College plan needs public input

Every time the College of Charleston alters or expands its campus, the whole peninsula feels the effects. Beyond appearances, traffic patterns change, parking issues arise, and the intimate relationship between the historic city and the historic college is recast.

An ambitious plan to update and expand the college's facilities is being considered by the Board of Trustees. The "Gateways to Greatness" plan would have a dramatic impact over a 20-year period and deserves continued scrutiny.

It is commendable that the college worked closely with the city of Charleston in the planning process.

Indeed, one of the five goals of its plan is to develop "programs in areas that take advantage of our history, culture and location in Charleston and contribute to the well-being of the region."

It is encouraging that the college is anticipating a bright future.

And it is clear that the college's presence contributes to the vibrancy of Charleston's intellectual life, arts, sports, and its and financial health.

But it is still comforting to know that the plan, which would add 863,000 square feet of building space, will have to unfold one piece at a time.

That gives neighbors and others whose lives are directly affected by the college footprint's growth an opportunity to be part of the conversation. And it allows time to gauge the impact of one addition before starting another.

Certainly, the city stands to benefit when the college is successful. It can be a magnet for businesses wanting to expand or relocate by virtue of educational programs it can offer and graduates ready to be hired. As such it needs adequate facilities.

But the planners themselves recognize that the college's location means "constrained growth opportunities" that must be coordinated with historic preservation groups, neighborhood associations and others.

As sensitive as the College of Charleston's plan purports to be, its ultimate goal is to improve the college. So preservationists, neighbors and the city must be the ones to look out for those who live and work on the peninsula and to protect the city's architectural integrity.

For example, the plan calls for constructing four-story buildings in an area where the skyline is important.

And the plan would close some streets or change their traffic patterns.

Charleston City Councilman Mike Seekings already has made one suggestion that deserves serious consideration: Add more residential space than the 20-year plan envisions. That would allow more students to live on campus and lighten congestion in neighborhoods.

Finding ways to expand on the peninsula requires collaboration.

The College of Charleston has acknowledged that by capping undergraduate enrollment at 10,000, as desired by neighbors who feel the strains when college is in session.

A worthy goal is for the college to grow to meet new academic demands in a way that does not detract from the beauty, character and livability of the city.

The college has properly put its tentative plan before the public where it can be studied and revised if necessary.

The more communication there is between the college and its neighbors, the better the result should be.