City’s Plan for Pump Station at the Center of Controversy

In a remarkable turn of events during Hurricane Preparedness Week, the city of Beaufort found itself waist-deep in discussions about flooding issues. It is expected that the city’s drainage improvement plans will alleviate flooding issues across a 40-acre neighborhood. Notably, though, this project has sparked significant opposition from city residents due to the planned creation of a sizeable pump station, generator and outfall structures at a passive park in the historic Point district.

Kickback from Point Residents

Designed by renowned architect Rob Montgomery, the proposed structures have incited backlash from some district neighbors who have dubbed them as an “over-designed concrete box.” They argue that the structures will fail against major hurricane floods and might detriment the historic attribute and property values of the neighborhood.

Following a contentious debate, the city’s Historic Review Board, entrusted with monitoring construction in the Historic District, granted conceptual approval to these plans. After this decision, and a public information session, the City Council held an exclusive meeting with the intention of stimulating the project towards commencement.

Former Mayor Weighs in

Amidst residents’ outcry, the former Mayor Stephen Murray argued for the project. He posited that the plan is part of an expansive drainage improvement strategy jointly funded by state and federal authorities. Aligning with this sentiment, Neal Pugliese, a previous contractor of the city’s special infrastructure projects prophesied in 2022 that the drainage plan would stir substantial, emotional reactions from residents, but warned of the impending issue of flooding which is invariably a matter of when and not if especially with the hurricane season looming.

Updates on Downtown Development

Proposals for a 49.5-foot tall mixed-use building, lodging a second-floor restaurant and roof-top bar, alongside the Beaufort River were submitted to the city’s Historic Review Board by Trask’s Greens Drugstore LLC. Upon consideration, the board requested more details about the used materials and the project’s design before granting preliminary approval.

The proposal has stirred existing legal troubles surrounding previous approvals granted to projects by Dick Stewart’s 303 Associates. Former Mayor Stephen Murray cautioned the HDRB to proceed carefully with approval due to the plan’s potential impact on downtown parking availability.

Potential Lawsuit Hovers

The backdrop to this controversial project proposal is an ongoing $120 million lawsuit filed by Stewart against Graham Trask and his father, George Trask. Despite turbulence and looming legal battles, downtown Beaufort continues to change, leaving residents to wonder just how and when these developments will be realized.

Passing of a Local Legend

The local community said their last goodbyes to Steve Brown, renowned restaurateur and larger-than-life character. Brown’s light, residents agree, will continue to shine on in the city he so thoroughly impacted.