AC repair inPine Harbor, GA

Decades ago, Savannah's paper and pulp industry was at its height. Remnants of its heyday include Port Wentworth paper mill and other manufacturers.

Savannah Morning News

The paper industry in the Savannah area was in its heyday in the 20th century. The region's abundance of pine trees provided a foundation for the paper and pulp manufacturers that eventually made their way to the southeast.

However, it was the chemical innovations of scientist Charles H. Herty that jumpstarted a new era of paper making.

Herty's Savannah Pulp and Paper Laboratory -- later named the Herty Advanced Material Development Center -- attracted the attention of the Union Bag and Paper Company, which constructed the world's largest paper mill along the banks of the Savannah River in the 1930s.

Fifteen pulp and paper mills were built in the southern United States between 1935 and 1940, reviving the devastated economy, but also later contributing to pollution of the landscape.

Since then, the paper industry in the U.S. has declined as a whole, with most of the industry migrating to China. However, several paper plants still exist in the region, including Savannah's original "paper mill" now owned by International Paper.

International Paper

The "paper mill" has been a mainstay in Savannah for over 85 years and was one of the major players in the pulp and paper industry's rise in the southeast. Since its inception in 1936, the paper mill has grown to become one of the largest industries in the area, partly due to its proximity to an abundance of southern pine trees.

Today, the Savannah paper mill is owned by International Paper, taking over the previous Union Camp in 1999, and produces about a million tons of heavy brown paper that is converted into cardboard boxes each year.

International Paper also owns a facility in Port Wentworth that is part of the company's global cellulose fiber business. They produce fluff pulp, which is used in toilet tissue, paper towels, diapers and feminine hygiene products.

The mill's legacy continues to this day, with about 650 workers operating its Savannah facility, some of them second and third-generation paper mill workers.

Herty Pulp and Paper Lab

The Herty Advanced Material Development Center is a research and development facility located just east of Garden City. The applied research center works with leading national and international companies in testing and validating new processes and product development and does not itself produce product to sell.

They work in key sectors such as pulp and paper, chemicals, non-woven materials, and the emerging biomass-to-energy industry, according to the center’s website.

The center was established in 1938 in honor of Dr. Charles H. Herty’s contribution to pulping chemistry, a cornerstone of the paper industry's growth in the southeast. In 2012, the Herty Center came under the management of Georgia Southern University to enhance economic and business development in the state of Georgia.

Celadon Development Corp.

Celadon Development Corp. is the newest player in the paper and pulp industry in the Savannah area. Celadon established its North American headquarters in Savannah in 2019 and announced plans for another facility in Pooler last fall, making it the final tenant of the Chatham County Development Center, also known as the Pooler megasite, located at the Interstate 16 and 95 junction.

Previously reported: Chatham County will turn trash into exports with recycling plant Celadon Development Corp.

Pooler megasite: Celadon will be the final tenant on the Pooler megasite, but who are they?

The manufacturer will recycle both wet and dry paper materials into brown pulp that can be used domestically and exported for international use. Once both phases of Celadon’s Pooler facilities are complete, the company expects to produce 900,000 tons of product, with a focus on exports. The predicted economic impact on the region is around $165 million annually.

According to CEO Tim Zosel, Celadon will employ about 117 directly, but create about 1,400 direct, indirect and induced jobs.

Savannah River Mill

Established in 1986, the Savannah River Mill is located just north of Chatham County in Rincon of Effingham County. The manufacturer, owned by Georgia-Pacific, produces tissue, towel and napkin products from recycled fiber. Popular retail brands that the mill produces include Quilted Northern Ultra Plush® bath tissue, Sparkle® paper towel and Vanity Fair® napkins.

The facility site covers more than 2,000 acres and is home to five of the 12 largest tissue paper machines in the world.

Savannah River Mill serves as Effingham County’s largest private employer with over 900 employees, about 40% of which are local residents. Their economic impact totals to about $100 million in the local area and contributes about $1.5 million in local annual payments to the local tax digest.

