Beaufort Council Rejects Golf Resort Proposal, Future of Pine Island Uncertain
BEAUFORT — The air was thick with anticipation as the Beaufort County Council convened for a special session on September 16. With members of the audience eagerly waiting to hear the Council’s decision regarding a controversial golf resort proposal on Pine Island, the atmosphere was electric. This meeting followed a previous appeal and mediation process that involved the potential development of three six-hole golf courses on the picturesque 502-acre site.
A Tense Meeting
The session wasn’t your typical council affair; it lasted a remarkable 2½ hours, yet the public only witnessed a fraction of that time. Most of the discussions took place in an executive session, with attorneys representing both sides presenting arguments behind closed doors. As everyone waited, it was evident that opinions within the community were sharply divided. Some were staunch supporters of the development, while others were passionately opposed, concerned about the impact on the environment and the community.
The owners of the Pine Island property, Pine Island Property Holdings LLC and Pine Island GC LLC, had filed an appeal after the Beaufort County Planning Commission denied their initial application in June 2023. The council was called to decide whether to accept a mediation offer that could potentially allow the development of the resort. Unfortunately, the details of that settlement offer remained undisclosed, adding to the community’s intrigue.
Decision Day
Finally, after a lengthy deliberation, the Council returned to the public session. Council Chair Joseph Passiment opened with a solemn reminder that a decision was looming. Soon after, Councilmember Alice Howard presented a motion to inform the mediator that the Council would not accept the settlement proposal. With a vote count of 8-3, the Council decisively rejected the offer.
As the votes were counted, an almost palpable tension filled the room. Then, a few seconds of silence were shattered by a wave of applause from those opposing the development. Supporters of the rejection expressed relief and hope that this decision would signify a commitment to preserving Pine Island’s natural beauty.
Community Voices
Among the crowd was Penn Center Trustee David Yoakley Mitchell, who spoke passionately about the importance of civic engagement. He stated, “The Beaufort County Council affirmed that we have to accept the past and the future, for without one there cannot be the other. Today, we saw the very ethos of civics and process come together, and we are all better for it.”
Councilmember York Glover, who has been vocally against the golf resort project, shared his relief after the vote, saying, “You never know, but I was glad for the outcome. It really said that Council wants to move on.” His comments echoed the sentiment of many in the room who were eager to see the matter resolved.
Next Steps
So, what happens next? With the Council’s decision made, the ball is back in the court of legal proceedings. Leslie Lenhardt, representing the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, explained that they are now moving towards a declaration of impasse in the mediation. Following that, oral arguments in the appeal will be scheduled, meaning that this issue is far from over.
There are still multiple ways this case could unfold, Lenhardt explained. For example, a motion to dismiss the case could emerge, or there could still be room for some negotiated settlement. Moreover, the ongoing litigation also raises the possibility of a federal case that may develop further.
A Community on Edge
The rejection of the settlement may have provided a temporary wave of relief to some residents, but the future of Pine Island remains uncertain. With both local concerns and legal battles in the air, it’s clear that this issue is a significant chapter in Beaufort’s ongoing dialogue about development versus preservation.
As we look forward, the community will undoubtedly remain engaged in this unfolding story, eager to protect the heritage and beauty of Pine Island for generations to come. Stay tuned as we follow the next steps in what promises to be a fascinating legal journey.
