets it up for financial health as it shifts from just maintaining its buildings to overhauling many properties for the first time in the agency’s history. The budget, which the authority’s board passed unanimously Sept. 28, forecasts the agency will make nearly $6.5 million more than it expects to spend during the 2027 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
Charleston broke ground on Lowline path last December. It still looks the same. Where does it stand?
CHARLESTON — Temporary yellow construction signage notifies passersby that the Lowline is “forging a new path” along the peninsula. But nearly 10 months after the city celebrated breaking ground, the long-awaited pedestrian and bicycle path doesn’t visibly look much closer to completion. Soon, that will change. A “remobilization” of work on the former rail corridor beneath Interstate 26 will begin Oct. 19, according to a $2 million update that City Council unanimously approved this week.
Media campaign to get Charleston County voters to extend school, transportation taxes ramps up
CHARLESTON — The combined media campaign asking Charleston County voters to support extending two sales taxes that fund schools and roads is ramping up, including with commercial messaging that will be delivered into homes on TV. The Yes for CHS campaign launched its first TV ad last week. In the video, a young boy explains that county voters will see three referendum questions on their Nov.
Charleston County to host public sessions about tax referendum, CSU gets aeronautics investment
Mayors from North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Charleston will talk about the Transportation Sales Tax referendum as the county hosts a final round of public outreach ahead of Election Day. Charleston County officials announced a series of meetings with local mayors. The leaders will talk about a referendum that will be on the ballot Nov. 3. If passed, it would extend the existing half-penny tax and could generate $4.25 billion over the next 25 years, according to the county.
More than 11 years after tragedy, an opening date is finally set for Emanuel 9 Memorial Courtyard
CHARLESTON — Beginning on Nov. 14, there will be a permanent place for people to gather, remember and reflect upon the racially motivated massacre at Emanuel AME Church in 2015, the nine lives it claimed and the ways it has changed the city. The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation announced the public opening date of the memorial courtyard on Sept. 15. It has been more than 11 years since gunfire erupted during a Wednesday night Bible Study in the church’s fellowship hall.
Calhoun Street apartments get final approval from a Charleston board after years of rejected plans
CHARLESTON — An apartment complex planned for Calhoun Street received final approval after facing years of rejection from a board tasked with protecting the city’s historic character. An apartment complex is planned at 295 Calhoun St., near the peninsula’s Medical District. Augusta-based development firm Southeastern got a unanimous green light from the Board of Architectural Review on Sept.
Here's what the city of Charleston is doing to help guide growth in West Ashley
WEST ASHLEY — The city of Charleston wants residents of its largest population center to know exactly what steps leaders are taking to help guide growth and improve quality of life. Mayor William Cogswell, members of the City Council and department heads will provide information and answer questions from West Ashley residents during a state of the city event on Sept. 15.
Sumter County Judicial Center
The South Carolina Republican went down the list of Democratic candidates in key Senate races, accusing them of being “dangerous, radical and frankly …
City Council votes 7-5 to OK agreement with Ashley Hall about future of historic Charleston hall
CHARLESTON — The city and Ashley Hall have reached an agreement on the future of a crumbling building at the site of a historic Black dance hall. Any organization that wants to relocate the small, single-story, shed-like structure has until the end of October to submit plans. If the building remains at 148 Smith St. at the end of November, Ashley Hall can demolish it to make way for more on-campus parking, City Council decided in a 7-5 vote on Sept. 8.
Charleston Housing Authority wants to establish partnerships as it enters ‘transformation period’
CHARLESTON — With a new leader at the helm, the Housing Authority is seeking partners to help transform its aging buildings into mixed-income communities. The agency’s new CEO, Nathan Simms Jr., announced during an Aug. 27 forum that the Housing Authority issued a request for qualifications to development firms so it can establish a bench of partners it can turn to while it redevelops several of its properties. The requests for qualifications are due Oct. 27.
During Charleston's extreme heat, there is little refuge for people without homes
Down a narrow trail into the woods off Rivers Avenue, Amy Stevens sat outside the green tent where she sleeps. Above her, a canopy of trees shielded the campsite from the worst of the midday sun, but the shade offered little relief. The humid air hung heavy and still. On Aug. 20, Stevens wore a white athletic tank top and spandex shorts during a stretch of days in late August when temperatures rose into the high 90s.