Riceboro Paper Mill

The Riceboro Paper Mill operated by DS Smith was founded in 1966 and is one of the largest employers in Liberty County. The manufacturer produces about 400,000 tons of product each year, which gets converted into Kraft linerboard, a material typically used to make cardboard boxes.

The company is known for its efforts in sustainability and was recognized for its energy efficient management system. According to the mill's website, it is one of the cleanest effluent paper mills in the United States. Riceboro committed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Nancy Guan is the general assignment reporter covering Chatham County municipalities. Reach her at nguan@gannett.com or on Twitter @nancyguann.

OCEAN CITY, Md., Jan. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Real estate developer and outdoor hospitality specialist Blue Water has recently expanded its partnership with Sun Outdoors with the acquisition of Tall Pines Harbor Campground in Temperanceville, Va., in November. This property, recognized as the ARVC National Park of the Year in 2018, features nearly 300 sites with a mixture of cabins, safari tents, RV sites and tent sites.

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"We're so excited about the addition of Tall Pines Harbor to our portfolio of campgrounds on the Delmarva Peninsula and Virginia's Eastern Shore," said Todd Burbage, Blue Water's CEO. "It's an exceptional campground with a long and rich tradition for creating family camping memories and we're excited to take it to the next level."

With water trike rentals, kayaks, horseshoes, gaga ball, and the ability to go fishing, crabbing, and bird watching, families are bound to find something they will love on vacation at Tall Pines Harbor. Guests can enjoy a splash park, pool, jumping pillow, arcade and more at this property that is open from March through November. Right on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Tall Pines Harbor offers guests the opportunity to explore nearby attractions, such as NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, the Delmarva Discovery Center and Chincoteague Island.

Tall Pines Harbor joins recent acquisitions in Texas and Florida as part of Blue Water's rapidly expanding and diverse portfolio of properties. The company is looking forward to adding even more managed properties, owned assets, and new developments to their portfolio, all while upholding the nationally recognized and respected Blue Water standard.

"We're excited about growing, but even more so about how we are growing," said Burbage. "We're adding great campgrounds in fantastic destinations. We're looking forward to adding Blue Water's signature customer service culture to these properties helping our campers and glampers create family memories that will last them a lifetime."

Learn more and book reservations at https://www.campspot.com/book/tall-pines-harbor?_ga=2.230466651.694789322.1641994643-1545441142.1641832822.

About Blue Water:Founded by Jack and Todd Burbage in 2002, Blue Water specializes in investing, developing, and managing RV resorts, campgrounds, hotels, and attractions. Blue Water's integrated approach to marketing, revenue management, and operations has quickly established itself as a hospitality industry leader. With two dozen resort-area properties in East Coast states from Maine to Florida, and west to Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas, the Blue Water family is committed to creating elite assets, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and enhancing the communities we serve. To learn more, visit BWDC.com.

About Sun Outdoors:Sun Outdoors is a leader in outdoor hospitality and committed to its mission of offering guests exceptional and transformative outdoor experiences. With over 175 locations across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, Sun Outdoors offers guests several ways to stay: from RV sites to vacation rentals, from tent camping to glamping, whether they stay for a weekend, season or longer. Visit www.sunoutdoors.com to learn more.

Sun Outdoors is a division of Sun Communities Inc., a publicly traded company which, as of September 30, 2021, owns, operates and has an interest in 584 developed manufactured home, RV and marina properties comprising over 155,900 developed sites and nearly 44,900 wet slips and dry storage spaces in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Sun Communities is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: SUI. www.suncommunities.com.

SOURCE Blue Water Development

History

The landscape that was formerly the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has been transformed into what today is Georgia’s most visited recreational venue – Lake Sidney Lanier – attracting nearly 8 million visitors per year. Lake Lanier Islands Resort, a 1,100-acre lakeside resort located on the southern most tip of lake, has become one of Georgia’s most popular destinations.

