Dear Palmetto Bluff Neighborhood Association Members,

The third meeting of the Town of Bluffton’s Negotiating Committee (NC) took place this afternoon regarding the two proposed amendments to the Palmetto Bluff Development Agreement related to Anson.  This was the first meeting since the May 12^th meeting; two intervening meetings had been scheduled and then cancelled.

The Mayor opened the meeting stating that today’s goal was to arrive at a recommendation that could be sent to the Town Council for an up or down vote.  After a brief public comment period (where 3 PB residents spoke), the NC met in executive session by themselves for 30 minutes to get back up to speed on the various issues.  Then, the NC met with the developers (Will Culp, Jordan Philips), along with their engineering consultants and other advisors, for an hour in a private meeting. 

The NC then reconvened and unanimously approved a motion to be sent to the Town Council:

1. The proposed amendment to allow over water fueling was denied
2. The proposed amendment for a second dry stack at Anson was approved, subject to the following parameters
   1. In-water slips will not exceed 170 (versus the 400 previously approved)
   2. The dry stack is authorized for the balance of the slips, or 230 (400 less 170)
   3. To incentivize more dry stack slips versus in water slips, the developer can add 2 dry stack slips for every one in water slips they forego
   4. Dry stack slips cannot be switched for wet slips

We will post the formal version of this motion once it is published.

Next step:  The Town Council will take up this recommendation.  We will let you know when this meeting is scheduled as soon as we know.  Please know that two of the five Town Council members are part of the Negotiating Committee.  This recommendation will need a simple majority of the Town Council (e.g., 3 votes) to be approved.

As always, please reach out to us with any comments or questions.  The volunteers of the PBNA enjoy hearing from you.