Seabrook Island, SC is planning for its future having established A Sense of Place Committee under the direction of the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association. Chaired by the Vice Chair of the SIPOA board and comprised of individuals with knowledge of the island’s infrastructure. The committee is looking five to ten years to the future. Since the committee has been recently formed no recommendations have come forth as they are still developing topics to be considered. Suggested topics so far include: roads and traffic, bike paths, walking trails, boardwalks, equestrian trails, parking and shuttles, landscaping and lighting on POA right-of-ways, signage, rules of the road and enforcement, formalization of a road map of these key elements to move forward and formalization of a sustainable and viable financial plan for these elements. Intangible issues include quality of life, protection and increase of property values, maximization of Seabrook’s extraordinary setting and examination of risks and obstacles. The board is not looking to start new projects and spend new money on this initiative, but to consider how best to allocate the funds currently available.
Seabrook and Kiawah Island real estate is offered by Akers and Ellis Real Estate and Rentals.
Due to the scope of the issues it was suggested to get the help of an objective third party that has had experience with this type of undertaking. The American Institute of Architects’ public service group, Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team was invited to a meeting to ascertain if there was a match between Seabrook’s needs and Team’s ability to address these issues. In summarizing what the Team can offer, they informed the Committee that they have available thirty to forty different disciplines, including architects, land-use engineers and other experts to call upon for their expertise. Objectivity is guaranteed as their experts serve pro bono and cannot accept a job with a client they serve for two years after a project. The Team strongly believes in and promotes public participation. They stated they have the experience to listen to the island’s needs and to develop a process to get the island to where it wants to go. They cited working with Vail, CO as a project which is similar to Seabrook’s. The Committee, after some discussion, voted unanimously to apply for R/UDAT assistance. Next steps, after the exchange of letters of commitment is the Team will return in a month or two for a two day visit to help the Committee define concerns and determine what expertise is needed to guide the planning. The second phase is public participation. The final step is an R/UDAT presentation of a report for an action plan which will consist of both text and imagery. It will suggest immediate action designed to spark the interest of Seabrook, and action plans and strategy to complete short, medium and long-term goals.
