During $21.4M project, free parking will continue at this downtown Beaufort lot
The city of Beaufort has decided to extend free parking in the downtown marina lot beyond the original expiration date of May 1.
Parking in the city’s marina lot at 1006 Bay St. has been free since November because of a $21.4 million stormwater drainage improvement project impacting downtown-area traffic. The parking lot is within walking distance of downtown businesses.
“It’s a simple step that helps maintain access to downtown and support our businesses, residents and visitors as this work moves forward,” City Manager Scott Marshall said in a news release.
The decision comes as downtown streets and intersections remain subject to frequent changes and closures associated with active drainage projects.
In October, the South Carolina Office of Resilience and the city began a $11.9 million project to replace 125-year-old stormwater pipes along Charles and Craven streets with bigger pipes that are expected to better handle heavy rains.
A second $9.5 million stormwater project is ongoing as well along King Street.
To counter the impacts of the construction of these two projects, council members voted 5-0 in November to give Marshall the power to waive downtown marina parking lot fees, issue temporary licenses for advertising and selling merchandise on public property to retailers and to create temporary social district downtown.
The pilot social district, which allows people to carry beer and wine on public sidewalks to encourage foot traffic, began last month and runs from noon to 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
