Big Plans for Bluffton: Developer Seeks to Annex Acres for New Development
BLUFFTON — For many folks, Bluffton brings to mind charming streets, friendly faces, and the picturesque May River. But change is on the horizon, and not everyone is on board. Local developer John Reed has set his sights on annexing 65 acres of his property into Bluffton town limits to kick off a groundbreaking commercial development.
Once upon a time (well, a hundred and fifty years ago), Bluffton was just a tiny one-square-mile town with a close-knit community of about 750 residents. Fast forward to today, and it’s a bustling place covering 54 square miles and home to an eye-popping 35,000 residents, making it South Carolina’s 15th largest city! This rapid growth has folks divided, with some cheering on progress and others lamenting the loss of the sleepy Lowcountry charm they love.
The Details of the Annexation
As the Town Council gears up to consider Reed’s annexation request on November 12, there are mixed emotions swirling in the community. Some worry that this annexation will bring an influx of commercial developments, resulting in more concrete and less green space, not to mention added traffic woes. Opponents argue that it could push Beaufort County to pursue a controversial road project that’s been debated for years.
On the flip side, town officials argue that the annexation could be a boon for Bluffton, allowing the town to rake in needed tax revenue and ensure that new developments follow local regulations. Reed himself has built around 4,000 homes in the area and has clear ideas about what the future should look like, including a medical campus and a town center at the intersection of Buckwalter and Bluffton parkways.
Is This What Bluffton Needs?
Residents are vocal about their concerns—traffic and unchecked growth top the list of issues they worry about. During a recent council meeting, Jordan Holloway, speaking on behalf of the Retreat at Grande Oaks Homeowners Association, stated, “We are in opposition to the connection of South Innovation Drive to Bluffton Parkway.” Others echoed sentiments that more commercial development might not be what the town needs, especially if it leads to more traffic frustration.
Adding to the complexity is the proposed Bluffton Parkway Phase 5B, a road project that residents have fought against for years. Many believe that the connection between South Innovation Drive and Bluffton Parkway could indeed worsen traffic in the area, creating a cycle of congestion that they’re eager to avoid. A petition against the road already has over 2,200 signatures, emphasizing strong community opposition.
Reed’s Vision
But Reed isn’t backing down. He argues that his commercial development will actually alleviate some traffic issues by providing convenient options for medical care, shopping, and dining right within Bluffton’s most populated area. By putting essential services closer to where people live, residents can avoid long drives across town.
As a part of the annexation agreement, Reed has committed to constructing new roads to connect the property to Bluffton Parkway, which he claims will ease traffic on the town’s main routes. He also stresses that even if he supports the controversial road project, the annexation itself will not directly impact it.
The Road Ahead for Bluffton
If the Town Council greenlights the annexation, the development plan still needs to pass muster with town officials. That means diving into the nitty-gritty, including traffic analyses and public feedback, which residents openly shared in recent meetings.
As Bluffton navigates these growing pains, the community awaits to see if Reed’s vision will be embraced or met with continued pushback. Will this development truly meet the needs of Bluffton’s residents, or are we watching a beloved town transform into another bustling commercial center? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the discussions around these changes are just getting started.
Keep an eye on the local news as we follow this story, because Bluffton is anything but boring these days!
