Significant Changes Considered for Port Royal’s Tree Ordinance

PORT ROYAL

The Port Royal Town Council carried out a commendable act recently; they unanimously agreed to reconsider the impending changes to the town’s tree ordinance. This unanimous agreement came after the Council received alert from the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, prompting a turnout of environment campaigners at the June 12 council meeting. The citizens were seeking a reprieve to review the proposed changes. The council recognized the proposal and thus delayed the review until July 3.

Prevailing Tree Ordinance

The current tree ordinance was passed last year and is regarded as one of the strictest in South Carolina. It specifies hefty fines for unsanctioned tree removals along with laborious review procedures for such activities. However, concerns from developers and local inhabitants have forced a revision of the tree ordinance.

Proposed Changes

The primary proposed change is the reduction in fines for unsanctioned removal of “landmark” and “specimen” trees. From an initial fine of $750 per caliper inch, the proposed change brings down the fine to $250 for landmark trees and a decrease from $500 to $100 for specimen trees. The definitions of “landmark” and “specimen” pertain to the size of the trees, rather than their species.

Another proposed amendment to the ordinance would transfer the reviewing authority for tree removal requests from the citizen-appointed Design Review Board to the staff Tree Review Committee.

Implications

Despite these changes, the town’s position remains firm. They believe the modifications will still preserve the tree ordinance as one of the most stringent in the state. The amendments aim at promoting responsible and sustainable development in the area without excessive encumbrances. Several larger developers are reportedly eyeing properties in Port Royal, awaiting the outcome of the town council’s review of the ordinance.

Beaufort County Council Edging Forward with Transportation Sales Tax Proposal

BEAUFORT

Meanwhile, the Beaufort County Council members are making headway on the proposed transportation sales tax ordinance, which they plan to present to voters in November. The council aims to decide on the duration of the proposed one percent sales tax. The citizens committee’s recommended period of 15 years and collection of $1.625 billion was deemed too long by the county council. They have since cut the period to ten years, thereby reducing the potential revenue to $950 million.

Public Response

Regrettably, public sentiment for the referendum currently seems to be in short supply. It, therefore, falls upon the elected county and municipal officials to show leadership in resolving the escalating traffic issues in the area. Without raising funds, alternative solutions must be found.

Harris Teeter Opens on Lady’s Island

LADY’S ISLAND

In lighter news, the eagerly awaited Harris Teeter supermarket opened its doors to customers. Concerns about potentially hazardous traffic flows into the store’s parking bay were addressed, and the shaded parking bay is open to customers.

While Port Royal and Beaufort councils push for regulation changes and infrastructure development, they also understand the need for public consultation and the preservation of their local environment.