Beaufort County, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Council faces backlash over proposed developments on Pine Island, raising ethical concerns about its decisions and the implications for local residents. The proposed project by Elvio Tropeano seeks to build a golf course and residential homes, but public opposition is strong. Coupled with issues surrounding the Sheriff’s agreement with ICE and recent financial strains, the community is left questioning the future of its local governance and land preservation.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Council is currently embroiled in controversy over several critical issues, including development proposals that may significantly alter the landscape of Pine Island and ongoing ethical concerns surrounding former County officials.
One of the most contentious matters involves a proposed development by local developer Elvio Tropeano that includes plans for a golf course and residential homes on Pine Island. Despite considerable public opposition, the Council has hired an outside attorney to review Tropeano’s development agreement, which seeks to remove Pine Island from the Cultural Protection Overlay zoning district. A closed-door meeting of the Council resulted in a narrow 5-4 vote to continue discussions regarding the project, with those in favor primarily representing areas south of the Broad River.
Opponents of the continued negotiations, including Chairwoman Alice Howard and council members from the district encompassing Pine Island, cite the overwhelming dissent from residents who fear the cultural and environmental impacts of altering protected land. Local community members have expressed concern that removing this land from protection will set a dangerous precedent for further developments in the area.
A different set of issues has arisen surrounding Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner, who has entered an agreement to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants. This decision comes amid public disapproval and raises questions about local policing practices and immigration policies.
On top of these controversies, Beaufort County faces financial strains, including an obligation to remit approximately $1.6 million in interest to over 5,000 property owners due to property tax refunds. Additionally, the County Council is working on revising plans for a transportation sales tax referendum, highlighting the U.S. 278 bridge replacement to Hilton Head Island as a top priority, bolstered by a $120 million commitment from the state.
In the realm of ethics, Beaufort County’s former administrator, Eric Greenway, has been under scrutiny since he was terminated in July 2023. Whistleblower Kim Morgan initially filed ethical charges against Greenway, but those complaints were dropped after she withdrew them, claiming harassment and intimidation. Greenway is currently under investigation by state law enforcement agencies for alleged misconduct during his tenure.
Moreover, the Department of Transportation has embarked on an extensive $825 million project to widen I-95, expected to take five years and significantly impact transportation in the region.
Further complicating the local landscape, the Beaufort City Council is actively investigating the growing number of short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units in the area. Community members have raised alarms over how the surge in short-term rentals is affecting long-term housing availability and the overall housing market.
As the situation in Beaufort County evolves, the discussions around the Pine Island development and the ethical issues surrounding local government officials remain at the forefront of community concern.
FAQs
What development is proposed for Pine Island?
A developer named Elvio Tropeano has proposed a project that includes a golf course and residential homes on Pine Island, which has met significant public opposition due to its cultural and environmental implications.
What are the public’s concerns regarding the Pine Island development?
Residents are concerned about removing Pine Island from the Cultural Protection Overlay zoning district, fearing potential negative impacts on the environment and local culture.
What is the situation with former County Administrator Eric Greenway?
Eric Greenway was fired in July 2023 and is under investigation for misconduct during his tenure. Whistleblower Kim Morgan had initially filed ethical complaints against him, but these were dropped after she withdrew them citing harassment concerns.
What financial obligations does Beaufort County currently face?
Beaufort County owes approximately $1.6 million in interest to over 5,000 property owners as part of property tax refunds.
Key Features of the Issues in Beaufort County
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Pine Island Development Proposal | A proposed golf course and residential homes have met public opposition regarding the removal from Cultural Protection Overlay. |
| Collaboration with ICE | The Sheriff has signed an agreement to detain undocumented immigrants, facing public criticism. |
| Ethical Concerns | Former County Administrator Eric Greenway is under investigation for alleged misconduct; ethical charges filed by a whistleblower were dropped. |
| Transportation Plans | Revisions to the transportation sales tax referendum plans, including a $120 million state commitment for the U.S. 278 bridge. |
| Short-term Rentals | Discussions ongoing regarding their impact on long-term housing availability as numbers grow significantly. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort County Reveals Plans for Gullah Geechee Cultural Center
Road and Infrastructure Improvements Planned for Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Community Meeting to Discuss Cultural Events Center in St. Helena Island
Late-Night Shooting on St. Helena Island Results in One Death
Shooting Incident Claims Life on St. Helena Island
Beaufort County Shooting Leaves Man Critically Injured
Safety Concerns Arise Following Pamphlet Distribution
Bluffton Becomes North American Headquarters for CS Instruments
Beaufort County Community Split Over Pine Island Development Proposal
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Pine Island Development Controversy
- Wikipedia: Pine Island (Beaufort County, South Carolina)
- Post and Courier: Tickton Hall Development
- Google Search: Beaufort County development issues
- WSAV: Pine Island Negotiations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Green space
- Island Packet: Local Government Updates
- Google News: Beaufort County ethics investigation
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.
