Port Royal Says Goodbye to Personal Storage Units in Key Areas
In a recent decision, the Town Council of Port Royal made waves by unanimously voting to ban personal storage units in several prominent locations around the town. This move, received with a mix of applause and a dash of concern from some, is aimed at preserving the town’s unique character and charm.
What the Decision Means
Under the new ordinance, personal storage units will no longer be allowed in a zoning district known as the “T4 Neighborhood Center-Open.” This area consists of around 20 properties that line some of Port Royal’s busiest roads, including the bustling Highway 170, Parris Island Gateway, Robert Smalls Parkway, and the Savannah Highway.
Although personal storage units will still be an option in other parts of the town, this decision is viewed as a significant step towards maintaining what makes Port Royal unique. Among the supporters of this initiative was real estate agent Rebecca Bass, who championed the cause. She expressed her delight at the council’s decision, saying, “What we have here is very special, and if we’re not careful, we will end up as ‘anywhere USA,’ which is what the comprehensive plan says they don’t want to become.”
A Different Perspective
However, not everyone is on board with this new regulation. Landowner Bennett McNeil, whose family has a seven-acre parcel at the intersection of Highway 21 and Wrights Point Lane, argued for a delay of the ordinance. He believes a small, gated, secure, and well-designed personal storage facility would fit well in the affected zone. “Many residents in Port Royal live in small houses or apartments and need conveniently located storage units for their extra possessions,” he remarked.
Bennett raised concerns that many locals might be unaware of the meetings discussing such impactful regulations. “My guess is they don’t know about these meetings,” he said. “Many may not know where City Hall is.”
A Community-Driven Initiative
On the other hand, supporters of the ban, including Rebecca and several residents, have been consistently voicing their concerns at public meetings. They claim that Port Royal is turning into the “storage capital of the Lowcountry.” Advocates for the new ordinance are looking to ensure that any remaining open land in the T4 Neighborhood Center-Open zone should be utilized in ways that enhance the community’s “sensitive environment” and further cultivate the town’s reputation of being “cool, coastal, and far from ordinary.”
The Final Vote
The ordinance gained official approval on Wednesday with a 5-0 vote by the council, signifying a strong, united front on the issue. Following the vote, the new regulation became effective instantly, signaling a new chapter for Port Royal’s landscape.
As the town takes steps towards establishing its distinct identity and preserving its charm, many residents seem eager to see how these changes will shape their community for the better. The decision sparks discussions on how to balance growth while maintaining the character of Port Royal. It’s a journey that locals will be keeping an eye on, as they hope the town remains a place that feels like home and stands out from the rest.
