Oct. 4, 2022 • Volume 25, Issue 19 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
INSIDE • Bluffton Library to host global online writing challenge 14A • Rock artist encouraged to continue painting at river’s edge 18A • Resident alternates job with dog show judging 22A • Wedding dress display brings awareness of domestic abuse 28A • On the Porch with Randolph Stewart 32A
More homes are planned to meet town’s housing goals By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
On a quiet street in Old Town, between the Bluffton Oyster Factory and the First Zion Baptist Church, a half-dozen small, eco-minded homes make up the Wharf Street Redevelopment Project. The addition to the surrounding neighborhood earned the town the Palmetto Award for the most outstanding Affordable Housing Project in the state in 2012. A mile away on a 1.78-acre site at 1095 May River Road is another townowned property where 12 more affordable homes will be built under a new public-private partnership with developer Workforce State of Mind LLC.
The land was purchased in 2018 for $263,000 for the sole purpose of using it for affordable housing. Proposals seeking a development partner went out in 2020 and the agreement was signed this past August. “We’re trying to get people into home ownership,” said Town Manager Stephen Steese. “One of the reasons that we wanted to get a public-private partnership with this, is we wanted to make sure that what gets built looks no different than anything else throughout our entire community. … This has been an issue that we’ve been trying to work towards for a decade.” Under the town council’s direction,
Please see HOUSING on page 10A
COURTESY TOWN OF BLUFFTON
The Wharf Street Redevelopment Project was the first affordable housing project to be undertaken by the Town of Bluffton.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s set for Oct 29 at Promenade The Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter will host its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s Oct. 29 at the Promenade in Old Town Bluffton. Check-in opens at 10 a.m. with an Opening Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. The walk is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s
care, support and research. On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony – a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’ s connection Admission and behindto theAlzheiscenes tour of South Carolina Aquarium for two
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mer’s – their personal reasons to end the disease. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In South Carolina alone, there are more than 95,000 people living with the disease and 199,000 caregivers. To sign up as a walker or Team Captain or to learn more about becoming a sponsor or volunteer of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Bluffton, visit act.alz.org/blufftonwalk or call 800-272-3900.