FAQs

Land Strategy

Would it be feasible for the taxpayers of Charleston and Dorchester Counties to purchase East Edisto and keep the land as it is currently?

All ideas are on the table as we continue the public planning process. It's important to note, however, that we are working toward the creation of a conservation-inspired master plan that will help address the growth issues in Charleston — creating a plan that includes places for people to work, live and recreate — with open space and public access included in this plan.

Does MeadWestvaco agree with the principle that development should not be allowed unless adequate infrastructure is in place?

When development occurs ahead of infrastructure, it becomes "part of the problem." And that runs counter to our commitment to be part of the solution. We firmly believe that development should only occur where adequate infrastructure is either in place or properly planned for.

Why are companies like MeadWestvaco selling off their land?

Companies like ours no longer need to own as much land to produce enough fiber for our operations. We have a fiduciary responsibility to provide shareholders maximum return wherever possible - and that includes our land assets.

Many companies in our industry have already substantially divested their lands. For example, International Paper sold off six million acres, leaving it with only 500,000 acres. And Temple-Inland recently announced its plans to sell 1.8 million acres.

Is MeadWestvaco planning to sell its land in the Charleston area?

Not now. We are going to create a conservation-driven master plan for East Edisto.

Isn't that just another way of saying that it's going to be sold eventually?

That's what the planning process will determine. Because the East Edisto property is under single ownership, we have a unique opportunity to plan it right: to consider the big picture; to be conservation-driven; to address traffic concerns; to avoid sprawl by creating sustainable towns; and to enhance economic vitality while preserving what's best about the Lowcountry.

What do you mean by "sustainable" towns?

Sustainable communities are an alternative to suburban sprawl. These towns and villages include their own infrastructure, their own employment opportunities, their own shopping, schools, healthcare, and recreation. It's a way of responsibly accommodating the growth that's going to come anyway, strengthening the economy, and preserving the high quality of life we all expect.

Why can't MeadWestvaco leave its land to South Carolina in forests? Is the company not concerned about our needs for green space in the area?

We would not be fulfilling our fiduciary responsibility to shareholders if we gave away all of our lands. But we believe we can meet shareholder needs and community needs by thoughtfully and responsibly creating a conservation-driven master plan for East Edisto.

MeadWestvaco is certainly concerned about the need for green space. That's why we have participated with the ACE Basin task force and engaged in active conservation along the Edisto River. And it's why we are so strongly committed to an East Edisto master plan that is conservation driven, preserving green spaces, wildlife corridors, and significant natural habitats.

Why don't you sell East Edisto outright instead of master planning it?

East Edisto is unique. It is a large, contiguous property in the natural path of progress for both Charleston and Dorchester Counties. While we could sell it outright, we honestly believe that the master-planning process we are pursuing will lead not only to a better return for our shareholders but also it will be much better for this great community of which we have been a part for so many years. We want to be part of the solution to the growth challenges facing the Charleston region.

Process

Who specifically will be involved in the planning and development of your South Carolina land?

Our master plan will be led by EDAW, internationally recognized as a leader in environmentally responsible planning. EDAW is a major firm with more than 1,400 employees. The company has extensive relevant experience. And, of course, there will be community involvement throughout the process.

Has a developer been identified for the project?

We are beginning with a conservation-driven master planning process, led by EDAW which is an international firm recognized for its expertise in environmental planning. At the appropriate time, we will work with EDAW and others to identify development partners whom we are confident will share our principles and support our plan...a plan in which there will have been considerable public input.

Will the development of this land be consistent with respective counties' existing comprehensive planning?

The best planning is done with the involvement and input of a community. MeadWestvaco will work very closely with respective governmental entities and planning groups to make certain that East Edisto's master plan serves the area's need for smart regional planning.

To the extent that lands are sold, will there be restrictions on use?

MeadWestvaco intends to enter into development agreements with appropriate governmental entities, and those agreements will ensure that any development is consistent with the intentions and standards established in the master plan.

What is MeadWestvaco's commitment to mixed income housing and to the inclusion of school and public service sites?