Charleston closes $18 million deal to purchase site where it plans to build more affordable housing
CHARLESTON — The city closed an $18 million deal to purchase a site it plans to use for affordable housing. The agreement to buy 2.4 acres at 899 Morrison Drive from the International Longshoreman’s Association was finalized Aug. 31, according to a statement the city released Sept. 1. The city had been working to determine which of several properties on Morrison Drive were the best fit since at least 2025. It previously said the deal was expected to close this spring.
CofC is a step closer to building a dorm atop a cemetery after getting an initial OK on designs
CHARLESTON — The College of Charleston can advance its controversial plans to build a freshman residence hall, even though it doesn’t know exactly what lies underneath the Coming Street site, a city board decided. The Board of Architectural Review’s unanimous vote on Aug. 31 reversed the decision it made earlier this summer, when it had requested the College of Charleston defer seeking conceptual approval until it gathered more information about what is underground.
Union Pier developers begin envisioning framework for streets, parks. Other plans will be incremental.
CHARLESTON — What gives the Holy City its soul? That’s the essence of what the team that plans to transform nearly 70 acres of industrial land at Union Pier set out to understand. Developers and consultants with Beemok asked more than 1,100 city leaders, residents, business owners, conservationists, preservationists and other stakeholders that question in the last year and a half.
Cities across tri-county weigh how to handle short-term rentals, will give updates on other projects
Cities across the tri-county area are seeking to figure out how to regulate short-term rentals. North Charleston limits its short-term rentals to 60 permits in each of the 10 council districts. City Council has discussed making minor changes to the ordinance over the last few months, while keeping the cap in place. Most recently, Mayor Reggie Burgess asked during the Aug.
Charleston Housing Authority uploaded agenda with false timestamp after questions about public access
CHARLESTON — For the second month in a row, missteps by Housing Authority staff stymied public access to special board meetings. “I take transparency very seriously,” CEO Nathan Simms Jr. said in a written statement. “Changes will be made immediately to maintain public confidence.” A Post and Courier reporter was locked out of a special board meeting in July.
Charleston Housing Authority votes to redevelop affordable housing without ceding control to city
CHARLESTON — Despite the mayor’s previous request for the Charleston Housing Authority to back out of a redevelopment contract, the authority’s board has decided to move forward and create more affordable housing without ceding complete control to the city.
From West Ashley to the islands, Charleston’s state of the city address will come to you this year
Follow From West Ashley to the islands, Charleston’s state of the city address will come to you this year Updated Tue, August 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Charleston may expand use of AI to more high-traffic intersections across city
Follow Charleston may expand use of AI to more high-traffic intersections across city Updated Tue, August 18, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT The Charleston Police Department blocked part of Coming Street at the Septima P. Clark Parkway after a fatal collision Monday, April 13, 2026. The city has applied for a grant to expand the use of artificial intelligence to the Crosstown and Folly Road as part of its effort to improve traffic flow and safety.
North Charleston police are investigating after an apartment complex shooting left 1 man dead
NORTH CHARLESTON — Officers are investigating after an overnight shooting at an apartment complex left one person dead. An adult male was shot at the MAA Commerce Apartments at 3785 Ladson Road around 10:45 p.m. on Aug. 15, according to a statement the North Charleston Police Department released the next day. "The police are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and share it," the statement said.
Charleston moves forward on Project 3500 designs, including some on land city doesn't control yet Original
CHARLESTON — The city wants firms to submit proposals to design affordable housing developments on nearly 60 acres across the peninsula. It doesn’t yet have authority over two-thirds of the land it put out to bid. The move comes after the city hosted a weeklong charrette this spring dedicated to workshopping designs for Project 3500, an ambitious goal to add 3,500 new affordable units by 2032. Since Aug.
North Charleston mayor says police chief resigned over leadership differences, not HR investigation
NORTH CHARLESTON — After just 20 months on the job, including nearly a year under internal investigation, Ron Camacho resigned as police chief. Camacho’s Aug. 10 departure was announced days after the city’s Human Resources Department completed an investigation into allegations of gender and age discrimination that a longtime employee levied against him. The investigation determined there was no evidence of discrimination based on any protected status.
North Charleston parts ways with police Chief Camacho. HR was investigating him for nearly 1 year. Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — The city parted ways with police chief Roland “Ron” Camacho on Aug. 10. The human resources department had been investigating complaints levied against Camacho for nearly a year. Camacho resigned, according to a statement the city spokesperson released just after 1 p.m. on Aug. 10. "We wish him well in his future endeavors," the statement said.
