James Island BZA unanimously approves removal of two pecan trees for proposed arts center, requires 108 inches mitigation

The Town of James Island Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance on Oct. 21 allowing the removal of two grand pecan trees to clear space for the proposed James Island Arts and Community Center at 1129 Hillman Street, and amended staff recommendations to require 108 inches of on-site mitigation.

The vote came after staff and the applicant described site constraints, mitigation plans and community support. Acting Chair David Savage called the public hearing; the board voted in favor of the variance after a motion by member Joshua Hayes and a second by member Skyler Blair. The board also amended condition three of the staff recommendations to read that the applicant “shall mitigate the removal of the grand trees by submitting a mitigation plan to the zoning administrator ... that includes 108 inches of on-site mitigation.”

Why it matters: The decision clears the way for construction of three interconnected buildings totaling about 10,250 square feet for what the town says will be a community arts and activity hub. Board members and the applicant said the site’s triple street frontage and the central location of the two pecan trees restrict building placement under the town’s zoning and tree-protection rules.

Staff presentation and legal standards Kristin Crane, the town’s planning director, summarized the application (case BZAV-9-25-042) and explained that the two trees had been graded B by a certified arborist and therefore did not…