Community Participation Drove East Edisto Planning Process
March 27, 2008
Ken Seeger
OP-ED, The Post and Courier
The planning process for East Edisto, MeadWestvaco's (MWV) contiguous acreage along the eastern edge of the Edisto River, has been unique — and as I hope you'll agree, a great example of public-private community building.
As you know, the property itself is distinctive. It is large, under single ownership and about evenly divided between Charleston and Dorchester counties.
One could also similarly characterize the Charleston region. It is growing at a rapid pace, fueling an ongoing challenge to balance economic growth with a firm commitment to preserve and protect the beloved Lowcountry way of life. Even more importantly, it is comprised of diverse communities passionate about their respective areas' economic needs and assets.
Our challenge was to develop a thoughtful and responsible master plan within this context of multiple governmental entities and community interests, and we believe we succeeded — not only for Charleston, but as a model for other communities in the future.
Our approach was first to establish some very clear principles regarding a master plan for East Edisto: preserve and protect natural resources and rural character; create affordable, diverse and balanced housing options; provide life-long educational opportunities, and develop walkable communities to avoid congestion.
We assembled a world-class planning team, led by EDAW, recognized globally for its conservation-driven land planning.
Then the public input process began. We asked for extensive public involvement every step of the way, and many responded by attending 10 public meetings over a span of several months. We met with neighbors, business leaders, conservationists, educators, elected officials and cultural leaders. And we're working closely with the Council of Governments (COG) and with Charleston and Dorchester counties in their planning efforts.
Almost 1,000 people gave us input at meetings and through our Web site, EastEdisto.com. The process was open and transparent. The community's participation drove our planning process and the plan itself.
We focused on listening — on really hearing what people envisioned for this land in the future.
The community told us they wanted us to preserve the rural character of the land; protect the Edisto River; and create sustainable communities where people can live, work, play and learn. They told us they wanted communities that are inclusive and available to people of all income levels; communities that neither overburden the region's traffic system nor impose any additional financial burden on taxpayers.
We're proud to say that our plan is responsive to all of these interests.
The preliminary master plan for East Edisto preserves the land's rural character, the Edisto River will continue to be protected through MeadWestvaco's conservation easements, the river will be buffered, and approximately three-quarters of East Edisto land will be green in a combination of conserved lands, parks, lakes and rural areas.
The plan also includes towns and villages that are sustainable, with educational opportunities for all ages, enabling a strong work-life balance. And, it is market-driven, meaning that East Edisto will grow only as the region grows, absorbing perhaps around 10-15 percent of that growth over the next several decades.
Will every single special interest find absolutely everything it seeks in our preliminary plan? Probably not. They'll find some or most of it, but maybe not all. What they will find is a plan that does, indeed, reflect the overall balance of interests expressed by their fellow citizens.
Our open, collaborative process has led to a plan that we believe fulfills our commitment to be part of this region's growth solution. The public participation process continues, and we encourage and welcome that participation.
Together, we will shape a future for East Edisto that preserves the land's natural resources, reflects the best of the Lowcountry's way of life and contributes positively to this region's economic vitality.
Ken Seeger is president of MeadWestvaco Community Development and Land Management Group.
