Charleston is growing. There’s no doubt about that. Whether it’s to the east, west, or north, the topic of managing Charleston’s growth is ongoing and furiously debated.

Our counties and municipalities have all taken different approaches in dealing with growth. Some more inspired than others. Here’s a quick summary.

• Mount Pleasant
  Building permit caps have managed growth pretty well (and kept home prices high) for the last few years, but they still must deal with the growth issues to the north-east down Highway 17N
• Downtown Charleston
  How do we provide affordable housing, continue our focus on historic preservation, and improve urban areas long neglected?
• North Charleston
  The Noisette project is visionary, but is currently ensnared in a legal battle with Summerville over the Watson Hill project.
• Dorchester County
  Growth gone wild the last few years, but recently their constituents are demanding a better plan for growth as schools and roads become increasingly congested.

Growth to the Edisto and the East
The biggest question mark is the area to the east of Charleston, currently owned by MeadWestVaco. This huge tract of land represent an enormous opportunity – both for development – and for preservation.

Recently, MeadWestVaco’s CEO visited Charleston as a prelude to an announcement regarding their plans for this land.

Conservationists and developers alike held their breath.

Would they just sell the land and let the city deal with the consequences (like Watson Hill) – or would they focus on creating a sustainable plan that incorporates inevitable growth and the need for conservation at the same time?

An Inspired Plan
Yesterday’s announcement was clear: WeadWestVaco is committed to a comprehensive strategy that will balance the demands of growth with a clear focus on conservation.

Here’s a quick summary of their plans:

1. Incorporate community feedback over the next 8 months
2. Involve a nationally renowned developer
3. The land will not be sold until the plan is developed
4. Urban sprawl will be avoided at all costs
5. The company’s newly formed business group – MeadWestVaco Land Management – will oversee the initiative

Make sure to visit EastEdisto.com and voice your opinion. It’s important we are all involved in this planning process that will shape the future of Charleston for years to come.

Very inspired, MeadWestVaco.