Town Council Approves Controversial Workforce Housing Development Plan
September 16, 2024 | Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina
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In a recent government meeting, town officials discussed a proposed workforce housing development on an 11-acre site, which has entitlements for up to 170 units. The project, in partnership with 1 Street Residential, aims to provide affordable housing for individuals earning between 60% to 150% of the area median income. The town's responsibilities include long-term support and financial assistance to help launch the project.
The primary focus of the meeting was to determine the appropriate zoning entitlements for the site, currently zoned as PR (Parks and Recreation). Three zoning options were presented: the Waterfront Mixed Use (WMU) district, a WMU district with a Plan Development (PD) overlay, and the existing Residential Medium (RM) zoning district.
The WMU option allows for a variety of uses but raised concerns about compatibility with surrounding zoning and the absence of waterfront features like docks and marinas. The second option, a WMU with a PD overlay, would impose additional restrictions to address these concerns. The third option, RM 12, aligns more closely with the surrounding residential zoning and could be amended to include density bonuses and increased impervious coverage to accommodate the workforce housing project.
Council members expressed support for the RM 12 option, emphasizing the need for workforce housing in the area. However, some raised concerns about increasing impervious coverage from 35% to 50%, citing potential flooding and drainage issues. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing development needs with environmental considerations.
Public comments reflected apprehensions about infrastructure capacity, traffic congestion, and the potential impact on local schools due to the influx of new residents. Residents urged the council to carefully evaluate the implications of the proposed zoning changes and ensure that the development aligns with the community's long-term goals.
The council is expected to make a decision on the zoning entitlements in the coming weeks, with a focus on fostering workforce housing while addressing community concerns.
The primary focus of the meeting was to determine the appropriate zoning entitlements for the site, currently zoned as PR (Parks and Recreation). Three zoning options were presented: the Waterfront Mixed Use (WMU) district, a WMU district with a Plan Development (PD) overlay, and the existing Residential Medium (RM) zoning district.
The WMU option allows for a variety of uses but raised concerns about compatibility with surrounding zoning and the absence of waterfront features like docks and marinas. The second option, a WMU with a PD overlay, would impose additional restrictions to address these concerns. The third option, RM 12, aligns more closely with the surrounding residential zoning and could be amended to include density bonuses and increased impervious coverage to accommodate the workforce housing project.
Council members expressed support for the RM 12 option, emphasizing the need for workforce housing in the area. However, some raised concerns about increasing impervious coverage from 35% to 50%, citing potential flooding and drainage issues. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing development needs with environmental considerations.
Public comments reflected apprehensions about infrastructure capacity, traffic congestion, and the potential impact on local schools due to the influx of new residents. Residents urged the council to carefully evaluate the implications of the proposed zoning changes and ensure that the development aligns with the community's long-term goals.
The council is expected to make a decision on the zoning entitlements in the coming weeks, with a focus on fostering workforce housing while addressing community concerns.
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