Bluffton’s Road Extension Project Sparks New Controversy as Town Council Meets to Discuss Land Annexation

Bluffton’s Road Extension Project Again in the Spotlight

The charming town of Bluffton is making headlines once more as it may be reviving a road extension project that many residents believed was dead and buried. Just six months ago, Beaufort County’s leadership announced they wouldn’t support the initiative by pulling necessary funding. However, a new discussion is set to unfold at the town council meeting this Tuesday evening. The hot topic? Annexing land in the area of the controversial project.

A Closer Look at the Plans

At the center of this potential revival are 64 acres of property, which come in two parcels, currently part of the Grande Oaks community. If things move forward as indicated, the town plans to upzone this land for commercial space. But that’s not all—maps included in the meeting’s agenda hint at a mysterious and notorious unfinished section of the Bluffton Parkway, which winds its way through these parcels. When the Bluffton Parkway reaches Buckwalter Parkway, drivers currently have a slightly awkward detour, going from one road to another before reconnecting about a mile later.

The proposed Bluffton Parkway Phase 5B seeks to change that by making the Parkway a continuous drive. It aims to add 2.5 miles of roadway to connect the two segments, which sounds very convenient for commuters! However, not everyone is on board with this idea.

Community Concerns

Many residents living in nearby neighborhoods have voiced strong opposition to the realignment of the road. Their concerns primarily revolve around potential harm to local wildlife and the headache of increased traffic. Opponents of the realignment have likened it to a zombie; no matter how often they express their disapproval, it keeps coming back to life. Over the last two decades, Bluffton Parkway 5B has sparked heated discussions, typically marked with frustration and distrust.

It’s important to note that while the town leaders have been adamant that they are not actively considering 5B, the proposed alignment shown in future maps bears some similarities to the original plan. The annexation of the parcels would eventually lead to development that connects the two ends of the Parkway, paving the way for what they are calling the “Future Bluffton Parkway.”

No Financial Burdens for Bluffton

Interestingly enough, the annexation of these parcels won’t come with a financial burden for the town, according to documents included in the agenda. Town Manager Stephen Steese did not respond to inquiries for further comments on this issue, leaving some questions still up in the air.

The County’s Standpoint

Just to give a little context, the last time the subject of 5B came up was during a Beaufort County council meeting, where members unanimously agreed they wouldn’t support such a project. “We’re going to remove the county from any use of county funds toward discussion or study of 5B,” announced Council Chair Joe Passiment. Others echoed sentiments that just because the project proposals were put forth in 2006, doesn’t make them relevant today. Council Member Logan Cunningham, who represents the district where the project focuses, stated, “Just because something was passed back then doesn’t mean it’s right today.”

With the town council meeting looming, residents of Bluffton are sure to have their ears to the ground, eager to see what decisions will shape their town’s future. Will the town council move forward with the annexation? And what implications will that hold for traffic and wildlife in the area? Stay tuned because this story is showing no signs of slowing down!