Shortly after the completion of the Buford Dam in 1956 the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers leased the Lake Lanier Islands to the Georgia Department of State Parks. By 1958 the lake filled to its capacity at 1071 feet above sea level but it wasn’t until 1974 that Lake Lanier Islands began operations with attractions such as Harbor Landing, the campgrounds, stables and a beach area. PineIsle Resort and Golf Course also opened that year, run by Stouffer Hotels.

In 1987 the Beach and Waterpark expanded to include water slides and a wave pool – still the largest in the southeast. The following year Emerald Pointe Golf Club was completed. In 1989 The Lake Lanier Island Resort hotel opens; later renamed the Hilton Lake Lanier Islands Resort.

1993 saw the creation of the Magical Nights of Lights, one of the world’s largest animated light displays.

The late 1990’s saw a further expansion of the Beach & Waterpark, new docks at Harbor Landing, renovations and improvements to the Emerald Pointe Golf Club and the opening of lakehouse accommodations – thirty New England style lakeside villas.

More improvements, name changes and lease interest changes were made from the early 2000’s through 2008 when Phase I of a multi-million dollar ten year plan was completed with the opening of the new Legacy Lodge & Conference Center. Phase I also included major remodeling and improvements throughout the property and the addition of six executive villas along the lakefront. Also underway are improvements to traffic flow, bike paths and a redesign of Emerald Pointe Golf Club.

Future Plans

Conceptual ideas for future development and revitalization of Lake Lanier Islands Resort include a variety of lodging accommodations and price ranges. An upscale lodge will replace PineIsle Resort. Other accommodations being considered are a boutique hotel, harbor/beach club, small group conference hotel and family center and bed and breakfast inn. Eco-friendly transportation such as electric cars, Segways and electric and standard bicycles will be available for travel around the islands. Scenic paths, viewing stations, gardens and current roads will be created or updated to accommodate future transportation and complete the feel of the “natural sanctuary.”

Georgia Island

Currently housing Presentation Pointe and the Front Gate, Georgia Island will soon become Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Island for the public to enjoy. Amenities to come include a family hotel and a completely new indoor/outdoor Beach & WaterPark. Leaving Georgia Island, guests will pass through the new site of the entrance gates and pass over a new gateway bridge connecting Georgia Island to Legacy Island.

Legacy Island

Plans for Legacy Island include new golf side villas, hillside cottages and a scenic chapel.

Pine Island

From golfers at PineIsle Golf Club to boaters at Harbor Landing, Pine Island is the place for the adventurers who visit the Resort. Plans for this Island also include a beach club with restaurants, swimming pools and nearby accommodations at hillside cottages, golf side villas, and luxury guest villas.

The most significant difference on Pine Island currently is the absence of the well-known PineIsle Hotel. After more than 30 years since its doors opened, the long standing hotel was torn down to make way for a new luxury four-star hotel with an opening date slated in the next two to three years.

Blue Ridge Island

Named for its superior view of the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountain range, this Island is planned for many harmonious venues.

There will be plenty of serene options of accommodations from which to choose. A quaint and cozy Bed and Breakfast Inn is in the plans and will be nestled away at the water’s edge. There are also plans for a luxurious Boutique Hotel with spa and wellness center for those looking for a tranquil getaway. Future plans also include beautiful hillside cottages, guest villas and restful retreat cabins.

There’s so much more to a city than its centre. The best way to uncover a destination’s hidden gems is to hit the suburbs. In this series, we shine a spotlight on some of New Zealand’s must-visit neighbourhoods, looking at where the locals eat, drink, and play.

Lying along the P?hutukawa Coast in Auckland’s far east, this serene seaside suburb boasts secret beaches, a clifftop coastal walk, a desert island you can walk to at low tide, and some of the best fried chicken in T?maki Makaurau.

