The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) began its Union Pier Cruise Terminal planning effort today with a public Kickoff Event at the Passenger Terminal. The project involves creating a plan for the Union Pier Cruise Terminal and the surrounding property. Through an open, collaborative process, the project aims to:
- Create a financially viable Union Pier Cruise Terminal plan that reflects the character and quality of historic Charleston
- Comply with today's enhanced cruise security requirements
- Identify additional uses of the property for the enjoyment of Charlestonians and betterment of the economy
- Mitigate impacts on existing infrastructure such as traffic, and
- Provide more access to the waterfront.
'The Ports Authority has been thinking about the future needs of the Union Pier Cruise Terminal for some time ' this is the right time to move forward,' said SCSPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. 'This project has the potential to provide a world-class cruise terminal that conforms to current security requirements, while also enhancing this area of the downtown Charleston waterfront for Charleston residents and our visitors. Throughout the planning process, we encourage the public to be involved by attending public meetings and submitting input through our Web site www.UnionPierPlan.com.'
The noon event was led by Newsome, who spoke about the project and introduced the planning team, including SCSPA project manager Joe Bryant, vice president of terminal development, and Peter Lehman, director of planning and business development. Newsome also recognized Helen Hill, president of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and City of Charleston Mayor Joe Riley.
'We have a great opportunity for the City of Charleston, this region and the entire state to have a cruise terminal that reflects Charleston's character, creates new economic opportunities and provides more public access to our historic waterfront,' said Mayor Riley. 'We look forward to hearing public input, and working with the Ports Authority and its strong planning team.'
SCSPA has brought on Cooper, Robertson & Partners (CRP) to lead an experienced project team and the creation of the Union Pier Cruise Terminal Plan. Jaquelin Robertson, founding partner for CRP, introduced the planning team at the Kickoff Event, which includes:
- Cooper, Robertson & Partners ' Master Planner and Team Leader
- Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. ' Transportation Consultants
- HR&A Advisors, Inc. ' Financial Consultants
- Bermello Ajamil & Partners ' Cruise Industry Consultants
- Permar, Inc. ' Financial Consultants
- Thomas & Hutton Engineering, Co. ' Engineering Consultant
- Moffatt & Nichol ' Engineering Consultant
- Mr. Peter Rummel ' Business Consultant
- Rawle Murdy ' Community Outreach
Paul Milana, also of CRP, described the four-phase planning process and opportunities for public input. The process will take an estimated four months.
- Phase I ' Discovery and Analysis, during which the planning team will study the site and related economic, design, and engineering data.
- Phase II ' Listening and Planning, including a public 'listening session' currently scheduled for October 28th.
- Phase III ' Preliminary Plan, developed and presented to the public for comments and input, currently planned for mid-December.
- Phase IV ' Union Pier Cruise Terminal Plan, to be presented to the public, currently planned for late January.
In addition to attending the public meetings, the community is encouraged to visit the Union Pier Cruise Terminal Web site, www.UnionPierPlan.com, for additional information and to submit comments, questions and feedback. More information about the late
