Around Charleston
Please Vote for me for BEST OF CHARLESTON 2025 - The Charleston City Paper is doing their “best of” again and I’m in the running for “Best Local Lifestyle Influencer” for my local news Instagram account! Click HERE and type “Bill Olson” to nominate me for the best of 2025 and let’s bring home the win! I appreciate every one of you!
Charleston hosting major Democratic forum - On January 24th at the American Theater, a forum will be held for those seeking to run for the chair of the Democratic National Convention. Read more
Ashley River Crossing Pedestrian Bridge Ground Breaking - Earlier this week I was invited to attend the official groundbreaking for this pedestrian bridge project. Construction is underway and I can’t wait to attend the ribbon cutting in a few years. Read More
Historic Home of the Week
49 Society Street - 3 story Ansonrorogh charmer with off-street parking and private backyard oasis.
4 Bedroom | 4.5 Bathroom | 3612 Sqft | Circa 1838 | $3,995,000
The fate of 2 of Charleston’s “iconic” sights
Okay, maybe they aren’t iconic…and most would call them both eyesores, BUT one is gone and the other could be on the way out.
First, Carnival Cruiseline’s Sunshine made it’s final voyage with Charleston as it’s home port on Dec 30th and returned to drop off it’s passengers last week on January 4th.
The ship is now headed overseas for a facelift before returning to the states where she will be home ported in Norfolk, VA to resume cruising.
This paves the way for the redevelopment of Union Pier and many are excited that she is not polluting our water and adding to the tourists and traffic in the area.
From a first hand experience, my family and I decided to take a quick cruise on the Sunshine a few years ago and it was memorable to say the least. First and last time on that ship.
Next up we have the toilet paper tower. You know the one, the massive cell service tower just off the crosstown as you enter and leave Charleston. Here’s the history and future of this “landmark”.
Charleston Telecommunications Tower Controversy
A telecommunications tower on Line Street in Charleston has generated controversy since its construction in 2023
The Historic Charleston Foundation argues that the completed tower's design drastically differs from the approved plans
The tower is described by community members as the "toilet paper tower" due to its resemblance to stacked toilet paper rolls 🧻🧻🧻🧻
Section 106 Review Process
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required an environmental review before construction to assess the tower's impact
This review falls under the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act
Local historic preservation groups, like the Historic Charleston Foundation, review the project to assess its potential effects
Design Discrepancy
The Historic Charleston Foundation initially approved the project based on plans submitted in 2020
The completed 120-foot tower was not the smaller, narrower design that they had approved
A fourth canister or "roll" was also added to the tower after the initial construction
Community Response and Action
Community members have projected a "pile of poo" emoji on the tower and nearby billboards have made toilet-related jokes
The Historic Charleston Foundation sent letters to the State Historic Preservation Offices and the FCC, detailing their concerns
The foundation wants the tower removed and replaced with the original approved design
FCC Response and Mitigation
The FCC has agreed with the Historic Charleston Foundation that the tower has had an adverse effect on the city
A mitigation process is being pursued, though the exact actions are not yet clear
The Historic Charleston Foundation is hopeful that the FCC will require the tower be changed
I will report back as soon as we have an announcement on what the FCC will be doing, but the Historic Charleston Foundation is hopeful and says that this is a small win none the less and uncharted territory with the FCC.
Whatever they do, I just hope the new tower actually works, because even still when I drive that section of road I have calls drop and my satellite radio in my truck cuts out.
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2000 sqft
$365,000
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offering 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The open floor plan on the main level offers the perfect layout for entertaining, with a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Enjoy the comfort of modern upgrades throughout, including a newly renovated master bathroom, new kitchen appliances, and fresh paint, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere. Step outside to an outdoor oasis! The spacious sunroom provides year-round enjoyment, while the fenced-in backyard features a large patio, perfect for entertaining and newly installed […]
Question: How do I get my home as the featured home in the ChuckTown Report?
Answer: Just email Bill ([email protected]) and ask!
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Have you been thinking about buying or selling a home in 2025 but aren’t sure where to start? Let’s have a quick chat—no pressure, no sales pitch, just a chance to talk about the market and what’s on your mind. Whether you’re curious about the market, have questions about timing, or just want to explore your options, I’d love to help. Feel free to grab a time on my calendar that works for you, and we can take it from there!
In case you missed it at the beginning
I need your support for a nomination for the Charleston City Paper’s BEST OF awards for 2025. The category is “Best Local Lifestyle Influencer” because they don’t have a “Best Local Social Media Account”. Click the link below and toss in a nomination. Just type “Bill Olson” and I’ll pop up and you can cast your nomination vote.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
-Bill Olson
