Beaufort County Council Revisits Pine Island Golf Resort Controversy Amid Community Outcry

Beaufort County Council Faces Pine Island Golf Resort Controversy Again

BEAUFORT — The atmosphere at the County Council chambers was electric as concerned residents packed the room on September 11, eager to voice their opinions on the Pine Island golf resort debate. The lively gathering felt like a blast from the past, reminding attendees of the intense discussions that filled county meetings earlier in 2023. Those meetings were centered around the proposed development on the Pine Island property along St. Helena Island’s picturesque north shore, a topic that’s been as contentious as it has been captivating.

Fast-forward to today—while the conversations surrounding the resort had quietened down and moved to court, the issue is back on the agenda. On September 16, the council will hold a special meeting where parties involved in the ongoing lawsuit will present arguments to seek a settlement. The lawsuit, filed by Pine Island Property Holdings LLC and Pine Island GC LLC, came in response to the denial of their application to erect three six-hole golf courses on the 502-acre site back in July 2023. With the county and its Planning Commission named as defendants, this case is shaping up to be an important moment for local governance and community engagement.

“We really need to make sure everyone has access to the same information,” explained Councilmember Logan Cunningham after the council’s executive session, highlighting the importance of transparency in the legal process. The mediation session that took place earlier, on September 5, was private, leaving many community members and stakeholders wondering what directions discussions might have taken.

Legal Concerns and Community Pushback

However, the legal intricacies surrounding this case don’t stop at mediation. Leslie Lenhardt, an attorney representing the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition in the lawsuit, raised questions about the council’s decision to address the matter in private. “If outside parties are discussing matters within an executive session, it could breach the state’s Freedom of Information Act,” Lenhardt stated, asserting the need for openness in discussions that impact community stakeholders.

Additionally, as the council navigates through this complex legal terrain, the backdrop of community concern looms large. The proposed golf resort initially sparked significant opposition when plans became public in late 2022. Many residents were quick to rally around the St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay, which explicitly prohibits golf courses, resorts, and gated communities across a considerable portion of the island—64 square miles to be exact. This overlay was established in 1999 to safeguard the island’s unique cultural landscape.

Community Voices Matter

With the country being as divided as ever over this controversial project, the voices of community members like St. Helena resident Lisa Johnson stand as a testament to the power of public involvement. She attended the June meeting where the Planning Commission upheld earlier denials for the resort, emphasizing how crucial it is for local voices to shape the future of land use in their neighborhoods.

As the special meeting heads into executive session next week, both sides will have the chance to express their views to the council. This type of opportunity is rare, especially following an extensive mediation period. It’s an important moment that will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the local government and the community at large.

One key point of contention during earlier discussions has been the integrity of the cultural overlay. Councilmember York Glover, representing the district that includes St. Helena Island, made it very clear where he stands. “The community said no, and I stand with the community,” he remarked after previous votes. His steadfast position reflects broader community sentiments that firmly oppose any development that threatens their cultural heritage.

The Road Ahead

As we all look forward to the special meeting on September 16, residents remain hopeful that their voices will be heard loud and clear, with the council making decisions that prioritize community well-being over profit. The Pine Island saga continues to unfold, and whether this legal battle leads to a golf resort—or signals a bigger effort to uphold community values—remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: the spirit of community activism is alive and well in Beaufort, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Stay tuned as we bring you updates on this developing story.