Its a small village that sits right off the Ashley River, Ashleyville-Maryville. Its one of the oldest communities in the heart of West Ashley.

Thursday night, the City of Charleston hosted a community development meeting. Theyve partnered with Dover, Kohl & Partners to prepare what they call a master plan for West Ashley's future. Residents spoke at the meeting, calling for the city to make improvements to the infrastructure and transportation.

About 100 people gathered at Emanuel AME on 5th Ave. Among them, Demette Jenkins. She left home almost 25 years ago, she said shes come home to a much different Ashleyville.

Coming back to Charleston, it has grown tremendously and developed tremendously," Jenkins said.

Shes praying the discussion Thursday didnt fall on deaf ears.

I think that they were really intentional about jotting down what they heard, she said.

Some people came to the meeting from adjacent neighborhoods.

Theres something special and unique about this neighborhood," said Francis Beylotte III.

He and son ride their bikes through the neighborhood. He fears development will make that come to an end.

Im concerned that thats going to go away, and when its gone, poof, thats it.

Representatives from the neighborhood association were there to address some of the concerns about property tax increases. It was one of the main concerns.

A meeting will be held August 5, 2017 to discuss a 4 percent tax exemption available to people who are occupying the property they own. A location has not been given for the meeting, but we will update you as soon as that information is released.

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Concerns about development in Ashleyville-Maryville area shared at community meeting - ABC NEWS 4