Prominent developer seeks to annex Buckwalter land into Bluffton. What’s on the way
Months after buying a sliver of undeveloped land near Buckwalter Place, a prominent developer has petitioned the town of Bluffton to annex the property, a sign that the bustling corridor may soon be targeted for more commercial development.
John Reed, CEO of the Reed Group, the developer of six Bluffton communities, bought the 12.35 acres last year through a limited liability company. That LLC now owns nearly 70 acres directly south of the intersection of Bluffton Parkway at Buckwalter Parkway, property records show.
Reed’s land is where a multimillion-dollar realignment of that intersection was planned, but lack of funding, citizen opposition and push-back from Beaufort County have left it in limbo.
The purchase, and Reed’s annexation request, are the first public indication that Reed has his eyes set on creating a mixed-use development on the property as the future of the busy intersection remains unclear.
The request by Reed comes as Bluffton grapples with how to handle its own growth, with numerous developers seeking to annex into the town. It also illustrates where the future of the town’s Buckwalter area, which is anchored by a Kroger grocery store and a brand new culinary institute, may be headed.
Despite some initial hesitation about upzoning, Bluffton Town Council members on Tuesday said they would consider the annexation request at a future meeting. First, they said, staff must meet with Reed about what he really wants for the property.
If the town approves it, Reed’s 12 acres would move within town limits from unincorporated Beaufort County.
Reed, reached by phone Wednesday, said he wants to build a “gathering place” near the intersection with walkable areas, offices and shops.
“Every great town has a gathering place,” he said. “Old Town Bluffton has the Promenade, and it’s a place where people go and gather. That’s what people want. It’s just a mixed-use village.”
Reed said he did not seek to annex the property to build more homes or to get better zoning. His properties are split between Beaufort County and Bluffton.
He said the annexation would allow him to develop the land solely with Bluffton, instead of having to work with both entities.
Town Council member Dan Wood, reached by phone Wednesday, said he voted to consider the annexation so officials could review the request and make sure whatever is built on the property is conducive to the town.
Staff will also consider whether Reed’s request is an attempt to get a better deal from Bluffton than from Beaufort County — a practice called upzoning, he said.
“We’re trying to open the discussion,” he said. “We don’t want a large residential community there. I thought, ‘how can we navigate this with staff to eliminate some of the options he may have if he zones with us?’”
After town staff reviews the request, it’s likely the annexation would have to go through a lengthy approval process with the town’s negotiating committee, planning commission and, ultimately, town council, Wood said.
While the town considers his request, Reed said planning for his walkable village is underway.
Those plans should be finalized within the next few weeks, he said. If everything is approved, he said he wants to start building by next year.
“I’m working with some of the best planners,” he said. “We’re talking to different specialists that do this kind of mixed-use developments. It’ll be a place where everyone would like to go.”
