Mount Pleasant’s Hamlin Beach Community Moves Closer to Historic District Designation

MOUNT PLEASANT: HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR HAMLIN BEACH ON THE HORIZON

Mount Pleasant is stirring with excitement as the Hamlin Beach Community moves closer to achieving historic district status. This would mark it as the fourth community in Charleston County to receive such a distinction since 2021. Residents of Hamlin Beach have been vocal about their desire for added protections against potential developments that could change the character of their beloved neighborhood.

A Community With Rich Roots

The Hamlin Beach Community, spanning about 292 acres, is nestled just off Rifle Range Road, right next to Mount Pleasant. While it remains an unincorporated area, locals have a deep love for their neighborhood that traces back to 1881. This historic community was established when African Americans purchased about 310 acres of land during the Reconstruction Era. Local leaders have described Hamlin Beach as a “hidden jewel” along the beautiful Hamlin Sound, where families have bonded across generations.

Fighting for Preservation

At a recent Charleston County Council public hearing on November 21, the president of the Hamlin Beach Community, Myra Snipe-Richardson, passionately expressed the need for historical preservation. “We want to be under an umbrella of protection that we have some sense of knowing what’s coming into our community,” she stated. Many residents are still rallying after a proposed high-density subdivision called Hamlin Acres drew opposition. Fortunately, the plans for this development were scrapped, but residents are eager to ensure that similar proposals don’t pop up in the future.

Community Support and Advocacy

Residents are not alone in their quest for protection. The Historic Charleston Foundation is actively helping them navigate through the application process. This is not the first rodeo for the Foundation; they’ve successfully aided other communities like Phillips, Beefield, and Ten Mile in attaining their historic designations. Winslow Hastie, the Foundation’s president and CEO, knows the value of these designations firsthand. “I’ve seen the protection that these historical district designs provide,” he shared. “In Beefield, four acres that were set for development are now preserved as a park.”

The Impact of Historic District Designations

Being recognized as a historic district means that future developments in and near these areas will be scrutinized closely by the Historic Preservation Commission. This added layer of review helps ensure that the character and feel of these communities stay intact. The Phillips Community, the first settlement community to earn this designation, was able to actively influence plans for a highway expansion that would have disrupted their area.

Richard Habersham, president of the Phillips community, discussed the leverage that came with their historic designation: “Now we get the say-so of what’s going on. It slowed growth a little bit, and that’s what we want.”

Looking Ahead to Approval

Charleston County staff have recommended that the council approve Hamlin’s request for historic district status. As residents eager await the December 10 council meeting, their hopes remain high that they can protect the integrity of their neighborhood for generations to come.

As sunny skies shine down on Mount Pleasant, it seems the Hamlin Beach Community is poised for a bright future filled with history and preservation. 🌳

For further updates, stay tuned as we continue to follow this story. Reach out to local officials, community members, and advocates who share a passion for keeping Hamlin Beach’s charm alive!