Redevelopment Plan

The Oakbrook Redevelopment Plan outlines a comprehensive, multi-agency plan to revitalize the Oakbrook area. The plan allows for public infrastructure projects that are needed to reduce or eliminate blighted areas.

The goal is to revitalize Oakbrook as an Urban Village/Eco-Tourism Destination by redeveloping under-utilized commercial properties into an active urban neighborhood center.

In order to achieve this goal, the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District was created to:

• Improve the transportation and utilities infrastructure
• Create modern streetscaping
• Make improvements to or construct public buildings and environmental, cultural, recreational and school facilities

Tax Increment Financing

• Not a Tax Increase
• Not an Impact Fee
• Method for financing redevelopment in blighted, conservation and sprawl area of Counties 
• Uses the incremental increase in assessed value and property taxes to fund public infrastructure improvements in a redevelopment area
• Requires the approval of all taxing entities in a redevelopment area

Priority Investments

In order to fund public infrastructure projects in the Oakbrook area a TIF is needed to encourage private capital reinvestment in the area and enhance the current tax base of the area.

The improvements to the Oakbrook area will:

• Make the area more attractive for retail and restaurant activities
• Improve pedestrian and bike safety
• Improve storm drainage around Chandler/Eagle Creek and the Sawmill Branch Canal
• Reduce traffic and improve traffic safety
• Improve public facilities including parks and recreational opportunities
• Bring existing dilapidated buildings up to current building and planning standards

Redevelopment Projects

Transportation and Infrastructure 

Improvements to Transportation Infrastructure including road improvements, stormwater infrastructure construction or improvements and construction of pedestrian and bicycle paths and trails. These projects include, but are not limited to:  

• Dorchester Road Crossing 
• Eagle-Chandler Bridge Creek Trail Phases 1 and 2 
• Old Fort Sidewalk Along Parlor Drive
• Sawmill Branch Trail Extension 
• Improvements to Park and Ride Areas 

Replacement of Existing Sewer Lines

Streetscaping

Improvements to Streetscaping including the installation of street lighting, sidewalks, a vegetative buffer, landscaped medians, pedestrian crossings and utility improvements. Dorchester County is currently working on 60% design plans provided by Seamon Whiteside. Pricing based on these plans is being sought to advance the project.

Public Buildings and Recreational Facilities

Improvements to or Construction of Public Buildings and Environmental, Cultural and Recreational Facilities. These projects include, but are not limited to: 

• Jessen Boat Landing Improvements 
• Town of Summerville Reserve on the Ashley 
• Dorchester County Oakbrook Athletic Complex
• Dorchester County Library in Oakbrook
• Dorchester County Fire and EMS Station on Ladson Road

Improvements to Public School Facilities 

Improvements or new construction on the Oakbrook Elementary and Middle School Campus.

Priority Projects

Dorchester County issued $15,000,000 in limited obligation bonds on June 4, 2020 to fund four initial projects within the Oakbrook TIF District.

• Oakbrook Sports Complex: $5,000,000
• Ladson Road Fire and EMS Station: $3,000,000
• Streetscaping: $5,000,000
• Reserve on the Ashley contribution to the Town of Summerville: $2,000,000

Map of the Oakbrook TIF/Redevelopment District 

Download map as a PDF