[{"_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",6528332,"mediaKeyId","3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee","parentId",3408915,"title","Council acts on multiple ordinances, budget items and agreements; list of votes and formal actions","audioSeconds",7925,"startMs",4135000,"endMs",12060000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee&start=4135&end=12060","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee/thumbnail_4135000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6528332/Hilton-Head-Island/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Council-acts-on-multiple-ordinances-budget-items-and-agreements-list-of-votes-and-formal-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528332-bc0722aa3f73c9b266b0071b593d569d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173651&Signature=NTAG5PDRPqF70KoFHf5O-U7SQV88XnP70M1ko4HlsdeTw-4LbWP9RIiuK6x86PlUWzrCqpoG8YDMY8K1myH-FrVl-638m3bUNwLF7ObMRH2z-AcilWNO0IQuQ3yYoimSQMKFHEnhMagT~WYYrRtV2Y0nmtN~mXkMaHWAxhMSvQUZxcY6KAn1NVDn8988Y9lgXFnbavm4ZiKtvsH~8l4q9TNc2NY1h~AVSv3VZU3wk2nPcU~0LGEn3YnEzQuMuwCBDXkbiZb2glyIWfPbXf0YnhIddG0DgkZWKH8V2g~l~p1eQhyGBU9QUUSATIUbTSgwax2Sb1U9k-~V9sLh6XPZJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hilton Head Island","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","Hilton Head Island Town Council used the May 20 meeting to adopt several routine and action items with limited public debate. Votes and outcomes are listed below; where available the mover/second and the vote tally are recorded.

Votes at a glance

- 2025 Budget Amendment (second and final reading): Approved 7-0. Town staff noted a post-first-reading contribution from Beaufort County of $993,000 to the real-estate transfer fee fund; the primary land-acquisition amounts were unchanged. Motion by Burnette; vote 7-0.

- Fire trucks lease purchase (second and final reading): Council approved a tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement to finance four town-owned fire trucks. Motion and second noted in the record; approved 7-0.

- Administrative citations and fines ordinance (first reading advanced): Council advanced an ordinance authorizing administrative citations and fines for violations across several code chapters, including short-term rental permit violations and beach/terminal parking infractions. Staff and council clarified service-of-notice procedures and agreed to narrow some exemption language; motion passed 7-0 to advance the ordinance.

- Dogs/animals restriction on a section of the beach near Fish Haul Creek (first reading advanced): Council advanced an ordinance to prohibit dogs and other animals 24/7 on a defined stretch of beach (from the spa at the north end to Fish Haul Creek at the south end) to satisfy a condition of permits related to beach renourishment and threatened-species protections. The community services committee had recommended the narrower area; the council voted 7-0 on first reading.

- Drainage and utility easement from Beaufort County (resolution): Council accepted a non-exclusive drainage and utility easement on county-owned property at 55 Gardner Drive to enable town stormwater improvements in Old Woodlands and adjacent neighborhoods. Resolution approved 7-0.

Executive-session outcomes and follow-up actions (approved, 7-0 each)

- Authorize contract for purchase of ~6.58 acres on Jonesville Road: Council authorized the town manager to execute the purchase contract and related actions. Motion approved 7-0.

- Workforce housing agreement and deed restrictions (Diamond Cove): Council authorized the mayor and town manager to execute a workforce housing agreement with Diamond Cove Elite SC LLC and accept the related declaration of covenants and restrictions. Motion approved 7-0.

- Approve standard forms for future workforce-housing agreements and covenants: Council adopted forms and authorized town officials to accept and enforce workforce housing covenants for projects submitted under the newly amended LMO workforce-housing provisions. Motion approved 7-0.

Public comment and process notes: Several public speakers addressed audits, town finance oversight and workforce housing. Councilmembers and staff agreed to minor clarifications to draft ordinances before second readings where needed; staff will return with the amended text and public notice as required.

