Port Royal advances Safe Harbor PUD, development-agreement amendment and omnibus property-transfer ordinance in first readings

The Town of Port Royal on June 4 advanced a package of ordinances that formalize terms of a settlement with Safe Harbor Port Royal LLC and clear the way for redevelopment of the port property.

At a specially called meeting, the council held first readings of three documents: an amended and restated Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the Safe Harbor property, a third amendment to the town's development agreement, and an omnibus property-transfer ordinance that validates and records a series of lot swaps and conveyances. Mayor (speaker 1) said the step was necessary to meet settlement deadlines and to move the project forward.

Town attorney Lawrence (speaker 11), who outlined the documents for the public, said the revised PUD limits “multi‑story multifamily facilities” and establishes a 15% cap on rental units (including build‑to‑rent) for the development. The PUD also would create a new sixth district under the town's short‑term rental ordinance, making the port property subject to an existing 6% cap on short‑term rentals.

Lawrence said the development‑agreement amendment cleans up earlier provisions tied to dock facilities, fuel facilities and a prior seafood‑processing commitment. Under the terms discussed, the town would acquire Lot G (a long‑sought access point for future town dock facilities) and a Beer Garden parcel; in exchange the developer would receive in‑town lots and the parties would resolve a prior $150,000 seafood‑facility obligation. Lawrence described the omnibus ordinance as a single package that "validates" a set of property transactions and deed documents.

The attorney also said the town will obtain documented rights to maintain the Henry Robinson Boardwalk where it crosses marsh property. Those rights include maintenance obligations and a reverter if the town does not use the boardwalk for a continuous 48‑month period (subject to force majeure). He added the agreement requires the town to construct a connector boardwalk segment by 2032 and another connector by 2036.

Safe Harbor representatives attended the meeting. A Safe Harbor speaker (speaker 12) thanked town staff and the attorney for their work and said the developer looks forward to continuing collaboration.

Mayor (speaker 1) moved the three ordinances for first reading; council members moved, seconded and recorded the motions as passing. The council placed the second and final readings on the June 11 agenda. If adopted at second reading, the documents would be recorded as required and would implement the property transfers and regulatory changes Lawrence described.

The meeting record shows the council emphasized limitations on rental density, protections for open space and the incorporation of the Spanish Moss Trail and a pedestrian promenade into the regulating plan. Town staff said those elements are intended to preserve neighborhood character while allowing flexibility for long‑term redevelopment.

Next steps: the council will hold second readings on June 11; staff and the attorney indicated that recording the PUD, development agreement amendments and accompanying deeds would follow if the council finalizes the ordinances.