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Once purchased and planned for over 5000 homes, the 6,600-acre tract known as Watson Hill has been recently repurchased by Mead Westvaco (MWV). This property is adjacent to their newly converted 72,000-acre timber property, East Edisto, and both land tracts constitute a large portion of undeveloped lands in the Ashley River Historic District and area North of the Ace Basin. The planning process for East Edisto has begun and the initial public meetings for Watson Hill occurred in late summer. Watson Hill is still in a contentious annexation lawsuit with the City of North Charleston and it is currently unclear under which jurisdiction the property will fall. East Edisto is in Dorchester County and Charleston County.
How would it affect South Carolina?
The announcement by MWV to develop East Edisto was met with guarded optimism. MWV continues to indicate they are pursuing a conservation-oriented master planned developed through a transparent, public planning process. The chance to work with MWV, Dorchester County officials and nearby landowners and mold the future of this property in a way that would protect significant acreage in the Ashley River Historic District and north of the Ace Basin while also creating new communities represents a unique conservation and planning opportunity for the Lowcounty. Both plans are expected to detail large conservation areas, form-based codes and development consistent with Dorchester County’s Historic Overlay District.
What can you do about it?
Take part in public planning meetings for both Watson Hill and East Edisto. As plans are released, public comment is welcome and can be sent through their website
- The re-purchasing of Watson Hill by Mead Westvaco is already considered a success for the conservation community. Outcry against the previous plan for 5,000 ignited public opposition and Mead Westvaco offers a new solution with fewer units for this property.
- Both tracts will set an example for development in the Low Country, state and region.
- Similar landowners, including other timber companies, will have a development path to follow and a positive example on the books.
- We secure land protection linking the ACE Basin and the Ashley River Historic District.
- Timber properties across the low country are vulnerable for dense development. Poorly developing this large tract would set a bad precedent for future properties along the coast.
- Due to the proximity to the Ashley River Historic District and Ace Basin, poorly planned development would change the current character of the area, put additional traffic on Scenic Highway 61 and strain natural resources including the Ashley and Edisto River Watersheds.
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East Edisto Planning Website
