Charleston’s board of zoning appeals unanimously approved a request to remove 25 trees to make room for an affordable housing project.
Charleston’s board of zoning appeals unanimously approved applicant SeamonWhiteside’s request to remove 25 grand trees to make room for approximately 100 for-sale housing units near the corner of Ashley River Road and Dogwood Road at their Oct. 7 meeting.
The land is zoned D1-RF, which allows for high-density residential, according to Eric Schultz, the city’s Technical Review Committee administrator.
Of the housing units — four multi-family buildings and 16 townhomes — being developed by Palmetto Homes, 75 percent will be designated affordable housing, Schultz said. The rest will be offered at market rate.
Spencer Plowden, a senior civil engineering project manager at SeamonWhiteside, said at the meeting that the development will include a stormwater pond to accommodate flooding and drainage.
This project has been in the works for years, with Homes for Hope originally leading the charge. The Greenville-based nonprofit has owned the property since 2019 when it purchased the 9 acres for $1.5 million, according to county records.
Nobody spoke against the request, but two spoke in favor, including Plowden.
The other supporter was Radia Baxter, representing Charleston Redevelopment Corporation — the nonprofit partner for the affordable housing project.
She said she understands the importance of protecting Charleston’s natural landscaping and preserving the character of the community. But the city has an urgent need for affordable housing, Baxter said.
“Today, we have an opportunity to move forward with a renewed vision that supports affordable housing while incorporating thoughtful design, green space and respect for the surrounding community,” she said.
The board unanimously approved the request with staff-recommended conditions, including installing a chain-link fence to protect the trees, implementing a protection plan and planting new trees in replacement of those being removed.
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