Influential Charleston historian Harlan Greene, who chairs the city of Charleston’s Commission on History, on Tuesday told members of city council that they needed to do more to protect and preserve the Holy City.
He addressed members during Tuesday’s council meeting following months of controversy over a proposed College of Charleston dormitory at 106 Coming St., which today features a parking lot and empty former office of the YWCA of Greater Charleston. The site is also thought to be a final antebellum resting place for 4,600 and 12,000 people, including poor Whites, enslaved Africans, travelers and orphaned children.
Greene began by presenting a commission resolution adopted in early November 2025 which encouraged the city to be a role model in historical preservation by being an active participant in the site’s protection. He ended, however, by recommending more action…