Development growing around Interstate exit

Wed, Apr 18, 2007

By MARY STARR

The Brunswick News

Nearly 20 years after breaking ground, the Southport development at Interstate 95's Exit 29 at U,S. 17 is finally starting to take shape.

The area already is home to several residential subdivisions and commercial enterprises, but even more are on the way.

"For so long, Exit 29 was known as the truck stop interchange," said Ronnie Perry, a Brunswick real estate broker.

"But that is changing. In 2005, we sold two commercial lots in the Southport development. Last year, we sold 14 and we're ahead of that pace so far this year."

Developer Ronnie Perry says Interstate 95 Exit 95 to U.S. 17 is losing its reputation at as a truck stop interchange. (Bobby Haven/The Brunswick News)

Perry said five projects are in the approval phase with the county, including an upscale retail development and a day-care center.

Construction is expected to begin in about a month on a Harvey's grocery store for the area.

Perry said increased traffic on U.S. 82 ? which runs through that area of southern Glynn County ? and expanding residential development in the area justifies the store and other retail outlets.

"This area serves eastern Brantley, northern Charlton, northern Camden and southern Glynn counties," he said.?

Other projects under way include phase II of an existing strip mall, a restaurant, a bank and a travel "oasis" geared both toward truckers and travelers in recreational vehicles, Perry said.

Ground was broken for Southport in 1988, Perry said.

Other infrastructure developments are helping as well, Perry said.

"With the new overpass, (U.S.) 82 is four-laned all the way," Perry said. "You can get anywhere in the county in just a few minutes."

And as southern Glynn County starts to grow, attention already is turning to undeveloped areas in western Glynn County.

"Sterling will be the next big growth area," Perry said. "The push is toward that area."

With Sterling Elementary School opening this fall and a middle school for the area also planned, Perry said growth will follow much like it did in southern Glynn County when Satilla Marsh Elementary School opened in the fall of 1997.