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Road-widening/tree-removal proposals on Von Ocean Road stalled after standing and notification questions
Summary
Residents raised alarms about a proposed road-widening project that would remove up to 15 grand trees on Von Ocean Road for curb, gutter and undergrounding of power lines. Board counsel flagged standing issues that prevented the applications from proceeding; staff advised residents how to stay informed and engage with the process.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Several residents turned out Nov. 3 to oppose proposed right-of-way work that would remove 15 grand trees along Von Ocean Road for a road‑widening and utility‑undergrounding project tied to a development. The applicant (Stanley Martin Homes, represented by Kimley‑Horn) presented designs; staff and neighbor testimony revealed confusion about notice, property impacts and whether the applicant had authority to proceed for county‑owned right‑of‑way.
Board attorney Kelvin Hughey again intervened early, saying he believed the applications suffered from standing defects because the applicant did not own the right-of-way where tree removals were proposed. He advised the board the matter could not proceed until the legal department reviewed who could properly file such an application. Residents asked how they would be notified about future hearings and were told by staff they would receive standard mailed notices for subsequent hearings and could sign up as parties of interest via BZA email (bza@charlestoncounty.org).
Public concerns included potential private-property impacts from widening, tree loss and timing of notifications. One resident said he did not receive direct mailed notice and asked how to ensure he would be informed; staff offered to add residents to the parties-of-interest list.
What’s next: Attorney Hughey will consult the legal department; if the legal opinion allows, the applicant will be rescheduled and notices provided to affected property owners.
