The Pine Island property on St. Helena Island, S.C., has sparked significant controversy among local residents. The proposed project, which includes a golf course and residential development, has divided opinions. Some community members support the development, while others argue it’s not suitable for environmental or cultural reasons.
The Beaufort County council will once again discuss the Pine Island development on Monday. No decisions have been reached yet, and the final decision regarding the property’s future rests with the council.
Residents, both supporters and opponents, continue to express their opinions, hoping the council will consider the community’s desires in their decision-making process.
“We have received over 150 letters backing the project,” said a Beaufort County resident who collaborates with the developer and a community group to align the development with local needs.
This resident, along with the signatories of the supportive letters, advocates for the development. They argue that the golf course could bring employment opportunities, contribute to smart growth, and generate long-term generational wealth for the island.
They believe these benefits are clearly outlined in a new development agreement that Elvio Tropeano, the developer, and his firm plan to present to the Beaufort County council tomorrow.
The agreement highlights that the development wouldn’t just bring a golf course and residential properties, but funds from the course would go back into the community on the island.
“It’s not just a bunch of empty promises. You know, there’s funds for housing, ears, property and cultural preservation, which is something that they made clear was very important to them. Those things are hardwired into the agreement, and it ensures long term accountability and community benefits in the plan,” said another St. Helena Island resident for the development.
On the other hand, people have said that the developer is using economic and growth opportunities to mask that the golf course and residential homes would be destructive to the environment and preservation of the island.
Several social media posts have been made in opposition to the developer’s plans.
One social media comment read,
“This should be cut and dry. The environmental impact greatly outweighs any benefit they say this brings.”
Several other social media posts and comments also pointed out that property shouldn’t be removed from the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO), which is a decades old agreement which protects St. Helena land from golf courses and gates.
The Beaufort County council is meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Burton Wells Recreation Center.
They will discuss possibly removing the property from the CPO, as well as reviewing a new development agreement proposed by the developer.
