Charleston’s West Ashley Gets a Major Green Makeover
Charleston, S.C. – Big changes are on the horizon for the West Ashley community! After years of a vacant grocery store lingering on Sumar Street, city officials are thrilled to announce the finalization of an exciting new plan. Set to invest $300 million into the area, the City of Charleston is gearing up to create a remarkable green community hub. How cool is that?
A Fresh Start for West Ashley
Mayor William Cogswell has been vocal about his enthusiasm for the project, explaining how this investment will significantly enhance public space and address essential elements like stormwater management, sidewalks, and bicycle and pedestrian pathways. It’s all about creating a more vibrant and accessible neighborhood!
The project is being developed by a company known as Eden’s, which has experience in creating vibrant community spaces, including the well-loved Fresh Fields on Kiawah Island. Their expertise is surely a good fit for what the city envisions for West Ashley.
What’s in Store?
The heart of the project will be a beautiful 2-acre park, envisioned as a community asset and the centerpiece of the redevelopment. Ross Appel, the representative for District 11, shares that this park has the potential to become “a very exciting, dynamic hub” for both residents and visitors. Just imagine picnics, family gatherings, and concert nights in this lush green area!
Community Involvement
City leaders have worked diligently to ensure that community input has played a crucial role in shaping the West Ashley vision. “Going back to the very beginning of the West Ashley plan, it was clear what the public wanted to see. We tried to take the best of everything,” Mayor Cogswell said. It’s great to see local governments genuinely caring about what its residents think and want!
A Bright Future Ahead
If everything goes according to plan with the approvals expected soon, construction is likely to begin in the early part of next year, with an projected completion timeline of around two years. This means that West Ashley residents will soon get to enjoy their new green space and community hub, bringing life back to an area that has been waiting for a change for quite some time.
Wrapping it up
This major investment not only promises to revamp a forgotten space but also aims to bring the community together. It’s exciting to think about how this new development will contribute to making West Ashley an even more desirable place to live, work, and play. With plans for parks, walking paths, and community engagement, West Ashley is on track to be a lively hub for everybody. Here’s to a greener, more connected Charleston!
