A very important reality on Pine Island
After more than 40 years in the real estate industry in Northern Beaufort County, I guess I just don’t understand and would love to have an explanation. In the mid 80s, Alcoa bought Dataw Island and proceeded to build one of the most attractive subdivisions we have on St. Helena.
This is a private, gated, golf course community that has hugely contributed to Beaufort County in more ways than one. Taxes alone are considerable; patronizing retail establishments, eateries and more importantly to St. Helena, alone their volunteers have picked up garbage on a 6-mile stretch of the Island for more than 30 years collecting more than 500 bags of trash and garbage plus larger items.
Can you imagine what U.S. 21 would look like without these dedicated volunteers?
So now the community wants to ban the possibility of having another equally important development. I just don’t understand. Over the years I have repeatedly heard that nobody wants us to be another Hilton Head. I think everyone feels like gated communities and golf courses will make us another Hilton Head. It won’t happen. We don’t have the large parcels on Sea Island Parkway that could lend itself to this type of venture. So, are you all saying that Dataw was a mistake and never should have happened?
Pine Island will be developed one way or another. We just can’t stand in the way of progress. So, are 166 homes better than 65 homes? Are 100-plus deep-water docks better than eight? Please consider the traffic issue. With 166 homes we’ll have at least 500 new residents with 320 vehicles to add to the already unbearable traffic problem.
The future residents, children and grandchildren need to be considered here. It’s not all about us! Has everyone given Elvio Tropeano the opportunity to talk to the community and help them understand what his plans are for the community and children of St. Helena? Will they listen with an open mind or is that not possible?
Maybe a definite decision should be postponed before a mistake is made without full disclosure to all parties. I know everyone wants nothing to change, but change is inevitable. Please look at the changes with the City of Beaufort, Port Royal and Lady’s Island over the last 40 years. Something will happen. We need to make the best choice for the entire community and generations to come.
– Pat Harvey-Palmer, 35-year resident of St. Helena Island in Dulamo
This seems like a prudent step
I don’t think anyone is banning books when they are evaluated for age appropriateness with respect to availability in a school library. This seems like a prudent step to take to protect students from topics that are beyond their ability to comprehend and process at their age.
There are simple remedies to the situation. First, if a parent wants their child to read a certain book, they can easily purchase it for them. Second, the school could have these books available with parental consent.
Also, parents will have different opinions on what is appropriate for their child. These measures will ensure that all parents’ wishes are accommodated.
– David T. Barton, Beaufort
