[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6096038,"mediaKeyId","2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996","parentId",2834133,"title","City says Waterfront Park engineers’ report due July–August; Duke Street project faces DOT sightline and utility conflicts","audioSeconds",88,"startMs",1852000,"endMs",1940000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996&start=1852&end=1940","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996/thumbnail_1852000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6096038/Beaufort/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/City-says-Waterfront-Park-engineers-report-due-JulyAugust-Duke-Street-project-faces-DOT-sightline-and-utility-conflicts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096038-30503fbd85f412ac721dc11d02d3d9db/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447400&Signature=O5uTdO40~vl3qg-p5G~-CZDyKIRJYabSP~hsL2jSk4C6FQCtWT6d-uQHfq-Y4Nt3HffuWrxL~7ukAoIFeA6WOFaE5Zcow4RNp5ewtgEjmszO71QYXKvWbccREt1CV3yOP1Zu6wFbmXeLJYmGnvPW3pByrfYlWJ7yxOviadx4rTWt84oqmq4hXHXDV58U~gNhBXEA6X5o9v0XxD9ukm27s30~YquiGE~zDRwkahiOxRBc4kGl-~qqbqS54fB6kPgIifUzhgQcWqEumz71lAe6cMUCLVxc3-mZift7VHoASozz9t6aaEfONLO1h2p8-Zj5dfZLdTwLfnR9YQl0fuFLOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Beaufort","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","City staff updated the council on the status of two capital projects during the March 11 meeting: an engineering evaluation of Waterfront Park and the Duke Street improvement project.

On Waterfront Park, staff said the National Park Service has awarded funding for façade repairs but is deferring disbursement until the city’s full engineering study is complete to avoid paying for work that might be replaced by a larger plan. McSweeney Engineering is performing the evaluation and staff said the full report — including bathymetrics, stormwater and other technical work — is due in July–August. Staff said the waterfront advisory committee will review results and that detailed conversations with the Park Service and related pending litigation may be discussed in executive session.

On Duke Street, staff said the current conflicts involve a sightline issue identified by the South Carolina Department of Transportation related to on-street parking and line-of-sight safety, plus underground utility conflicts with water, sewer and gas lines. The city engineer and DOT are coordinating to resolve sightline concerns; once DOT comments are addressed the city can begin permit applications and then move to RFP and contract stages. Staff characterized the process as iterative with back-and-forth reviews between city engineers and DOT staff.

Councilmembers asked for timing. Staff provided an estimated schedule for the waterfront engineering work and said the city has a public process including permitted work and that the National Park Service is being cautious with awarded funds. No new funding decisions were made at the March 11 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Regular Meeting 03-11-25","oneSentenceSummary","City staff told council on March 11 that the Waterfront Park engineering report is expected in July–August and that the National Park Service is holding façade funds until the study is complete; staff also reported Duke Street work remains delayed by DOT sightline concerns and underground utility conflicts.","taxTitle","Beaufort, Beaufort County, South Carolina","taxId",71073,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096044,"City council preliminarily rezones Cuthbert and Christensen parks to Natural Preserve",751,4565000,5316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996&start=4565&end=5316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996/thumbnail_4565000.jpg","/articles/6096044/Beaufort/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/City-council-preliminarily-rezones-Cuthbert-and-Christensen-parks-to-Natural-Preserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096044-a4a29f1b6854799091a73e34ab85c187/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447400&Signature=SXA4rPQe7tUlX44daw8kA5oCYU8JAk8TxwCpRmGb~BXZozw2-Y0Yx6Eu6SlPwOpAFSK7O1uUcXcQCCapm2a2lyuymrN266MurZdpao~gUa0Q-A4eAqeVUdGchKued3KroCg1p9O5uFGZE0CmNdK7z4sY2-nJVjD-GsKN7edgjW30GAV8vkSuMGgPDOrAkui49jzN1q7jnEwtRAdy5X79by2esJ~c1WWsMXz4g1gW0lKKnijYF43PB6zQm3p-iuhnOtwE5aRV1arFz88KSIEGpA1yxSz0aCsNCS8~3aqMPBOMca0Rv0YXcl88YnA3zJXGwSMdjcApdg9V-FTsAEOa3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On March 11 the City of Beaufort’s council approved first reading ordinances to amend the city zoning map and reclassify two small municipal parks — Cuthbert Park and Christensen Park (including the Pigeon Point boat landing) — from T3S Suburban District to T1 Natural Preserve.

Planning staff said the T1 district restricts development broadly and reserves the parcels for natural-preserve and park-related uses while still permitting park structures such as small shelters or gazebos. The city is the applicant for both rezoning requests; planners said the moves were prompted by neighborhood inquiries and were intended to add an extra layer of protection against future private development.

