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Port Royal council briefing covers speed humps, Spanish Moss Trail easement, Sands Beach reconstruction and other town projects
Summary
Town staff updated the council on multiple infrastructure projects including planned speed hump installation, an easement issue threatening a major Spanish Moss Trail grant, and a contractor‑incentivized Sands Beach causeway reconstruction that will require temporary beach closures in May–June.
Town staff used the council workshop to brief members on several imminent infrastructure projects and timelines.
On traffic calming, staff said Blythe Construction is narrowing an installation schedule for speed humps on town‑owned roads, with initial construction targeted for February–March and discretionary budget authority available to add additional locations if needed.
Staff warned that easements needed for the Spanish Moss Trail remain under negotiation. "The state wanted to to pull that money, which is about 1000000000 plus dollar grant," staff reported, and said resolving outstanding easement issues is necessary to avoid losing the award. Staff said the DOT permit for a trail crossing has time‑sensitive deadlines and that the town is working to resolve the easement matters before permit expiry.
On sanitation and sewer work, staff described a major Reuben Road sewer plan estimated at roughly $6–7 million and said the town may need to phase the work or seek commercial development and capital leverage to accelerate the schedule.
The council received a detailed schedule for the Sand Beach causeway project: staff reported roughly 90% design completion, a Corps of Engineers permit submission, materials ordered, and mid‑February mobilization and pile testing. Staff said the contract includes incentives for early completion, with a targeted substantial completion around April 25 and final completion about June 13; because of the heavy work, Sands Beach will be closed for part of May and June.
Council members urged residents to call police to report incidents at work sites and not to contact councilmembers directly for enforcement. Staff also said the Naval Hospital sidewalk project is out for bid with results expected next Tuesday, and that the town’s new GIS proposal will provide a publicly accessible, color‑coded project tracker showing pre‑application through construction status for local projects and short‑term rental oversight.
Council previewed agenda items for the Feb. 14 meeting, including first readings on an annexation at 799 Parris Island Gateway and a rezoning at 1613 Madrid Avenue; staff said the planning commission recommended both. Staff also briefed council on an anticipated Airbnb settlement distribution to the town (an estimated $146,873 after fees) and a recommended porta‑let contract award for $16,715 to United Site Services for park and event needs.
The workshop concluded with reminders about community events, volunteer fundraising ideas for Sands Beach art and benches, and staff follow‑up on the GIS rollout.
