ALERT ADVOCACY - HVA Opposes Beach Company’s Private Dock Permit Request at Broad & Lockwood
As neighbors committed to preserving the shared beauty and historic character of Harleston Village, we strongly oppose the application for a private dock on the Ashley, at Broad and Lockwood, opposite the Jasper. While intended for the exclusive use of condominium residents, the proposed dock would encroach upon a public waterfront view long cherished by the community.
This is not just a matter of aesthetics—it conflicts with the City’s longstanding vision for a connected, publicly accessible waterfront view along Lockwood Drive. The promenade has always been envisioned as part of a continuous public realm, and the addition of a private structure for use by “two to four families” is an incredibly insensitive affront to the larger community.
Further, this section of the waterfront is a critical corridor for flood protection. The city plans to construct a new “knee wall” in the near-term, and ultimately a more elevated berm and promenade along this edge, as part of longer-term perimeter protection. The introduction of a private dock is not only incompatible with that infrastructure—it is another example of private interest seeking to extract value from a shared public asset.
We believe it is essential for the city and the State to uphold its commitments to public access, equitable development, and long-term flood resilience. This proposal runs counter to all three and the permit should be denied.
