Dear Friend,
At the Planning Commission meeting last week focused on the redevelopment of Union Pier, Barbara Melvin, President and CEO of the S.C. Ports Authority, assured the hundreds of concerned citizens gathered in the passenger terminal that the Ports Authority is listening to the voices of Charlestonians.
Today, Ports Authority and City of Charleston leaders made good on that promise by announcing a change in course to provide an opportunity to engage in a collaborative, community-led visioning process to shape the future of Union Pier.
This is a monumental occasion for Charleston that demonstrates the power we the people can have when we work together and advocate for the betterment of our collective community. Thank you for the time, dedication, and energy that you contributed throughout this process. We could not have gotten here without you.
Many thanks to the S.C. Ports Authority and City of Charleston for listening to our concerns, responding to feedback, and providing an opportunity to formulate a community-led vision for Union Pier that we can all be proud of long into the future. Thanks as well to the numerous community leaders who listened to their constituents and helped chart this collaborative path forward.
We should all take a moment to celebrate and reflect on the progress we have made together. But the work is far from over. Charleston will need its citizens and leaders to remain enthusiastic, open to new ideas, and engaged in the planning process that lies ahead. This moment provides us with a unique opportunity. We can’t afford to waste it.
The Coastal Conservation League, Historic Charleston Foundation, and the Preservation Society of Charleston remain steadfast in our shared vision for the redevelopment of Union Pier:
- Union Pier must be resilient and embrace both the natural and historic features of the site.
- Union Pier must be of appropriate size, scale and character to serve as an extension of our historic city.
- Union Pier must provide real benefits to ALL the people of Charleston, ranging from ample public greenspace to substantial attainable housing opportunities.
Our coalition looks forward to continuing to work together alongside the people of Charleston to shape the future of our city. Please stay tuned for additional updates in the near future as more information about the process ahead becomes available.
With deep appreciation,
Brian R. Turner
President & CEO, Preservation Society of Charleston