Marsh Pointe Public Notice

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 500-Year Floodplain

To: All Interested Federal, State, Local Government Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Beaufort Housing Authority has determined that the following proposed action under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Program and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program is located in 500-year Floodplain and a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and the Beaufort Housing Authority will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts, the floodplain, from the proposed action, as required by Executive Orders 11988 (floodplains) and 13690 (floodplains), in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The Beaufort Housing Authority received approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to participate in the Rental Assistance Demonstration which allows for reconstruction of the property and the use of RAD project-based vouchers (hereinafter, the "Proposed Activity").

The Proposed Activity entails the demolition of the existing Marsh Pointe Apartments (13 duplexes and a clubhouse constructed in 1989) and the development of six, three-story residential apartments (72 units), associated parking (119 spaces), a playground, and a clubhouse on an approximate 4.352-acre site. 26 units will receive PBVs. Other features of the development will include underground stormwater detention, signage, and landscaping. The residential development is needed to address an affordable housing inventory shortage for the Beaufort area. The Proposed Activity will assist the Beaufort Housing Authority in providing affordable housing options for the local community.

The proposed activity will impact approximately 2.47 acres (500-year) and 0.13 acre (100-year) of FFRMS floodplain. These impacts will include earth-moving activities to demolish the existing buildings and construction of the new buildings, underground stormwater detention system, parking areas, and landscaping. Minor clearing of vegetation and grading for silt fencing are also planned within the limits of disturbance. The floodplain in these impact areas provides limited natural flood and erosion control, minimal groundwater recharge, and minimal habitat for flora and fauna. This area is also assessed as having minimal educational, recreational, scientific, historic, or cultural value. The project, Marsh Pointe Apartments, is located at 1716 and 1730 Greenlawn Drive in Beaufort, Beaufort County, South Carolina.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by Beaufort Housing Authority at the following address on or before October 21, 2026, at Beaufort Housing Authority, 1009 Prince Street, Beaufort, SC, 29902, and 843.525.7059, Attention: Aris Ferguson, Interim Executive Director. A full description of the project may be reviewed from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday at same as stated above. Comments may also be submitted via email: aferguson@beaufortha.com.