Advocacy Update: St. Julian Devine Smokestacks

  • Advocacy Alerts

Smokestacks at St. Julian Devine Community Center, courtesy of the Post and Courier

The City of Charleston is seeking more than $500,000 to fund the partial demolition of the c.1935 St. Julian Devine smokestacks to 60ft. in height, citing concerns for their structural stability. The City has retained information on their structural condition for over four years, yet suddenly is using the threat of hurricane season to demolish the smokestacks. Members of Council have said that the smokestacks are not beautiful and not South of Broad, and therefore not worthy of preservation. These structures are highly visible historic landmarks and the residents of the Eastside have said loudly that the smokestacks matter. We urge you to stand with the Eastside and communicate the following to Council:
  • The smokestacks are important to the neighborhood’s history and should be preserved at full height
  • The 60-day demolition timeline would not provide protection during hurricane season—what’s the rush?
  • Use available Cooper River TIF District funds to cover the cost of fully preserving the smokestacks
SPECIAL MEETING ACCESS INFORMATION
  • Watch live on Youtube or join via Conference Call #1-929-205-6099; Access Code: 912096416
  • If you plan to speak, you must join by telephone
  • To access the agenda, click here, and to sign up to speak or submit comments click here.
The Special Meeting is set to begin at 3:00 PM Wednesday and there will be two separate public participation periods for the Laurel Island PUD and the smokestacks. Please note that all comments and requests to speak at the meeting must be submitted by 5:00 PM tomorrow (Tuesday 10/6). City Council will meet again on October 13 to vote on the issues, and we will keep you up to date on how to engage. Stay tuned.