Beaufort’s Waterfront: Big Changes Aboard at Safe Harbor Marinas
The lovely city of Beaufort has been buzzing with excitement and chatter lately, especially regarding the future of its waterfront marina. As the folks at Safe Harbor Marinas juggle various development ideas across Beaufort County, they recently unveiled plans that have significantly altered their original vision for the city’s docks.
Listening to the Community
At a recent meeting held in Beaufort, residents gathered to discuss a newly downsized proposal that’s been drawing interest. Safe Harbor, well-known for managing recreational boating facilities, has cut the marina expansion plans by half and shrunk their planned investments by a whopping 70%. This decision came after locals voiced concerns that the initial ambitious designs felt too overwhelming for the charming marina situated near the city’s Waterfront Park.
Peter Clark, the chief development officer at Safe Harbor, explained that their revised proposal is now essentially an “in-kind replacement” of the existing docks. Currently, Safe Harbor manages the public marina with dock space, a marina store, and restroom and laundry facilities—all conveniently located adjacent to the popular Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Modernizing the Docks
So, why all this fuss? According to Clark, the aging docks have “outlived their useful life.” The main goal of the improvements is to modernize them and make sure they can withstand future challenges, including nasty storm surges that might hit the area. While the earlier proposal suggested increasing the number of slips from 80 to 146 and expanding the dock footage, the new design will keep the slip count the same. It will also see the marina shifted slightly further from the shore, ensuring that the scenic views of the Beaufort River remain intact.
The budget for this revamped plan has also dropped significantly, from an estimated $27 million down to $8 million. This reduced cost encompasses vital upgrades to the electrical systems and enhances the overall structural integrity of the marina. Aside from the dock replacements, a brand-new fuel system and a ADA-accessible gangway are in the pipeline. Fortunately, the existing mooring fields will stay just as they are, meaning boaters won’t have to worry about losing their spots.
Crowd Engagement
During the meeting, locals were eager to voice their opinions and ask questions, all while examining the latest drawings set up on easels. City Manager Scott Marshall highlighted the importance of gathering public input as the proposal gears up for a formal introduction at a work session for the City Council—who ultimately holds the power over the decision.
Marshall stated, “This is the start of gathering input from the public.” He also noted that an online survey is being conducted for those who attended the meeting, allowing for even more community feedback on the proposed changes.
Challenges Ahead
However, as Safe Harbor works diligently to refine their plans for the Beaufort marina, challenges still lie ahead. The city is presently dealing with a tricky issue regarding its lease with Safe Harbor. It was recently revealed that the City Council made an oversight by not conducting the required two public readings when they approved the lease back in May 2019. This slip-up could pave the way for renegotiating certain unfavorable terms as residents voice their dissatisfaction.
Marshall mentioned that a City Council work session will discuss how to move forward. Options on the table include renegotiating the existing lease or potentially establishing a new one. “We do know Safe Harbor, with the current agreement, is committed to investing in improvements to the marina,” Marshall reassured.
A Collaborative Future
In light of these developments, Safe Harbor’s Clark expressed their openness to discussing the lease with the city. The company is focused on ensuring that the community feels heard and valued throughout this transition.
As Beaufort residents await the next steps, it’s clear that the discussions surrounding the marina will continue to shape the waterfront’s future. With the insights and improvements on the horizon, both Safe Harbor and the city seem eager to collaborate and foster a thriving boating community.
