Beaufort County Council Rejects Controversial Development on St. Helena Island

Beaufort County, South Carolina – A proposed development on St. Helena Island has been rejected by the Beaufort County Council following public outcry and significant community opposition. The development plan, which included a new golf course and the removal of the Cultural Protected Overlay Zone, aimed at conserving the island’s heritage, has faced intense scrutiny from local residents.

A seven and a half-hour county council meeting drew a considerable turnout of 70 citizens for public comment, marking one of the largest turnouts in history for such a meeting, as noted by key community figures, including former mayor Stephen Murray. Many residents expressed concerns that the proposed golf course would compromise local culture and could lead to irreparable damage to the island’s identity.

Community advocate Marilyn Hemingway highlighted the importance of investing in local people and preserving their heritage through development initiatives rather than external projects like the golf course. Developer Elvio Tropeano, who has been pursuing this project, has faced opposition from many locals who believe that his intentions are more profit-driven than preservation-focused.

While some residents support the development, arguing it could bring necessary resources, infrastructure, and jobs to the island, the proposed plans have faced increasing challenges. A petition opposing the development garnered support from 20,000 residents, further demonstrating the depth of community sentiment against the project.

The Cultural Protection Overlay was established to safeguard the land of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans who played a crucial role in the island’s heritage. Some residents, however, have argued that such protections restrict their ability to develop their land and create generational wealth.

Tropeano’s past estimates suggested that the project would involve reducing density and traffic by 60%, increasing forest protection, and eliminating septic fields and docks. Despite these assurances, the Beaufort County Council has repeatedly rejected the development over the past year. Tropeano has publicly stated his intent to continue pursuing this development despite ongoing rejections and potential legal challenges.

This debate exemplifies the broader tensions between cultural preservation and economic development on St. Helena Island. The Gullah community emphasizes the need to protect their culture and maintain the island’s current state against development pressures.

Since its establishment in the late 1990s, with the support of local activists, the Cultural Protection Overlay has been successful in preserving St. Helena’s rural character. Many residents emphasize that golf courses might lead to increased development and tourist infrastructure, which could negatively impact the island’s cultural fabric.

The community is actively searching for ways to engage younger generations in cultural preservation efforts and land use considerations. Various discussions have revolved around creating a Gullah Geechee Cultural Center, which could support local economic development while simultaneously respecting and preserving cultural heritage.

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Key Features of the Proposed Development