The colorful maps, crayons and candy at each cafeteria table hinted at an elementary exercise.
But the hundreds of area residents who filled Lady’s Island Elementary School on Thursday took on a complicated subject. The community forum hosted by the Coastal Conservation League and grassroots Sea Island Corridor Coalition targeted the lofty goal of designing Lady’s Island’s future.
Nothing was cemented but ideas were scribbled along the islands and thoroughfares of the county maps and collected. Organizers will continue to collect feedback and said more events are likely.
The turnout for the community-driven exercise encouraged organizers.
“The fact 350 people came down here is a game-changer,” said Chuck Newton, whose Sea Island Corridor Coalition has mobilized residents over traffic and development issues. “It’s clear people care about what’s going on and want to have a say in it. That’s the most important thing.”