Despite the lingering concerns of local environmental groups, the Beaufort County Council gave final approval in the end of March to redevelopment plans for Tanger Outlet Center 1 in greater Bluffton.

Citing a greatly improved rainwater drainage system, 2.3 acres donated to extend Bluffton Parkway and an estimated $40 million to rebuild the shopping center from the ground up, the council voted 8-1 to grant Tanger the added commercial density it needed for the project.

Tanger will get an additional 30,000 square feet of commercial space on its 25 acres. In exchange, representatives for Tanger Outlet Centers promised to adhere to "green" building standards of the U.S. Green Building Council and an underground water filtration system to prevent runoff from draining directly into the Colleton River. Indeed,Tanger 1 was built in the early 1980s, before current country building cods area were in place. More information on Tanger Outlet Center Bluffton.