Copyright postandcourier
Graffiti threatens preserve The gateway to the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve has been covered in graffiti, some of which includes hateful messages. This acclaimed preserve has been experiencing chemical runoff from the graffiti paint for years, but local government officials have yet to take action. Open to the public, this area is known for its natural habitat, magnificent views of the Morris Island Lighthouse and significance during the Civil War. The preserve is also home to more than 250 species of birds. It was acquired by Charleston County Parks and Recreation in 1989, and residents of Folly Beach and James Island fought potential developers in 1996 to successfully place this maritime forest in a conservation easement, only to now see local government neglect the environmentally sensitive and historically significant property. I met with a Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission representative who acknowledged the problem but offered no plan to address the concern. The simple and cost-effective suggestion for the path was to apply sand over it, providing a twofold solution of covering the graffiti and discouraging further illegal activity. Local officials could simply remove new graffiti as it appears. The city of Charleston's Livability and Tourism Division has been a model for eliminating graffiti. Meanwhile, Folly Beach's city government has not addressed this particular problem. I am hopeful that, with a newly elected Folly Beach mayor and three City Council members, this significant property can be protected and preserved for the future. Folly Beach Gratitude to Beemok Ben and Kelly Navarro recently announced their intention to give the Carroll Building property to the College of Charleston for our School of Business.
