Beaufort County, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Council voted against a proposed golf course on St. Helena Island, a site tied to Gullah Geechee culture and civil rights history. Residents expressed concerns over the potential disruption to the island’s identity during a seven-hour public comment session. This decision continues the ongoing battle over development impacts in the region, emphasizing the need to preserve its unique historical significance.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Council has voted 10-1 to reject a proposal for a golf course development on historic St. Helena Island. This decision came during a highly attended council meeting where residents expressed significant concern over the project’s impact on the area’s rich Gullah Geechee and civil rights history.
The proposed development involved a 437-acre property, significant for its association with notable civil rights events where leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. gathered to strategize. The large turnout at the council meeting demonstrated the strong community support for preserving the island’s cultural and historical significance.
The owner of the property, along with his attorney, characterized the golf course project as “truly unprecedented” and aimed at maintaining the rural character of St. Helena Island. However, the council’s opposition was largely influenced by the community and local advocates who voiced that the proposal threatened to disrupt the island’s unique identity and heritage.
David Mitchell, representing the Penn Center, emphasized that the decision to reject the project underscores the cultural importance of Beaufort County, particularly for the Gullah Geechee community. This development proposal was not Tropeano’s first attempt; a previous similar plan from 2023 had also been turned down.
Support for the development existed among some residents, like Marilyn Hemingway, who argued that it could create jobs and improve local infrastructure. Yet, the predominant sentiment against the golf course was that it would encroach on the island’s culture and heritage, leading to erosion of community values and historical significance.
Kristin Williams from Open Land Trust pointed out that St. Helena Island is among the last undeveloped sea islands in the area, asserting its importance for the Gullah Geechee community. Concerns have been raised about ongoing developer encroachment on Gullah Geechee land, which jeopardizes the community’s future and environmental integrity. The cultural protection overlay currently in place has permitted St. Helena to maintain its unique identity, as opposed to more developed areas like Hilton Head Island.
The council’s rejection followed a lengthy public comment session exceeding seven hours, where around 70 citizens registered to speak on the issue. The community’s engagement mirrors ongoing debates surrounding the cultural protection overlay; while some residents advocate for its abolishment, most argue it is essential for safeguarding their heritage.
The Penn Center also announced plans to renew educational initiatives aimed at involving younger generations in land use and cultural preservation discussions. Despite the council’s decision, Tropeano has indicated that he may continue pursuing development opportunities on the island.
The division among residents regarding the cultural protection overlay has sparked significant discussion about its implications on future developments. Many have voiced that allowing such a golf course could detract from St. Helena Island’s cultural significance and identity, which remain a priority for the community’s leaders and advocates.
Summary of Key Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Council Vote on Golf Course | 10-1 rejection of development agreement for 437-acre property |
| Historical Significance | Site associated with Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activism |
| Public Reaction | Hundreds attended the meeting; over 70 citizens spoke |
| Community Concerns | Potential threat to Gullah Geechee culture and heritage |
| Future Plans | Penn Center to revive educational programs on land use |
FAQs
What was the Beaufort County Council’s decision regarding the golf course development on St. Helena Island?
The Beaufort County Council voted 10-1 against the proposed development agreement for a 437-acre property.
Why did the council reject the golf course proposal?
The rejection was based on the property’s significant Gullah Geechee and civil rights history, along with concerns that development would threaten the island’s culture and heritage.
What was the public response to the development proposal?
Hundreds attended the council meeting, and public comments lasted over seven hours with 70 citizens signed up to speak, indicating strong local opposition.
What is the cultural protection overlay, and why is it significant?
The cultural protection overlay allows St. Helena Island to maintain its identity, which is significant for the Gullah Geechee community and its heritage.
Did Tropeano indicate plans for future development?
Yes, Tropeano has indicated that he may continue to pursue development opportunities on the island despite council rejections.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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St. Helena Island Community Stands Against Development Proposal
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Beaufort County Postpones Pine Island Zoning Vote
Beaufort County Officials Seek Public Help in Missing Person Cases
Controversial Development Proposals in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Searches for Multiple Missing Persons
Beaufort County Announces Community Engagement Events
Beaufort Advances Plans for $100 Million Arena Project
Additional Resources
- WTOC News
- Wikipedia: Gullah
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Gullah Geechee history
- The Guardian
- Google Scholar: Gullah Geechee culture
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah Geechee culture
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
