The Ten Mile community in North Charleston has made significant progress in preserving its historic lands, with the Charleston County Planning Commission recommending an overlay district for the area. This move could set a precedent for other historical settlements in the Lowcountry.
A Rich History of African American Heritage
Founded nearly 200 years ago as an African American settlement, the Ten Mile community has maintained its unique culture and history. With new development encroaching, residents have asked the Charleston County Council to create a plan to protect the area from overdevelopment that could erode its historical character.
Resident Concerns Over Overdevelopment
Nafis Mack, a long-time resident, emphasized the importance of preserving the land and its heritage. “People who have lived here have lived here forever. The land you see was built off the blood, sweat, and tears of the people that are here,” said Mack. The community is focused on maintaining its peaceful lifestyle, which is threatened by increasing development.
Building Moratorium to Protect Historic Land
One key component of the proposed plan is a building moratorium, designed to prevent developers from purchasing historic land and converting it into new neighborhoods. Charleston County Councilman Larry Kobrovsky stressed the importance of planning ahead to preserve Ten Mile’s historic significance.
“We want to stop the overdevelopment of Ten Mile because once that’s gone, it is gone forever,” said Kobrovsky. He emphasized the deep bonds of history, family, and community that define the area and cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Proposed Regulations for Development
The new proposed regulations would allow for one home per acre in rural areas and three homes per acre in suburban areas. After a heated debate, the planning commission moved forward with the staff’s recommendation in a 6-3 vote.
Expanding the Effort to Other Communities
Residents are hopeful that the effort to protect Ten Mile will inspire similar actions for other historic communities. Ed Pinckney, a board member of the Ten Mile community, expressed excitement about the potential to safeguard the Gullah Geechee heritage across Charleston. “The goal is to take what’s been applied to Ten Mile and help protect all the other 23 communities,” he said.
Public Hearing Scheduled for October 14th
The proposed plan will be discussed at a public hearing on October 14th at county chambers, providing residents and other stakeholders an opportunity to offer feedback before final approval.
