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Neighbors tell BZA ER site on Highland/Folly will worsen traffic, flooding and erode canopy
Summary
Multiple Highland Avenue residents opposed the variance to remove two mature Laurel Oaks, citing pedestrian safety near Martin’s Barbecue, chronic flooding at the Highland‑Folly intersection, and that new plantings cannot replace mature trees’ stormwater benefits.
Several residents who live on or near Highland Avenue told the board they oppose removing two mature Laurel Oaks for the proposed freestanding ER at 832 Folly Road. Carolyn Wallentisch, who lives at 1578 Highland Avenue, said the development would be "almost directly across from my residence" and predicted negative effects including traffic, noise, property‑value loss and worsened flooding. She added that replacement saplings do not replicate the hydrologic benefits of mature root systems.
Other residents echoed those concerns. Adam Friend said the cumulative loss of porous surface and mature canopy across the Lowcountry cannot be replaced in a single generation and urged the applicant to consider alternative parcels. Jay Browder and Mike Scharnhorst raised safety concerns for children and pedestrians near Martin’s Barbecue and asked the board to weigh alternatives. Several speakers questioned whether all nearby property owners received mailed notices.
The board acknowledged those concerns and discussed possible steps — including requesting additional testimony or a traffic study — but noted the BZA’s legal review is limited to the variance criteria for tree removal. Chair David Savage reminded the room that appeals of BZA decisions go to circuit court and that technical traffic testimony would be required in the record if the board were to rely on it.
