About Beaufort's Port Royal

The long-awaited redevelopment of 50 +/- acres of waterfront property in Port Royal took a step forward Wednesday, as the South Carolina Budget and Control Board voted 3-2 to approve the sale to a Charleston-based developer, reported the Beaufort Gazette Thursday morning.

Gov. Mark Sanford voted against the sale, citing the developer's plans to eliminate a 10-acre passive park on the property. State and Port Royal officials had included the park as part of their development requirements.

The development will be split into two phases, the first involving the deep-water section of the property, and the second on the interior and marsh section of the property. The developer, the Gramling Brothers, will be responsible for infrastructure in both phases. And, if the developer opts out of the second phase, they will also lose their $250,000 earnest money deposit.

There is still much to do. The due diligence, according to developer Ben Gramling, will take months, as reported in the Gazette.

State Sen. Tom Davis warned against changing the approved plans, saying that this could lead to lawsuits from other developers, who could claim they would have bid on the property if they had known they could alter those plans. Sanford even suggested re-opening the bidding to other developers for 30 days, with the new stipulation that homes could be built on the site of the proposed park.

An attorney for the South Carolina Ports Authority said that would not be an option.

The property has been dormant now for several years. After the port was closed, in 2004, the Port Royal real estate market grew white hot, ad investors and speculators flocked to the little town. Prices initially soared, but a lull developed because of the delay in selling the property. It will be interesting to see how this project approval will affect the area real estate market.

For more information on Beaufort, SC, or the Beaufort, SC real estate market, please visit www.ExploreBeaufort RealEstate.com

On Monday night, at Beaufort's Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, a ceremony was held for Beaufort native and former Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier. The ceremony was beautiful and memorable. And the evening was greatly enhanced by the setting, as the Beaufort River flowed in the background, bringing the essence of life in the Lowcountry to the event.

It would be difficult to overstate how important the Waterfront Park is to Beaufort. it is used by locals and visitors alike. It is the site of the Beaufort's annual Shrimp, Water, and Gullah Festivals. Young couples have taken their vows in the park. Churches hold picnics in the park. And, at any time, the park grants universal access to one of Beaufort's most precious resources....the water.

The Town of Port Royal has an opportunity to create its own waterfront park. For decades, access to Battery Creek in Port Royal was limited by the presence of a 40-plus acre SC Ports Authority shippiing facility, which is now closed, and set for development. The port is still surrounded by the same chain link fence that has been their for years.

An important part of the Port Royal re-development plans is a 10-acre passive park at the end of London Avenue, which dead ends at the doorstep of the port property.

Indeed, the 2006 development agreement mandates the creation of a 10-acre park. But some are beginning to backpedal, thinking that this property would be better utilized for houses. To be sure, the development agreement calls for plenty of commercial and residential construction, and everybody in the area is excited about what this new development will bring to the area. But, folks, more is not always better. A proposed 18-game NFL schedule is not better than a 16-game schedule because of the extra games, and Christmas season would not better if it officially started at Halloween.

Really smart developers now realize that a little extra "quality of life" component is better than squeezing in an extra house. Over at Habersham, one of the most highly decorated neighborhoods in the country, developers have placed well over a dozen parks throughout, including numerous parks and open space along the Broad River and Habersham Creek.

Before bestowing the Order of the Palmetto on Joe Frazier at the Waterfront Park, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford was in Port Royal lobbying for the 10-acre park, which the proposed developer would like to eliminate. I side with the governor, and believe that this development, which is still controlled by tax-funded -- i.e. public -- entities, would be better served by this park.

For more information on Beaufort, SC, please visit www.ExploreBeaufortRealEstate.com

It was pouring rain. Not sprinkles, not misting, not even a light shower instead it was like walking through a car wash. I could have come up with at least 200 excuses, some even viable, not to attend yesterday's Port Royal Town Hall meeting. For starters, it was Monday. To add insult to injury it was Monday at 4pm, on the other side of town, and of course all the good parking spots had been taken. Problem is, I gave my word. Darn integrity!

We get so busy, so caught up in paperwork and the day to day tasks that somehow we completely overlook some of our most necessary responsibilities. This is my town (I proudly claim it, take credit for it, enjoy it, and share it), so shouldn't I pay attention to the issues that surround it, and at times even overwhelm it??

Town Hall meetings aren't necessarily known as red carpet events, splendidly social gatherings, or even an excellent way to spend a rainy Monday afternoon; however, they are necessary. So much time, work, effort, and planning go into every single meeting, why haven't I noticed that?

I am constantly promoting my town, doting on its beauty, and enjoying every aspect that is precious Beaufort, Port Royal, Ladys Island, and the surrounding areas. Shouldn't I at least attend the meetings where important issues are discussed, debated, and decided upon?

I am selling all that is my town. Not just the bricks and mortar that we sign away at the closing table, but also the community, its future, its vision, and its goals.

If I am going to claim to be an expert on my area, shouldn't I put in the time and effort with those that are, truly experts? I am going to do my absolute best to become more "present".

Thank you council members, residents, and all those who see the importance of participating!

It is no secret that Beaufort, South Carolina draws those in search of beauty, history, peace and even home. With the rise and fall of the tides, artists, historians, students, and outdoor enthusiast flock to our marshlands guarded majestically by the graceful live oaks draped in moss and Southern charm.

With the many accolades afforded to Beautiful Beaufort by the Sea, her lesser known, yet equally magical sister, Port Royal, sits quietly patiently awaiting her day in the sun.

For many years front porch discussions, town hall conversations, and development debates forged on with spirited views from those that love her past, those that see her future, and those that enjoy her present.

With the deepest natural harbor east of Brooklyn, this once fishing village community is poised for greatness. Change comes not without challenge.

Governor Mark Sanford is coming to the Port Royal Town Hall to face questions, concerns, and some passionate residents.

On Monday, September 27, at 4pm, I will be one of them. As a property owner, a frequent customer of the restaurants and shops, and believer in what Port Royal will soon become (as well as defender of what she already is), I wouldn't miss it for the world.

The sale of the port is pending and excitement is building. I fully believe history is in the making.

Could the redevelopment of Port Royal, SC, Beaufort's sister city, finally be on the horizon?

Beaufort, SC real estate junkies have been waiting for years for the next step to be taken in Port Royal, where 50 acres of pristine waterfront property awaits development. For years, the South Carolina Ports Authority operated a lightly-used shipping port on the site. The port has been shut for several years now.

First, just a few years ago, Gov. Mark Sanford signed a bill ordering the closure of the port, which sits behind an imposing wall of rusted chain-link fence. Gov. Sanford also ordered the property be sold for development. Real estate excitement hit fever pitch as speculators swarmed the quiet little town to grab their piece of the pie. Property owners put insane asking prices on their properties, and in many cases were rewarded with eager buyers.

Port Royal became known up and down the East Coast.

Then..............Nothing. The property, deemed overpriced by many, didn't sell. And Port Royal began to languish. Enthusiasm waned.

Maybe that is about to change. Earlier today, State Rep. Shannon Erickson sent out an announcement to via the Beaufort Board of Realtors that Gov. Mark Sanford will be in Port Royal officials Sept. 27 to discuss the port, which currently is under contract. Details were scant, other than to say the governor will be in town. We will let you know what transpires.

Nobody doubts the viability of the property, which is ideal for the super marina, residential and commercial developments envisioned by many. For more information, visit www.ExploreBeaufortRealEstate.com, and feel free to contact Keith Strawn.