Want an insider’s view of the Port of Port Royal? Here’s how

If you’re curious about the latest Port of Port Royal redevelopment plans, a chance to tour the property arrives later this week.

The potential developers, Grey Ghost Properties LLC, are hosting open houses on Thursday. Whit Suber, a representative of the buyers, will give tours at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. starting at the port gate at the end of Paris Avenue.

Tours will allow people to see the current condition of the property and ask questions about requested changes to development and zoning rules.

Another public tour will be offered in the next week or so, Suber said. Anyone who wants a private tour can call him at 803-518-3888.

Grey Ghost Properties, which has been represented locally by Suber and Beaufort businessman Chris Butler, has the 317-acre property under contract after a public bidding process earlier this year. Closing was planned for early August but could be moved back as the buyers seek town approval to change existing development agreements.

At a town hall meeting last week, residents heard about the proposed changes and gave their thoughts to Town Council members. Most of the comments were directed at the large drystack boat storage building at the end of London Avenue.

The building has been derided by residents as an eyesore that blocks views of the marsh and water. The current development agreement calls for it to be removed, but the developers and some residents say there is a need for boat storage and keeping the building would drive traffic to the waterfront when the property is sold.

This story was originally published July 25, 2017 at 12:05 PM with the headline "Want an insider’s view of the Port of Port Royal? Here’s how."