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Council approves first reading to annex land for proposed Carolina Bight Birding Center
Summary
Port Royal council approved first readings to annex and zone roughly 8.42 acres at 58 Mudbar Road after presentations from property owners and Jen Clementoni of the Carolina Bight Birding Center; the applicant plans to donate the land to the birding organization and withdrew a separate rezoning request elsewhere.
Port Royal—s council on Feb. 11 approved first readings to annex approximately 8.42 acres at 58 Mudbar Road and to zone that property as T-3 Neighborhood, following public remarks from the property owner and a presentation by Jen Clementoni, executive director of the Carolina Bight Birding Center.
Property owner Stewart told council he and partners purchased the parcel years ago and plan to donate it to the Carolina Bight Birding Center (a regional nonprofit) so it can become a public-facing conservation and education site. "We are planning to donate that to the Carolina Bight Birding Sanctuary," Stewart said during public comment, asking council to approve annexation to make the donation feasible.
Jen Clementoni described the birding center—s mission as "to enhance and preserve the diversity and quantity of bird populations in the Carolina Bight and the Atlantic Flyway," and outlined planned elements including public tours, an intake and triage center for injured birds, an osprey pole funded by a grant and an educational webcam. She said the region hosts large migration numbers and that board and volunteers are already working with existing rehabilitation centers on intake and transport.
Council moved and approved the first reading of ordinance 2026-4 to annex the parcel and separately approved first reading of ordinance 2026-5 to zone the annexed parcel as T-3 Neighborhood by voice vote. Council discussion emphasized the project—s compatibility with existing conservation assets such as Cypress Wetlands and the Port Royal Sound Foundation.
At the meeting the applicant also withdrew a separate rezoning application (ordinance 2026-6) for 1628 West Paris Avenue after staff and the applicant agreed the proposed change was not necessary for the property owner—s intended improvements. Mayor Phillips noted that withdrawing the application avoids a denial that could bar reapplication within a year.
Next steps: first readings were approved; future meetings will include any required second readings and final actions. Clementoni and the property owner said they will continue coordination with town staff and regional partners to develop designs and public programs.
