News Summary
The Housing Action Committee on Hilton Head Island has lost its key leaders, Chair Jack Alderman and Vice Chair Sandy West, due to frustrations with the town’s housing initiatives. Their resignations come amid a backdrop of stalled housing policies and ongoing challenges in addressing the affordable housing crisis. The committee, established to prevent displacement and enhance workforce housing, has faced setbacks including the rejection of a crucial housing plan. As the town council prepares to discuss a displacement plan, questions loom over the committee’s impact and future direction.
Hilton Head Island, SC – The Housing Action Committee of Hilton Head Island has lost its leadership, with Chair Jack Alderman and Vice Chair Sandy West resigning on May 14, 2025. Their decision was driven by frustrations regarding the town’s stagnation in advancing crucial housing initiatives.
Alderman and West’s departures followed the resignations of two key town employees, Quincy White, the Chief Housing Officer, and Missy Luick, the Director of Planning. Both White and Luick did not comment on their reasons for leaving, adding to the uncertainty surrounding housing policies in the area.
Formed two years ago in response to the Chimney Cove eviction scare that threatened to displace nearly 300 residents, the Housing Action Committee has been working to address the ongoing affordable housing crisis affecting Hilton Head’s lowest-income residents. The committee was tasked with developing strategies to mitigate displacement risks and enhance workforce housing, an issue critical for the area’s economy.
Frustrations with Town Leadership
Despite their efforts, the committee’s proposed housing plan was rejected by town leaders after extensive preparation over a year, as they believed it would overreach the town’s responsibilities and complicate housing development processes. This rejection has left committee members and the community feeling frustrated and disillusioned.
Vice Chair Sandy West specifically voiced shock regarding the decision and reiterated the importance of tackling both displacement and workforce housing needs. One of the plan’s key components included a 29-part voluntary questionnaire directed at developers to assess the likelihood of resident displacement. However, the proposal faced criticism during a March 17 committee meeting, where it was described as “invasive.” Some committee members, including Council Member Tamara Becker, raised concerns about the appropriateness of the town’s involvement in housing solutions.
Workforce Housing Challenges
Hilton Head has long struggled with high costs of living, driving a significant portion of its workforce to commute from off-island. This trend has resulted in lengthy commutes and increasing traffic congestion on bridges leading to worker shortages, which has further strained local businesses and services.
The town has publicly acknowledged the challenges related to workforce housing, estimating the need for at least 200 new housing units annually for the next decade to properly address community concerns. Currently, the Housing Action Committee’s role has been criticized for focusing more on reviewing reports rather than executing viable housing solutions.
Future Steps
In light of recent developments, Alderman characterized the pace of the town’s housing initiatives as “painfully slow,” calling for immediate action on three critical items: establishing a displacement plan, creating a communications plan, and promoting the development of workforce housing on Bryant Road.
To navigate the ongoing housing challenges, the town’s spokesperson emphasized the necessity for innovative solutions, continual learning, and adaptable strategies in managing housing needs. The town council is scheduled to discuss the displacement plan in an upcoming meeting on May 20, 2025. Following the resignations of Alderman and West, applications to fill the vacated positions on the Housing Action Committee will be sought as part of the town’s efforts to revitalize its approach to housing issues.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Hilton Head Housing Crisis
- WSAV
- Google Scholar: Workforce Housing Challenges
- Stacker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Crisis
- Bluffton Today
- Google News: Hilton Head Affordable Housing
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
