Conservation, Government and Business Leaders Signal Progress for Cooks Crossroads
April 2018
How do you manage change that will be coming to an area rich in history and natural resources? To do so, I and others worked to bring on Rob Robinson of Urban Design Associates (UDA) to produce a master plan for Cook’s Crossroads.
Last week Rob was in town to review District 5 within the Ashley River Historic Overlay since its future is critical to the Ashley River and it offers opportunities if done right. We walked Rosebrock Park, met with the district highway commissioner about the future of SC 61, the Ashley River Road and a National Scenic Highway, and had an informative discussion which was productive for all of us. Rob also met with landowners and others interested individuals.
Wednesday night the Chamber of Commerce, Dorchester Trust Foundation, and the Dorchester County Planning and Zoning Department, hosted a reception for him, marking the first time in the county that conservation, government, and business have come together in that way. While this is encouraging and marks progress, it also illustrates how far we have to go.
As Councilman Jay Byars explained at the reception, “There was a time not very long ago when we were on opposite sides, so it speaks well of all of us to be here. Not that we all agree on everything, but that we are talking with one another.”
This Summerville Journal Scene article provides more detail on the meeting and its outcomes – click below:
From the Summerville Journal Scene: “Design Options Unveiled for Future Development of Cooks Crossroads” by Jenna-Ley Harrison. Dorchester County Councilman Larry Hargett studies proposed potential design guidelines for Cooks Crossroads, the intersection of SC 165 and SC 61.
More photos from the reception:
L-R: Dorchester County Councilman Bill Hearn, Council Chair Jay Byars, Rob Robinson with UDA, George W. McDaniel.
L-R: George W. McDaniel and Michelle McCollum, president, SC National Heritage Corridor
L-R, George W. McDaniel, Michelle McCollum, Megan O’Hara, Larry Hargett, Mayor Wiley Johnson
Rob Robinson with Urban Design Associates speaks at the reception.
Foreground: Mayor Wiley Johnson and Megan O’Hara.
George W. McDaniel, Ph.D., is President of McDaniel Consulting, LLC, a strategy firm that helps organizations use history to build bridges within itself and to its broader constituents. The company’s tag line, “Building Bridges through History,” is grounded in McDaniel’s personal beliefs and his experience in site management, preservation, education, board development, fundraising, and community outreach. Rather than using history to divide us, he strives to help organizations use history, especially local history, to enhance cross-cultural understanding and to support local museums, preservation, and education. Dr. McDaniel recently led volunteer efforts with Emanuel AME Church and historical organizations in Charleston to use historic preservation to enhance racial reconciliation and healing. McDaniel is also the Executive Director Emeritus of Drayton Hall, a historic site in Charleston, SC, owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He retired from Drayton Hall in 2015 after 25 years of distinguished service.
A frequent writer, speaker, and facilitator about such issues, he can be reached at gmcdaniel4444@gmail.com or through his website at www.mcdanielconsulting.net.
Header Image: Conservationists, government and business leaders listen at the reception.
All images courtesy of author unless otherwise noted.
McDaniel Consulting LLC is a strategy firm that helps organizations use history to build bridges within itself and its broader constituents.