Charleston committee approves 187-lot Magnolia Townhome plat; boards weigh tree removals, historic demolitions

A city review committee approved the revised preliminary plat for the Magnolia Townhome Infrastructure project, clearing 187 lots and 158 units at 1553 Ut Silkgrass Ln. for paperwork. The Technical Review Committee also cleared revised road construction plans for the same project and approved the site plan for the Long Savanna Neighborhood 10A amenity center at 412 Steele Magnolia Ave. The committee requested revisions to the early site package for the Long Savanna Parcel B multifamily development before further review.

Budget and Tourism Discussions

The Ad Hoc Budget Advisory Committee met June 24 to review May monthly reports, including a discussion on fuel costs, and to set the timeline for the 2027 budget process. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

The Tourism Commission met the same day to receive updates on the Tourism Management Plan from the Mayor and the Department of Livability and Tourism. Commissioner Elizabeth Saad requested a discussion item. The meeting included a public comment period for written and in-person input.

The Commission on Women met June 22 to review outcomes of the State of the Woman discussion series and approve previous minutes.

Historic Property Reviews

The Board of Architectural Review considered 15 applications June 25 for changes to historic properties. Notable items included full demolition of a garage, balcony, and entry steps at 184 Broad Street, with conceptual approval sought for a new two-story addition and piazza extension at the same address. The board also reviewed after-the-fact demolition approvals at 58 Dunnemann Avenue and 331 Ashley Avenue, and wholesale window replacement at 23 Allway Street, which drew public comments from preservation groups.

Additional BAR items included conceptual approval for a new two-story home at 125 Bogard Street, a one-story addition at 49 South Battery Street, illuminated signage at 258 King Street, and demolition and addition requests at 142 Hester Street and 6 Moultrie Street.

The Redevelopment and Preservation Commission reviewed a roof replacement program request for 943 Rutledge Avenue on June 25.

Tree Removal Variances

The Board of Zoning Appeals Site Design met July 1 to consider variance requests for tree removal and relocation at several properties. Items included a variance to remove one grand tree at 4 Jenkins Avenue on the Citadel campus, a reconsideration of a denied request to remove a 33-inch elm at 50 and 52 South Battery Street, and variances for Ripley Point Drive sought by Ripley Yacht Club to relocate one grand tree, remove another, reduce construction setbacks near three trees, and waive the 15 protected trees per acre requirement. River Road Associates sought a variance to remove 20 to 29 grand trees and reduce setbacks near others on River Road. Public comments on the Ripley Point item cited late notice and requested rescheduling.

Community Development and Infrastructure

The Community Development Committee met June 25 to vote on an agreement with MUSC Foundation regarding West Edge parcels. The committee also heard a presentation on the Hagood Avenue Improvement Plan, which addresses flooding and adds bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and received updates on affordable housing proposals at 975 King Street and 24 Calhoun Street. Project 3500 RFPs for architectural and engineering services on the Western and Eastern Peninsula were also on the agenda.

The Technical Review Committee met July 2 to review the Bishop Gadsden retirement community redevelopment at 1 Bishop Gadsden Way on James Island, a new music studio and venue at 2112 Montford Ave, First Baptist School chapel and academic building additions at 2051 George Griffith Blvd, a Fleming Road sidewalk project, and Long Savannah Parkway preliminary plat and road construction plans. Items were mostly in revise-and-return or open-pending-delivery status.

Special Events

The Special Events Committee reviewed permit applications June 24 for several public gatherings, including a Celebration of Life for Joseph Dennard at Joe Riley Baseball Stadium on July 11, the 911 Heroes Run involving closure of Seven Farms Dr. on Sept. 12, the Daniel Island Annual Golf Cart Parade at Smythe Park on July 3, and the Fisher House Freedom Ride motorcycle procession ending at 2200 Heriot St. on Aug. 29.

On June 29, the committee discussed two World Cup watch parties: a July 1 event in Camden Alley for 825 attendees and a July 6 event at Credit One Stadium for 2,500 attendees. No votes were scheduled.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — Design Review Board:** Will review the 348-unit Grand Oaks multi-family community in West Ashley, a new McDonald's at 3943 West Ashley Circle, and an appeal of a staff signage denial at 1798 Ashley River Rd.
• **July 8 — Board of Architectural Review:** Will consider a mockup panel for the MUSC medical complex at 35 Bee Street, conceptual approval for College of Charleston student housing at 106 Coming Street, and a multi-family building at 989 Morrison Drive.
• **July 8 — Special Events Committee:** Will vote on the 911 Heroes Run street closure for 1,900 attendees on Seven Farms Drive, the Avondale 5K fundraiser, and the Fisher House Freedom Ride motorcycle parade.
• **July 9 — Charleston Basin Flood Action Committee:** Will hear updates on flood statistics, the city zoning rewrite, and stormwater management, with a public comment period.
• **July 15 — Planning Commission:** Will vote on short-term rental ordinance amendments, rezoning requests, and a concept plan for a 95-lot townhome development on Riverland Oaks.

Earlier weeks

• week of 2026-06-29 — Technical Review Committee Approves 187-Lot Townhome Project in Charleston

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.