Don’t sacrifice town’s historical beauty for development along Port Republic Street

Keep Beaufort beautiful

My husband and I first visited Beaufort in spring 1977. In our early 30’s, from upstate New York, we were delighted with the history that existed in Beaufort, both in the buildings that had been preserved and the special, calm southern ambiance.

At the Visitors’ Counter, the gentleman, maybe a retiree, expressed some surprise at our very enthusiastic interest in Beaufort. He directed us to the newly restored Verdier House.

I will never forget the final words he spoke to us, “I guess we don’t really realize what we have here.“

Sadly, his words ring too true today in the plans for development of a parking garage and four-story hotel along Port Republic Street. This kind of land use destroys the feel of the historic area by commercializing it.

As only one square mile, why can’t Beaufort cherish it as an irreplaceable heritage?

Other communities like Ocean Grove and Cape May in New Jersey, Deerfield, Mass., or Madison, Ga., have managed to do so.

Beaufort is no less significant to our American heritage. Please save its special historical ambiance, architecture and beauty. Please do not sell out your birthright for money.

Mary Britton, Bluffton

Not what our vote said

Just two years ago, voters in Beaufort County voiced their support for our local public schools by approving a referendum to fund important safety and security upgrades for all our schools, including needed classroom space in growth areas, renovation of aging facilities and improved technology.

It was a strong “yes” vote; voters were clear in their resolve to provide a quality education for the children of our community.

As reported in the Island Packet (2-07-22), our legislators in Columbia are considering a number of bills that would divert much needed state funds from our public schools to private academies and institutions.

This is being presented as an opportunity for parental choice; however, moving $75 million from the state’s reserve account to fund a school voucher plan to allow parents to pursue private education seems like an abandonment of our public schools which serve all children.

If you agree that diverting state monies to private education accounts is not good for our schools and our children, please let your legislators know at scstatehouse.gov.

Kathy Quirk, Hilton Head

Stop rising tide

The Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) now says that the sea is rising three times as fast as the one foot rate of the last 100 years. We are told that the next 30 years will bring an average of another foot world wide. The Lowcountry may experience 14 or 15 inches of sea level rise (SLR) by 2050.

We are not helpless in the face of this challenge. We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the rate of temperature increase and SLR.

Every degree of heat and inch of water counts. Public policy can implement a market based approach to deploy renewable energy and stimulate innovation. Let’s face this. With action at the federal level and commitment from everyday citizens, the next 30 years will bring the energy transformation we need.

First be informed. Take a look at the NOAA report.Then, as we do at Citizens’ Climate Lobby, write the president, call or write your senators and congressional representatives. Urge leaders at every level to take action. Don’t wait to see what happens.

Tim Joy, Citizens Climate Lobby, Beaufort

Such hospitality!

We have been lucky to come to Hilton Head for the past number of years. One of my delights while here is shopping at Belk’s. The store is laid out so well, always very clean and organized with pleasant employees.

This year, I was in a wheelchair, and when I called the store, they said they had a wheelchair I could use and met me at the door. What kind folks.

I wanted folks to know how these folks went above and beyond traditional “customer service.” I am most appreciative.

Sandy Pegram, Hilton Head visitor