US EditionSlave descendants take a fight to protect their Georgia island homes to voters
The 2023 zoning change doubled allowed home size, risking higher property taxes and development that may disrupt the historic Gullah-Geechee community, say residents and officials.
- On Tuesday, McIntosh County voters will decide whether large homes may be built on Sapelo Island, aiming to overturn the 2023 McIntosh County commissioners' decision that doubled home sizes in Hogg Hummock.
- After commissioners moved quickly in 2023 to weaken protections, Black landowners and supporters gathered more than 2,300 petition signatures and challenged commissioners at the Georgia Supreme Court to force a special election.
- McIntosh County commissioners approved larger allowable homes, increasing limits to 3,000 square feet, while Blair McLinn predicts half-acre parcel values could rise from $27,500 to $145,000.
- County assessors are considering a first reassessment since 2012 that could raise taxes, while McIntosh County commissioners warn repeal could remove limits and prompt new zoning or moratoriums.
- Hogg Hummock, home to about 30 to 50 residents, is historically designated and small, and observers say the vote likely won’t settle the fight after 2012 tax protests and a 2022 settlement that froze assessments through last year.
55 Articles
55 Articles
The Daily News - Jacksonville, NC
Slave descendants score a victory with voters in fight to protect their Georgia island homes
Black landowners from a Georgia island community founded by freed slaves have won their latest property dispute with local officials at the ballot box. Voters in coastal McIntosh County approved a referendum Tuesday that overrides county commissioner’s 2023 decision to…
Zoning vote today puts Sapelo Island’s future at risk
MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — It is a big day for McIntosh County and Sapelo Island. Tuesday is a Special Election Day in McIntosh County for a vote that has been years in the making. Voters are heading to the polls Tuesday morning to decide a controversial zoning referendum with deep cultural and community implications. [...]
Associated Press News
Slave descendants take a fight to protect their Georgia island homes to voters
Black landowners from a Georgia island community founded by freed slaves are fighting their latest property dispute with local officials at the ballot box.
Voters overwhelmingly Repeal Hog Hammock Zoning Amendment
Results of Hog Hammock Zoning Amendment Referendum Jan. 20 (Unofficial Results with 19% of McIntosh County Voters Casting Ballots) Voters Overwhelmingly Repeal Hog Hammock Zoning Amendment 1,584 voted Yes, which repeals 3,000 sq. ft. amendment for homes, with 84.75% of votes. 285 voted No, which keeps current zoning of 3,000 sq. ft. amendment for homes, with 15.25% of votes
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