The long-awaited redevelopment of 50 +/- acres of waterfront property in Port Royal took a step forward Wednesday, as the South Carolina Budget and Control Board voted 3-2 to approve the sale to a Charleston-based developer, reported the Beaufort Gazette Thursday morning. Gov. Mark Sanford voted against the sale, citing the developer's plans to eliminate a 10-acre passive park on the property. State and Port Royal officials had included the park as part of their development requirements. The development will be split into two phases, the first involving the deep-water section of the property, and the second on the interior and marsh section of the property. The developer, the Gramling Brothers, will be responsible for infrastructure in both phases. And, if the developer opts out of the ... 09/30/2010

On Monday night, at Beaufort's Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, a ceremony was held for Beaufort native and former Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier. The ceremony was beautiful and memorable. And the evening was greatly enhanced by the setting, as the Beaufort River flowed in the background, bringing the essence of life in the Lowcountry to the event. It would be difficult to overstate how important the Waterfront Park is to Beaufort. it is used by locals and visitors alike. It is the site of the Beaufort's annual Shrimp, Water, and Gullah Festivals. Young couples have taken their vows in the park. Churches hold picnics in the park. And, at any time, the park grants universal access to one of Beaufort's most precious resources....the water. The Town of Port Royal has an opportunity to ... 09/29/2010

It was pouring rain. Not sprinkles, not misting, not even a light shower instead it was like walking through a car wash. I could have come up with at least 200 excuses, some even viable, not to attend yesterday's Port Royal Town Hall meeting. For starters, it was Monday. To add insult to injury it was Monday at 4pm, on the other side of town, and of course all the good parking spots had been taken. Problem is, I gave my word. Darn integrity! We get so busy, so caught up in paperwork and the day to day tasks that somehow we completely overlook some of our most necessary responsibilities. This is my town (I proudly claim it, take credit for it, enjoy it, and share it), so shouldn't I pay attention to the issues that surround it, and at times even overwhelm it?? Town Hall meetings aren't n... 09/28/2010

It is no secret that Beaufort, South Carolina draws those in search of beauty, history, peace and even home. With the rise and fall of the tides, artists, historians, students, and outdoor enthusiast flock to our marshlands guarded majestically by the graceful live oaks draped in moss and Southern charm. With the many accolades afforded to Beautiful Beaufort by the Sea, her lesser known, yet equally magical sister, Port Royal, sits quietly patiently awaiting her day in the sun. For many years front porch discussions, town hall conversations, and development debates forged on with spirited views from those that love her past, those that see her future, and those that enjoy her present. With the deepest natural harbor east of Brooklyn, this once fishing village community is poised for gre... 09/23/2010

Could the redevelopment of Port Royal, SC, Beaufort's sister city, finally be on the horizon? Beaufort, SC real estate junkies have been waiting for years for the next step to be taken in Port Royal, where 50 acres of pristine waterfront property awaits development. For years, the South Carolina Ports Authority operated a lightly-used shipping port on the site. The port has been shut for several years now. First, just a few years ago, Gov. Mark Sanford signed a bill ordering the closure of the port, which sits behind an imposing wall of rusted chain-link fence. Gov. Sanford also ordered the property be sold for development. Real estate excitement hit fever pitch as speculators swarmed the quiet little town to grab their piece of the pie. Property owners put insane asking prices on their... 09/21/2010