Growing up in Charleston, William Cogswell knew there was something special about his hometown. People from around the world would come to visit, touring the city’s lush gardens, cobblestone streets, and antebellum homes.
“It’s just instilled a sense of pride that I don’t think you see a lot of in other communities,” says Cogswell.
But the 49-year-old never imagined he would serve as Charleston’s mayor.
“No, because Joe Riley was about a block away,” says Cogswell. “We just figured he’d be there forever.”
Cogswell jokes about being raised in the same neighborhood as former mayor Joe Riley, one of the nation’s longest-serving mayors. Riley was elected to an unprecedented 10 terms before retiring in 2015.
Another Charlestonian, John Tecklenburg, took his place. Then, last year, Cogswell challenged and defeated Tecklenburg in a razor thin, run-off race.
Cogswell was sworn in three months ago as the first Republican mayor since Reconstruction. It’s a title that’s made headlines, but one the former statehouse representative doesn’t think much about.
“It’s not really relevant to me,” says Cogswell. “I consider myself to be the mayor of everyone.”
Technically, he explains, the position is non-partisan.
But Cogswell is taking the helm of the historic city at a precarious time. The peninsula and surrounding communities face severe growing pains, nuisance flooding, and record storms. Still, the real estate developer says he's ready.
“I believe in sea level rise,” says Cogswell. “I’ve seen it. I’ve lived here my whole life.”
Flooding
The National Oceanic Administration predicts sea levels along the Atlantic Coast will rise at least a foot over the next 30 years. Already, Charleston is experiencing more frequent and intense storms.
“We need to act, rather than talk about,” says Cogswell.
Last month, the new mayor broke ground on yet another phase of repairing the low battery seawall. He says he’s also working with the Army Corp of Engineers to build what he calls, “an elevated edge” to better protect the peninsula from harbor swells. And with recent severe weather, Cogswell has begun enacting city flood plans before heavy rainfalls.
Affordable housing
Another big concern across the city is affordable housing. A post-pandemic surge of newcomers has pushed demand and prices higher.
“It is probably our biggest economic development issue and social issue for that matter,” says Cogswell.
The mayor says he plans to build 15 hundred affordable homes in the next 4 to 5 years.
As for future development in a city that’s seen its share of construction cranes, Cogswell says it must be responsible and his work as a real estate developer will help.
“It will assist me to make sure that what is built is in keeping with what the city of Charleston deserves.”
Development
That message resonates with Buddy Jenrett who’s lived on the peninsula for 50 years. He worries, there’s already too much new construction.
“We’ve taken away a lot of surface areas where rain and water would be absorbed,” says Jenrett. “I think maybe that’s contributed to the flooding.”
Born in Charleston, 69-year-old Ruthie Snider sits on her stoop along East Bay Street which also frequently floods. She’s just grateful she found public housing.
“They need more housing,” says Snider. “Not only that, there are a lot of homeless people out here that need a place.”
Snider has been homeless before.
Back in Cogswell office, large city maps are spread out on a table before him, as the new mayor reflects on the people he now serves.
“They’re incredible residents that love their city,” says Cogswell. “Even in their complaints, they’re sincere. They want to make it a better place.”
Behind Cogswell, is a sign propped up against a wall. It reads “Nice Dream". The mayor says it's a gift from his wife and a reminder that problems, no matter how big, can be solved.
