[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6068510,"mediaKeyId","3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48","parentId",3092982,"title","Developer says Pine Island down-zoning would remove 100 houses, add conservation and private investment","audioSeconds",275,"startMs",623000,"endMs",898000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48&start=623&end=898","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48/thumbnail_623000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6068510/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Developer-says-Pine-Island-down-zoning-would-remove-100-houses-add-conservation-and-private-investment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068510-f635ae8f35ea2337e376c2be361c1dfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196647&Signature=YluGrLYFfpMfVQHYWG-TL78cX3kaPQ7E8TTAlcC5BX8KjEz1VgTfinx3qpRuSxqqS5baRfKG85QvkPoLiUVtrrmQKcCfp1gkYrpp74M6cvwsjxxfLEPOeF7NTpw0YenmWH-mVUv3Pxo30U59gqwS4IF4Mf3NAlCLslx6GIJf~9fayVKr7hXurmDJA9I~9KSPPLtvMZwUyAcJ58S-D5pr1ZcKcBhAZrBxmITRp09ajYRIRqp20CEoRbBQWRdF0dGtyMkRN7qpIYPlRWcfDT0L-55mJNPiHg8v1gDuggNcS1WMs76eH1t--0kXS7YCR4P4Mafth3njwK6wJYRPt2TPVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","BCTV","date","2025-04-07T00:00:00Z","article","Kevin Dukes, a real-estate attorney, used the committee's public-comment period to describe a proposed rezoning to down-zone property known as Pine Island and to express support for related green-space and rural-and-critical-land initiatives.

“My name is Kevin Dukes. I'm a real estate attorney with the law firm of Harvey and Batty,” Dukes said, and he summarized the developer’s plan, which he said is now on file with county staff. Dukes said the proposed down zoning would remove about 100 residential units from development capacity and produce a density equivalent to one unit per 10 acres on much of the land.

Dukes said the plan would preserve roughly 360 acres of open space, achieve a 90% reduction in permitted docks, protect approximately 30,000 feet of shoreline along Village Creek, Eddings Creek and the Morgan River, and remove about 1,000,000 square feet of impervious surface. He also said the proposal would move vertical structures farther from shorelines (to 50 feet on 365 acres rather than 60 feet) and would include a donation of a parcel in the Corners community plus an initial $3,000,000 and a defined revenue stream to fund a community and recreational center on St. Helena Island.

Dukes said the proposal would also generate private investment and jobs: he cited an anticipated $100,000,000 in private investment, a projection of 35 to 70 permanent jobs and “hundreds of part-time full-time equivalent jobs during construction,” and he argued the plan reduces traffic by about 60 percent compared with the previous entitlement.

Dukes said the plan had been developed over three years of community engagement and requested that the committee and staff engage with the proponents to formalize a development agreement and preserve the project features. No formal zoning action was taken by the committee during the meeting; Dukes’s remarks were part of the public-comment record.

Dukes asked for the committee’s help in negotiating a development agreement that would lock in the conservation outcomes and community investments he described.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Beaufort County Natural Resources Committee 4PM April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A developer representative told the Natural Resources Committee that a proposed Pine Island down-zoning would permanently remove 100 residential units, preserve roughly 360 acres, donate an initial $3 million to a community center and attract $100 million in private investment.","taxTitle","Beaufort County, South Carolina","taxId",5067,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6068514,"Regional growth briefing: staff urges workshop to coordinate infrastructure, water and development across Southern Lowcountry",333,1854000,2187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48&start=1854&end=2187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48/thumbnail_1854000.jpg","/articles/6068514/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Regional-growth-briefing-staff-urges-workshop-to-coordinate-infrastructure-water-and-development-across-Southern-Lowcountry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068514-51d20ac012fa860e20fd7673d11a0e1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196647&Signature=HumlrDh~dtBoQL5NsuXkRrzGk34zeWEt7rF5SZh1PMo0XjQrxywcyckC5iQvLQnSis0AToGVcjzi2i1SMRgI7~AmmfgNjFA5vnbaS3TfTYjv2frRh4IVTqzrjD4qZie40ByVOBXTii8k7AfufJz37QnBJcXtfC4y2BulyKNTQbFCyGcMU5UjiEcKMh1vdMelNiBhM8uHIQlqjB6N8P5mwvQDVCTOISSqRI5kbBC3KV3sitAvzR7tfIC-SLzhCJCElqLmTdVPjCehDgbSrWNEV-5kUHcFgFeXw81OGnpSzGZ9TsP97WtG9r5ipSG3HLifp68YEuS7Wgd-tSV3AWVwFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beaufort County staff told the Natural Resources Committee that population and permit trends across the Southern Lowcountry point to substantial future growth and that the county should pursue a facilitated regional workshop to build a shared approach to infrastructure and land-use.

