Longborough park may become public after years-long battle

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Charleston City Council may choose to end the years-long battle of who is and isn’t allowed on the Longborough Dock.

This debate began a few years ago when the Longborough neighborhood homeowners complained that the area is private property but people from other areas keep using it.

In July 2017, a “No trespassing” sign was put at the beginning of the walking trail to the dock to warn people that the area is private property since it belongs to the Longborough Homeowner’s Association. The city acknowledged that, saying they are technically right to say non-neighborhood homeowners shouldn’t be there. The Tuesday night Charleston City Council meeting could change that whole idea entirely if a Park and Recreation proposal is accepted.

The fix would be what the parks department is calling a public/private partnership between the City of Charleston and the Longborough Homeowner’s Association. If council approves the agreement, the city would be in charge of planning and constructing the public park at the city’s expense. The new park would include a walking trail, pier, and dock all for public use.

“Not everyone wanted this waterfront parcel open to the public which has always been a goal of the city is to provide as much public access to the water’s edge that we can,” Jason Kronsberg, the Charleston City Parks Director says.

The warning sign at the foot of the dock wouldn’t be immediately taken down even if council does pass the agreement. The city would need to have the proper permits in their hand before the area is officially made public.

The Charleston City Council meeting where this item will be discussed is at 5:00 p.m. at Charleston City Hall.

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