Sunny Days Ahead for Beaufort’s New Development Plans
BEAUFORT — The air has been buzzing with excitement over a new proposed residential development on the picturesque Pine Island, and during a meeting on December 11, 2024, Beaufort County staff gave the green light to the first step in this venture. Picture this: a charming community of 20 homes nestled on a spacious 65-acre parcel overlooking the scenic Village Creek. Doesn’t that sound delightful?
The approval by the county’s Staff Review Team marks a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning! The development team will need to return for final approval in the future, so there’s still much to watch for. During the preliminary discussions, county staff raised some routine questions about everything from open space requirements to stormwater plans and tree removal. You know, the usual adulting stuff that comes with building homes.
However, one topic that sparked interest—and perhaps some concern—was the idea of having docks for the creek-side homes. Elvio Tropeano, the project’s go-to guy, mentioned that they hadn’t quite decided yet if docks would be included. And just in case you were wondering, if you dream of placing a dock, your lots need to be 250 feet wide! Right now, each planned lot is set at 100 feet. Crunching numbers, it seems homeowners hoping to fish from their backyards might need to think again!
Controversy on the Horizon
Now, while all of this construction chatter might sound like a dream for some, it has its fair share of controversy. Pine Island has been a hot topic for discussion over the past couple of years, especially since plans for a golf resort were first proposed way back in 2022. Imagine the debates, the crowd-filled meetings, and community advocates defending what they hold dear!
Residents raised eyebrows at the resort proposal, insisting that it went against the St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay, a zoning rule put in place to protect the island’s special charm since 1999. This overlay frowns upon the development of resorts, golf courses, and gated communities. Talk about a classic case of “not in my backyard!” The public meetings saw heated discussions and passionate pleas, ultimately leading to a request by property owners to change the overlay’s boundaries, effectively excluding Pine Island. Spoiler alert: that petition was denied!
Legal Battles and Future Plans
The debate turned legal as the property owners took their case to court, claiming their rights were being stifled. Meanwhile, the county has been busy on its end, filing motions and doing some legal juggling. As of now, the court awaits rulings, keeping residents on the edge of their seats.
Still hoping to move ahead, Tropeano suggested that if the golf resort doesn’t take shape, they’re ready to push forward with the residential development. Let’s face it: this isn’t your typical suburban development plan. These homes would come with those picturesque marsh views! Residential development is allowed according to the property’s current zoning, unlike the golf course endeavor, so it’s a safer bet in terms of community approval.
But wait—there’s more! Back in October 2023, Tropeano proposed a grand plan for a 144-home community on the land, which unfortunately didn’t sit well with the county staff due to many concerns that needed addressing. With that plan seemingly fading away, many think the current project could follow suit.
The Future of Pine Island
Jessie White from the Coastal Conservation League has been an ardent supporter of preserving the island’s unique cultural overlay and hopes to keep its integrity intact. She attended the meeting and openly speculated that until the residential development gets its final go-ahead, the community should keep a close watch on any potential shifts toward a golf course in disguise.
As residents keep close tabs on these developments, the back-and-forth between the county and developers showcases the classic tug-of-war between progress and preservation. Summertime in Beaufort has blessed us with sunny days, but when it comes to Pine Island, it seems the clouds of controversy won’t clear just yet!
Stay tuned, Beaufort! The story of Pine Island is just beginning, and who knows what the next chapter will bring. For now, let’s hope for the best while keeping our fingers crossed for a beautiful outcome for all.