The SoLoCo Growth Committee presentation summarized permit and entitled-development capacity across the region and argued that local jurisdictions, water/sewer authorities and military partners need to coordinate decisions on growth boundaries, infrastructure investments and development approvals. The presenter said the county and neighboring Jasper County hold significant entitled capacity: roughly 2,500 additional residential units within certain Beaufort County subdivisions, tens of thousands of units in Bluffton-area entitlements, and an estimated 35,000 entitled units in Jasper County.

Staff said available capacity for new homes is outpacing current infrastructure planning, and they flagged transportation bottlenecks, water and sewer capacity needs and military encroachment concerns. Staff identified regional partners already participating in the initiative, including the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA), the school district, the Coastal Conservation League, Lowcountry Council of Governments, the military’s air station, and the Sentinel Landscape program.

“To put it simply, we are experiencing rapid population growth,” the presenter told the committee, summarizing permit activity and noting that growth is moving westward into Jasper County as well as continuing inside Beaufort County. Staff recommended a regional growth workshop — a focused, facilitated event involving elected officials and stakeholders — that would produce a road map or framework for future joint decisions. The presenter said the workshop would be a targeted, practical event rather than a full regional plan, and staff asked the committee to support planning for the workshop and for staff to return with cost estimates and options.

Committee members asked for the presentation materials and asked staff to provide more precise timing and projection numbers at a future meeting. Staff said they would bring back more detailed numbers, including possible census projections and timelines tied to infrastructure improvements such as interstate exit upgrades.

No formal committee action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff will return with proposals for a facilitated workshop and cost-sharing options.","Staff told the Natural Resources Committee that rapid growth across Beaufort and adjoining counties requires regional coordination on infrastructure and land-use. Staff proposed a facilitated regional growth workshop for elected officials and stakeholders to develop a shared growth framework.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6068519,"County staff reports survey results in plastic-bag ordinance review; residents favor bag, clamshell and styrofoam restrictions",79,1518000,1597000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48&start=1518&end=1597","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48/thumbnail_1518000.jpg","/articles/6068519/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/County-staff-reports-survey-results-in-plastic-bag-ordinance-review-residents-favor-bag-clamshell-and-styrofoam-restrictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068519-47be745f12d46a94a2df31a4997534a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196647&Signature=RjlmuU3UACnXXKwioZWU2GyRxzYaWN1GHQC~TDnJw9R3XLgmgu29AG9b0~1SUN-7ThZvYMa9RHciRRBrs0scf6aY50Kvyijm0SL3f7iaAw1EHk1Vhew9tlLTiVeqOecHQaZATWP7eLzaRqwKKeAUvqiKCNjFAWWsUNG0bbckfa46O~0amVj0b4-K2of9jqefcvEOPQzFyNePcVwp5MXTZTMTzlnOAczmiNSn-K3atkguB2K2paoEXWR4~-zTWFba3pkzr7u5tYMzerNdombCoi9dmy-74U9xEYGrYdwFue~B6aLRrZYoGzQGB4pBfU-iq0eGZDVfRRZu-ld9QjLZnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff briefed the Natural Resources Committee on an ongoing review of Beaufort County’s plastic-bag ordinance and presented preliminary survey results showing strong consumer engagement.

The presenter reported that the county received 6,062 consumer survey responses and 138 business survey responses after outreach that included industry groups and a QR-code card distribution. Staff said the survey asked respondents which single-use plastic items to target and which regulatory approaches to prefer.

“Right now we got 6,062 consumer responses, which we were excited about, and 138 business responses,” the staff presenter said. Staff said that early trends show relatively greater public support for restrictions or bans on single-use plastic bags, takeout clamshell containers and styrofoam cups, while businesses and consumers expressed more support for a “by request” approach to straws and single-use utensils.

The presenter described outreach to other local jurisdictions, including Charleston County, and the formation of a working group that included county departments and citizen members. Staff said Charleston County conducted an extensive outreach effort and that its businesses were more receptive to “on request” rules for items like straws because those rules reduce business costs without an outright ban.

Staff said the survey period was extended to April 3 and that final analysis will be completed before the committee receives recommendations. Next steps are finishing the analysis and returning to the committee with recommended ordinance options based on the compiled results.

