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More than 300 citizens participated in the community forum,
More than 300 citizens participated in the community forum,

Preservation Forum: A Delicate Balance

Author: Leigh Handal
Publisher: Historic Charleston Foundation
Date: 03/03/2010
Website: Click here to see video of
Contact E-mail: lhandal@historiccharleston.org

Charleston, SC – More than 300 citizens came out to participate in an open community forum, "A Delicate Balance," sponsored by Historic Charleston Foundation on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Charleston Museum Auditorium.

The new City of Charleston Preservation Plan served as the basis for the discussion of numerous projects on the horizon that are poised to impact economic development and the quality of life in the city and the Lowcountry.

Topics addressed by the panel and audience included traffic, transportation, parking, cruise ships, and new development related to the new Calhoun Street East/Cooper River Waterfront Plan, the renovation of the City Market Sheds, and the Port’s new Union Pier Cruise Terminal Master Plan, among others.

By the end of the two-hour forum, panelists and audience members expressed support for HCF's proposal to develop a task force, representing all of the perspectives discussed, to continue the dialog established at the forum. Mayor Riley supported that initiative and a task force will be appointed soon.

“Protecting and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike is the primary focus of the forum," said moderator and HCF Executive Director Kitty Robinson. "We want to engage the community in a discussion regarding the cumulative effect of the opportunities and issues facing us in the near future.

“We are privileged to have a stellar panel address the various proposals, and it is our intent to establish common ground within the community to ensure that these new visions for the future are aligned with the highest standards for which our historic city is renowned,” she added.

Panelists participating in the forum included:

Winslow Hastie, Director of Preservation and Museums, Historic Charleston Foundation

Joseph P. Riley Jr., Mayor, City of Charleston

Dana Beach, Executive Director, S.C. Coastal Conservation League

Helen T. Hill, Executive Director, Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Hank Holliday, Partner, City Market Preservation Trust

Jim Newsome, President and CEO, S.C. State Ports Authority

Charles Rhoden, President, Charleston Neighborhood Consortium


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