Residents of Beaufort gathering to voice their support for public access to the Downtown Marina.
A community in Beaufort is rallying for public access to the Downtown Marina following a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Protect Beaufort against the city. The lawsuit argues that the city’s lease with Safe Harbor threatens to privatize this vital public resource, which has historically served the community since 1976. As structural concerns and cost implications come to light, the residents voice their fears over the future of the marina’s accessibility and what it means for the community.
In the charming coastal city of Beaufort, a growing controversy has emerged surrounding public access to the Downtown Marina. Protect Beaufort, a spirited nonprofit organization, has recently taken the plunge by filing a lawsuit against the City of Beaufort. The nonprofit’s main mission? To preserve and protect public access to this beloved marina.
The lawsuit comes in response to the city’s plans that the nonprofit argues could lead to the privatization of the marina, a move they believe violates various laws at the federal, state, and local levels. The Downtown Marina has a rich history; it opened its doors in 1976 through an agreement that involved several state and federal departments, including the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. This initial contract emphasized that the marina was to remain a space for “public outdoor recreation use.”
Anyone familiar with government regulations knows that properties developed with federal funds come with a specific set of rules. One major stipulation is that such properties cannot be sold, leased, or transferred without prior written consent from the Secretary of the Interior. Unfortunately, the City of Beaufort has acknowledged that it failed to secure the necessary approvals before leasing the marina to a company known as Safe Harbor.
Protect Beaufort is voicing concerns that the lease with Safe Harbor could impose excessive costs on taxpayers while simultaneously limiting access for the very people the marina was meant to serve. The nonprofit argues that the for-profit nature of Safe Harbor could prove detrimental to local residents and visitors who cherish the marina’s accessibility.
In response to the lawsuit, Beaufort’s City Manager has mentioned that the issues raised are not new and clarified that managed access does not equate to full privatization. According to him, the marina will continue to serve as a public asset, regardless of which company manages it.
Founded in August 2024, Protect Beaufort has garnered quite the financial backing, securing a whopping $100,000 in pledges aimed at promoting responsible development and environmental protection. With a board comprising dedicated local residents and professionals, including one of its founding members, Graham B. Trask, the group has swiftly put its ideals into action.
The lawsuit further claims that the city’s contract with Safe Harbor is null and void due to improper approval processes. Moreover, the community has expressed concerns regarding a recent inspection that identified urgent structural issues at the marina, as well as the controversial dock expansion project that initially was budgeted at $14 million but has inexplicably ballooned to a staggering $27 million.
Stay tuned for more updates as the legal battle unfolds and the community strives to find a resolution that honors the spirit of the Downtown Marina for everyone involved!
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