Dear Island Neighbors,
As we dive into 2024, I’m pleased to provide you with an update on some key issues facing our beloved Hilton Head Island. It has been a busy January and February at Council, with efforts aimed at addressing the pressing concerns that shape our Island’s future.
Workforce Housing – Action Items for Town Council Consideration on 2/20:
Addressing the shortage of workforce living on Hilton Head Island remains a crucial challenge. The Town can’t carry this burden alone – it will require non-profits, Island employers and other entities to solve this national, statewide, and local issue. The Volunteer Housing Action Committee and the Town Council Finance & Administration (of which I chair) Committees have approved $500,000 for Habitat for Humanity and $600,000 for Coastal Community Development Corporation to advance workforce housing on the Island. This 1.1 Million is less than 1% of our annual budget and funding will be sourced from the “heads in beds” ATAX tourism tax, paid for by our visitors.
Gateway Corridor – Independent Review Underway with Conversations With County and State Officials on Mitigation:
The William Hilton Parkway Gateway Corridor Project is essential for the Island’s future. Although it’s a County Project with SCDOT, the final plans require municipal consent from the Town of Hilton Head Island. This vote could be taken as early as 60-90 days. I know we must prioritize environmental concerns and resident well-being with this project and will provide updates to you as we move through this process.
Short-Term Rentals – Rooting Out Nuisance Properties While Preserving Property Rights:
Concerns regarding the negative impacts of some short-term rentals on neighborhoods are being heard. We have a years worth of data from our initial Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance to inform our next steps. Council is addressing occupancy and parking issues associated with with STR’s while being mindful of personal property rights. We will also tackle how to better enforce and restrict nuisance properties.
District Planning – Specialized Land Management Group Under Contract:
The Town’s district planning process is underway to shape future land use (Land Management Ordinance or LMO), environmental standards, and infrastructure needs – neighborhood by neighborhood. Our code writer will assist to re-write the LMO to ensure we are intentional about protecting from threats AND strategic in our opportunities. Your input is vital as we work towards this project meant to enhance our communities. I will keep you informed of the next steps in this process.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve you and to keep you informed of the progress we are making together. Please join us at Town Council on Tuesday, February 20th at 3pm. Agenda here.
Please let me know how I may assist you and your neighbors.
Alex
PS. Join us for Community Conversations, happening March 22nd at 5pm at Squire Pope Community Park and Save the Date for Councils Strategic Planning Workshop occurring on March 21st at 8:30am at the Westin.
