The Pine Island developer has submitted another matching application to remove Pine Island from St. Helena’s Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) zoning. The proposal mirrors the plan that was first introduced in 2022, which is a gated golf resort with a limited number of homes and docks. The developer is also suggesting a potential land swap to build a recreation center in the Corners Community and pledging to deliver on other investments. 

A gated golf resort still conflicts with St. Helena’s CPO zoning that clearly prohibits this kind of development to protect Gullah/Geechee culture, identity and land. The proposal may go to the Beaufort County Planning Commission as early as next month, and then to Beaufort County Council.

The developer also continues to pursue litigation on the issue in court with two ongoing lawsuits against Beaufort County and its Planning Commission. We will continue to send updates as the Pine Island development issue and lawsuits play out. 

We will continue to advocate for St. Helena Island, and the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) which has conserved something significant and very special since 1999.  Thank you!