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2011 challenges for Lady’s Island By Jim Hicks, Lady’s Island Planning Commission Representative Each new year brings new challenges and 2011 will be no different. For Lady’s Island and the rest of our county, state and nation the toughest challenge will be adapting to the “new” reality of a struggling economy. Following are some of the other items that will merit community attention in 2011. Form-based code. In the coming year we will hear, with ever increasing frequency, terms such as new urbanism, walkable communities and form based code. Lady’s Island’s present zoning is specifically written for the island and has seen a decade of efforts to improve it. Form based code or zoning may offer a better way to do business for portions of the island. For example, a close look at the possible benefits of using a form based type of code in the Village Center (commercial area along Sea Island Parkway) will provide an opportunity to improve the blending of the city of Beaufort and Lady’s Island zoning in that area. Such a review will also present us an opportunity to revisit the zoning and regulations for the commercial portion of Lady’s Island to insure we are really promoting economic development. Portions of the residential area around the commercial area are in need of redevelopment and may support the use of some version of form based zoning. As to the rest of the island, which is primarily zoned rural and community preservation, the verdict is still out as to the benefits of this new type of zoning. For these areas this may be a case of “if
it is not broken, don’t fix it”. It is always good to pause and consider how to do things better and consideration of a new type of zoning will certainly allow us Jim Hicks an opportunity to do that. F-35B Aircraft. The decision has been made and the new F-35B aircraft is scheduled to come to the Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort in the form of two training squadrons and three operational squadrons. Over the next three years the air station will undergo facility renovations to be ready for the 2014 arrival of the new aircraft and establishment of two training squadrons. Until then all training for the new aircraft will be accomplished at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Then in the 2016-2018 period three operational squadrons will receive the new aircraft. Certainly this schedule could change but is based on the original schedule. As to the effect on Lady’s Island starting in 2014 with the activation of the training command there will be an increase in the number of flights per day and an increase in the amount of noise the aircraft generates. In view of the fact that the northern part of the island is located within the present flight pattern of the Air Station residential development of any type has been intentionally limited. To determine how much of the
northern part of the island should be in an air installation compatible use zone (AICUZ) will have to wait until there is additional data available regarding the new aircraft. Until that time LIBPA will continue to work with the Air Station to find solutions to the challenges posed by arrival the new aircraft. Transfer of Development Rights. In 2006, Beaufort County, the Town of Port Royal and the city of Beaufort agreed to designate a large quantity of land adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station as being within an Air Compatibility Installation Use Zone (AICUZ) and would take steps to limit development within this area. Since residential development within this area is not only discouraged but to some degree denied it was agreed that property owners within the AICUZ should be financially reimbursed for their development rights. One way to accomplish this is for the tax payer to simply buy each and every development right. This would require a great deal of money. Another approach that has been studied over the last few years is called a transfer of development rights. This concept allows a developer that has a piece of property in a area designated for development to increase the authorized density by purchasing development rights from a property owner in the AICUZ. Such a program will probably be initiated for property on Port Royal Island in 2011. If this test program is successful, it would appear logical to
consider some of the property owners on the northern end of Lady’s Island as being eligible to sell their development rights. Solution to an overcrowded high school and an underutilized middle school. School Superintendent Dr. Valarie Truesdale and her staff, with the support of the school board; have implemented a wide range of innovative solutions in their efforts to guide our schools toward real long term improvement. The improvement accomplished to date is evident from the consistently improving test scores. How to best cope with a decreasing budget and excess classroom capacity in the northern Beaufort County public schools is just the latest challenge. There is no question that Beaufort High School is overcrowded or that Lady’s Island Middle School has excess capacity. However, any solution to these specific problems must be part of an overall northern Beaufort County solution and not viewed in isolation. That we have great schools (public and private) on Lady’s Island is a fact in which we can take a great deal of pride. Together, let’s work to keep them that way. Each of the subjects addressed in this article is complicated and without easy answers but will require attention in the coming year. LIBPA, with your support, will strive to ensure our community is represented in the many discussions and meetings which will occur as they are addressed.
What’s happening at the Wardle Family YMCA? The New Year’s Eve Rockin’ Lock-in was a huge success for the Wardle Family YMCA. More than 50 children ages 6-13 enjoyed fun and games throughout the night and even rang in 2011 watching the televisions on the treadmills in the fitness room. This event was made possible through generous donations from our community sponsors. A delicious assortment of food was graciously donated by Papa John’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Inn, Coca-Cola, Carolina Wings, Palm & Moon Bagel Co., Lady’s Island McDonald’s and Golden Corral. “We expect next year to be an even bigger success!” says Kaylin Caron, Childcare Director at Wardle Family YMCA. “The children loved the games, swimming and food. I want to personally express my gratitude to all donors!”
Kids watch the televisions at the YMCA to ring in the new year.
it’s fun to stay at the ymca • Volunteers are always needed to help as swim instructors, coaches, committee participates, campaign helpers, and in the nursery. No matter what your special talents, interests, and schedule, you can help change someone’s life. Share our commitment for the well being of our youth and the community, become a YMCA volunteer! • If you would like a tour of the facility or for more information, stop by seven days a week at 1801 Richmond Avenue, Port Royal or call 843-5229622 to speak with one of our friendly staff.
The Wardle Family YMCA recently gave their outdoor pool to the dogs! The sound of barking was not uncommon this morning from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. as more than 20 dogs of all breeds ran and romped outside. Beside from the occasional dog escaping into the Y lobby area, the event was yet again another success. The event costs only $5 per canine and all proceeds benefit the “Learn to Swim” program at the Y. This has been an ongoing event occurring the first Saturday of each month since October. “As soon as we close the outdoor pool for the summer, we open it up for the dogs!” says Mike Bostwick, CEO of Wardle Family YMCA. It’s truly a win-win situation. Our ‘Learn to Swim’ program receives support and area dogs have a fun, safe place to play!” Canines of all breeds and sizes are welcome to attend the Puppy Plunge on the first Saturday of each month. As long as the weather cooperates, we plan on continuing until the pool opens again this spring! Dogs must be well behaved, current on all required vaccines and leashed until inside the pool area. Owners must be present at all times. For more, call 843-522-9622.
the island news | january 13-20, 2011 | www.yourislandnews.com
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