Council approves annexation of 0 Folly Road after years-long litigation; residents and heirs disagree

Charleston City Council approved annexation of a parcel listed as 0 Folly Road during its Dec. 2 meeting, ending a multi-year litigation process involving more than 60 heirs and placing the property under city jurisdiction and standards.

Supporters, including counsel for the applicant and heirs’ representatives, argued the annexation will unify jurisdictional review, require stronger stormwater and site controls, and free heirs from 14 years of litigation. Jonathan Altman, representing one of the Moultrie family heirs, said the property has been in the family since 1904 and described the sale as a generational opportunity for dozens of heirs.

Opponents described repeated flooding on neighboring streets and incomplete drainage work after prior repaving, and asked council to deny or delay annexation until infrastructure issues are addressed. Eileen Doherty said her yard becomes an “impromptu retention pond” during heavy rains and urged a no vote.

Council framed the choice as jurisdictional control versus split oversight; proponents argued annexation offers more stringent stormwater requirements and an opportunity to address surrounding drainage. After discussion the council voted to approve annexation. The record notes a recorded no vote by Council member Parker and abstentions from Council members Mitchell and Tinkler; the meeting transcript also records one recusal and an additional abstention noted on the record.