The Port Royal Redevelopment Commission will delay making a recommendation to the Town Council concerning the redevelopment of the Port of Port Royal.

Commission members voted unanimously Thursday to postpone their recommendation because the group wants more information on open space, density and height limits. The commission will hold a conference call with Baltimore-based Design Collective, which the town originally hired to create a plan for the property when it was decided the land would be sold off to a private developer.

The commission wants advice from the firm on what is appropriate in terms of park space, density and height for the waterfront property.

The commission will hold a meeting Aug. 3 at Town Hall where it will decide what recommendation to give. However, the Town Council doesn't have to follow the commission's recommendation.

Commission Chairman Phil Fairbanks said the decision to delay approval gives the group an opportunity to get feedback from experts.

"This will help us make a better recommendation to the council," he said. Officials noted several times at the meeting that time is running out. Two years ago Gov. Mark Sanford signed legislation to shut down the port and sell the property by the end of this year, giving the town access to the waterfront, which would bring parks, condos, town homes, businesses, a hotel and a marina to the land.

This week the S.C. State Ports Authority board approved a conceptual plan that will serve as a guide for a development agreement for the property. The 57-acre waterfront plan includes more than 22 acres of open space, while the amount of commercial space and the size of a marina have to be determined.

Bill Scheper, a commission member, said he will speak with town officials and residents about what they feel is best for the property.

"We need more information so we can give a good recommendation," he said. "The point of this meeting is to allow everyone to get a say. This will give us time to reflect on what is necessary to make a good decision."

Doug Bazemore, who attended the meeting to find out more information on the port project, praised the commission for tabling its recommendation.

"They are working really hard to get it right," he said. "I think it's important to get more information. They are doing it the right way."