Stay vigilant for Angel Oak

The success achieved by dogged conservationists at Watson Hill should inspire those who are seeking to restrain development near the Angel Oak on Johns Island. The outcome of the long Watson Hill fight shows what dedicated advocates can accomplish.

Plans for a large-scale residential/resort development apparently have been terminated at Watson Hill, located along historic Ashley River Road in Dorchester County. The new owner is considering a more suitable plan.

That also should be the goal for the property partially surrounding the majestic Angel Oak. The latest plan to build 630 units on 42 acres adjacent Angel Oak Park will be presented to the Charleston Commercial Corridor Design Review Board at 5 p.m. Thursday in the third-floor meeting room of 75 Calhoun St.

Those who are interested in the long-term well-being of the Angel Oak should get a close look at what developer Robert DeMoura now has in mind for the tract and let the board hear their thoughts.

A large number of people have made their voices heard in opposing the various plans Mr. DeMoura previously has brought forth. They are concerned about damage to the Angel Oak (possibly the oldest live oak in the nation), about loss of wetlands and grand trees, and about increased traffic and congestion on rural Johns Island.

Mr. DeMoura has obtained approval for the first phase of development from all city commissions except the CCDRB, which rejected his most recent proposal that featured unimaginative, boxy buildings and a too-dense footprint.

He has yet to win all necessary environmental permits.

During the review process, Mr. DeMoura has made several concessions to Angel Oak advocates, but their job is not over.

They must persevere until the Angel Oak site is protected physically and aesthetically.They must call for Mr. DeMoura to reveal his plans for Phase 2 before final approval is given to Phase 1, which could look a lot different in that more detailed context. They must ask about city and county greenbelt funding and how it might be used to expand Angel Oak Park and its environs.

Advocates have done a good job of keeping Angel Oak on people's minds and of raising pertinent issues — like the 55 grand trees slated to be destroyed (see correction below).

They might even offer suggestions about where affordable housing could be built to serve Johns Island residents, not near the Angel Oak site.

Those who wrote letters, negotiated, networked and spoke on behalf of Watson Hill helped protect more than that parcel of land. They helped ensure that the historic plantation area will not be compromised by a too-dense housing development nearby.

Similarly, the stakes for Johns Island are greater than a large oak tree. They include a serene, wooded environment where people can spend time and appreciate what makes the Angel Oak a Lowcountry landmark.

Correction

Added Monday, June 21 at 7:50 p.m.

A Sunday editorial incorrectly reported the number of grand trees to be removed in the first phase of a proposed development adjacent the Angel Oak. The number is 25. According to the developer, those trees are dead or decayed.