News Summary

Residents of Beaufort are voicing strong opposition to two proposed housing developments on Cane Island, which aim to add up to 700 residential units across nearly 400 acres. Concerns revolve around environmental impacts, traffic issues, and the preservation of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. With a lack of public hearings due to historic agreements, residents are advocating for a development moratorium until infrastructure can support the expected population growth. The Beaufort City Council will discuss these concerns in an upcoming meeting.

Beaufort Residents Rally Against Proposed Housing Developments on Cane Island

Beaufort townspeople are raising concerns over two proposed housing developments set to add up to 700 residential units across nearly 400 acres on Cane Island. The developments, located on Upper and Lower Cane Island, can move forward without a public hearing due to special agreements established decades ago.

Approximately 80 residents attended a recent meeting at the Cat Island Club golf course organized by Dennis Ross, a retired military pilot and local resident.

Key Concerns Raised

• Impact on the sensitive coastal environment, including the Beaufort River and surrounding creeks.
• Potential strain on existing roads, with specific worries about traffic on the Islands Causeway.
• Concerns regarding water and sewer system capacity and environmental management issues.
• Loss of natural beauty and cultural heritage, as Cane Island has transitioned from an agricultural area to residential developments.

Ross articulated the need for a development moratorium until the necessary infrastructure can support the projected population increase. The Beaufort City Council is set to discuss such a moratorium in an upcoming work session.

Current Status of Developments

• The Upper Cane Island project proposes 16 single-family homes on 126 acres with plans for up to 495 total units and commercial space.
• The Lower Cane Island development seeks to include 240 residential units alongside commercial facilities like a hotel and a marina.
• A smaller project of roughly 40 homes has been proposed on nearby Gibbs Island.

In Port Royal, a one-year moratorium on new apartment constructions is set to expire in April 2024. Additionally, a proposed bill in the South Carolina legislature could require local governments to ensure that infrastructure is adequate before allowing new developments to proceed.

Local residents have been encouraged to reach out to city and state representatives to express their views and concerns about the Cane Island developments.

Cultural Impact

The changes on Cane Island are notable for locals like John Trask, a descendant of former landowners, who expressed dismay over the loss of its historical agricultural character, which had previously included a daffodil farm that operated until the late 1980s. This transition marks a significant cultural shift as the area moves toward increased residential density.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties Welcomes New Agent
Competing Hospitals Set to Transform Healthcare in Bluffton, SC
Dream Finders Homes Starts Construction in Controversial Area
Savannah: Former NAACP President Accuses City of Violating Open Records Act
Memorial Health Unveils $265 Million Expansion in Savannah
Bluffton, SC Approves Plans for Two New Hospitals
Savannah City Council Approves Zoning Amendment for Affordable Housing
Beaufort Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day Babies
Beaufort Councilman Achieves Dream on The Price is Right
Bluffton Approves New $320 Million Novant Health Medical Center

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Beaufort Residents Rally Against Proposed Housing Developments
• Wikipedia: Housing Development
• Katy Magazine: Realtors React to Local Growth
• Google Search: Cane Island housing
• Houston Chronicle: Katy Subdivisions and Neighborhoods
• Google Scholar: Environmental Impact Housing Developments
• Community Impact: First Home Depot Inside Katy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Development
• Katy Times: Johnson Development Names New Katy Community
• Google News: Beaufort Housing Developments

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

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.