Bluffton’s New Commercial Development Sparks Debate Among Residents
BLUFFTON — Buckle up, folks! A recent town council meeting has stirred the pot in Bluffton, with a proposed land annexation raising concerns and hopes among locals. That’s right, John Reed, a Bluffton-based developer, has set his sights on a 65-acre plot for a shiny future commercial development. And while some see potential and progress, others are waving red flags!
What’s The Big Idea?
At a town council meeting on November 12, surrounded by an eager crowd, officials approved the annexation of this sprawling piece of land. Previously sitting in unincorporated Beaufort County, it will now join Bluffton’s bounds as part of Reed’s ambitious vision to establish a medical campus, alongside shops, offices, and restaurants. Sounds exciting, right?
The site will remain largely unchanged zoning-wise, allowing Reed to wield commercial development rights over a generous 28 acres. But here’s the kicker: the remaining land is occupied by wetlands! It’s a win for nature, yet there’s a cloud hanging over the development, which some locals fear could bring unwanted roads and disruption.
The Road to Controversy
Let’s dive into the road concerns that have residents whispering. This newly annexed land is near the long-discussed road project known as Bluffton Parkway 5B—a project that has been a topic of heated debates for years. Originally approved by taxpayers in a 2006 referendum, this road would stretch 2½ miles from Buck Island Road to Innovation Drive. However, many residents are wary, believing this commercial development could push the reluctant county officials to finally green-light the road construction.
Other townspeople expressed worries that weekday traffic would turn the area into a bottleneck nightmare. Reed will need to include a traffic impact analysis with his development plan, so perhaps that will calm some fears about gridlock.
Leaders VS Locals: What’s the Plan?
Despite the ruckus, Bluffton’s elected officials are trying to ease tensions. They insist this annexation has nothing to do with the road project. Mayor Larry Toomer assured constituents that their concerns have been heard and understood. During his campaign, residents shared their desire for “less residential development, better roads, and more medical facilities.” The council is eager to fulfill that wish.
Council members worked hard to clarify that the annexation wouldn’t directly lead to the dreaded 5B construction. However, past documents tied to the road project contain mentions of agreements that still haunt the community. As Reed proceeds with his plans, he will be held to certain stipulations, including constructing roads from Bluffton Parkway to his property.
A Great Opportunity or a Traffic Nightmare?
As charming as the prospect of new shops and medical facilities sounds, they’re also met with skepticism. In public comments, some residents voiced their frustrations, saying, “We don’t need more buildings. We don’t need more shopping centers. We have plenty of that!” echoing a sentiment of discontent swirling in the air.
One man even went as far as suggesting a building moratorium, but only for projects without public utility—aside from Reed’s pop-up medical hub. “Why can’t we just have a little breathing room?” his concerns add weight to the growing discourse.
Next Steps
Don’t worry, the public will still have a voice in this whole development process! Reed must present his plans to the Bluffton Planning Commission, which will then kick it up to the Town Council for review. At every step, there will be opportunities for the community to weigh in. Keep an eye on those council meetings, because this story is far from over!
Town Manager Stephen Steese pointed out that moving forward with the annexation allows Bluffton to retain some control over the development and its implications. Plus, it helps Reed manage approvals within a single jurisdiction instead of two—everybody wins, right?
So, folks, stay tuned! Bluffton is on the brink of some big changes, and how this all plays out will surely keep us all talking for quite a while.
