Hardeeville City Approves Major Development with Buc-ee’s Travel Center
Hardeeville, SC – The Hardeeville City Council has taken a significant step towards a new development project on Thursday night by approving the initial plans for a 46.2-acre development called Hardee Station. This ambitious project will include a Buc-ee’s, a popular chain of travel centers originating from Texas.
Where and When
The new Buc-ee’s travel center will be strategically located at Exit 8, situated between Highway 17, U.S. 278, and I-95. The city council meeting held on Thursday night marked the beginning of what many residents hope will turn into a thriving commercial hub. Mayor Harry Williams announced that key transportation upgrades, including the widening of I-95 and the installation of a traffic light at Highway 17 and U.S. 278, are planned to be completed by 2028.
What the Development Entails
The council unanimously passed three ordinances during this meeting, paving the way for a final vote in two weeks. The excitement surrounding the Buc-ee’s has been building for weeks on social media, especially after Mayor Williams hinted at the potential of a new travel center during the recent State of the Region event.
Buc-ee’s is well-known beyond its home state of Texas, offering a wide range of amenities including fresh jerky, cherry sours, fudge, breakfast tacos, and their famous jalapeno cheddar kolaches. Currently, the only Buc-ee’s in South Carolina is located in Florence, making this new location an eagerly awaited expansion for many locals and visitors alike.
Added Amenities
In addition to the Buc-ee’s travel center, Hardee Station is expected to feature walking and bike trails, electric vehicle charging stations, and a designated dog walking area. These additional features aim to enhance the overall appeal of the site for residents and travelers alike.
Community Concerns
During the public commentary section of the meeting, City Council member Valarie Guzman shared an email from resident Ansley Fagan. Fagan expressed her enthusiasm for the development while also voicing serious concerns about deteriorating driving conditions and traffic congestion on U.S. 278, which could worsen with the new travel center.
“I have serious concerns about the concentration of vehicle traffic and traffic that is about to hit the 278, 17 area,” Fagan stated. Her views reflect a common anxiety among residents about balancing growth with safety.
Economic Impact
In a subsequent press release, the city underscored the positive implications of Hardee Station, stating that it is projected to become a significant economic driver for the region. The establishment of the travel center is expected to create about 200 new jobs across various levels, offering local residents stable employment opportunities with competitive wages.
The Hardeeville community is abuzz with excitement and apprehension about this new project. As the timeline for completion progresses, residents are keen to see how the addition of Buc-ee’s and the broader development will shape the city’s growth over the coming years.
With the final vote on the development plans scheduled for two weeks from now, all eyes are on the Hardeeville City Council as they prepare to make the decision that could alter the commercial landscape of this small city.
