Monday, November 9

Beaufort County Council met Monday, November 9, to address significant land-use, economic development, affordable housing and legal matters, including a proposed data center moratorium and a request to remove property on St. Helena Island from the Cultural Protection Overlay district.

County Council Caucus 

Pine Island Litigation

Council entered executive session to receive legal advice regarding pending litigation involving Pine Island Property Holdings LLC and Pine Island GC LLC.

Council voted 7-3 to not accept the proposed settlement terms.

Watch County Council Caucus here.

County Council Meeting 

Pine Island Cultural Protection Overlay

Council considered a zoning map amendment request to remove approximately 502 acres along Dulamo Road and St. Helenaville Road from the Cultural Protection Overlay district on St. Helena Island.

Following a lengthy public hearing and discussion, Council voted 7–3 to deny first reading of the proposed zoning amendment. Council subsequently approved a motion formally denying the application, with the same 7–3 vote.

Data Center Development Moratorium

Council advanced an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on certain applications, permits and approvals for data center development in Beaufort County.

During discussion, Council voted to extend the moratorium to 24 months, rather than the initially recommended 12 month period. The longer period would provide additional time for the County to study potential impacts and develop appropriate regulations. The proposed moratorium would allow the County to evaluate the potential effects of data center development on infrastructure, water resources, electricity and surrounding communities. The ordinance will move forward to second reading.

Port Royal Business Park MCIP

Council advanced an ordinance authorizing the execution and deliver of an agreement governing a new multi-county park by and between Beaufort County, SC and Jasper County, SC. The proposed redevelopment and infrastructure investments are anticipated to support economic development, public access, tourism, waterfront activation, transportation connectivity, utility infrastructure, recreational amenities, and other public benefits within the Town and surrounding community.

Additional Council Business

Council's agenda also included public hearings and consideration of several ordinances involving remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds, the County Attorney's reporting structure, cemetery allowances in the May River Community Preservation District and a proposed property conveyance to Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry.

This is a selection of items. Watch the full County Council Meeting here.

County Administrator’s Report 

The Deputy County Administrator provided updates on the Sales Tax Referendum, Alljoy Pathway Project, and a Transportation Grant Award along with employee and SCAC Award recognitions.

Watch the Administrator's Report here.

Renita Berry, Beaufort County Sherrif’s Office Forensic Services Lab
Recognized for 25 Years of Service

Jennifer Ciccarelli, Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services
Recognized for 25 Years of Service

Michael Capaccione, Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services
Recognized for 25 Years of Service

Wade Bishop, Nexus Care of Beaufort County
Recognized for 40 Years of Service

Gary Taylor, Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services
Retiring after 28 Years of Dedicated Service

Felicia McCarthy, Beaufort County Sherrif’s Office
Retiring after 43 Years of Dedicated Service

Allen Milburn, Chief Financial Officer
Introduced to County Council

Beaufort County's Composting Pilot Program was awarded an Honorable Mention for the SCAC J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award. Read more here.

Beaufort and Jasper Counties were awarded SCAC's Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award in recognition of the Beaufort County Green Space Program. Read more here.

County Council Proclamations 

Watch the Proclamation issued by Council here.