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She also loathes that residents and visitors can't enter the waterfront at the end of the road because the Port of Port Royal's gates prohibit people from doing so, driving away potential customers, she said.
But the 45-year-old entrepreneur is looking forward to Gov. Mark Sanford's arrival in town Monday. The governor plans to meet with town officials for an informal meeting and will be available to discuss plans for the port at the Seafarers Center, 705 Paris Avenue, at 2:15 p.m.
The S.C. State Ports Authority, which owns and operates the Port of Port Royal, has until the end of the year to close the operation, signaling its redevelopment.
Sanford has been instrumental in helping close the port. The governor signed a bill in September 2004 to close the facility, and he also has signed off on a Ports Authority redevelopment plan, but those plans have not been released to the public.
The port, a 40-acre industrial zone with a chain-link fence that cuts off residents from most of the waterfront, is an eyesore to many in the town who say redevelopment is overdue.
Vista sees Monday as an opportunity for residents to ask the governor questions about his intent for the land.
"I'm very excited about the governor coming to town," she said as a truck drove by, nearly drowning out her voice. "The fact that (Sanford) has been involved is a feather in Port Royal's cap. I will be very cautious to see what happens."
Ports Authority Chairman Bill Stern met with town officials this week and shared the master plan, Ports Authority spokesman Byron Miller said. He said the next step is to finalize an agreement.
"We are in a great place now, and it is important for the town to have access (to the waterfront) and increase its economic development," Miller said.
Town Manager Van Willis said Port Royal is familiar with the Ports Authority's master plan, saying, "Generally, we are pleased."
Mayor Samuel Murray emphasized that he is glad the governor will be coming to Port Royal and has taken an interest in the bill he signed. Murray said the town is willing to work with the Ports Authority to come to an agreement and believes the state agency is willing to work with Port Royal.
"The main thing is to get the property sold, and get it on the tax roll," Murray said. "That is really important for a town."
But the governor wants a plan that is good for all parties involved, such as balance among open space, green space and access to the waterfront. Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said the governor wants community input and to share his views on the plan when he arrives in Port Royal.
"The governor see this as an once in a lifetime opportunity to redevelop the port, but he wants to make sure there is balance between development and quality of life," Sawyer said.
That's music to the ears of Vista and other business owners on Paris Avenue, such as William "Jim" Roberts Jr., who owns J & J's Barber Shop with his father. Roberts said he is happy the governor is coming to town because residents can ask questions. Roberts said he would like to see more shops in the area near the waterfront, however, he doesn't want any condos on the property. Instead, he would rather see expanded housing in other parts of the town.
"Some of the old-timers don't want to see change, but it's inevitable," he said while cutting a customer's hair. "Everyone is interested to see the plan. And I want to see the plan. My biggest (issue) is for the public to have access and know what is the layout for the end of Paris Ave."
