News Summary

Residents of Beaufort are voicing strong opposition to two proposed housing developments on Cane Island, which aim to add up to 700 residential units across nearly 400 acres. Concerns revolve around environmental impacts, traffic issues, and the preservation of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. With a lack of public hearings due to historic agreements, residents are advocating for a development moratorium until infrastructure can support the expected population growth. The Beaufort City Council will discuss these concerns in an upcoming meeting.

Beaufort Residents Rally Against Proposed Housing Developments on Cane Island

Beaufort townspeople are raising concerns over two proposed housing developments set to add up to 700 residential units across nearly 400 acres on Cane Island. The developments, located on Upper and Lower Cane Island, can move forward without a public hearing due to special agreements established decades ago.

Approximately 80 residents attended a recent meeting at the Cat Island Club golf course organized by Dennis Ross, a retired military pilot and local resident.

Key Concerns Raised

• Impact on the sensitive coastal environment, including the Beaufort River and surrounding creeks.
• Potential strain on existing roads, with specific worries about traffic on the Islands Causeway.
• Concerns regarding water and sewer system capacity and environmental management issues.
• Loss of natural beauty and cultural heritage, as Cane Island has transitioned from an agricultural area to residential developments.

Ross articulated the need for a development moratorium until the necessary infrastructure can support the projected population increase. The Beaufort City Council is set to discuss such a moratorium in an upcoming work session.

Current Status of Developments

• The Upper Cane Island project proposes 16 single-family homes on 126 acres with plans for up to 495 total units and commercial space.
• The Lower Cane Island development seeks to include 240 residential units alongside commercial facilities like a hotel and a marina.
• A smaller project of roughly 40 homes has been proposed on nearby Gibbs Island.

In Port Royal, a one-year moratorium on new apartment constructions is set to expire in April 2024. Additionally, a proposed bill in the South Carolina legislature could require local governments to ensure that infrastructure is adequate before allowing new developments to proceed.

Local residents have been encouraged to reach out to city and state representatives to express their views and concerns about the Cane Island developments.

Cultural Impact

The changes on Cane Island are notable for locals like John Trask, a descendant of former landowners, who expressed dismay over the loss of its historical agricultural character, which had previously included a daffodil farm that operated until the late 1980s. This transition marks a significant cultural shift as the area moves toward increased residential density.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Beaufort Residents Rally Against Proposed Housing Developments
• Wikipedia: Housing Development
• Katy Magazine: Realtors React to Local Growth
• Google Search: Cane Island housing
• Houston Chronicle: Katy Subdivisions and Neighborhoods
• Google Scholar: Environmental Impact Housing Developments
• Community Impact: First Home Depot Inside Katy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Development
• Katy Times: Johnson Development Names New Katy Community
• Google News: Beaufort Housing Developments