August 8, 2025

Lawsuit Against City of Beaufort Advances Over Marina Lease

News Summary

Protect Beaufort Inc. is moving forward with a lawsuit against the City of Beaufort concerning the lease of the Downtown Marina. Circuit Court Judge S. Bryan Doby made two significant rulings that allow the case to proceed, denying a motion to dismiss by the City and granting Safe Harbor co-defendant status. The lawsuit argues that the lease agreement violates public park use agreements, raising community concerns about transparency and access to the marina. Protect Beaufort has raised substantial funds to advocate for responsible development in the area.

Beaufort

A lawsuit filed by Protect Beaufort Inc. against the City of Beaufort regarding the lease of the Downtown Marina is moving forward, as two significant rulings were made on Monday, July 28, 2024, by Circuit Court Judge S. Bryan Doby. The legal developments arise from concerns over the city’s lease agreement with Safe Harbor, which has been granted co-defendant status in the case.

The lawsuit, initiated in December 2024 in the 14th Circuit Court of Common Pleas, questions the legality of the City’s lease with Safe Harbor. Protect Beaufort argues that the lease is null and void due to improper approval processes that allegedly violate agreements made with federal and state agencies regarding public park use.

The first ruling addressed a motion filed by the City on March 7, 2024, which aimed to dismiss the case by arguing that Protect Beaufort lacked legal standing to bring forth the lawsuit. Judge Doby denied this motion, allowing the case to proceed. The second motion, also related to the same date, was a petition from Safe Harbor to intervene in the lawsuit, which the court granted, solidifying Safe Harbor’s position as a co-defendant in the matter.

Impact on Community and Environment

Protect Beaufort Inc., founded by George Trask, is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving community and environmental quality in Beaufort while opposing the privatization of public properties. The organization has expressed particular concern about the reduced public access to the marina due to the leasing arrangement with Safe Harbor. These concerns highlight a broader criticism of the City of Beaufort’s management of Waterfront Park and the perceived lack of transparency regarding the lease with Safe Harbor.

City Manager Scott Marshall emphasized that the City is not intentionally secretive but is constrained in what can be disclosed due to existing litigation. He acknowledged that the involvement of Safe Harbor in the lawsuit might be surprising to some, but clarified their role as co-defendants in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Public Concerns and Future Steps

Further issues have been raised regarding the overall condition of Waterfront Park. A report revealed deteriorating infrastructure, which has prompted increased scrutiny of lease agreements made by the City. In response to these community concerns, the City plans to establish a committee dedicated to future lease recommendations for the Downtown Marina.

Protect Beaufort has initially raised $100,000 through pledges aimed at advocating for responsible development practices and effective preservation efforts in the Beaufort area. Their activities reflect a growing public sentiment that is wary of the implications of privatizing community resources.

The lawsuit’s progression and its implications for the management of public space in Beaufort are being closely monitored by residents and community leaders alike, as they await the outcome of further court deliberations.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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