Planning commission approves public project review for USPS site at 213 William Hilton Parkway

The Town of Hilton Head Island Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a public project review (PPR) for improvements at the U.S. Postal Service site at 213 William Hilton Parkway.

Michael Connelly, the town's senior planner, told the commission the project focuses on access and circulation upgrades: removal and replacement of existing driveways, construction of a new 22-foot-wide access driveway and reconfigured drive aisles, new curbs and gutters, updated pavement, signage and lighting, and stormwater infrastructure improvements. Connelly said the proposal also includes a 12-foot-wide pervious shared-use path that will connect to the Northpointe project and improve pedestrian access to nearby schools.

Connelly said the USPS has provided conditional approval to convey 1.82 acres to the town for right-of-way purposes associated with the improvements, and that the project will maintain the current number of parking spaces and meet ADA requirements. "The improvements are coordinated with the Northpointe project to ensure that there's a cohesive infrastructure planning in the area," Connelly said.

A commissioner asked whether the work would affect Gumtree Road access; Connelly and the presenters said the scope shown in the plan does not directly impact Gumtree Road but will connect to Marshland Road and U.S. 278, and separate projects for Gumtree/Marsh Point would be brought forward as needed. Ben Brown, who said he has worked with the USPS on the application for about 3½ years, said the project helps provide safer access to the nearby school campus and is tied to larger, subsequent improvements on Gumtree Road.

Following brief discussion about pedestrian protections and signage, the commission moved to approve the PPR; the motion carried unanimously.