On February 28, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced intentions to build an “eco-conscious resort, spa, and residential community” that would span Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, and Bay Point Island.
Any reference to development on Bay Point Island, a vulnerable barrier island at the mouth of the Port Royal Sound, is extremely concerning. The island has no infrastructure—no roads, water, sewer, or power—and is only accessible by boat or air. It is a dynamically shifting piece of sand, and siting new development there is irresponsible. Indeed, it is questionable whether the plans described in IHG’s press release are even allowed under current zoning.
Though previous owners had the island subdivided for single-family lots in the 1990s, many of those lots are now under water or no longer buildable. Structures built there will ultimately end up exposed to, or in, open water. We know better than to allow shortsighted decisions like this to be made.
Since 2016, developers have had their sights set on constructing a resort on Bay Point Island, but their requests consistently have been denied because development on this barrier island would fly in the face of local and regional zoning and land use plans. Furthermore, it would require numerous local and state approvals given the sensitivity and location of the island.
The Conservation League has been, and still is, dedicated to preserving this dynamic and shifting barrier island. This island is not only a risky place to locate any development but is critical for wildlife and highly valued as a beloved place for recreation by the people of Beaufort County.
The Conservation League remains vigilant and will continue looking into the matter.