Kurt, the city planner presenting the items, said the Planning Commission recommended approval for Cuthbert Park by a 6–1 vote and recommended the same zoning for Christensen Park. Residents from nearby neighborhoods, including Pigeon Point, spoke in favor of preserving the parks and described them as “hidden gems” used by children, dog walkers and neighbors. Kay Merrill, a nearby resident, testified that neighborhood volunteers had helped plant trees and install benches and urged the council to protect the spaces.

Council discussion noted that other city parks such as Washington Street Park and Basil Green have different existing uses and facilities that might make T1 designation less appropriate without additional review — staff said those parks include programming and built infrastructure that could be constrained by the T1 district. Councilmembers discussed whether to bring additional parks forward for similar zoning changes and asked staff to advise on a coordinated approach.

No roll-call vote was read into the record; council approved first reading and then completed required individual public hearings and votes on each of the two parcels as distinct items. Council followed procedural direction to open and close public hearings for each parcel before voting. The ordinances will return for second and final reading at a subsequent meeting.","Council approved first reading to rezone Cuthbert Park and Christensen Park (including Pigeon Point boat landing) from suburban residential zoning to a T1 Natural Preserve district to protect them from future development; the action followed a planning commission recommendation and neighborhood testimony in favor of preservation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096049,"Beaufort holds CDBG needs-assessment hearing; state deadlines, funding categories and local priorities discussed",935,2626000,3561000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996&start=2626&end=3561","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996/thumbnail_2626000.jpg","/articles/6096049/Beaufort/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Beaufort-holds-CDBG-needs-assessment-hearing-state-deadlines-funding-categories-and-local-priorities-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096049-87c9430931bfcdb3be54f40935f646e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447400&Signature=ESMlE7kmWr0IXJlz9H2268dZ1PTCQ1nNOqsO-XL-AzjW17IGtitTZVvHjQzi8igqvaVbaec1Lfh257RWEKbMo-advWt7VtU4vizlAgBgKTfkUdtqHwWXPHEYJwXvWDHvuBeyNU3G~tB2gzooaf8aeq0NWLJ8bwaCoBb8toDkK0mLZb8IX8SsCOZB2~Q-tJGXJe8FIvKpEyzYrhxh1qz~oEsoYEkFpp7ZWFH2~xISu5hk9cokjkPABWyr~IOv5IJvGLbltYQJpgj7fI8FDf~To10mD8iyGDjzWBiVt1nEiLas3B1-4mSaZn8NbVWLDsFmsF-7AtTu9zp1YV~vtzJvyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Beaufort received a presentation and held a public hearing on March 11 to collect input for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) needs assessment and to review state program rules, funding categories and application timelines.

Michelle Knight of the Lowcountry Council of Governments outlined the 2025 state CDBG program, including an estimated total allocation to South Carolina of $19.8 million for the year and the major state set-asides: community infrastructure (approx. $9 million; up to $1 million per project), community enrichment (approx. $7.3 million; public facilities; fall competitive round), local priorities (approx. $1 million; up to $300,000 per project) and a non-competitive “ready-to-go” set-aside (approx. $500,000) for projects that are fully cleared and can begin within 60 days.

Knight explained program rules, national objectives, and minimum match requirements. She said most state awards fund projects that primarily benefit low- to moderate-income persons; for Beaufort County a family of four with income under $80,700 would be counted as low to moderate for the year presented. The home consortium and regional planning set-asides were discussed; Knight also described eligibility examples such as sidewalks, streetscape, park and public-facility improvements, ambulances or fire trucks serving LMI areas and demolition of blighted properties.

Councilmembers asked for clarifications on funding timelines and the status of a National Park Service grant for waterfront-park façade repairs. Staff said the city had received an award for the façade work but that the Park Service was holding the funds until the city’s engineering study was complete to avoid paying for repairs that later would be removed by a larger project. Staff said an engineering report from McSweeney Engineering is due in July–August and that the Park Service conversation may be discussed in executive session because of pending litigation.

During the public hearing, resident Daniel Blackman raised concerns about foundation repairs being ineligible under a proposed MOU with the housing trust and urged the city to lobby state authorities to allow foundation funding. Knight said state-run CDBG housing programs have limits; the Lowcountry home-rehab programs typically require addressing a full set of substandard conditions rather than funding single isolated items, and average per-unit rehab costs since COVID have been running around $35,000–$40,000 per house in the region.

City staff reminded the council they will bring a proposed list of priorities to the council in the next meeting and that the council can reorder and adopt priorities by resolution. No final ranking was adopted at the March 11 meeting.

