Planning Commission backs plan for 3,200-square-foot Hilton Head food pantry at 95 Augusta Lane

The Town of Hilton Head Island Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of DPR000927-2025, a major development plan for a new 3,200-square-foot building at 95 Augusta Lane to relocate and expand the island's food pantry.

For the record, Brian Eber, principal planner for the town, presented the application on behalf of LJA Engineering and said the project would move the pantry out of a church location on Beach City Road into a dedicated facility behind the Walmart on the north end of the island. "In essence, the project involves the creation of a new 3,200 square-foot building to accommodate the needs of the food pantry that exist on the island," Eber said during the presentation.

Eber and the project team, represented in the public meeting by lead architect Tim Propst, told commissioners the plan preserves required setbacks and buffers, avoids an adjoining wetland and delineates the associated buffer. Staff noted tree preservation has occurred and the stormwater plan includes a bio-infiltration best-management practice. Eber said the team has "met with all staff" and is comfortable bringing the plan forward for the commission's review; when asked about timing, staff said the team anticipates starting construction this summer.

Chair opened the public comment period; no members of the public spoke. Following a brief commissioner question about schedule, a commissioner moved to approve the recommendation to the LMO officer; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

The Planning Commission's recommendation now goes to the town's LMO review process in accordance with local regulations. The transcript records no vote counts beyond "unanimous."