News Release

Town Approves Formation of Historic Stoney Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation

February 25, 2022

The creation of an economic development corporation approved by the Hilton Head Island Town Council will help foster and promote economic growth within the Island’s historic Stoney neighborhood.

At its February 15th meeting, the Town Council passed a resolution authorizing Town Manager Marc Orlando to begin the preliminary process of forming the corporation that will focus on promotion of cultural resources and protection of cultural assets, neighborhood sustainability, quality of life enhancements and entrepreneurialism.  It will also focus on business attraction, expansion, and retention; land planning and development assistance; and providing financial opportunities.

"The Stoney community is the first historic Gullah neighborhood that visitors and residents travel through when they arrive on the Island. It is vitally important that we work with the residents and businesses in this area to sustain Stoney as a vibrant community," said Mayor John McCann.

"Creating this economic development corporation signals a commitment to action. This corporation is a step in the right direction because we can really help the community grow and thrive. I’m really excited about it," said Ward 1 Councilman Alex Brown, who represents the Stoney community.

"The Stoney community is being impacted by road improvements that the SC Department of Transportation is proposing for the bridges to the Island and along William Hilton Parkway. We want to address these impacts and help preserve the community through thoughtful community planning and an influx of economic and cultural activities," Orlando said. "In our Strategic Action Pan, Town Council proposed the economic development corporation as a way to bring together resources and residents and achieve prosperity for the Stoney community."

With Town Council's approval of the resolution, Town staff will seek non-profit status for the corporation and prepare its articles of incorporation, organizational by-laws, business plan and annual budget. After further approval by Town Council, the documents will be submitted to the SC Secretary of State for consideration. Once accepted, the Historic Stoney Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation will exist as a separate legal entity operating under state laws.

For more information regarding the Historic Stoney Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation, contact Josh Gruber, Deputy Town Manager, at 843-341-4634.