East Edisto ought to reflect the diversity of the area it serves. We expect that East Edisto's sustainable neighborhoods will include a variety of housing opportunities, as well as appropriate areas for conservation, recreation, employment, and such vital services as schools and healthcare.

Do your land development plans call for affordable housing?

Our goal is to create sustainable communities, offering a full range of housing, employment, recreation, conservation, entertainment, and community services such as schools and healthcare facilities.

East Edisto

What is the location of East Edisto?

East Edisto is bounded by the Edisto River on the west and runs from the Edisto toward Charleston along both sides of US Highway 17 to Ravenel. Then it follows Rt. 165 toward Summerville to Rt. 61 north across Rt. 17A to the Givhans area and back to the Edisto River.

What's on the land now?

There are several roads and some buildings, as well as open lands and woodlands. There are also several historic sites and old rice canals that people will now be able to visit and enjoy.

How is East Edisto presently zoned?

East Edisto is made up of multiple parcels and as such is zoned in several different classifications. Approximately half of East Edisto is in Charleston County and half is in Dorchester County.

MeadWestvaco's Role

What is MeadWestvaco's role in the planning of East Edisto?

MeadWestvaco will be responsible for creating the master plan, working with experts in land use planning, conservation and recreation management, as well as engaging public input throughout the process.

MeadWestvaco is committed to the following guiding principles:

Engagement

Continue to be actively involved in the community
Pro-actively provide opportunities for community members to be involved in plans for the future of our land holdings
Maintain ongoing coordination and development of binding quality standards to ensure that future land uses protect and complement the character of the region and its neighbors
Establish partnerships with education, conservation, transportation and health care entities to provide high quality planning for the community and region at large

Best Practices

Implement in accordance with a set of guiding principles and priorities that ensure the company meets or exceeds best practices in land use planning
Take a long-term, integrated approach to land use planning and forest management
Pursue a strategic vision of balanced development reflecting high standards of conservation, livable communities, and a sustainable mix of housing, employment, entertainment, and recreation

Stewardship

Continue industry-leading commitment to stewardship, sustainability and environmental responsibility
Help maintain the quality of existing ecosystems and environmental corridors and promote physical links between environmental resources within the region
Help recognize and protect rare and special biological, cultural, and historic sites or resources

Conservation

How are you going to protect the ecosystem of your land in and around Charleston?

Our land along the eastern edge of the Edisto River is already in a conservation easement. Over the past decades, we have been studying the land, making inventories of birds and wildlife, identifying wildlife corridors, and thoroughly learning the dynamics of our ecosystems. We have a long partnership with the Nature Conservancy, and we will continue to work with them and others as part of our conservation-driven master planning process.

What is the conservation plan for MeadWestvaco land?

Responsible stewardship of our resources is one of MeadWestvaco's core values. Conservation easements are already in place on the land along the Edisto River, and our master plan will be conservation-driven as well. That means that we place highest priority on preserving the special character of this land and its surrounding communities. Furthermore, we have a history of partnering with conservation organizations to conserve special or unique places and plan to continue those relationships on East Edisto.

Traffic

What are your plans to manage the increased commercial and vehicular traffic that will result from the development of the land?

When it comes to this area's traffic challenges, we hope that East Edisto can be a part of the solution. We will be studying traffic impacts very carefully, and expect that some of the potential roads in East Edisto could help diminish traffic on existing roads and also provide additional evacuation routes in case of an emergency.

Timing

What's the timeframe for the first phase of development?

Any development will be driven by the master plan process, which we expect will take the rest of this year. Then we will seek the necessary permits to proceed with the plan. Throughout the process, there will be extensive public involvement.

Public Input

How do you plan to engage the community in your planning? How can I learn more about the company's plans?

We'll have a series of community meetings throughout the planning process. The first set of meetings were held in June. You can learn about our plans, submit your own ideas and questions, and get information on upcoming meetings by visiting the planning page here at EastEdisto.com.

FAQs

Land Strategy

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East Edisto

MeadWestvaco's Role

Conservation

Traffic

Timing

Public Input

Land Strategy

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East Edisto

MeadWestvaco's Role

Conservation

Traffic

Timing

Public Input

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