Waterfront community with hundreds of homes planned in Beaufort. Here’s what we know
A planned housing subdivision could bring hundreds of new homes to an area of Beaufort with potential to grow.
Salem Farms would be built on 95 acres east of Salem Road on Battery Creek, according to city documents. The proposed subdivision could include 325-350 homes, project representatives said in a recent public meeting, noting the number is a working estimate and lots haven’t been determined.
The neighborhood would be built near a growing commercial area with potential for more changes.
The property is between other waterfront subdivisions, including Live Oak at Battery Creek, the private Battery Point neighborhood and more established homes in Salem Plantation.
A Publix grocery store and other new businesses are planned as part of the redevelopment of the nearby Beaufort Plaza shopping center. A vacant car dealership and nearby shopping center on Salem Road are also prospects for new development.
The Metropolitan Planning Commission approved an early site plan for Salem Farms in July.
A technical committee will have to review engineering plans and proposed buildings before the city’s design review panel, among other steps, before the project can break ground, said community and economic development director David Prichard.
National home-building giant PulteGroup is behind the project. The company’s brands include Centex, which is building new homes in Shadow Moss in Port Royal, and Del Webb, the retirement community builder behind Sun City Hilton Head.
Home designs have not yet been submitted for review. The single-family homes will be Lowcountry style with front porches facing the main streets, a project manager’s report said.
A master plan shows a waterfront park on Battery Creek with a trail, five stormwater ponds and a network of sidewalks.
A local representative for PulteGroup declined to comment on the project Monday, citing company policy. A message left for a company spokesperson Tuesday wasn’t immediately returned.
