Embracing a Transformative Moment; How Hilton Head Island is Moving Forward

November 2024

To say that the Town is moving forward in unprecedented, strategic ways might be the understatement of 2024; we've reaffirmed our commitment to preserving the things we love about our island, conserving what we can so it's here for future generations, and becoming more thoughtful and collaborative in our collective decision-making.

Funded by our beach preservation fee, we are once again renourishing the beaches of Hilton Head Island. Town staff will work directly with neighborhoods, property management firms, the Chamber of Commerce and more to help everyone understand the impact and timing of this necessary measure to protect our beloved coastline. If you haven't already, please sign up for Town-related notifications via https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/.

I'm also really excited about upcoming renovations and re-development of some of our most visited public parks:

• Islanders Beach Park: Improved parking and pathways, boardwalk replacement and a new playground;
  
• Crossings Park: Renovation of the hockey rink and basketball courts, a new skate park and BMX pump track, and18 new pickleball courts;
  
• Patterson and Taylor Parks:  Built in historic neighborhoods, these parks will celebrate culture and history, provide respite, and offer meaningful gathering places;
  
• Shelter Cove Community Park: Phase 2 will include a new playground designed for all children and their varying physical and developmental abilities.

Capital improvements across the island are a huge priority for us, and we are moving as quickly as possible to execute these important quality of life initiatives.

Our dedication to preserving the island's past and conserving the rich tapestry of our local culture was demonstrated recently through our collaboration with the Beaufort County Greenspace Program; we closed on the purchase of 26 acres to help protect Mitchelville and the surrounding area on October 3.

Town Council's recent approval of the public-private partnership agreement for the development of Northpoint helps address our urgent workforce housing needs. Our partner, OneStreet Residential, will construct 160 apartments with quality and modern neighborhood convenience at their core. What's innovative here is that these homes are exclusively for our Island's workforce. And this is just the beginning — we are working hard to identify and attract more partners willing to think outside the box with us on attractive and sensible solutions.

We're also looking for ways to develop and expand new businesses; one example is a recently launched health care provider request for proposals for the old Modern Classic Motors site.

So, all that said, what about the year ahead? In my humble opinion, it will be defined by three things:

• Improving our communication within the community — this means everything from how we reach people, to engaging in real-time feedback at community events and town council workshops before decisions have been made, or in some instances, solutions have even been proposed;
  
• Thoughtful repurposing of antiquated commercial buildings and properties and significant improvement of our transportation corridors. There's a saying that "harm averted is benefit unseen." In taking this approach, we acquired 28 acres of island property this past year to protect it from unsuitable development and we've invested in land for workforce housing development and new parking areas;
• Finally, enhanced collaboration with our neighboring municipalities. By working together, I think there's a significant opportunity to better understand the collective mix of residential, commercial, and tourism-related influences that affect our communities.

We're embracing this transformative moment, keeping in mind that we will continue to honor our past as we work to preserve the health and prosperity of our community for decades to come.