One of the last standing coastal Gullah Geechee communities was shocked last week as an anonymously written rezoning plan was passed despite public outcry.
“I feel like that’s how they know they are doing something wrong because they aren’t putting their name on it,” said senior psychology student Pelae Massey
Hundreds of people crowded into a Macintosh County courtroom on Sept. 7 in opposition to the proposed rezoning ordinance that intended to allow homes to be built twice the size currently allowed.
“We’re constantly encroaching on a community of people that should have their own land reserved for them”, Said pre-med student Ava Adams
This ordinance guaranteed higher property tax for the Indigenous community.
Four days later on Sept 11. the crowd returned for a workshop session before Tuesday’s vote.
Consequently giving way to amendments to the ordinance to include a reduction in building height, a reduction of maximum lot coverage, the addition of farming rights and a preamble as follows:
“The purpose of this district is to allow continued use and activities of the community of Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island. This community has unique needs in regard to its historic resources, traditional patterns of development, threat from land speculators and housing forms. It is the intent of this district to reserve this area for low intensity residential and cottage industry uses which are environmentally sound and will not contribute to land value increases which could force removal of the indigenous population.”
The amended ordinance was passed on the evening of September 12th. 3-2.
Commissioner David Poole, who voted for the rezoning, insists this ordinance was passed to allow modest family homes though students and fellow commissioners alike aren’t so convinced.
“I think their motive behind this is financially and racially charged”, said senior nursing student Safari Rouse.
“The size argument is hogwash,” Commissioner Roger Lotson, who voted against the rezoning told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Rich folks want 3,000-square-foot homes.”