No vote was taken; the presentation was informational and the committee asked clarifying questions about next steps and outreach.","Staff presented interim findings from a public and business survey on the county's plastic-bag ordinance: 6,062 consumer responses and 138 business responses, with higher support for restricting bags and clamshells and preference for 'straws/utensils by request' policies for other single-use plastics.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6068523,"Natural Resources Committee approves multiple conservation purchases and easement contributions",671,2729000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48&start=2729&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3092982-5312c27d4d8982c41a44c1b1ee7a2b48/thumbnail_2729000.jpg","/articles/6068523/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Natural-Resources-Committee-approves-multiple-conservation-purchases-and-easement-contributions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068523-23c4b2064d14b99f51eae5f0dc35fd54/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196647&Signature=mqt1tr5zUbUTV2BRoQjpzAf91nGCdkZBACEYHc-SOcTwTksu~jujNgme5fk6hFp8d1yhaE-oa1mk5iGGT3VYplcZg3KvPhXOvrHbVMaW5iRo~GblqNFO77CQIvWvefjwLKYQft5OB7gEM2S4GN2D0FObL3STjXwhY9h1caiQ2yKExSt0-UOh6MZTUlqrs7R1uCxXFyV2a1kHz9ewt0yu-aycQuoBJriUEe2TTleiZqPX4yiepqTkj8nzqHmqRUxOVHyllqM76eZnP1ywYKFups46HDTuEfduHZqj0Szh~~xI3jtsviKbYC8yXzvPtZG9BherVzxTz6-rI~I~~oxXgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beaufort County’s Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved several conservation transactions on motion Monday, authorizing county funding to support a conservation easement on Trotters Loop and to help acquire multiple parcels including the North Widgeon property.

The committee voted to authorize up to $310,000 in county funds toward a conservation easement procured by the Open Land Trust for property known as the Trotters Loop. The committee also approved county participation in fee-simple procurements for the North Wriggant Tracts (not to exceed $250,000 from the Green Space fund) and a larger North Widgeon acquisition, for which staff described a rural-and-critical-lands share request of roughly $2.2 million supplemented by $250,000 from the county Green Space fund and a matching $250,000 from a state conservation bank. Committee members raised no objections and approval votes were recorded as unanimous by voice/hand vote.

The Trotters Loop easement was presented to the committee as a voluntary, private-land conservation effort covering roughly 55 acres assembled from 18 parcels. Dr. McShane, speaking for the Green Space Committee, said the landowner is donating a substantial portion of the easement value and that Green Space’s requested contribution would leverage private generosity. “This family really worked to bring those 18 parcels together,” Dr. McShane said. The committee approved the requested contribution and agreed to forward the matter to full county council for final action.

Amanda Blake, representing the Rural and Critical Lands program, requested the county’s share for the North Widgeon purchase and described the funding plan on behalf of Rural and Critical Lands staff: the program would provide the majority share (Amanda Blake said $2,200,000), with $250,000 coming from the Green Space fund and $250,000 from the state conservation bank. During final clarification the committee was told the authorization number on the motion was $2,220,000. Blake also noted that if the North Widgeon purchase is approved, Rural and Critical Lands would retain approximately $172,826 in remaining program funds.

Committee members discussed the strategic value of the parcels, noting adjacency to an existing passive park and state-owned marshland and describing the parcels as under significant development pressure. The committee’s chair and presenters emphasized the county’s long-running conservation programs, including earlier projects such as Widgeon Point and the county’s role in matching conservation bank funds.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution: Contribution to Open Land Trust for conservation easement (Trotters Loop). County contribution authorized not to exceed $310,000. Outcome: approved (unanimous). Mover: motion placed on floor; second: Miss Brown (as recorded during the meeting). Notes: 18 parcels; 55 acres; donor accepted a 60% valuation level according to presenter.
- Resolution: County procurement for fee-simple real property known as the North Wriggant Tracts. County contribution authorized not to exceed $250,000 (Green Space). Outcome: approved (unanimous). Mover/Second: motion and second recorded on the floor; recorded as unanimous by hand vote.
- Ordinance/Resolution: Purchase of North Widgeon (tax map serials identified in item wording). Rural and Critical Lands staff requested a $2,200,000 share from that program, plus $250,000 from Green Space and $250,000 from the state conservation bank; the committee’s authorization on the floor was clarified as $2,220,000 during the meeting. Outcome: approved (unanimous). Notes: presenter stated remaining Rural and Critical Lands balance after the purchase would be approximately $172,826.

Several committee members asked for and were given fund-balance information before voting. Staff reported a Green Space fund balance of $105,818,858.48 as of the previous Wednesday; presenters estimated the uncommitted balance after outstanding commitments to be “somewhere north of $95 million.”

The committee also approved a separate smaller fee purchase (Barrel Landing) with a total cost cited as $438,000 (purchase price $435,000 plus closing costs).

The committee’s approvals were procedural authorizations directing county staff and the county administrator to execute documents and finalize funding; final closings and deed transfers are subject to the usual closing steps and documentation.

The county chair closed the agenda items after the approvals and the committee adjourned.","Beaufort County Natural Resources Committee unanimously authorized funds for a conservation easement on Trotters Loop and approved county participation in three other land purchases, including a $2.2 million acquisition for North Widgeon.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developer says Pine Island down-zoning would remove 100 houses, add conservation and private investment

Regional growth briefing: staff urges workshop to coordinate infrastructure, water and development across Southern Lowcountry

County staff reports survey results in plastic-bag ordinance review; residents favor bag, clamshell and styrofoam restrictions

Natural Resources Committee approves multiple conservation purchases and easement contributions