BRACE_Plan_Set_Appvl_Letter_04_08_25.pdf

This is a Final Plan Approval Letter issued by the Town of Bluffton, South Carolina, for a public development project at the Buckwalter Recreation Center. The project, identified as Development Plan Application DP-10-23-018587, involves the construction of four new artificial turf soccer fields, a new restroom building, renovations to an existing restroom facility, new parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, storm water management facilities, associated utilities, site and sports lighting, site furnishings, and landscaping on approximately 142.9 acres within the Buckwalter Planned Unit Development. The approval, effective April 8, 2025, and expiring April 8, 2027, was issued to Eric Walsnovich of Wood and Partners, Inc., on behalf of property owner Town of Bluffton. The project received required approvals including MS4 approval on April 24, 2024, and an NPDES Permit on February 13, 2025. Prior to commencing horizontal construction, the applicant must schedule and host a pre-construction meeting with Town staff, the design engineer, the site general contractor, and other necessary personnel. Following this meeting, the applicant will receive a Conditional Notice to Proceed authorizing installation of tree protection fencing and erosion control devices. After Town approval of pre-clearing and stormwater inspections, the applicant will receive a Notice to Proceed authorizing commencement of construction.

The approval letter establishes the procedural framework for project implementation but does not specify pricing, contract terms, or funding sources within this document. These details are addressed in the associated Beaufort County Invitation for Bid (IFB #120925), which requires sealed bids to be submitted by December 9, 2025, at 3:00 pm EST, with a non-mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for October 29, 2025. The contract time is 540 days from Notice to Proceed, with contractors required to commence work within 15 calendar days of receiving notice. Bidders must provide a 5% bid bond and comply with South Carolina Department of Transportation Standard Specifications. The project funding will be provided through state, federal, and/or Beaufort County appropriations, with monthly progress payments at 90% of completed work and 10% retainage held until final completion. Liquidated damages are assessed at $600 per calendar day for project delays.