Hardeeville’s November Buzz: Growth, Community, and Giving Back
November was an exciting month for Hardeeville, buzzing with activity and community-driven events. It all kicked off with the arrival of the city’s new manager, Josh Gruber, who’s already making quite the impression. Bursting with energy, Josh welcomed city staff for a reception on the 4th, followed by a gathering with the local business community on the 8th. Everyone left these meetings feeling optimistic about Hardeeville’s future and excited about his plans for the first 100 days in office.
Buc-ee’s Arrival Takes Center Stage
Meanwhile, there’s been a lot of chatter about the upcoming Buc-ee’s store. The City Council meetings this month featured discussions on ordinances and agreements related to this new venture. Buc-ee’s has worked closely with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to develop an impressive traffic management plan. Picture this: a site located between I95 and Hwy 17, just north of 278. The plan includes a traffic light at the intersection of 278/17 and two roundabouts to ensure smooth traffic flow in and out of the complex. The best part? This construction will coordinate with the SCDOT’s I95 widening project, making Hardeeville even more accessible!
We can expect the completion of everything in about 4 to 5 years. Now that’s something to look forward to!
Honoring Our Veterans
November isn’t just about growth and development; it’s also about honoring those who have served. Thank you to Margaritaville and their Veterans Association for hosting a heartwarming Veterans Day service. The celebration at Sun City was another beloved tradition. It’s a dream of mine to see all our special observances celebrated together in Hardeeville’s planned Memorial Park.
Addressing Housing Needs
In an important community initiative, the United Way held an Affordable Housing Symposium at TCL’s Culinary Institute of the South. Dr. Laura Ullrich from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond highlighted some startling statistics about the pressing need for housing in the Lowcountry. I joined other local leaders, including the mayors of Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, to discuss regional initiatives. It’s clear: we must act swiftly to address these challenges.
New Developments on the Horizon
Exciting news doesn’t stop there! Ground has been broken on the SALT (South Atlantic Logistics Terminal) project, which occupies 880 acres of land that was once the Sherwood Plantation. What’s in store? A whopping six million square feet of warehousing and logistics infrastructure! And just around the corner, Hardee Greens on Randall Street celebrated their ribbon-cutting ceremony, showcasing their indoor, vertically farmed greens. This family-owned venture is a fantastic addition to our community!
Commerce Park Development
Two events took place at the new Hardeeville Commerce Park this month. Inside a finished warehouse, the business owners revealed plans for development in the area. Following that, United Resources in Display held an impressive “tilting up” ceremony, showcasing how their large concrete walls were raised with precision. This New Jersey company plans to manufacture and ship display cases – exciting times ahead for Hardeeville!
Council Approvals and Financial Wins
In yet another step forward, the City Council approved a Memo of Understanding with River Development Equities, focusing on the revitalization of the Whyte Hardee Blvd. corridor. This has been a personal vision since my arrival in 2015, and I’m optimistic about what lies ahead.
On the 20th, we made the trip to Columbia to seek an additional $35 million from the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank to cover cost overruns for Exit 3. Luckily, our request was approved! This exit is set to provide access to over 15 million square feet of warehousing and light industry, generating thousands of jobs and an estimated $3.5 billion economic impact.
Community Spirit in Action
As the month began to wind down, the community came together for the annual Food Pantry event, where turkeys and fixings were distributed by the Lowcountry Community Church behind City Hall. The Hardeeville Youth Council, along with the Police Department, served hearty soup and sandwiches to those in need. A shout-out goes to all volunteers and organizations involved!
November truly was a month of gratitude and action for Hardeeville – a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. Let’s keep the momentum going into December and beyond!
