Beaufort County backs Hilton Head’s Broad Creek Marina acquisition after committee review

Beaufort County Council approved a resolution on June 22 authorizing county support for the town of Hilton Head Island’s proposed purchase of the Broad Creek Marina tract.

The Green Space/Natural Resources Committee reviewed the matter and council heard a presentation from Mike McShane, who described the town’s request and the stewardship intent. McShane said the county’s green‑space program does not fund infrastructure work; the town would be responsible for mitigating and remediating site infrastructure. Planning staff noted the parcel’s waterfront‑mixed‑use zoning could allow substantial density (staff estimated development capacity and a height limit near 75 feet under current zoning), which supporters said made conservation important to preserve the area’s character.

Key points: Councilors questioned equitable distribution of green‑space funds across county regions and the relative priority of the request. Staff said the town of Hilton Head has agreed to cover approximately half of the acquisition cost and to partner on mitigation costs. Council member discussion also covered potential project pipelines elsewhere in the county and the need to preserve wetland and upland resources.

Vote: After discussion and a roll‑call vote, the resolution passed 9–2. Supporters said the acquisition would prevent a development scenario incompatible with the surrounding character and would secure public waterfront access; opponents cited distribution concerns and asked for additional guardrails in expenditure strategy.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the county’s contribution documents and coordinate with the town of Hilton Head and green‑space partners on mitigation, management planning and public‑access arrangements.