Alliance & Generation Charleston Work to

Make Greenspace a Reality

The Charleston Urban Renewal Authority (CURA) this week announced it would invest an additional $253,000 for the Gateway Greenspace project. The $2 million project would be located on a one-acre tract at the corner of Washington Street East and Leon Sullivan Way near the Clay Center.

The latest contribution brings the Charleston Area Alliance within $50,000 of the funds needed to actually begin construction. The CURA money will cover the streetscape portion of Gateway Greenspace.

“We are excited to be so close to seeing Gateway Greenspace come to life,” said Susie Salisbury, the Alliance’s vice president of community development. “This will be one of the most beautiful aspects of Charleston and will continue to make Charleston a desirable place to work and play, and it’s another way we’re building a more vibrant community and prosperous economy.”

Meanwhile, Generation Charleston, the Alliance’s emerging leaders group, announced Gateway Greenspace would be its year-long service project for 2009. The group’s executive management team this week voted to focus efforts on Gateway Greenspace, meaning the group’s members will work to raise money for the project and possibly volunteer for some of the physical labor.

“Gateway Greenspace fits perfectly with what Generation Charleston is all about,” said Kate McCoy, Generation Charleston co-chair. “We’re working to make Charleston more attractive for the young talent who live here and those who might choose to live here. This project is a big step in that direction.”