Mount Pleasant community advocates for land preservation amid developer interest

Concerns over potential development and the preservation of green spaces took center stage at the Charleston County Greenbelt Advisory Board meeting on April 9, 2025. Community members passionately urged the board to protect a six-acre tract of land, fearing that ongoing development in the area could lead to further environmental degradation and flooding.

A representative from the community highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are so grateful for the Coakley family for giving us the opportunity to first write to this property, but it is for sale." The speaker emphasized the threat posed by a nearby developer who has already begun clearing land for new construction, which could encroach upon the cherished green space. "We're asking you to please protect this space," they implored, recalling a recent community cleanup that involved local students and underscored the area's ecological significance.

David Ray, Chief Conservation Officer with Lowcountry Land Trust, echoed these sentiments, framing the situation as a critical "window of opportunity" to secure the land for community use. He warned that if the board does not act now, the chance to preserve this vital area could be lost forever. "There are going to be less of this land in the future, and it's going to keep getting more and more expensive," Ray cautioned, urging the board to consider the long-term implications of their decisions.

The meeting also touched on the historical importance of the land, with Ray noting its role as a gathering place for the community, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo. He drew parallels to other successful community-led initiatives that transformed neglected spaces into thriving community hubs, emphasizing the potential for this area to become a focal point for local engagement and heritage.

As discussions continued, community leaders expressed their determination to safeguard the land against encroaching development, highlighting the need for proactive measures to ensure its preservation for future generations. The board's decision on this matter could have lasting implications for the community's environmental health and cultural identity.