Its laid-back coastal vibe has caught the eye of property developers, who plan to create a new, environmentally sustainable urban hub with thousands of new homes, a village centre, schools, a hotel, parks, walkways and cycle paths. For now though, it remains a relatively sleepy seaside oasis which even many Aucklanders are unaware of.

Catch the ferry to Pine Harbour from Pier 3 in Downtown Auckland and your journey is essentially a 35-minute harbour cruise. Sealink operates frequent services on weekdays, and a reduced timetable on weekends – the earliest ferry leaves Downtown at 11am on Saturdays and Sundays, and the latest returns at 10:30pm on Saturdays and 5:20pm on Sundays. Once there, it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike.

The drive from central Auckland is about 45 minutes, traffic dependent.

The suburb’s star attraction is its coastline, which features a string of sheltered beaches and a coastal walking and cycling track with panoramic views across the harbour to Waiheke and Motuihe islands, Rangitoto and the Coromandel Peninsula.

Backed by a grassy reserve, Sunkist Bay is a peaceful spot for a picnic – or swim in the warmer months –and secluded Shelly Bay, reached by a path through a nature reserve, feels like a secret beach.

From the entrance to Shelly Bay Reserve, turn left into Second View Ave to reach Leigh Auton Reserve, from which you can follow a walk and cycle path through ?mana Regional Park, where fluffy sheep gaze out to Waiheke as they enjoy their endless meals of grass, to Maraetai.

To those outside East Auckland, it’s not all that well known. Which is what makes it a chilled alternative to crowded seaside hot spots at weekends.

Soak up the spirit-lifting harbour views on the 6km Beachlands to Maraetai Walkway, taking time to explore the string of pretty beaches along the way.

Perfect for a picnic and a swim in warmer weather, Kellys Beach is backed by tennis courts and sports fields, and there’s a popular playground opposite ?mana Beach. Refuel at one of the cafés or restaurants overlooking Maraetai Beach before your return journey – you can catch the bus back if your energy’s zapped.

Known to locals as Flat Island, Motukaraka is accessible by foot for the three hours either side of low tide when an otherwise-submerged sandbar is exposed.

Start either from the boardwalk that leads east from Pine Harbour Marina or Puriri Reserve, where you can descend pohutukawa-shaded steps to the bottom of a cliff that links to the shell-covered sandbar. About 500 metres from shore, the uninhabited island features untamed foliage, cave-filled sandstone cliffs, and a shag colony.

Golf fans should check out Rydges Formosa Golf Resort, an 18-hole championship course designed by Kiwi golfing legend Sir Bob Charles. The 11th, 12th and 13th holes boast particularly spectacular coastal views, and the undercover driving range comes in handy if the weather refuses to play ball.

Lined with tall, n?kau palms, Pine Harbour Marina has something of a tropical vibe – and is a top spot for taking in the sunset.

Eating options include Pine Harbour Eatery with Asian-style dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think raw snapper ceviche in coconut cream spiked with jalapeno and kaffir lime leaves, massaman curry with slow-cooked beef brisket, and grilled duck with pineapple, lychees, coconut chips and red curry sauce.

Sunkist Bar + Kitchen offers shared plates which, in winter, include hearty, warming dishes such as green-lipped mussels with garlic bread, wagyu beef burgers, fried chicken bao buns, beer-battered fish tacos, beef sliders, and apple crumble.

Pepperjacks Restaurant, Cafe & Bar, meanwhile, turns out brunch dishes which run the gamut from wholesome “super bowls” with pulses, veggies and hummus to decadent pancakes with Nutella mascarpone, berry compote, fresh fruit and ice cream and Korean-inspired scrambled eggs with kimchi on sourdough.

In the main shopping area along Wakelin Road, you’ll find Ambrosia Bar & Restaurant, popular for its big, gourmet brunches and European-style and Indian fusion dinners, and Nice Chicken, which offers some of the best Korean fried chicken in the 09. One recent Google reviewer described it as “absolutely the best fried chicken in Auckland”, adding “If you don’t agree, you must not have eaten here yet”.

