What will happen to this giant Port Royal building? We should know soon

A large boat storage building near the Port Royal waterfront could become an economic driver if the current potential buyers close the deal for the property, some business owners and residents argued Wednesday.

Port Royal Town Council was weighing whether to allow the dry stack building at the end of London Avenue and to change a development agreement that said it must come down after the property sells. A vote had not been taken as of press time.

Council members decided between the potential economic benefit to the small town and the longstanding objections of Port Royal residents who find the building abhorrent.

“There’s nothing coming here,” Councilman Jerry Ashmore explained in response to a resident’s question about the decision process. “I want to look at how we can jumpstart this town and see some of these projects as catalysts.”

The changes would open the way for the buyers, Gray Ghost Properties LLC, to close the deal with the state for the 317-acre Port of Port Royal. Closing had been moved back to allow for the public votes.

About 100 people filed council chambers to hear the debate Wednesday.

Council also was voting on provisions for the open park space on the property, the agreement’s timetable and how to spend $1.8 million in insurance proceeds from a 2015 fire, much of the money earmarked for public projects like roads and drainage.

Council also discussed a possible match with the developers of $200,000 to help restore Dockside, which owner Tom Oliva plans to buy and reopen after he moved out following the nearby fire at the town seafood market.

Chris Butler, who owns Butler Marine on Lady’s Island and Charleston, wants to operate the dry stack and is involved in the effort develop the remaining property.

“The dry stack is one of the first building blocks we can have to generate interest, get people down there,” Butler said.

Opinions were split among those who spoke at a public hearing Wednesday.

Some area business owners, real estate agents and residents asked for the building to stay to provide an immediate jolt to the town’s economy. Others urged council members to hold fast to the original development agreement, which calls for the buyers to remove the building when the property is sold.

“Hopefully you’ll remember who voted you in and what the citizens want,” Port Royal Realtor Buddy Brown said before the vote. “I think everyone has a good understanding of what the citizens want.”

Port Royal councilman resigns

Port Royal Town Councilman Tom Klein resigned in a letter to the town Wednesday, town manager Van Willis said.

A phone message for Klein wasn’t returned Wednesday evening. Mayor Sam Murray said Klein said in the letter he was dealing with personal issues and wanted to resign now so that a special election isn’t required.

Klein was elected to Town Council in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. The election to fill the remaining two years of his term will be held Nov. 7. Two other council seats are also open in the November election.

This story was originally published August 9, 2017 at 9:21 PM with the headline "What will happen to this giant Port Royal building? We should know soon."