Town of Bluffton Eyes Controversial Road Extension Again
Residents of Bluffton may want to brace themselves for a familiar debate that seems to keep making a comeback. The town council is set to discuss a potential reviving of the Bluffton Parkway Phase 5B extension project, just six months after Beaufort County leadership officially claimed they wouldn’t support it anymore. The topic of road extensions and realignments can stir up strong emotions among those living nearby, and it appears this latest discussion will be no different.
The Latest Discussion
On Tuesday evening, the town council may explore the possibility of annexing a total of 64 acres from the Grande Oaks community. This land sits in the area where the controversial road project would potentially extend into commercial space. Town officials believe that this could help with growth and development in the town. However, the most notable aspect of the agenda is a future map showing an unfinished stretch of the Bluffton Parkway snaking through these two parcels. Many locals have already voiced their concerns, and it has led to some heated conversations in the community.
Understanding Bluffton Parkway Phase 5B
For those not familiar, Bluffton Parkway Phase 5B is intended to create a continuous stretch of roadway between two disconnected sections of the parkway. Currently, when drivers reach the intersection of Bluffton and Buckwalter Parkways, they must detour onto Buckwalter briefly before rejoining Bluffton Parkway about a mile down the road. Connecting these two ends would add 2.5 miles of new road and provide residents with a smoother driving experience.
However, the proposed road alignment remains a point of contention. Many residents within neighboring communities have raised their voices against the plan, often highlighting concerns about wildlife habitats and increased traffic congestion as their main objections. Folks in Bluffton have become so familiar with the constant back-and-forth that they have likened this project to a “zombie” — no matter how many times it gets shot down or laid to rest, it just keeps coming back.
Community Sentiment
Speaking of community feelings, it’s worth noting that discussions on 5B have echoed through town for over two decades. For many residents, this isn’t just another road project; it represents a significant change to the character of their neighborhoods. Past proposals had led to vigorous public outcry, causing council members to tread carefully. Most recently, the Beaufort County council unanimously decided not to allocate any funding toward the study or discussion of Phase 5B. This was announced last March by Council Chair Joe Passiment, who definitively stated, “We’re going to remove the county from any use of county funds toward discussion or study of 5B.”
What This Means for Bluffton
So, what happens next? According to the town’s agenda, while the proposed alignment on the map looks suspiciously similar to Phase 5B, officials have clarified that they are not reconsidering the original plan. Instead, they aim to utilize the land for its commercial potential while potentially creating something they are calling the “Future Bluffton Parkway.” And as for finances, it seems the annexation of these parcels will not cost the town any money, offering a glimmer of hope for those who wish for sensible development without breaking the bank.
Keeping an Open Dialogue
While the meeting is sure to bring back a wave of nostalgia — and perhaps frustration — for many, keeping communication open between the residents and the town council will be essential. Bluffton is a tight-knit community, and the discussions surrounding infrastructure have always been about more than just roads. They center on the very fabric of the town: the wildlife, the neighborhoods, and the residents themselves.
Only time will tell how this road discussion will unfold. But for now, those in Bluffton are once again invited to the table, and it’s vital that their voices are heard.
