Good morning everyone!
We have an UPDATE from the April 6, 2026 meeting of the Charleston County BZA.
The agenda item:
CASE# BZA-10-25-00915
Richardson Road Right-of-Way – James Island (near TMS # 330-12-00-067)
Variance request to allow the removal of a 40-inch DBH Grand Sand Live Oak Tree located within the Richardson Road Right-of-Way to provide access to TMS #330-12-00-068 and #330-12-00-069, including proposed Lots B-5-A and B-5-B and existing Lot B-6. Applicant: Bryan Heatherly of HH Action LLC
The applicant's variance request to remove the historic Sol Legare grand sand oak was the first item to be heard by the BZA on Monday afternoon, April 6th.
The representative for the applicant HH Action LLC (a spec home agent or builder) requested a continuance of this matter until the BZA's July meeting. The rep for HH Action LLC mentioned they had talked to a county council member and they were going to work on obtaining the emergency access they need (to be able to build the houses on lots beyond the tree); insinuating that the grand tree could remain if they were able to obtain that access. The BZA voted unanimously to grant them the continuance until the July meeting of County Council.
There is a lot swirling around on social media about this case. We aim to stick to the fact that the applicant continues to have a variance pending before the Charleston County BZA, asking to remove a 200+ year old, 40 in. DBH healthy, historic grand sand oak tree on Sol Legare---to be able to build (3) 40x40 spec houses (subdividing an historic farming lot or lots) in what is truly a unique, rural sea island seeped in history and culture.
As long as the variance to remove this living landmark is pending, we will take this matter very seriously and will continue to advocate to SAVE THE SOL LEGARE SAND OAK, not advocate for "an emergency road or access" that could strip any neighboring landowner/s of any of their property-- ALL TO BUILD SPEC HOUSES.
The public notice and agenda for the July meeting of the BZA should come out in mid-June. We will watch for it and keep you posted!
IN OTHER NEWS:
We are so thrilled that the legendary Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation and Sea Island Coalition will be in Charleston TONIGHT, Wednesday, April 8th speaking at the College of Charleston. Queen Quet has been so supportive of our efforts to save the historic grand sand oak at Sol Legare and has brought national attention to our efforts. Please see the flyer for the event tonight attached. This will also be a book signing by Queen Quet.
"Celebrating Gullah/Geechee Sustainability"
Wednesday, April 8th, 6 p.m.
College of Charleston - School of Sciences and Math Building
202 Calhoun Street
There will be a special screening of the Angel Oak film. Queen Quet would also like to have a conversation about our efforts on James Island to Save the Sol Legare Historic Oak. We are so honored!
This event is FREE. You can sign up for tickets at this link:
We hope to see you there!
Thank you all so much for all your continuing support to preserve Sol Legare's history and culture by saving this historic grand tree. We submitted the petition to the County's BZA via the County's Planning Dept the week before the April 6th meeting with over 1,400 signatures! Now we have over 1,670 signatures!
Your support and all of our passionate advocacy to Save this Special Tree IS making a difference!
We are so grateful for all of you!
Save James Island