Historic Designation for Charleston’s Hamlin Beach Community
Charleston County, S.C. — Exciting news is brewing in the quaint and vibrant community of Hamlin Beach, a historically significant area nestled just off Rifle Range Road, north of Mount Pleasant. This treasured neighborhood, founded in 1881 by freed slaves, is one step closer to obtaining formal recognition as a historic district! This past week, the Charleston County Council passed the second reading of an ordinance to protect Hamlin Beach, ensuring that its unique character and rich history remain intact for generations to come.
A Community’s Resilience
Leading the charge is Myra Richardson, the dedicated President of the Hamlin Beach community. She proudly shares, “Our ancestors worked hard to protect this community, and it’s our job to continue to safeguard and honor their legacy.” It’s hard to skip over the tenacity this community has demonstrated; they survived the devastating impact of Hurricane Hugo and came together in a remarkable show of solidarity. Now, it’s the dangers associated with overdevelopment that they face, which has already wiped out many other neighboring communities.
Richardson emphasizes, “We’re not going to be able to survive the man-made storm which is overdevelopment. We see so many communities have been destroyed, nearly wiped out because of it.” In an inspiring grassroots effort, Richardson has taken to the streets, going door-to-door to gather signatures from her neighbors to support their application for historic designation.
Understanding the Historic Designation
But what does this designation mean for the people of Hamlin Beach? Emily Pigott, a planner and historic preservation officer for the county, explains that being designated as a historic district does not put a halt to development. Instead, it ensures that any proposed projects align with the historical character of the community. “Essentially, it’s ultimately up to the commission to determine if those approval criteria have been met,” Pigott notes. Any future developments will undergo a thorough review by the county’s Historic Preservation Commission, allowing nearby property owners to have a voice in the matter.
This is a significant change in the approval process, as residents would now be notified when developments are proposed in their area. Pigott adds, “You might not know until the shovel hits the ground, so it’s a big change.”
Protecting Culture and Community
As the community rallies around this important milestone, Richardson reiterates their goals: “We want to protect our culture. We want to protect our history.” This is all about making sure that any developments fit in with what already exists in their cherished neighborhood. They are committed to ensuring that projects adhere to established rules and regulations of the historic plan while preserving the integrity of the community.
Temporary Moratorium Offers More Protection
In tandem with the push for historic district designation, the council has also passed a second reading for Hamlin Beach to enter a temporary moratorium on major developments. This moratorium, which was initially approved in July and lasts for 24 months, adds an extra layer of security against any potentially disruptive construction.
Both the historic district designation and the moratorium will be up for a crucial third and final reading come January, marking it as a pivotal moment for the residents of this historic neighborhood. For them, this isn’t just about laws and regulations; it’s a heartfelt effort to safeguard their identity and the vibrant legacy of Hamlin Beach.
As the community awaits the January decision, their hope shines bright for a future where their historic charm and culture can thrive amid changing times. Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring journey toward preservation!
