Letter to the editor from Eugene Platt
Reprinted from The Post and Courier

As a native Charlestonian who over the past seven decades has sadly witnessed the loss of much of what makes the Lowcountry unique, I was particularly dismayed to read in your June 18 editions about the proposal to build yet another marina.

Or, if you care to “split hairs,” specifically the proposal is to expand an existing marina “out into the Ashley River and add enough docking space for 200 more boats.” The difference in what it is called is insignificant — the damage, aesthetic and otherwise, will be just as great.

It is further dismaying to note the Coastal Conservation League “did not spot any major concerns” with the proposal.

The S.C. Green Party has “major concerns” and, in general, is unequivocally opposed to unsustainable development. As set forth in one of our party’s Ten Key Values, “All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment.”

The developer says it “will be able to draw a luxury clientele whose larger vessels need deep water.”

Please, Mr. Developers, give a break to longtime residents of the Lowcountry who neither have nor covet “luxury clientele” status.

Many of us were here well before the proliferation of marinas, waterside condos and office buildings, etc., began to make us weep. Members of Charleston City Council, Charleston County Council, the state Legislature: Why aren’t they speaking out on this issue? Have they lost touch with the people who voted them into office? Enough is enough.

EUGENE PLATT
Lowcountry Coordinator
South Carolina Green Party
Gilmore Court
Charleston