The End of the Toilet Paper Tower and Carnival Cruises

Around Charleston

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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

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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.

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