On a clear evening, it’s hard to beat sipping a cold beer or glass of wine at Beachlands Boating Club at Sunkist Bay as the sun goes down.

Pine Harbour Eatery, Sunkist Bar + Kitchen and Pepperjax mix a mean cocktail and are also prime sunset watching spots.

If you’re after a caffeine fix, try The Coffee Collective, one of the eateries at the marina, or Beachlands Cafe in the main shopping area.

If you’re stopping by Superliquor, look out for locally brewed Manaia craft beers.

The clifftop Rydges Formosa Golf Resort offers one-bedroom villas which can be converted into two-bedroom units on its sprawling 170 hectare property, some of which overlook the ocean.

The views are just as exceptional at the campground in ?mana Regional Park, which is just a short stroll from the beach.

An Auckland marina developer threatened local residents with legal action if they didn't withdraw their opposition to a new neighbouring development plan.

Over two days in early May, Auckland Council held a resource consent hearing for Empire Capital's proposed development of east Auckland's Pine Harbour Marina.

The Beachlands development is interchangeably referred to as 190 Jack Lachlan Drive or L175 Pine Harbour.

Empire Capital's Simon and Paula Herbert paid $22 million for the 570-berth marina in 2015.

READ MORE: * Deadline looms for submissions on residential development at marina * Release all legal advice around proposed marina deal, says councillors * West Harbour residents speak out against proposed development

The council initially received 43 public submissions opposing the proposed commercial and residential development.

Two submissions were in support and three were neutral, although one of these asked council to "reject this proposal in total".

Council documents show that three of the submitters later asked council to either withdraw or reverse their opposition after being contacted by Empire Capital's development manager David Boersen.

One submitter wrote: "I have just received a very threatening letter from a Mr David Boersen of Empire Capital Limited regarding our submission."

The letter goes on to say Boersen told the couple they had a legal obligation to the landowners of Pine Harbour Marina.

"We would like you [council] to remove our objection application forthwith," the submission continued.

Another submitter said they were seeking legal advice after Boersen made contact. They later changed their position from opposer to supporter.

The third, written by owners of a restaurant at the marina, initially said rent hikes were already hurting existing businesses and the development put Pine Harbour at risk of becoming a 'ghost town' like Gulf Harbour Marina, at Whangaparaoa.

A month later the couple sent the council two urgent emails, reversing their position.

An obligation to support the development appears to relate to an encumbrance placed on land abutting the marina.

However, Stuff was unable to contact Boersen for comment.

Submitters approached by Stuff for comment said they were unable to talk due to legal restraints.

The two supporting submissions came from the Pine Harbour Trustee Company Ltd and Pine Harbour Marina Management Ltd.

According to the resource application documents, Empire Capital seeks to construct four buildings, each consisting of three levels, and standing a maximum height of nine metres above ground.

It also wants to "upgrade an existing public footpath, upgrade an existing private road, [remove] trees and construct a pedestrian and cycle path".

It's understood prices for the residences start from $1.635 million.

Other opposing submissions raised concerns about the removal of native trees, the ramifications on marina berth holders, loss of car parking for boaties and ferry users, increased bore water draw, and the proximity of the development to the sea wall.

In reply to the opposition, Empire Capital said in its closing legal submission that the submitters have no other 'privileges' over the applicant's land other than a right to access their berths over it.

"In fact, the development site is private land and the applicant is perfectly entitled to fence it off today and exclude marina berth license holders from using it in any way."

Empire Capital is also trying to buy parts of council-owned Hobsonville Marina at West Harbour, which it already leases under the name Hobsonville Marina Ltd, and owns North Shore's Bayswater Marina.

A decision on the proposed Pine Harbour Marina development is due by June 8.