The Charleston County Historic Preservation Commission on March 19 voted to urge Charleston County Council to oppose the developer’s draft mitigation plan for the Tobin Boyd Elementary School site and voted to allow Melody Dover, president of the Red Top Improvement Association, to address the commission immediately.

Commissioners and staff said Tobin Boyd Elementary School, a mid-20th century equalization school, is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places but is not currently listed or county-designated; because of that, the commission has no regulatory authority over demolition at present. The commission moved to transmit a letter of opposition to County Council, asking the council chair to consider the commission’s position as the County decides how to respond to the state Coastal Zone Consistency review and the draft mitigation plan submitted by the property owner/developer.

Emily Pager, county staff, told commissioners the Preservation Society of Charleston requested a county letter opposing the draft mitigation plan and asked the commission to consider recommending that County Council write the letter. Pager said the Preservation Society’s requested deadline for a letter was Friday, March 21, though comments would be accepted throughout the review process.

Melody Dover, who identified herself as Melody Dover of 645 Hughes Road and as president of the Red Top Improvement Association, told the commission the school is central to the Red Top community’s history and that the proposed mitigation—signage, brochures and oral histories—does not adequately substitute for preserving the structure. "The letter is the beginning, but you support us," Dover said. "This community love Tobin Boyd. It's etched in our DNA." She described the building as in good condition and said outside preservation experts who visited also praised the structure.

Commissioners discussed timing and authority: staff explained the property owner is pursuing coastal-zone consistency as part of a subdivision/development application, and the state review recognized the school’s eligibility, requiring the developer to submit a mitigation plan. Staff and commissioners noted that if the school becomes listed on the National Register or is county-designated, proposed demolition or changes would return to the commission for review. The commission voted to recommend opposition to the draft mitigation plan and to allow Dover to speak; both motions passed on roll-call votes with aye votes recorded and no recorded no votes or abstentions.

The commission directed staff to relay the votes and the request for a letter to the chair of County Council; staff indicated they would draft the letter if the commission’s recommendation is approved by the council chair. Dover and the Preservation Society of Charleston continue to seek county support to preserve the school and asked the commission to act quickly because of an impending comment deadline.

Commissioners also noted the commission can make a recommendation to County Council but that County Council and the council chair must decide whether to submit county correspondence opposing the mitigation plan.