Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name: Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2764

Date: December 5, 2006

Outstanding Planning Award Goes to Charleston County Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan

             Award presentation to County Council on Tuesday, Dec. 5

The Charleston County Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan has been awarded the 2006 Outstanding Planning Award for Large Jurisdictions by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association during its annual fall conference in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Adopted by Charleston County Council in June 2006, the Greenbelt Plan provides guidance on spending the greenbelt portion of the Transportation "Half-Cent" Sales Tax. The award will be presented to County Council members on Tuesday, Dec. 5 during their regular meeting at 7 p.m.

Over the past year, the Charleston County Greenbelt Advisory Board (GAB) has worked diligently with Chuck Flink, of Greenways Incorporated, to develop the Greenbelt Plan while gathering public input throughout the process.

"This is an award that was very hard earned and a very appropriate recognition for Charleston County and the citizens of the community," Flink said. "The plan puts into action some of the most progressive ideas associated with greenspace planning in the U.S., challenging elected officials, planners and residents to balance resource conservation against rapid growth and development, while providing the County realistic tools to implement this vision."

Charleston County Greenbelt Advisory Board members are pleased with the award. "The Greenbelt Plan provides a bold vision for the next 25 years to grow the economy of Charleston County, while at the same time conserving and protecting the Lowcountry resources and lifestyle that make the County such a wonderful place to live and raise a family," said Louise Maybank, GAB Chairperson.  

The South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association conducts an awards program every two years. The chapter awards program recognizes outstanding efforts and achievements that advance the art and science of planning in South Carolina. Each of the plans, projects and individuals recognized demonstrate a contribution to the improvement of the quality of life for South Carolinians.

The Dec. 5 Council meeting will take place at the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; N. Charleston, SC 29405).

To learn more about the greenbelts portion of the Transportation "Half-Cent" Sales Tax, visit www.smallchangeforbigchange.org or call Cathy L. Ruff at (843) 202-7204.