Structures on Bay Point Island Spur Concerns in Beaufort County
In Beaufort County, the discovery of four green, yurt-like structures on the relatively quiet Bay Point Island has sparked inquiries and caused quite a stir in the community. The unexpected find comes in the wake of a longstanding debate over proposed developments for the island.
Development efforts and controversies
For nearly a decade, Bay Point Island—a distinct landmass whose topography is continually molded by the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Port Royal Sound—has been the center of attention for burgeoning development plans. An eco-tourism resort proposal was turned down by the county in 2020, giving rise to an extended period of appeals which eventually concluded in 2023. Earlier this year, plans for residential development were unveiled, adding fuel to the longstanding debate.
The appearance of these structures on the island has drawn significant attention, with some residents querying whether the required construction permits had been granted. Whitestone Resources, a potential developer of Bay Point, clarified that these sites were mobile, primitive camps set up by scientists and volunteers working to protect the island and said no permits were necessary.
Although county officials sidestepped direct questions regarding the need for permits, they have confirmed that an investigation has been launched regarding the structures.
A history of disputed development
The struggle over the development of Bay Point Island has been a seesaw battle since 2016 — a tug of war between developers and local residents, with each side gaining and losing ground at various stages. Over 35,000 people, guided by Marquetta Goodwine—also known as Queen Quet—voiced their opposition to resort development, the appeal being that Bay Point Island is integral to the traditional fisheries for native Gullah/Geechees of Beaufort County.
The Future of Bay Point Island
This year, when Whitestone teamed up with the Thailand-based Six Senses and Redrock Portfolio Inc., they gave a fresh impetus to the development plans. Their vision is to establish an eco-conscious resort, spa, and residential community across three locations in Beaufort County, one of which is Bay Point Island. The press release even proposed putting up a limited number of branded villas for sale in 2024. These homes are designed to be Category-5 hurricane resilient, equipped with modern infrastructure, waste handling, renewable energy, reverse-osmosis water supply, and helical piling meant to minimize soil disruption and lighten their environmental footprint.
Zoning laws for Bay Point Island currently permit one single-family residence every 3 acres. However, due to the dynamic nature of the topography and some previously subdivided parcels being underwater or close to submersion, there is evidence of the challenges presented by construction on a barrier island.
While the island’s future remains uncertain, the presence of the mysterious yurts underscores the ongoing dialogue about development, environmental sustainability, and preservation of culture that continues to shape Bay Point Island to this day. The county’s determinations in this investigation could have significant implications for future development plans.
