St. Helena Island, September 23, 2025
News Summary
In a decisive move, the St. Helena Island community has successfully opposed a proposed development that threatened their cultural heritage. A lengthy county council meeting, lasting seven and a half hours, brought 70 residents to voice their concerns, especially regarding the potential installation of a golf course. This outcome reflects the community’s commitment to preserving their unique Gullah Geechee identity against pressures of development, ensuring that the Cultural Protected Overlay Zone remains intact.
St. Helena Island Community Stands Against Development Proposal
A proposed development on St. Helena Island will not move forward after significant public opposition at a county council meeting. The meeting extended for seven and a half hours and saw 70 citizens signed up for public comment, reflecting widespread resistance to the project. The Gullah Geechee people are an integral part of Beaufort County, with thousands residing on St. Helena Island.
According to former mayor Stephen Murray, the turnout for this meeting was “probably one of the largest” he has ever seen, indicating a strong community interest in the preservation of the island’s heritage. The main agenda item was a new zoning plan that included the installation of a golf course, which many residents opposed vehemently.
The proposed development aimed to remove the Cultural Protected Overlay Zone established to conserve St. Helena Island’s heritage. Murray expressed concerns that the new zoning plan contradicted 30 years of planning efforts for the island. Many residents fear that constructing a golf course could lead to a deterioration of the island’s unique cultural identity, which they cherish and strive to protect.
Marilyn Hemingway, CEO of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for wise land use that prioritizes the protection of heritage. The notion that a golf course would benefit the community was widely challenged, and many community members argued that such a development should never be established on St. Helena Island.
Developer Elvio Tropeano had proposed a 60% reduction in density and traffic, claiming that it would lead to increased forest protection while removing septic fields and docks. However, the community’s strong resistance led to the immediate failure of the development proposal. Despite this setback, Tropeano stated, “I’m going nowhere,” which hinted at his potential intention to explore future options.
As a result of the meeting and public feedback, the decision marks a significant moment for the community, reflecting their unwavering commitment to preserving their cultural identity and history. For now, St. Helena’s current cultural and zoning protections will remain intact, ensuring the ongoing safeguarding of the island’s heritage.
Background on Gullah Geechee Community
The Gullah Geechee people have a rich history rooted in African culture and have maintained their unique customs and language over generations. This community is essential not only to St. Helena Island but also to the broader cultural landscape of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Their efforts to protect their way of life have been met with both challenges and triumphs, as this recent development proposal illustrates.
Community Response
The significance of the community’s collective voice during the county council meeting cannot be overstated. It exemplifies the residents’ dedication to maintaining their cultural landscape amidst pressure from development. The determination shown by the Gullah Geechee people serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement in local governance and planning.
Conclusion
This decision not only reflects the desires of the locals but also sets a precedent for future developments on the island. Preserving the Cultural Protected Overlay Zone is pivotal to ensuring that St. Helena Island continues to be a vibrant reminder of the Gullah Geechee people’s history and culture.
FAQ
What was the recent decision regarding development on St. Helena Island?
A proposed development on St. Helena Island will not move forward after significant public opposition at a county council meeting.
How long did the county council meeting last?
The meeting lasted seven and a half hours, with 70 citizens signed up for public comment.
What was the main agenda of the meeting?
The main agenda for the meeting was a new zoning plan for St. Helena that included the installation of a golf course.
What is the Cultural Protected Overlay Zone?
The proposed development would have removed the Cultural Protected Overlay Zone, aimed at conserving the island’s heritage.
What is the current status of St. Helena’s cultural and zoning protections?
St. Helena’s current cultural and zoning protections will remain intact for the time being.
Key Features of the Development Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Duration | Seven and a half hours |
| Community Participation | 70 citizens signed up for public comment |
| Proposed Development | Installation of a golf course and removal of Cultural Protected Overlay Zone |
| Developer’s Proposal | 60% reduction in density and traffic, increased forest protection, removal of septic fields and docks |
| Community Response | Strong opposition leading to the proposal’s failure |
| Future Intent | Developer may pursue future options |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Council Votes Against Proposed Zoning Changes on St. Helena Island
- Island Packet: Community Response to Development on St. Helena Island
- Post and Courier: Gullah Geechee Woman Improves Community on St. Helena
- Explore Beaufort: Gullah Festival in Downtown Beaufort
- The Guardian: Gullah Geechee Heritage on St. Helena Island
- Wikipedia: Gullah
- Google Search: Gullah Geechee
- Google Scholar: Gullah Geechee Culture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah
- Google News: Gullah Geechee Preservation
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.
