Residents turn out for a panel discussion on how to balance growth in West Ashley while preserving our unique history
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
Historic preservation is nothing new in Charleston. It’s why millions of people flock here every year: to walk the cobblestone streets, admire the old houses, and see sites steeped in antiquity. Preservation is essential to keeping the character of historic Charleston. But what about the history of places and buildings on our side of the river, particularly our older neighborhoods, like South Windermere, Byrnes Downs, and Avondale, which all have a rich history in their own right? It’s not as cut and dry as what is deemed “historic” in West Ashley. In recent years, residents have shown concern about the demolition of older homes and sites that have been lost in the name of progress. So, as the inevitability of growth lurches forward, concerned residents, lawmakers, community leaders, and developers are trying to find a way to have both “preservation” and “progress” for West Ashley.
This is why local author and West Ashley Revitalization Commission (WARC) member Donna Jacobs organized a panel discussion last month featuring stakeholders from both the private and public sectors, each with various interests and ideas on how West Ashley can move forward while preserving our past.
The forum’s name, which was attended by dozens of local residents, was Preservation AND Progress. Jacobs made sure to emphasize the “And” when welcoming the crowd who had gathered on Monday, Oct. 14 at John Wesley United Methodist Church on Savannah Highway. Jacobs, who is the author of the books West Ashley and Byrnes Downs, is also a regular contributor to West Of Free Press, penning the paper’s West Ashley Flashback column. So, when she asked me to be the moderator of this panel, I was both flattered and honored. My job for the night was easy: to get out of the way and let the experts talk. At times, they agreed, and at times, they did not, but the conversation was lively and informative.
The panel was made up of Brian R. Turner, President & CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston; Ken Marolda, Co-President of Marolda Enterprises, Co-Founder of West Ashley Connects, and West Ashley Revitalization Commissioner; Ross Appel, City Councilmember for District 11; Eric Pohlman, West Ashley Coordinator for the City of Charleston; Ashley Jackrel, Senior Vice President, Office & Investment Services for commercial real estate company Avison Young, former West Ashley Revitalization Commissioner, member of the Design Review Board (DRB); and Ron Sassard, President Old Windermere Neighborhood Association.
