Beaufort County, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County National Resources Committee has postponed a vote on amending the Pine Island Zoning Map until a County Council meeting later in September. The deferral, requested by applicant Elvio Tropeano, aims to allow the Council to first review a related development agreement that seeks to remove Pine Island from the Cultural Protection Overlay to permit a golf course construction. Community members have voiced strong opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about its impact on local culture and environment.
Beaufort County, SC – The Beaufort County National Resources Committee has postponed a vote on an ordinance to amend the Pine Island Zoning Map. The deferral will last until the Beaufort County Council meeting scheduled for later this September. The decision to delay the vote was made by County Council Chairwoman Alice Howard and Natural Resources Committee Chair York Glover.
The applicant, Elvio Tropeano, requested this deferral so that the County Council can first review a related development agreement. Tropeano’s goal is to have Pine Island removed from the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) to facilitate the construction of a golf course. The CPO has been protecting St. Helena Island from overdevelopment since its inception in 1999, helping to safeguard Gullah/Geechee culture.
Hannah Nichols, a spokesperson for Beaufort County, noted that reviewing both the development agreement and the zoning map amendment together will present a clearer perspective of the project for the Council. Committee Chair Glover expressed uncertainty about the decision, observing that if the amendment were to fail in the committee, discussions regarding the development agreement might be halted.
Councilman David Bartholomew anticipates that such deferrals will likely become a standard practice in the future. During the committee meeting, the public was invited to comment, resulting in standing-room-only attendance that demonstrated the strong community interest in the matter. Public comments included 15 minutes at the beginning of the meeting and over 45 minutes towards the end. Jessie White from the Coastal Conservation League remarked that the venue should have been larger to accommodate the public’s interest.
This deferral marks the second time a vote in the Natural Resources Committee has been postponed at the applicant’s request, with a prior deferral occurring on June 2, 2025. Many community members visiting the meeting expressed frustration, having opposed the golf course development for more than three years. Natasha Robinson from St. Helena Island questioned the council’s awareness of potential corruption in the process.
Supporters of the development contend that the golf course would be more beneficial than the construction of 149 new homes that could be built if the zoning amendment were denied. Meanwhile, State Senator Chip Campsen, who visited the meeting, sent a letter emphasizing the cultural importance of St. Helena Island and the potential consequences of Tropeano’s proposal.
Both the development agreement and the zoning amendment will be discussed by the County Council in their first hearing on September 22, with a second hearing expected at the end of October if approved.
Background Context
Pine Island has been under the protections of the Cultural Protection Overlay since 1999. This legislation aimed to preserve the unique Gullah/Geechee culture, which is integral to the area’s identity. The current proposal to develop a golf course has sparked significant debate among residents, with many expressing concerns about its impact on local culture and the environment.
Discussions surrounding the zoning amendment are vital for the community as they determine the future landscape and cultural integrity of St. Helena Island.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pine Island Zoning Amendment Vote | Postponed until September County Council meeting |
| Applicant | Elvio Tropeano, seeking to remove Pine Island from Cultural Protection Overlay |
| Cultural Protection Overlay | In place since 1999, protects local Gullah/Geechee culture |
| Public Outcry | Strong community attendance and comments against the golf course development |
| Next Steps | County Council to review both development agreement and zoning map amendment on September 22 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Pine Island Zoning Map amendment?
The amendment aims to remove Pine Island from the Cultural Protection Overlay to facilitate the construction of a golf course.
When will the County Council discuss the amendment?
The County Council is scheduled to discuss the development agreement and zoning map amendment on September 22.
What is the Cultural Protection Overlay?
The Cultural Protection Overlay was established in 1999 to protect the Gullah/Geechee culture from overdevelopment.
What has been the community’s reaction to the development proposal?
The community has expressed strong opposition to the golf course development, marking over three years of resistance.
Who is the applicant behind the proposed development?
The applicant is Elvio Tropeano, who is advocating for the zoning changes to allow for the construction of a golf course.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Preserving Gullah Culture Through Music and Community in St. Helena Island
Controversial Development Proposals in Beaufort County
Beaufort Zoning Board Approves Apartment Complex
Safety Concerns Arise Following Pamphlet Distribution
Beaufort County Community Split Over Pine Island Development Proposal
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Committee Defers Pine Island Vote
- Wikipedia: Pine Island, South Carolina
- Island Packet: Pine Island Development Update
- Google Search: Pine Island golf course development
- Your Island News: New Plans for Pine Island
- Google Scholar: Cultural Protection Overlay Beaufort County
- Post and Courier: Pine Island Golf Resort Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah
- Live 5 News: Lawsuit Challenges Pine Island Development Rules
- Google News: Pine Island zoning map amendment
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.
