Clay Middleton, a candidate for Mayor of Charleston, today released the following statement regarding the SC Ports Authority decision to delay the sale of Union Pier by the end of 2024:
“Never underestimate the power of what a committed group of individuals can do. The citizens of Charleston have spoken. Because of the leadership and advocacy of neighbors and non-profit organizations, the development of the Union Pier site will truly provide the right plan we can be proud of now and a generation yet born will thank us for.
We can have the needed trust, faith, confidence, and transparency in the Joe Riley Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston to truly work with a diverse and inclusive group of individuals and organizations to create a well throughout vision of what these nearly 70 acres can be.
As I have said before, every public event I attended on this topic and conversations I had since last year with residents, community organizations, the Ports Authority, their real estate development firm, and other stakeholders, I learned something new and saw a different perspective. There are too many good ideas, unresolved matters, and too much to lose for us to get this wrong. We have an opportunity to demonstrate our values, reimage and connect this part of the city back to the public.
The redevelopment of Union Pier is needed and the level of interest generated is exciting. Yet, the void in leadership in recent years failed to make this a priority. Increased maritime activity would not serve Charleston well. Limited open green space and affordable housing on site, and massive buildings does not enhance our quality of life. The needed planned unit development we are debating must be inclusive, bold, and sustainable for ALL the people of Charleston.”