Grandmother didn’t seek medical care for 4-year-old with gunshot wound to face, records allege Original
NORTH CHARLESTON — The grandmother and legal guardian of a 4-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly failing to seek medical care for the child who had been shot in the face. Tanisha Danielle Robinson, 42, allegedly took the child away from the Parker’s Kitchen on Windsor Hill Boulevard in North Charleston after the boy’s 4-year-old sister unintentionally shot him in the face with an unsecured gun while four children were left alone in a vehicle on July 25, according to court records.
Navarro purchases more Charleston properties to create ‘gateway’ to 65-acre Union Pier Original
CHARLESTON — Connecting Union Pier to the neighboring residential and commercial districts is key to ensuring the peninsula’s last large piece of underdeveloped waterfront property is successfully revitalized.
How does the city of Charleston function? A new initiative gives residents a behind-the-scenes look.
CHARLESTON — Residents who spend large chunks of their days commuting along congested streets, who struggle to afford paying the peninsula’s soaring rents or who are sick of floodwaters that continue to rise might wonder what the city is doing for them — why it can take so long for improvements to happen. In an effort to build understanding, improve transparency and strengthen relationships between city employees and the people they serve, the city is launching its first resident academy.
How does the city of Charleston function? A new initiative gives residents a behind-the-scenes look.
Follow How does the city of Charleston function? A new initiative gives residents a behind-the-scenes look. Updated Wed, August 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT Charleston's Four Corners of Law, at the intersection of Meeting and Broad streets. File/Andrew Whitaker/Staff Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
A Civil War-era fort is now Charleston’s newest public park. It offers Stono River sunset views. Original
JAMES ISLAND — A historic 8.7-acre site with waterfront access to the Stono River and west-facing sunset views was privately owned for decades. Now, it’s Charleston’s newest public park that also features the Civil War-era Fort Pemberton. The city recently finished adding a new fishing dock, kayak launch, picnic shelter, bathroom, half-mile walking path and parking lot for Fort Pemberton Park at 221 Yates Ave.
Horse carriage operator, passenger injured during ‘extremely rare’ tour incident in Charleston Original
CHARLESTON — A horse carriage operator and one tour passenger were injured during a “serious carriage incident” that occurred after a horse was startled. The two people were thrown from a carriage near the intersection of Cumberland and Church streets during a morning tour on Aug. 3, according to a statement from city spokesperson Deja Knight McMillan. The horse pulling the carriage, Howard, had been startled by an approaching truck, according to a statement Palmetto Carriage Works released.
Charleston, Army Corps launch new website to keep residents updated on flood mitigation projects
CHARLESTON — As high tides, more intense rainfall and the threat of storm surge ensure that flooding remains a common reality across the Holy City, local and federal authorities are taking steps to keep the public informed on their countermeasures. Information about the partnership between the city of Charleston and the Army Corps of Engineers is now available to residents on the ResilientCHS website, launched July 30.
Calhoun Street could see impacts as CofC demolishes College Lodge, a former dorm and motel
CHARLESTON — The sound of hammers clanging and the scrape of saws cutting through metal ricocheted across Calhoun Street as crews worked to tear down College Lodge, a vacant College of Charleston residence hall that was once a motel. Students haven’t lived in “the Lodge” since 2023. A city board in 2024 narrowly granted the college permission to raze the 192-bed facility that dates to 1964.
Charleston, Army Corps launch new website to keep residents updated on flood mitigation projects
Charleston, Army Corps launch new website to keep residents updated on flood mitigation projects Kailey Cota and Lydia Larsen Updated Fri, July 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Charleston's proposed Battery Extension would wrap around roughly 8 miles of the peninsula. Areas that aren't covered by the wall would be shielded by "green" nature-based flood projects. Brandon Lockett/Staff Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout.
With architect in place, Battery Extension could advance to construction phase as soon as 2027
CHARLESTON — The city and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now have all of the players they need at the table to finish designing their $1.3 billion plan to keep water from overwhelming the peninsula. The local and federal partners expect to allow companies to bid on construction contracts before the end of 2027, according to information the city and Army Corps shared during a community forum The Post and Courier’s Rising Waters Lab hosted on July 28.
Charleston’s East Side gets ‘win for preservation’ of sites tied to master blacksmith Philip Simmons
CHARLESTON — Less than a year ago there was a chance a home once owned by master blacksmith Philip Simmons could be demolished. Now, two East Side properties with ties to the celebrated ironworker are a step away from joining the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a “win for preservation on Charleston’s East Side,” the Historic Charleston Foundation said of the process.
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