Dream Finders Homes Starts Construction in Controversial Area

News Summary

Dream Finders Homes has begun construction in Hilton Head’s Bailey’s Cove subdivision, amid community backlash and ongoing legal issues surrounding the historically significant land. The project has sparked outrage among residents, particularly within the Gullah community, due to contentious land acquisition and past legal disputes. As the homebuilder faces multiple lawsuits, questions about the future of this development loom large over the landscape, raising concerns about its impact on the local community.

Dream Finders Homes Begins Construction on Controversial Hilton Head Land Amid Ongoing Legal Issues and Community Backlash

The Florida-based homebuilder, Dream Finders Homes, LLC, has ignited controversy as construction on a previously contested plot of land in Hilton Head begins. This land is historically significant to the local Gullah community, and many residents are expressing outrage over the development.

Land Acquisition and Current Construction

According to county property records, Dream Finders purchased 34 plots in the Bailey’s Cove subdivision for $3.2 million in December. Construction crews have commenced work, erecting homes and filling the area with advertising signs along Jonesville Road that beckon potential buyers with enticing prices starting “FROM THE $600s.”

Community Concerns and Legal Woes

However, the enthusiasm surrounding new homes is overshadowed by ongoing legal battles and significant community backlash. Dream Finders is currently a plaintiff in seven lawsuits within Beaufort County. Members of a Facebook group, which has amassed over 4,000 members, actively share negative experiences with the company, underpinning the growing dissatisfaction in the community.

Compounding these issues is the tragic legacy of the prior owner, Bailey Point Investment LLC, which faced national outrage in 2023 for a controversial lawsuit against 93-year-old Josephine Wright. The case drew intense scrutiny over claims of alleged property encroachments. Following Wright’s passing in January 2024, her family reached a settlement in March 2024, but legal ramifications linger, with the case still present in the Beaufort County public index. Bailey Point retains control over other parcels in Bailey’s Cove, leaving future developments uncertain.

Wider Legal Landscape

The legal challenges for Dream Finders are not confined to Beaufort County. The company faces scrutiny in Horry County, with three ongoing lawsuits, and has over 100 cases filed against it in Duval County, Florida. Concerns raised include allegations relating to rainwater drainage at another housing community, The Overlook at Battery Creek, where the Homeowners Association accuses the builder of failing to manage drainage effectively, causing significant damage.

Additionally, there are troubling allegations concerning price hikes. Reports suggest that Dream Finders increased the price of a home by $90,000 after accepting a deposit from buyers, raising further community concerns.

Development Details and Future Outlook

While confusion surrounding the land continues, construction within the Bailey’s Cove area is moving forward. The developing land, situated amid marshes in the historically significant Jonesville area, is set to feature rows of single-family homes, each designed to be three stories high with two-car garages. The construction is taking shape closely around the former site of Wright’s estate, a poignant reminder of the land’s heritage.

Previously, the original developer, Bailey Point Investment, envisioned a 147-home subdivision for the 29-acre site. Now, buyers can find some homes in Bailey’s Cove available, with an expected availability date for new constructions beginning in August. Prospective homebuyers will have the option to choose from three customizable “buildable” plans.

As the landscape evolves, some drafts label Bailey’s Cove as a community that offers “the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience.” However, the controversy and legal issues surrounding the land suggest that the future may remain turbulent.

Conclusion

As Dream Finders Homes continues its work amidst fierce opposition, it remains to be seen how the community and legal proceedings will impact the ongoing developments in Bailey’s Cove. The tension between progress and preservation looms large over this increasingly contentious site.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Island Packet
• Wikipedia: Dream Finders Homes
• Business Wire
• Google Search: Dream Finders Homes acquisition
• Jacksonville.com
• Google Scholar: Dream Finders Homes
• Jax Daily Record
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dream Finders Homes