Here are three options for a new Daufuskie Island ferry dock. Will it solve parking woes?
With no bridge to Daufuskie Island, the only way to visit the remote isle known for its Gullah and Civil War history is by boat or ferry.
Since 2016, Buckingham Landing residents have complained about the parking and traffic problems caused by Daufuskie Island ferry operations near their Bluffton neighborhood. The ferry location is temporary; Beaufort County is working to find a better, and permanent, solution.
Last week, Beaufort County staff revealed its top three picks: C.C. Haig Jr. Landing, Squire Pope Park and a revised version of the current Buckingham Landing location, Deputy County Administrator Chris Inglese said. The choices came from a list of 10 potential options for a permanent ferry dock with more parking spots, Inglese said, adding that he hopes the county can complete initial architecture and design work by early next year.
After that work is done and the county picks a location for the ferry, the project is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
“We want to ensure that native citizens have transportation off and on the island,” Inglese said. “It’s also an economic development asset to the county that ensures visitors and citizens have options to go on day trips, historic visits, tours or just to buy some art.”
After Hurricane Matthew damaged its location at Palmetto Bay Marina in 2016, the ferry to Daufuskie Island has operated from Buckingham Landing on Mackay Creek. Last year, Beaufort County purchased the waterfront property, which includes the old Sea Trawler restaurant, for $2.2 million. However, neighbors say the increased traffic from ferry customers has made the area dangerous.
Richard Inglis with Daufuskie Island Ferry Services, which contracts with the county to operate the ferry, said Buckingham Landing has been a “fantastic solution” after the storm. But it’s temporary. The ferry needs a permanent home, Inglese, the deputy county administrator, said.
“There are a number of options,” Inglese said, “and each one of them has potential, but none of them are suited for this purpose without major alterations.”
C.C. Haigh Jr. Landing
County staff consider this location to be the “best” option, but it would require approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The county would have to build a parking lot, pavilion and bathrooms. Building a one-way access road to U.S. 278 is also recommended.
According to county documents, the “minimal work required” for this location would allow the ferry to begin operation by July 2020. It has a “large area available for parking.”
Expected cost: $250,000
Squire Pope Community Park
Although county staff view this location as the second-best option, there are still concerns about traffic issues on U.S. 278 near Windmill Harbour.
The area already has a dock, bathrooms and a pavilion, but the county would potentially have to purchase about an acre from the Town of Hilton Head Island for parking.
Expected cost: $150,000
Buckingham Landing
The current location of the Daufuskie Island ferry and the cheapest of the three options, Buckingham Landing has limited parking spots that neighbors say leads to traffic problems and illegal parking.
The ferry leaves from the area at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
There are 85 parking spots on site. The county also offers full-time Daufuskie Island residents shuttle services to 60 remote parking spaces at the county’s government center in Bluffton.
Overnight parking is offered on site for $10 per night or $100 a month.
For this location to work, staff recommended the county secure contracts for remote parking and shuttle services and improve the onsite parking.
Expected cost: $50,000 plus remote parking and shuttle contracts
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 4:00 AM.
