The Town of Bluffton is seeking input from community members once again to help plan Old Town Bluffton’s next 10 years, a town spokesperson said.
Around 20 years ago, a vision was created for Old Town Bluffton, and the town is now in need of assistance to help plan for the next decade.
“That vision (20 years ago) resulted in new parks, improved public access to the May River, historic preservation projects, streetscape improvements, affordable housing and development standards designed to protect Old Town’s distinctive character,” the spokesperson said.
A public meeting will be held Oct. 6 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Community Center to gather input for the 2027 Old Town Master Plan.
Some of the topics town leaders want to discuss
with residents, business owners and others would entail what residents like or dislike about present day Old Town, what needs improvement, what needs to be protected and what Old Town should look like, in their opinion, 10 years from now.
“Community input will help guide the new master plan, which will establish a 10-year vision and goals for the Old Town Bluffton Historic District,” the spokesperson said. “The plan is scheduled to be completed during the first half of 2027.”
History of the 2006 plan
In January of last year, with participation by more than 300 stakeholders, the original Old Town Master Plan was established during a seven-day charette. A Charette is an open discussion which allows all of those interested in the planning process to participate and offer feedback.
The Bluffton Town Council adopted the first plan in June of 2006, and it included 12 major initiatives and 34 related goals.
“The community established three guiding principles: preserve, protect and enhance the elements that make Old Town unique; foster physical, social and natural connections; and create memorable streets,” the spokesperson said.
Most of the plan’s goals had been achieved, the spokesperson said. Some of the results from the Town’s 2020 review of the plan were:
- Adoption of a form-based code in 2007 and the Unified Development Code in 2011.
- Development or redevelopment of seven parks.
- Streetscape improvements designed to make Old Town safer and more walkable.
- Approximately 100,000 square feet of new commercial space and about 110 residential permits.
- Construction of six affordable, energy-efficient homes through the Wharf Street Redevelopment Project.
- Installation of wayfinding signage.
- Rehabilitation of the historic Garvin-Garvey House and acquisition of the Squire Pope Carriage House for preservation.
- Increased public access to the May River, including the acquisition and development of Wright Family Park.
“The plan also helped generate significant economic activity,” the spokesperson said. “By 2020, more than $6 million in investment in the town, along with other public funding sources, had helped spur more than $70 million in private investment in Old Town.
“At that time, Old Town was attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually.”
Planning for the next decade
With much of the 2006 vision accomplished, the 2027 planning process will look at both Old Town’s successes and the challenges that have come with them, the spokesperson said.
“Old Town has become a highly desirable place for residents, businesses and visitors,” the spokesperson said. “At the same time, the Town recognizes concerns that continued growth and popularity could erode some of the natural, historic and eclectic qualities that make the district distinctive.”
The objective, the spokesperson said, of the 2027 Old Town Master Plan is to evaluate existing programs, plans, policies and ordinances; gather input from residents and other stakeholders; and use planning, urban design and zoning expertise to develop a new 10-year vision for the district.
“Ultimately, the plan is intended to provide guidance to Town leaders as they balance continued investment and economic vitality with the preservation of Old Town’s historic, natural and community character — and protect Bluffton State of Mind,” the spokesperson said.
The experience of the 2006 plan demonstrated the importance of community involvement, town officials said.
“The Town's subsequent review concluded that public engagement was vital to establishing a shared vision for Old Town and helping guide development as Bluffton experienced rapid growth,” the spokesperson said. “Town leaders and staff hope residents contribute their suggestions, ideas and perspectives to the 2027 Old Town Master Plan.”
Those who are unable to attend the meeting can participate by sending their comments, ideas and suggestions to Charlotte Moore, principal planning, at (email): cmoore@townofbluffton.com.
“Whether you have lived in Bluffton for generations or recently discovered Old Town, the Town wants to know what you value about it today and what you believe will help preserve and improve it for the next decade,” the spokesperson said.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Town seeks public input for 2027 Old Town Bluffton Master Plan
