Port Royal staff reports progress on splash pad, Paris Avenue streetscape, marina permit and Green Penny conservation applications

At the council workshop, staff provided a series of project updates. The splash pad had a ribbon-cutting the same day and staff reported final fine-tuning of the concrete pad and operations; the unit is open for public use. Paris Avenue Streetscape work on the east side has finished major stormwater trunk tie-ins and crews were preparing gravel and compaction, with a target to complete the current construction phase by Sept. 3.

Staff also reported receipt of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for the marinas and that an RFP for associated work will be issued. Casablanca sewer-extension work is progressing; grant materials have been submitted and the project requires environmental clearances and tribal consultations (the transcript named the "Oshawa nation").

Council discussed a conceptual redesign of the Spanish Moss Trail and a possible promenade on town-owned property (Tiller’s concept plan). Topics included trail alignment, one-way traffic to increase diagonal parking, dumpster and compactor placement, and whether a 10-foot or 12-foot multiuse trail is appropriate given multimodal use and ADA considerations; staff asked Tiller to return with a revised plan in about 4–6 weeks.

Chair noted the town has two applications before Beaufort County’s Green Penny Advisory Committee seeking to conserve privately owned parcels; the committee makes recommendations to county council, which votes on funding. Council members expressed hope for positive recommendations and described potential connectivity benefits to the boat landing.

No final votes on these projects were taken at the workshop; staff will proceed with RFPs, environmental clearances and return with further design materials and ordinances as needed.