Hardeeville’s November: A Month Full of Buzz and Growth!
What a whirlwind month it has been for Hardeeville! As November rolled in, the city was alive with energy and excitement with all sorts of developments and activities shaping the community for the better.
Welcome to Our New City Manager!
First off, let’s talk about Josh Gruber, the new city manager who arrived like a breath of fresh air! On November 4th, a staff reception kicked things off, allowing everyone to meet Josh and hear about his bright visions for Hardeeville. Just a few days later, on November 8th, our business community gathered to soak in all the enthusiasm. It was clear from the buzz in the room that confidence was in the air, and folks left with a sense of assurance that Hardeeville is in very capable hands.
Buc-ee’s is Coming!
Now, who hasn’t heard the buzz about the highly-anticipated Buc-ee’s coming to town? During November’s City Council meetings, exciting ordinances and agreements were put into place. The team at Buc-ee’s has teamed up with SCDOT to ensure smooth traffic management for all the future visitors. These developments will take place between I95 and Hwy 17, just north of 278. Residents can expect a traffic light at the 278/17 intersection and two roundabouts to make navigating the area as safe as possible. The projects are scheduled to coincide with SCDOT’s planned completion of the I95 widening project, within the next four to five years.
Celebrating Our Veterans
November isn’t just about new developments; it’s also about honoring those who have served. A big shout-out to Margaritaville and the Veteran’s Association for hosting a heartfelt Veteran’s Day service! In addition, Sun City held their annual commemorative event, bringing everyone together to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Housing Symposium Highlights Urgent Needs
On a more serious note, the United Way organized an Affordable Housing Symposium at TCL’s Culinary Institute of the South. With Dr. Laura Ullrich from the Federal Reserve presenting eye-opening statistics, it became quite evident that there is an urgent need for housing in the Lowcountry. Mayors Perry and Cromer alongside Beaufort County Councilwoman Alice Howard joined in to discuss initiatives to tackle this pressing challenge.
New Infrastructure and Development Galore!
Let’s not forget about SALT (South Atlantic Logistics Terminal), which recently broke ground on an impressive 880-acre site formerly known as Sherwood Plantation. With plans for six million square feet of warehousing and logistics, this will be a game-changer for our local economy.
In the spirit of growth, Hardee Greens on Randall Street celebrated a joyful ribbon-cutting ceremony, inviting community members to tour their indoor vertically farmed greens. Located in a former church, this family-operated business is a delightful new addition!
Gateway Commerce Park and Exciting Plans
Two notable events took place at the newly-established Hardeeville Commerce Park. One featured a look at the plans for the Gateway Commerce area while the other showcased a fascinating “tilting up” ceremony where gigantic concrete walls were raised in place. This new NJ company will focus on assembling and shipping display cases for retail stores, adding much-needed jobs and economic support.
A Bright Economic Future
On the 20th, representatives from our city headed to Columbia to appeal for an additional $35M to cover cost overruns for Exit 3. Thankfully, the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank approved the request, which will lead to over 15 million square feet of warehousing, light industry, hotels, restaurants, and more. With an expected economic impact of approximately $3.5 billion, this is fantastic news for Hardeeville!
Thanks and Giving!
And in the spirit of November as a month of giving thanks, the Food Pantry operated by the Lowcountry Community Church did a wonderful job of distributing turkeys and all the fixings for those in need behind City Hall. Additionally, the Hardeeville Youth Council partnered with the Police Department to serve hearty soup and sandwiches, thanks to the hard work of numerous volunteers and local businesses.
As we wrap up November, it’s clear this was a month where the Hardeeville community truly came together, from welcoming new opportunities to showing appreciation for our heroes. What a great time to be a resident of Hardeeville!
