JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017
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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Group steels itself for Whitehall development By Lisa Allen
About 90 people poured into a Beaufort fellowship hall on June 22 to hear about development plans for the Whitehall property, a 19-acre highly visible parcel at the foot of the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge. The session, arranged by the Sea Island Corridor Coalition, included a primer on the city development approval process from City Planner Libby Anderson, an appeal from the Coastal Conservation League that the developer save trees and open space, and a plea from coalition president Chuck Newton for the public to remain organized, educated and active.
MidCity Real Estate Partners, based in Atlanta, is in the process of buying the parcel from a bank that acquired it via foreclosure. The sale is expected to be final by the end of the year and once approved, MidCity will proceed with development. A representative from MidCity planned to attend the meeting but a conflict arose at the last minute, Newton said. City planner Anderson said several Whitehall development plans — and owners — have come and gone since the property was annexed into the city of Beaufort in 2005. A letter distributed at the end of the meeting from Kirk Demetrops,
Residents turned out to a meeting to discuss the future of the Whitehall property. Photo provided.
CEO of MidCity, said the group did a rough concept plan for the parcel in 2016, but is now talking with the city about donating a par-
cel for public access. They also want to promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to downtown. MidCity said it anticipates hav-
Special needs program helps special people Left: Kathleen Gray-Gardner, center, watches as James N. Cerico Jr., left, and Meghan Eddy sort through bottles, cans and other recyclable material at the Beaufort County Department of Special Needs. Photos by Bob Sofaly.
Employees at Beaufort County Disabilities & Special Needs (DSN) are proud of the work they do and want to bring more public awareness to the facility and services they provide. DSN assists individuals with intellectual and related disabilities such as autism, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Services are provided for consumers throughout their lives, depending upon the need. For many years, the program was housed in a small former church building in Port Royal. In 2012, DSN moved to its current, much larger, location at 100 Clear Water Way in Beaufort.
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The additional space allows for program growth, including increased classroom size, a large lunchroom, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, a vegetable garden and a special place called “the ABLE Garden” where consumers and staff can enjoy its serenity. The rest of the facility contains a conference area and administrative offices. Early interventionists (EI) assist children with developmental delays from birth through age 5, providing assessment and linking them with needed services. If warranted, the school district will provide services from the ages of 6 to 21. This program currently works with 85 families throughout Beaufort County. Post-high school, DSN offers a wealth
Several properties were demolished on Boundary Street as part of the plan to create a view of the marsh. PAGE A4
of programs and services such as supervised independent living and seven residential training homes; a Day Treatment Program to assist adults in developing and maintaining daily life and employment skills; respite care and support for families and caregivers; and a summer camp experience called Camp Treasure Chest. Fred Furman, a case manager with 18 years of experience at DSN, finds satisfaction in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities to achieve their greater potential by helping them identify their abilities and their needs and to work toward realistic and meaningful goals. See SPECIAL page A5
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Some samples of mosquitoes trapped in Beaufort County have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). "Identifying mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in our state is not uncommon," said Chris Evans, DHEC's staff entomologist. "A positive identification should serve as a reminder of the importance of preventing mosquito bites. It's the most important step you can take to prevent the spread of illness from mosquitoes to humans. "The mosquito carrying this virus is usually active at night, but can also be active at dusk and dawn and in shady areas during the day," Evans said. "As the state's public health agency, we partner with jurisdictions across the state to help trap and identify mosquitoes carrying diseases that can be spread to humans. “The virus actually starts with a bird. It spreads when a mosquito bites a bird that has the virus in their blood. The mosquito then can spread the virus to other birds, animals or people, when it bites during feeding."
Right: Bruce Marroquín stands over Bruce Shaw and makes sure he feeds documents into the shredder properly at the Beaufort County Department of Special Needs.
Staff reports
ing a complete, detailed plan for the property available by early August. “We believe there is significant demand for high quality residential and boutique commercial and office (space) along Sea Island Parkway,” Demetrops wrote. “Other uses are being considered.” Demetrops concluded with “If there are any important factors discussed (at the meeting), please summarize and provide to us.” Several residents expressed concern about additional traffic pressure on Meridian Road, already a heavily used alternative to the Woods Bridge.
Register at www.tidalcreek.net LOCATION: BEAUFORT ACADEMY
240 Sam’s Pt. Rd. on Lady’s Island