Key deadlines cited: application request notices for spring community infrastructure set-aside (March 21), full application due April 21; fall community-enrichment/local priorities round application windows in August–September; ongoing requests for the ready-to-go set-aside with 30 days to submit a full application.","Lowcountry Council of Governments presented South Carolina’s CDBG program, deadlines and funding categories to Beaufort council and public; council heard details on infrastructure, community enrichment, local priorities and ‘ready-to-go’ set-aside and confirmed timeline for the city to submit priority rankings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096054,"Beaufort council authorizes MOU with housing trust, removes explicit ban on foundation repairs",2068,5732000,7800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996&start=5732&end=7800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2834133-dfdbede295856879bc180781c6c83996/thumbnail_5732000.jpg","/articles/6096054/Beaufort/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Beaufort-council-authorizes-MOU-with-housing-trust-removes-explicit-ban-on-foundation-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096054-661c8a00098bb697a9e5603301371cd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447400&Signature=AW90yjNR8oxCHDCfBYkWSSltPZ04ejQ9bPSY0s2OeD8fN39sAMyl0lTRrPuu6d3d6y2Hs~8ZPY92HM~bPupxIOJUMVzz5H77HxzlF3mPoqDLrAzADd3dI6Y37CG~5z9dSx~5egRc7B4uuoDR4HMtQux0axTKRPsiQWTYPAE1xUoUMf1NldtRL3pl5F4khcgOTGyJV34EqHMv6od2eshJSY-lHD1gRO-IzmrxsD5naBLy7yTlwW4VZSJlfP735dJmHnYU2o6DUJzPFCad5DV7N4AixgcqBhCPIFRMw5UX23qevIpReetMZa052kh26HUpYZU1e9je863vSfE-2kVVzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Beaufort City Council on March 11 approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) allowing the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust to administer a city-funded housing-repair assistance program and voted to remove a clause that would have categorically excluded foundation and site-pad repairs from eligibility.

The council’s action authorizes the city manager to execute the MOU with the trust and approves an amendment striking the language that had listed foundation and site-pad repairs as ineligible. Councilmembers debated whether leaving the MOU’s language open would create fiscal exposure because foundation work can far exceed typical repair caps; proponents said flexibility would allow case-by-case decisions and enable other funding sources to be combined when state funds are not allowable.

The MOU establishes the trust as the program administrator and uses city funds as one of several possible revenue sources. Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust representatives told council the trust has completed environmental clearances required to work on houses built before 1978 and that federal and state resources — including a recently secured state grant — may supplement local funds. The trust and City staff emphasized the program would be implemented on a house-by-house basis and could be adjusted as applications and needs emerge.

Council and trust officials repeatedly cautioned that foundation repairs are often substantially more expensive than initial estimates and that some state funding streams do not allow foundation replacement or major structural foundation work. Council members said the city’s $50,000 per-unit cap (previously discussed by council and staff) and state program rules limit how much can be paid from particular pots; the council amendment leaves foundations eligible for consideration but does not obligate the city to pay beyond its established caps.

Supporters of the amendment said excluding foundations up front would discourage eligible homeowners from applying when foundation issues are one of several interrelated repair needs. Opponents had argued that allowing foundations without a clear funding source could expose the program to unexpectedly large costs and make it difficult to serve multiple households.

The council’s vote followed an extended public discussion and testimony from the housing trust and from residents who urged flexibility to fix safety-related structural issues. Councilmember Mitchell moved the amendment to remove the exclusion; a second was recorded and the amendment passed by voice vote. The MOU as amended then passed by voice vote.

Council and trust officials said they expect to review program performance after the initial application cycle and return to council with recommended changes or requests for additional funding if necessary. Trust representatives noted the organization has applied for and received state and other grants and said additional funding could be earmarked specifically for complex structural work if needed.

The MOU and the council amendment do not change the city’s ability to require matching funds, to set per-unit caps, or to refuse funding for repairs that exceed available resources. City staff said they will present an operational plan and application process to council and the public in follow-up briefings.

Votes at a glance: Council adopted the MOU with the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust and approved an amendment removing language that excluded foundation/site-pad repairs from eligibility. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes; the council adopted both measures by voice vote.","City council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust to administer a housing-repair assistance program and amended the MOU to remove language that had barred foundation repairs, while council and trust leaders warned foundations can be costly and state funds may not cover them.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City says Waterfront Park engineers’ report due July–August; Duke Street project faces DOT sightline and utility conflicts

City council preliminarily rezones Cuthbert and Christensen parks to Natural Preserve

Beaufort holds CDBG needs-assessment hearing; state deadlines, funding categories and local priorities discussed

Beaufort council authorizes MOU with housing trust, removes explicit ban on foundation repairs