Ending: Staff will post the adopted documents and revised ordinances ahead of second/final readings where applicable and will proceed with execution of the authorized contracts and easements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 3:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","At its May 20 meeting the Hilton Head Island Town Council approved a set of routine and executive-session items including a budget amendment, a tax-exempt lease purchase for fire trucks, an administrative citations ordinance (to be finalized), and acceptance of a county drainage easement.","taxTitle","Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina","taxId",5068,"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},6528346,"State infrastructure bank rejects reduced plan; Hilton Head, Beaufort County weigh narrower bridge or revised funding deal",1381,1702000,3083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee&start=1702&end=3083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee/thumbnail_1702000.jpg","/articles/6528346/Hilton-Head-Island/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/State-infrastructure-bank-rejects-reduced-plan-Hilton-Head-Beaufort-County-weigh-narrower-bridge-or-revised-funding-deal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528346-38d2b051396d0fee796464718981d004/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173651&Signature=awO5b7~tzdhLXWhpEoc-1ylojTt83JO3PqZxsXsbz9K9LmmCyMu38xn8WrDTxGqc~G~OBMdEHcJkjh17WNGLZF9gJHLWNGqi07iEeQplSKp8V-QBidhqxrfC~VZs1lbnRrfOTd3QVt-2B7SMWIQsEj2FPJi23YRZqFxtZ0jAy3sgEnMlghbBnMzNGr2q43DF99nsSpCTzKoRQVKjtUdLCKqBq9jBsTgWZUo4zfXpu2cgBFrnx3LOPVw8LWr3WORvg~WPTSJ61Jen0nJ03jDAEpeHNv6Jzwi~HfZd11dKwzoYfozHgMZIFjlKcYoLjAgbv-UQt~CVcwiTrGn2SSz9Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town and county officials briefed the Hilton Head Island Town Council May 20 on the future of the long-running William Hilton Gateway Corridor project after the South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) board unanimously rejected Beaufort County\u000027s request to accept a reduced-scope, reduced-cost plan.

The SIB\u000027s May 12 vote followed months of review after a 2024 sales-tax referendum failed to produce the local funding previously promised for a $488 million corridor upgrade. Sean Cohen, town staff who presented the update to council, said SIB staff told the county their submission violated parts of the intergovernmental agreement and left key items unclear. \"They rejected the proposal, at their meeting unanimously,\" Cohen said.

Why this matters: the SIB had committed $120 million to the larger project; Beaufort County had identified roughly $101 million in local commitments (about $80 million from the 2018 sales-tax referendum plus about $21 million in impact fees), and SCDOT had indicated an increased contribution in the range of $90.6 million to help replace the eastbound Mackay (Mackie) Creek span. With the SIB denial, county leaders have narrowed options: (a) terminate the SIB agreement and have SCDOT replace only the deficient eastbound Mackay/Mackie Creek span (the \"default\"), or (b) ask the SIB to reconsider if Beaufort County and SCDOT can clarify funding order, overrun commitments and schedule details.

At last night\u000027s special Beaufort County meeting, county council voted to pursue the second option and submit amended terms to the SIB. Cohen told Hilton Head council the county has a 30-day window (a \"shot clock\" referenced by SCDOT leadership) to provide the revised intergovernmental agreement; town staff said they expected county council to transmit terms to the SIB as soon as its next meeting. Cohen said the town will share updates to the public as they arrive.

Council members and residents who spoke at the meeting expressed sharply different views. Several council members said they prefer bringing local sales-tax funds back to the island if the SIB funding is not available, and to use local money to address corridor intersections and island safety rather than to build partial capacity on a single span. Councilmember Desmond said building a three-lane span that reverts to two lanes later would deliver little long-term traffic or safety benefit. By contrast, some public commenters urged the county and state to step up and build the larger corridor as envisioned previously; a member of the public, identified as Skip Oakland, urged a simpler approach: \"My simple take on the bridge ... is just let the state fix and pay for it.\"

What happens next: Beaufort County indicated it would finalize amended terms and provide them to the SIB within the 30-day window; SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell had set the timeline. If the SIB again declines the reduced-scope approach, the county is likely to return to the default path of SCDOT replacing the one deficient span while local leaders consider how to use the remaining local funds for corridor and intersection improvements on Hilton Head.

Discussion vs. decision: the town council did not take a formal vote on the corridor tonight; town staff presented the status and asked council to remain informed. Beaufort County Council took its own action to pursue an amended IGA with the SIB. Town staff and local legislators said they would continue outreach to SCDOT and the SIB while the county finalizes terms.

