NEW: The ChuckTown Report: TL;DR is HERE!

Welcome to the first-ever TL;DR edition of the ChuckTown Report. I’m super excited to bring you even more information that you need to know about what’s going on around the Charleston area.

A lot went down in council circles these past two weeks. Between preservation wins on historic buildings, new drainage and flood-mitigation money, and North Charleston exploring a different approach to homelessness, it was a busy stretch.

Mount Pleasant is also rethinking how much growth belongs in its rural areas and tightening rules on what homeowners can build out back. And across the region, councils cleared a few small but important moves—from emergency services to business operations—that shape how our neighborhoods grow. Here’s your TL;DR catch-up.

1️⃣ City of Charleston · Board of Architectural Review (BAR)
Former 1929 Gas Station Wins Conceptual Reuse Approval

The BAR granted conceptual approval to rehab 80 Ashley Avenue, a vacant 1929 gas station bought by Historic Charleston Foundation. The proposal converts the long-empty structure into office space with a copper-clad second-floor addition set back behind the historic parapet. Approval came with conditions to rethink the parking layout and add knee walls along both street fronts to tone down the “car lot” feel.
Why it matters: A rare surviving early commercial building on the East Side gets a new life and use without losing its historic character.

2️⃣ City of Charleston · Board of Architectural Review (BAR)
Demolition Denied for Philip Simmons’ Historic Home

The BAR unanimously denied demolition for 30 Blake Street, the historic home of master blacksmith Philip Simmons, despite serious structural issues. The property dates to 1876, has been in the same family since the late 1950s, and holds major cultural significance for Charleston’s African-American community. Instead of demolition, the board is requiring a stabilization plan within 90 days to keep the house from further decay while preservation partners work with the family.
Why it matters: The home of one of Charleston’s most important artisans stays standing—for now—giving the community a chance to preserve more than just his ironwork.

3️⃣ North Charleston · City Council
North Charleston Studies ‘Mini-Home’ Homeless Shelter Model

North Charleston officials shared takeaways from a visit to a Columbia, SC shelter designed for people experiencing homelessness. The model features mini-homes, secure and separated sleeping areas, and daily transportation to and from the city for registered residents, paired with wraparound services. Council members discussed how similar strategies might be adapted locally to improve shelter, safety, and social integration.
Why it matters: The city is actively exploring alternatives to traditional shelters that could be more stable, humane, and effective for both residents and the broader community.

4️⃣ City of Charleston · Council Committee
FEMA Grants Move Forward for Home Elevation Projects

Two FEMA grant agreements advanced to fund home elevation projects in partnership with Charleston property owners. Money from the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will help pay for work without tapping city dollars. The committee tweaked legal language and dropped performance bond requirements where owners front the costs, making it easier and faster to move projects forward.
Why it matters: More at-risk homes can be elevated against flooding with federal help, speeding up resilience work in vulnerable neighborhoods.

5️⃣ City of Charleston · Public Works & Utilities Committee
Cooper-Jackson Drainage Upgrades Advance

The committee received an update on the Cooper-Jackson drainage project, aimed at chronic flooding in the Upper East Side. The plan will use a mix of federal economic development grants and local funds to upgrade key outfalls and low-lying corridors. Designs are being set up to support future resilience infrastructure—like pump stations—to better handle sea level rise and heavy storm events.
Why it matters: This is one of the major projects targeting repeat flooding in a growing part of the peninsula, laying groundwork for bigger resilience systems down the road.

6️⃣ North Charleston · City Council
North Charleston OKs Short-Term Boeing Parking Lease

North Charleston City Council gave final approval to a short-term parking lease with The Boeing Company worth at least $36,000 per month. The lease is intended to support ongoing business operations and employee parking needs within the city. The measure passed unanimously.
Why it matters: It’s a small but clear signal of ongoing city support for Boeing’s presence and the jobs and tax base that come with it.

7️⃣ Town of Mount Pleasant · Planning Commission
Mount Pleasant Aims to Lower Rural Density Outside Growth Boundary

A special Planning Commission meeting in Mount Pleasant focused on aligning rural zoning density with anticipated Charleston County changes. Commissioners discussed a text amendment to set Rural Residential (RR) zoning at one dwelling per acre, down from three per acre, for parcels outside the urban growth boundary. The change is tailored to the 10 Mile Community and other rural areas seeing growth pressure.
Why it matters: It’s a step toward tightening development in rural parts of Mount Pleasant and syncing rules with county efforts to control sprawl.

8️⃣ Town of Mount Pleasant · Town Council
Sweeping Rules on Accessory Structures and BAR Move Forward in Mount Pleasant

Council advanced first reading of major amendments affecting accessory structures and the Building Area Ratio (BAR) ordinance, with a focus on Old Mount Pleasant and preservation overlay districts. The changes would cap accessory structure heights at no taller than the main house, adjust setbacks, and extend BAR rules to more districts with scaled minimum house sizes. Council members encouraged strong public input before anything is finalized.
Why it matters: These updates could reshape what homeowners can build in backyards and how big new homes can be, with big implications for neighborhood character and property rights.

9️⃣ Charleston County · County Council
Zoning Change Approved for St. John’s Fire District Station Expansion

A zoning request was granted for St. John’s Fire District Station No. 5 on Johns Island, allowing for future expansion of service facilities. The change brings the property’s zoning in line with surrounding parcels and will enable broader and more effective public safety coverage.
Why it matters: Enhanced emergency infrastructure will improve response times and adapt to Johns Island’s continued growth.

🔟City of Charleston · Board of Architectural Review (BAR-L)
Faux-Neon Signage Denied for Current Burger on Concord Street Waterfront

The board denied an appeal for a faux-neon illuminated sign at “Current Burger,” citing concerns about the appropriateness of illuminated signage along the city’s waterfront and in view of historic districts. Board and staff recommended the applicant use signage consistent with other tenants and non-illuminated standards.
Why it matters: The city continues to enforce strict design standards for signage to protect the character of historic districts and the waterfront experience.

1️⃣1️⃣ City of Charleston · Committee on Traffic and Transportation
Presentation of Project Lists and Area Infrastructure Priorities

A staff presentation detailed infrastructure priorities per district for upcoming city and county sales tax coordination. Major projects included Maybank Highway widening, James Island intersection upgrades, West Ashley drainage and safety, Ashley River Road partial raising, downtown flood protection (Lockwood and Calhoun), and Huguenin Street bike/pedestrian improvements.
Why it matters: Identifying priority projects and coordinating regionally positions the city to maximize sales tax revenue and address growth-related infrastructure challenges.