Beaufort, South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Council voted against a proposed golf course development on Pine Island, which would have included an 18-hole golf course and 49 homes. This decision aims to uphold the Cultural Protection Overlay to preserve the Gullah community’s cultural heritage. The council received significant public feedback, with the majority opposing the project. The developer has the option to propose alternative plans in the future, increasing concerns among residents about the potential impact on the local community.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Council voted decisively on Tuesday morning to reject a plan for a golf course development on Pine Island. The proposed project included an 18-hole golf course and 49 residential houses on St. Helena Island, a site that holds significant cultural value for the Gullah community.
The decision comes as part of an ongoing effort to uphold the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) on St. Helena, which explicitly prohibits golf course development to preserve the Gullah culture that is integral to the area. During the meeting, nearly four hours of public comment were received, with the overwhelming majority of community speakers expressing their opposition to the development and voicing support for the CPO.
Elvio Tropeano, representing the property owners, withdrew the developer’s request for a zoning map amendment just before the council’s vote took place. This marked a significant moment as the council has been engaged in years of debate, votes, and litigation surrounding the Pine Island development.
In 2023, the council took further action to bolster the cultural overlay on St. Helena Island to protect the unique heritage of the Gullah community. Notably, Councilmember Logan Cunningham was the only member against rejecting the development agreement, advocating for continued negotiations. Following the council’s vote, there will not be a second public hearing on the proposal; however, the developer is allowed to submit a new proposal in a year’s time.
In the event that the golf course option was denied, the developer indicated a willingness to pursue a higher density plan, which could feature up to 149 homes and 90 docks. This potential shift has raised additional concerns among local residents, many of whom are already wary about the impact of such developments on their community and cultural identity.
The public hearing attracted approximately 400 community members, making it one of the largest in memory. Many local residents, concerned activists, and local leaders articulated their fears about how a golf course might detract from the Gullah community’s cultural and historical significance. Commenters highlighted that development should not overshadow the cultural heritage and intrinsic land value of the area.
The Coastal Community Foundation has since withdrawn its support for the initiative, pointing out deficiencies in community backing and the notification process regarding their involvement in the development agreement. Previous attempts to alter the zoning for Pine Island have also been met with staunch community opposition and have been rejected by local authorities in the past.
The regional community remains steadfast in their desire to maintain the integrity of their cultural and historical ties to the land, doubling down on the importance of preserving the Gullah heritage in the face of potential developments.
FAQ
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What was the decision made by the Beaufort County Council regarding Pine Island?
The Beaufort County Council voted to reject a plan for a golf course development on Pine Island during a meeting on Tuesday morning. -
What did the proposed project include?
The proposed project included an 18-hole golf course and 49 residential houses on St. Helena Island. -
What does the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) on St. Helena prohibit?
The Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) on St. Helena prohibits golf course development to preserve Gullah culture. -
How long was the public comment period?
The decision followed nearly four hours of public comment, with most community speakers opposing the development and supporting the CPO. -
What was the outcome of the developer’s request for a zoning map amendment?
Elvio Tropeano, representing the property owners, withdrew the developer’s request for a zoning map amendment before the council’s vote. -
How many community members attended the public hearing?
The public hearing is noted as the largest in memory, with approximately 400 community members attending. -
What are the potential implications of the developer’s indication regarding a higher density plan?
The developer indicated a willingness to pursue a higher density plan if the golf course option was denied, which could include 149 homes and 90 docks.
Key Features of the Pine Island Development Issue
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Development | 18-hole golf course and 49 residential houses |
| Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) | Prohibits golf course development to preserve Gullah culture |
| Public Input Duration | Nearly 4 hours of public comment |
| Community Attendance | Approximately 400 attendees |
| Strategic Decision by Council | Rejected the development proposal |
| Potential Future Plans | Higher-density plan with up to 149 homes and 90 docks |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Council Rejects Pine Island Development Proposal
Beaufort County Council Rejects Golf Course Development on St. Helena Island
Beaufort County Council to Discuss Major Zoning Changes
Beaufort County Council Rejects Controversial Development on St. Helena Island
Beaufort County Postpones Pine Island Zoning Vote
Controversial Development Proposals in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Reveals Plans for Gullah Geechee Cultural Center
Safety Concerns Arise Following Pamphlet Distribution
Beaufort County Community Split Over Pine Island Development Proposal
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Council Rejects Pine Island Golf Course Plan
- Wikipedia: Gullah
- Your Island News: Beaufort County Council Votes No on Pine Island Golf Course
- Google Search: Pine Island Golf Course
- WSAV: Pine Island Development Faces Setback
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Pine Island Golf Course on St. Helena
- Google News: Pine Island Golf Course Development
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.
