CPO member hopes knowing group’s background can stem unease about Pine Island project | Opinion

Food for thought

I was invited to join the St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) Committee at its inception in 1999. We were set up by County Councilman William McBride as an advisory committee. Members were carefully chosen from the various areas of our large island (indeed we are larger than Hilton Head).

We soon became the “go to” body for businesses that were interested in becoming established on the island; citizens could also approach us with their concerns.

The principles for the development of St. Helena, which is inevitable, were hashed out during the last few years. We worked with the planning office, learning new terms and how this is done elsewhere. The resulting principles were presented to the council after the inclusion of our latest large development at Bermuda Bluff on the southwest corner of the island.

No more gated communities, no more water slides. There would be regulations for at-home businesses, (limited parking), etc.

We met for weeks over the inclusion of the new Dollar Store and Queen Quet did a masterful job with the widening of the highway and installation of our first, then second traffic lights.

Regrettably, reporting to the Beaufort County Council and Planning Commission did not translate to informing the citizens very well and few were aware of the new regulations.

On special occasions, such as the planning for the library, brought out a large crowd of residents. Still golf club regulations were not brought up, nor widely known.

I am sure that the current developer looking at land studied all of the local regulations as he considered the purchase of Pine Island and its adjacent property. He was quick to adjust his plans for a golf course as a result. He has invested significantly in the purchase and study of the property and has met many times with citizens.

The opposition has made their feelings known, but there are an equal number of neighbors who are not opposed to his plans, especially the one that includes three small golf courses and 60 houses. (We have 70 homeowners in Dulamo.)

This Plan A is far preferable to the alternative one with 166 houses, septic tanks, and docks proposed for Plan B.

I write hoping to bring a voice of sanity to the situation.

Anne C. Pollitzer, St. Helena

Battle or war?

Our home is located in Dulamo Subdivision which borders Pine Island/St. Helenaville.

We have lived here for 33 years. As past president of our HOA for nearly 20 years, I know that Dulamo and Pine Island have had a great relationship.

We’d like to see that relationship continue.

Dulamo residents will be the ones who are impacted the most with the proposed development.

One fact is crystal clear that the Coastal Conservation League and uninformed Beaufort County citizens may not realize: the owner and developer will build. To that end, it seems logical that we’d prefer 65 homes and a golf course built rather than 166 homes.

The Coastal Conservation League and vocal opponents of the development would have won the battle, but lost the war.

Scott and Dawn Shipsey, St. Helena

Keep watch, Lindsey

Once again Nancy Mace gives lie to the notion that she is a moderate Republican.

The ink was scarcely dry on the indictment handed down by a grand jury of Florida citizens, when she immediately kow-towed to the anti-law and pro-disorder wing of her party.

A moderate response would be to say that while she didn’t like it, she respects the judicial process and will await the outcome of a fair trial.

Lindsey Graham should keep his eyes peeled. Given Mace’s ambition, she might be angling to replace him as Trump’s chief apologist in the Senate.

David Greene, HHI

Thanks, Dataw

For over 30 years the dedicated residents of Dataw Island have been picking up trash on a six- mile stretch of St. Helena Island.

Each year these teams remove about 500 bags of trash from along the roadside plus lots of larger debris.

There are currently about four dozen volunteers cleaning up Sea Island Parkway for residents and thousands of yearly visitors to enjoy their trips to town or the beaches.

There is really no way to properly thank these volunteers for battling increased beach traffic, humidity, bugs, weeds and mowers. One can only imagine what the roadway would look like without their dedicated effort.

Thank you for caring, Dataw Island.

Pat Harvey-Palmer, St. Helena