We are requesting time and a postponement of the vote before filling in Ulmer’s non-tidal wetlands.  We want safe, responsible development for all Bluffton residents.  We seek validation that if this development is approved, that it will not incur the same flooding and unintended consequences that other wetland developments in the Lowcountry have already incurred.  With rapid growth, we have an incredible opportunity to engage in a proactive vision that includes sustainable, nature based design.  At issue is the pending development at 34 Ulmer road, requiring the filling of one of Bluffton’s last remaining freshwater wetlands to build 38 houses.  Since an environmental impact study has already been completed, sharing it with the public while providing an explanation of its' defense shouldn’t result in significant delays to the proposed project. We'd like to see it.

This has the potential to affect ALL Bluffton residents.  We simply are requesting a proper amount of time for fact sharing and assurances that more than minimum compliance is factored into development plans.  Considering this proposed development would be within 1000 feet of the May River, it seems a responsible action to take.    Ultimately, Bluffton residents may feel the impact of this development decision via traffic, infrastructure, crime, possible flooding, higher insurance premiums, tax increases, stormwater runoff, pollution to May river (consequently our shellfish industry), etc while remaining largely unaware and uninformed of this proposed county project.  

We have less than 3 days to speak up:

We request data be made public ensuring a thorough compliance to environmental and watershed standards, and assurances of the community’s safety.
- We request sufficient public notice - with the rescheduling we were given less than a week's notice, and had to call the county specifically for the meeting’s new information.
- We request transparency and responsible management of our Ulmer wetlands 
- We request data proving the May River will be protected from further pollution

The lack of transparency and apparent urgency in approving this development is concerning: let's do this in a collaborative and smart way.. 

We look forward to your cooperation

Rescheduled meeting: Thursday Jan 30, 5pm, 100 Ribaut rd, Beaufort Reference: Special Use Permit Request #R600 039 00B 0038 0000