Bluffton officials work to identify town's true character

The town of Bluffton is one step closer to officially defining the elusive design concept generally known as "Bluffton character."

Town officials long have had their own ideas about what defines the town's character, but have had difficulty articulating those ideas to developers who are charged with incorporating the town's uniqueness into new construction.

That's one of the reasons the town hired Irene Tyson, a consultant with The Boudreaux Group, who has worked before with Bluffton.

Tyson will compile feedback from town officials and members of the public into a report to be used as a "pattern book." Staff and developers could then use that information to determine elements of future project designs.

On Tuesday, Town Council members, planning staff, members of the planning and historic preservation commissions and a few residents talked about their vision of what makes up Bluffton's character.

The most often repeated comments included the idea that Bluffton is a town of diversity -- of landscape, environment, architecture and economic class.

For example, mobile homes can be found next to multi million-dollar houses in some parts of town.

Also, some areas are densely forested, while others -- such as parts of Bluffton Parkway and U.S. 278 -- are heavily traveled and commercialized.

Some of those who attended the session said aspects of that diversity should be replicated in new development, as should the "informal and casual" architecture that town officials say is typical of Bluffton character.

The challenge, town manager Bill Workman said, is "not to replicate old town all over the place."

Another challenge is creating diversity in "price-point" gated communities, where homes are designed to be relatively similar to one another.

Participants said they do not want to see more box stores, strip malls or "cookie-cutter" houses. They also said they want to put an end to sprawl in Bluffton's 54 square miles.

The town is paying Tyson about $18,200 for her services.

Additional sessions will be held in November to gather feedback on what defines Bluffton character. They will be open to the public. Specific dates have not yet been set.

RESIDENTS CAN SUBMIT PHOTOS

• Town residents are asked to submit photographs showing Bluffton's character to the Planning and Growth Management department.

• E-mail submissions to blufftoncharacter@townofbluffton.com or drop off CDs or photos at Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge St.

• The deadline to submit photos is Oct. 20.