Sale of port of Port Royal moves forward
PORT ROYAL, SC (WTOC) - For years the Port of Port Royal Property has sat vacant, but soon that could all change.
"We're so excited," said Town Councilman, Joe Lee. "It's been a long time coming."
Lee says this is a big step in clearing the way for the redevelopment of this 52 acre waterfront property, which is expected to be a mix of residential and commercial uses with a 10 acre park.
"The building we're standing beside is going to be repurposed and will be outfitted with commercial retail stores. Certainly something to service the marina," said Lee. "The other buildings will be boat storage. The dry stack will be opened."
He says this would be a win win for everyone in the town.
"It's been 8 years dealing with this," said Lee. "The property has been off of the town roll since 1957, so we now have an opportunity to put in on the tax rolls and make some money off of it. Its also going to be open to the citizens, so those who have been locked out of it since 1957 can now come here and enjoy the water.
It's news many like Nancy Harris Vista, who owns Nuances, has been waiting for.
"It can just do nothing but help and improve business and revenues for the entire town," said Vista. "Just to see any activity going on in the town. We're going through some difficult times but we feel we have good times ahead."
She's excited about the possibilities it brings.
"We're just really excited about the prospect of new businesses coming in, new businesses moving in and people coming," said Vista.
While there's still more work to be done before the sale is final, many here in Port Royal are hopeful.
"I think it's a great sign," said Vista. "We're finally over a couple of hurdles. It all looks positive."
The prospective buyer, Port Royal Redevelopment Group, has 120 days to complete the closing of the property. The Group has more than 30 years of real estate and development experience including the development of Fripp Island from 1990 through 2001.
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