News Summary

The Beaufort City Council has appointed members to the new Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) to enhance waterfront policies and infrastructure. The committee, consisting of citizen representatives and city officials, will focus on current and future waterfront usage, negotiate marina operations, and address ongoing infrastructure challenges. Its formation marks a significant step towards improving the city’s waterfront assets.

Beaufort City Council Appoints Members to New Waterfront Advisory Committee

The Beaufort City Council has appointed members to the newly formed Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC), aimed at enhancing waterfront policy and infrastructure.

Committee Members

• Citizen Representatives: Joseph Oliver, David Russell, Josh Schott
• Alternate Citizen Representatives: Howell Beach, Perry Dukes
• City Council Representative: Councilman Josh Scallate
• Planning Commission Representative: Bill Suter
• Historic District Review Board Representative: Mike Sutton
• Beaufort County Council Representative: Councilman David Bartholomew
• Ex Officio Members: City Manager Scott Marshall, City Attorney Ben Coppage

Committee Purpose

The WAC is tasked with influencing both short- and long-term policy decisions concerning the city’s waterfront assets, focusing on:

• Assessing the current and future uses of the Downtown Marina and seawall
• Advising on potential negotiations with third parties regarding marina operations
• Presenting findings to the City Council and City Manager

Ongoing Infrastructure Projects

The committee will address several infrastructure challenges:

• Seawall Investigation: McSweeney Engineers have been contracted to evaluate the seawall at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where 570 concrete pilings show signs of wear.
• Financial Investment: The city allocated approximately $1 million between 2018 and 2022 to stabilize these pilings.
• Park Renovation: The park, which opened in 1979, was updated in 2005 with an investment exceeding $8 million.

Marina Management Issues

A lease for managing the city-owned marina was improperly approved in 2019 and will require renegotiation. The City Council is also exploring if the marina should be managed by a private entity.

• The current lease with Safe Harbor Marinas could extend for up to 40 years.
• The city is actively seeking three additional residents to join the WAC.

The appointment of the Waterfront Advisory Committee is a critical step towards enhancing the vitality and sustainability of Beaufort’s waterfront recreational assets.

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Additional Resources

• Your Island News: City Council Appoints Members for Waterfront Advisory Committee
• Your Island News: City Seeking Resident Applications for Waterfront Advisory Committee
• Island Packet: Beaufort News Article
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Waterfront Development
• Google Search: Beaufort City Council Waterfront Advisory Committee