Bluffton News

Since October 8 when Hurricane Matthew came through Bluffton causing downed trees, downed power lines, power outages and structural damage, the Town has focused on recovery. While much has been done, much more must be accomplished.  In an effort to help inform residents, the Town of Bluffton offers the following information:

The Town of Bluffton continues to make strides in returning to our daily responsibilities as we recover from Hurricane Matthew.  The following information is provided with regard to recovery progress:

The Town of Bluffton’s Building and Safety Staff recently completed the damage assessment of structures following Hurricane Matthew.

Residents may notice either a green, yellow or red placard posted on their property by Town Staff.  If no placard is posted on the property, that indicates there was either no damage, or very minor damage visible at the time of the inspection.  A green placard indicates some minor damage was observed, and a permit is not necessary for the minor repairs to be corrected immediately.  Minor repairs may include broken windows, damaged railings or missing siding. 

Special Building Permits

Over the next 30 days, the Town of Bluffton will waive fees for permits to make structural repairs for damage sustained to properties from Hurricane Matthew. During this 30-day period, the Town will not be accepting new single family or commercial permits unless a special circumstance is warranted.

“We want residents affected by the storm to have first priority when it comes to fixing their home,” said Town Manager Marc Orlando.

The Town of Bluffton, to assist residents with the Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts, is placing industrial-sized dumpsters at three sites for disposal of storm debris:

• Eagles’ Field (Corner of Buck Island Road and Bluffton Parkway)
• Rotary Community Center Parking Lot (Located in Oscar Frazier Park at 11 Recreation Court)
• Oyster Factory Park (63 Wharf Street)

Dumpsters will be available Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 and will only be in place for a limited time. Residents are reminded that these dumpsters are to be used for storm debris only which includes tree branches, limbs, twigs, trunks and other debris from plants and trees.

The town of Bluffton and its Historic Preservation Commission recently congratulated the partners involved in completing the first phase of renovating the historic Graves House. Located at 85 Calhoun St., this century-old house has been moved 16 feet and stabilized by placing it on a new foundation, making way for further rehabilitations and future uses.

Bluffton Buddy, an app for smartphones and tablets that portrays the people, places and traditions that make Bluffton the heart of the Lowcountry, is now available for free download in the App Store for Apple iOS devices and Google Play for Androids.

The town of Bluffton’s Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2017-18 is now available via the town’s website, townofbluffton.sc.gov. The 34-page, two-year strategic plan establishes the framework for guiding policy and financial decisions. The plan is also a flexible tool, helping Blufton Town Council align town resources with strategic priorities to best benefit the residents and business owners of Bluffton. The action plan is divided into six strategic focus areas: May River and surrounding rivers and watersheds, town organization, economic growth, fiscal sustainability, community quality of life and infrastructure.

Bluffton has been recognized by the Municipal Association of South Carolina for outstanding management of growth while implementing plans to keep the historic Old Town area a charming community center. The municipal association credited the town’s long-term strategic planning as an example of successful planning.