Context/figures mentioned in council briefing (as presented): original larger project estimate roughly $488,000,000; SIB commitment $120,000,000; county local funds about $101,000,000 ($80,000,000 referendum + $21,000,000 impact fees); SCDOT contribution indicated around $90,600,000; county engineering spent ~ $13,000,000 to date against NEPA and design work. Cohen said roughly $298.5 million remained in project funds if land contributions are excluded.

Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to report back promptly as the SIB/county process unfolds; town staff said it will distribute new information to council and to the public as soon as it is available.","Town and county officials briefed the Hilton Head Island Town Council May 20 on the future of the long-running William Hilton Gateway Corridor project after the South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) board unanimously rejected Beaufort County\u000027s request to accept a reduced-scope, reduced-cost plan.",{"_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},6528336,"Council approves workforce-housing zoning changes and rezones Northpointe site; developers prepare site plan",6162,5532000,11694000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee&start=5532&end=11694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee/thumbnail_5532000.jpg","/articles/6528336/Hilton-Head-Island/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Council-approves-workforce-housing-zoning-changes-and-rezones-Northpointe-site-developers-prepare-site-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528336-1151902af62322bc9936f00859df43ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173651&Signature=YlY9omr28giXV-C8m1pv7oYFnQ7gf6INyu~7q81vJoM1wh7f3yRhnQg8iBY-IwgjyZC8~icVlKAjAW1PfLlQDLV3YuVcDz8Jnyw6CwcqWwpHjAb-OdKl-J-W~hEA-g8nljuTSrJpxU6GQ6nYf4MucY83zAn88isHtvWPkbNytSKDXyWamM6otVYcu7JS3n3sWUFAQ8a4QBYTUaBqpApQ~2aUHo6sD9clKoTV~EjmC3zYrLT71hYzEBu6mDcnrNc3FO~we~NL39Uvk7erw-XAOgB09rKssp9vlNd1Hk0x3~qMH4qJ9RfQ8t45Jep4bNdnRGAl8VI10OmsJm97ObKuRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Council voted unanimously May 20 to amend the Land Management Ordinance to add workforce housing as a conditional use in RM-12 (moderate-to-high-density residential) districts and to rezone the Northpointe property from Parks & Recreation to RM-12.

The ordinance language approved by council adds conditional-use criteria for workforce housing in RM-12, including minimum acreage and location requirements tied to major arterials and an option for density bonuses and increased impervious surface in exchange for workforce units. Staff said the conditions narrow where the provision will apply; town planners identified three parcels that meet the RM-12 and location criteria for this incentive: Palmetto Bay Villas (Palmetto Bay Road area), an Oaks Villas area in the North Ridge neighborhood, and the Northpointe site.

Council then voted 7-0 to rezone the Northpointe parcel to RM-12. Town staff and the developer presented an updated site layout and elevations demonstrating a Class A neighborhood design with approximately 57 units, a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units, 56% open space and onsite amenities. The development partner 1 Street Residential has invested in design, obtained a coastal zone consistency permit from the state, and staff said a 65-year ground lease is planned; staff described income targeting at 50%-60% of area median income and an on-site property manager.

Town planning and development staff said the project will next proceed through design-review and site-plan approvals; staff anticipated a forthcoming ground-lease agreement and an expected groundbreaking by year-end if approvals and financing align.

Councilmembers praised staff and the developer for the neighborhood-scale design and open space. The vote advances the town\u000027s toolbox to incentivize on-island workforce housing while moving a tangible project toward construction.

