Grant Program Spurs Health and Wellness Development in New Riverside
The rapidly growing town of Bluffton, in a concerted effort to enhance the quality of life for its residents, has exciting news. The town recently celebrated the groundbreaking for the Franklin Health and Wellness Development, the very first recipient of the town’s newly created Economic Development Incentive Program.
Getting An Economic Boost
The vital initiative is slated to bring an influx of professional health and wellness services to the burgeoning New Riverside Village development. The pioneer leading this initiative is Jeffrey Solomon, a respected dentist who recently relocated from Michigan to Bluffton, with his family.
With a keen eye for opportunity and a palpable passion for community development, Solomon identified a glaring need for “good high-quality health and wellness” services in the New Riverside area. Upon deciding to help meet this need, he was directed to the town’s incentive program by a friend and his banker.
Addressing Disparities
Having been approved by the Town Council in September 2023, the Economic Development Incentive Program is designed to encourage businesses to migrate to Bluffton’s more populated areas. As highlighted by the Assistant Town Manager, Chris Forster, “This program is designed to bring more services to Bluffton’s fastest-growing sections. More than 50% of the town’s residents live west of Buckwalter Parkway, yet only about 20% of the town’s professional services are located there”.
Solomon’s grant application, relatively easy for a nascent program, rewarded him with a generous grant worth about $107,500 as confirmed by the town. This notable investment into the infrastructure of the area will be directed towards the construction of a 15,000-square-foot facility. Not only will this development accommodate Solomon’s dental practice, but it will house various other health and wellness practitioners too.
Enhancing Community Health
According to Solomon, though the population has surged dramatically, the commercial infrastructure has lagged behind in meeting the heightened demand. He envisions the Franklin Health and Wellness Development providing an integrative solution with a myriad of health and wellness services under one roof. From a patient or customer’s perspective, “[it] can be one medical destination, where a patient or customer can come and get all different types of services completed.”
John O’Toole, executive director for the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, asserted that this program will benefit the entire community, and not just by providing much-needed professional services. He believes that overall quality of life in Bluffton is set to improve, stating “Residents receive needed services, businesses receive fee and tax reductions, governments receive increased property taxes over time, and the region potentially receives more commercial and tourism activity over time.”
The Town is finalizing the application process for this program. Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to contact Chris Forster.
