Residents Divided Over Proposed Golf Course on St Helena Island
St Helena Island, South Carolina – On April 8, residents filled the Beaufort County council meeting, expressing their strong opinions about a proposed golf course planned for the Pine Island Plantation/St Helenaville area. The 500-acre land at stake has sparked a heated debate that highlights the conflicting visions for the future of this unique island community.
Who is Involved?
The council meeting attracted a variety of voices, with some residents vehemently opposing the golf course, while others backed the development as a means to enhance local infrastructure and create job opportunities. Resident Marque Fireall spoke on behalf of those against the project, urging officials to listen to the 20,000 signatures collected on a petition opposing the development.
What is the Proposal?
The golf course developer, Elvio Tropeano, has presented plans for the construction of a luxury golf course. Supporters like Jesse Gantt, a real estate investor, argue that the project could provide crucial jobs and resources to the island. Gantt criticized the island’s cultural protection overlay (CPO), a zoning law that currently prohibits such developments, saying it stifles property owners’ ability to develop their land and create benefits for the local community.
Where is This Happening?
The proposed site, Pine Island Plantation/St Helenaville, lies on St Helena Island, a location rich in history and culture, especially for the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved west Africans. Established in the late 1990s, the CPO was designed to safeguard the island’s cultural heritage and landscape, preventing outside development that could disrupt the traditional lifestyle of its residents.
When Did This Debate Start?
The controversy has intensified over recent years, culminating with the April 8 county council meeting where community members voiced their concerns. The CPO aims to maintain the island’s rural character, but some locals argue that it limits the ability of Gullah families to retain ownership of their properties, particularly as many struggle to pay rising property taxes.
Why is This Important?
The clash reflects a broader struggle between preservation and growth for St Helena Island. While many appreciate the tranquility and cultural integrity offered by the CPO, others argue for the necessity of development to provide economic stability. The ramifications of allowing the golf course could set a critical precedent for future developments throughout Beaufort County.
Former Penn Center executive director, Emory Campbell, raised a pivotal question: “Are you satisfied with your lifestyle now versus the lifestyle of the more developed island Hilton Head?” This question highlights the dilemma facing community members as they weigh their cherished cultural heritage against the promise of economic advancement.
Current Developments
Despite overwhelming opposition from the community, Tropeano has pursued legal action against Beaufort County, challenging the validity of the CPO and aiming to move forward with his golf course plans. An executive council meeting on September 16 resulted in a narrow vote against the project, with ongoing legal battles likely to ensue. Jessie White from the Coastal Conservation League claims granting exceptions to the CPO could open the floodgates for similar developments.
While the island’s demographics have changed, with white residents now composing 65% of the population and Black residents representing just 25%, many community leaders advocate for retaining Gullah traditions.
Conclusion
This unfolding debate poses significant questions about St Helena Island’s identity and future. The potential impact of the proposed golf course hinges not only on economic factors but also on deep-rooted cultural considerations that have shaped the lives of the Gullah Geechee people for generations.