Ending: Staff said they will return with site-plan and lease paperwork for council consideration and will continue neighborhood and traffic connectivity work around Gumtree Road and the site access.","Hilton Head Island council unanimously approved changes to the land management ordinance to allow workforce housing conditional uses in RM-12 districts and rezoned the Northpointe site to RM-12, clearing a path for a town-led Northpointe workforce-housing project expected to include roughly 57 units at 50\u00002D60% AMI.",{"_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},6528341,"Council adopts revised community displacement plan after heated debate; original Housing Action Committee text fails",1890,4551000,6441000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee&start=4551&end=6441","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408915-98c956a16b60eb5f6eb3d25f1f09e3ee/thumbnail_4551000.jpg","/articles/6528341/Hilton-Head-Island/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Council-adopts-revised-community-displacement-plan-after-heated-debate-original-Housing-Action-Committee-text-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528341-3bcbdb2cb04f60446d13fd503ebc9d7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173651&Signature=XYvLkQF1pUurstOa9PeVHFk9~ri1fJxRj6MZbEN7WtS29HaxTRZj~WXXbnh~ndp6Nk3bBjBdf6qrBWEWhOK46M1pudq6Hwk3~BGnA1Nk5XttePik9s7EbnrZDWf0cRVjG0cFLNXNddlAkTxWjT0OUcZ9zOh385bb7Z05ShhDgFjs42S3MOZB4AcyKMASlsjj-SEhxEnOluuucez2T4yQUtsyLgddN9Weif-uaLmHnDRgIvgP6xW5zX716XnypuAGWv6fqBU0gg5f9yqNKeJIp~uOIlW3zi3w11af2c5ujT8kkThXjmzno8OnViKWo-RLZG2Qr67gQ4x9a71sAQLO1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council of Hilton Head Island voted May 20 to adopt a housing displacement mitigation support plan, but only after a divisive public debate and two council votes. The council first rejected the original plan recommended by the Housing Action Committee and later adopted a revised version provided by staff with specific edits to include the town as a visible partner.

The plan aims to coordinate local nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and town staff so that, when a displacement event occurs (for example a large rental redevelopment or mass lease nonrenewal), a community response team can be activated quickly to offer legal, housing and financial support.

Assistant Town Manager Sean Lanninger, who led the staff presentation, described the plan\u000027s development and testing: \"This plan has gone through multiple layers of refinement. It was drafted by our chief housing official...\" He told council the plan had been field-tested during a real displacement event, which prompted additional edits and the addition of United Way as the fiduciary lead for funds.

The Council\u000027s first vote followed lengthy public comment from residents, nonprofit leaders and past Housing Action Committee members urging the adoption of the committee's original March 17 plan. Councilmember Mary Bryson moved to adopt the original Housing Action Committee plan (mover: Bryson; second: Alfred). After discussion and public testimony, that motion failed 5\u00002D2.

Public commenters and representatives of partners urged adoption of the committee\u000027s original product. Sandy Gillis of the Hilton Head Island Deep Well Project, a designated lead partner in the plan, told the council: \"If we can require stormwater plans for development to protect neighboring properties in our waterways... then we should have no problem requiring development that will displace our neighbors to step up and be part of the solution.\" Several speakers said removing town branding and the town\u000027s visible role from the document during committee review had undermined partnership.

After the failed motion, Councilmember Brown moved to adopt the Housing Action Committee recommendation as it stood on May 14 but with three specific changes requested by several council members: (1) explicitly reference \"Town of Hilton Head Island\" in the executive summary; (2) show the town as a partner in the organizational chart; and (3) host the final plan on the town website. That amended motion was seconded (Bryson) and passed 4\u00002D3.

What the vote means: the adopted document is the Housing Action Committee plan as of May 14, 2025, with the three edits above. Town staff and the community partners named in the plan (Deep Well Project, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and United Way of the Lowcountry) will be expected to coordinate rapid response when displacement events are identified. The adopted plan emphasizes that the town\u000027s role is primarily to notify and coordinate with partners, and that day-to-day implementation will be led by nonprofits and the fiduciary lead.

Process and context: the plan has been under development since council directed staff in the town\u000027s 2023-25 strategic plan to produce a displacement mitigation approach. The Housing Action Committee originally recommended the document in December; it was revised after a test case and again after Community Services and Public Safety Committee review. Councilmembers and some housing committee members said committee leadership turnover and staff resignations have slowed momentum and made the process contentious.

Ending: Council asked staff to place the adopted document on the town website and to continue coordination with community partners. Lanninger said staff would continue work on other housing initiatives already underway, including the Northpointe and Bryant Road projects and existing repair and sewer-connection programs.","Town council adopted a version of a housing displacement mitigation support plan May 20 after intense public comment and internal disagreement. A motion to adopt the original Housing Action Committee plan failed; a second motion to adopt the committee\u000027s recommendation with edits passed 4-3.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council acts on multiple ordinances, budget items and agreements; list of votes and formal actions

State infrastructure bank rejects reduced plan; Hilton Head, Beaufort County weigh narrower bridge or revised funding deal

Council approves workforce-housing zoning changes and rezones Northpointe site; developers prepare site plan

Council adopts revised community displacement plan after heated debate; original Housing Action Committee text fails