North Charleston Residents Weigh In on Future of Their City
NORTH CHARLESTON — Mark your calendars, folks! If you have something to say about the future of North Charleston, you won’t want to miss the final in-person public engagement session happening tonight, November 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Northwoods Park Community Center, located at 8348 Greenridge Road. This is your chance to make your voice heard regarding PRIME North Charleston, the comprehensive plan that’s already shaping what our thriving city will look like in the years to come.
What’s the Buzz About?
So, what’s this comprehensive plan all about? Well, PRIME North Charleston, which was adopted back in June 2020, sets the stage for the city’s goals in different areas and will guide all future plans for development. And here’s the kicker: the city reviews the plan every five years and updates the whole thing every ten years. It’s like hitting the refresh button on what the community wants and needs!
Tonight’s drop-in session is not just a formality; it’s a valuable opportunity for residents, local leaders, and anyone who cares about the city’s future to share their thoughts and feedback. Attendees can dive deep with city officials to discuss what’s been achieved, what improvements are in the works, and what the community really desires moving forward. From urban planners to everyday residents, everyone is encouraged to join the conversation.
Principles Guiding the Plan
This plan isn’t just a bunch of words on paper. It’s driven by four core principles: livability and quality of life, sustainable growth and resiliency, economic opportunity, and mobility and connectivity. These guiding tenets touch every aspect of life in North Charleston. They’re all about enhancing transportation options, promoting affordable housing, preserving our green spaces, and sparking economic development.
In a previous engagement session, North Charleston residents stepped up to voice their opinions and ideas. Kalin Morrison, the president of the Whipper Barony neighborhood had a “wish list” in hand focusing on improvements for the upcoming Lowcountry Rapid Transit bus line. Folks are looking for safer sidewalks, more trees for shade, public art displays, and litter-free bus stops. How great would that be?
Transformation on the Rise
Residents are feeling hopeful about changes on the horizon. Jon Franko, a real estate agent from Park Circle, shared his optimistic outlook on transportation investments. But like many, he is concerned about the availability of affordable housing. “Everyone should be able to afford a house,” he passionately stated, urging the city to focus on making sure affordable options are in the mix.
The comprehensive plan does offer some solutions. Plans to identify areas suitable for infill development— think constructing homes on vacant lots— are in place. Plus, the city is currently working on overhauled zoning codes to prioritize affordable housing even more.
A Focus on Sustainability
Another resident, Michael Buckley, who bought a home about a year ago, is particularly interested in how the city is investing in sustainability and improving residents’ quality of life. The aim is to strike the right balance between growth and environmental sustainability through a carefully crafted “green infrastructure plan.” And that sounds pretty promising!
Get Involved!
Tonight’s meeting is a fantastic way to be part of North Charleston’s evolution. Chance Shelley, who also lives in Whipper Barony, knows how important staying informed is during such rapid growth. “North Charleston is changing so much right now, and I want to be part of that change,” he shared.
So, if you’re curious about what’s ahead for our beloved city or have ideas that could help mold its future, swing by Northwoods Park Community Center and join the discussion. More details about this comprehensive plan can be found online at primenorthcharleston.com.
Let’s make our voices heard and shape the future of North Charleston together!
