NEWS - Residential Real Estate

Oct 10, 2011 - Mayor Bronco Bostick , Councilman Sal Arzillo, Councilwoman Sherry Carroll and Councilman Roy Powell, members of the Hardeeville City Council, have a released a joint press release. Their message: they are “very excited about the new mixed use retail and housing development planned for a 300 acre parcel of land within the city limits.”

The mixed use development, announced last week to local media, is projected to be completed in various phases over an eight year period. When fully developed, the development will increase the city’s tax base by more than $150 million, according to the community leaders.

“The Mayor and City Council members have heard of expressions of interest for many years for this property although nothing concrete ever materialized. Now with the Gateway Crossing project, there is a real venture about to take shape that will change the face of the City and southern Jasper County,” they said today.

“Mayor Bostick sees the project accomplishing a number of development objectives that have been dear to his heart for a long time. Most exciting for the Mayor is what he considers to be genuine efforts to address the lack of affordable housing in the area. Having lived in the area for many years, the Mayor is keenly aware of the housing market and the tendency to label new housing as ‘affordable’ when, in reality, it is not. He and Council have extracted a strong commitment from Ralph Braden and the other principals of Gateway Development Partners to build housing that is truly affordable. The developer pledges that the majority of the for sale units will be at a price of $90,000 to $120,000. These prices are considerably below the price of new construction currently available in this market,” the release states.

The housing units will be LEED Certified to further reduce ownership costs, and the developer has pledged to build up to 300 ‘below market rate’ rental units that will also be LEED Certified.

“Council knows that the temptation to build more expensive units can be very strong. The commitment of Braden and his partners to build truly affordable housing was critical to securing Council’s support,” the four leaders added.

“Councilmen Arzillo, Carroll and Powell also appreciate the retail component of the project. The project will bring a full service grocery store, pharmacy and other retail operations to that section of the city. These new businesses will not only pay taxes but will provide jobs and convenience to people living and working in the new development,” they added.

Gateway Crossing will focus on housing and amenities that are targeted at an older population, as well, similar to residents attracted to the successful Del Webb development in Bluffton. “The project will provide senior housing that will allow occupants to move seamlessly from independent to assisted living with appropriate healthcare support,” they add.

“The invitation to Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health services to open a satellite clinic and to manage a wellness center on the property is a great idea. Both acknowledge and appreciate the value of preventative healthcare.

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