McIntosh County implements 30-day building moratorium on Sapelo Island

MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - WTOC is continuing to follow the impacts of McIntosh County’s special election on zoning on Sapelo Island.

Thursday morning, the McIntosh Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss putting a moratorium in place while they figure out a long-term plan.

The McIntosh Board of Commissioners unanimously voted for a 30-day moratorium to be put in place on Sapelo Island, blocking any building until new zoning laws can be voted on.

The action comes following Tuesday’s special election, where McIntosh County overwhelmingly voted to end the 3,000 square foot building limit. The board held the meeting to discuss what to do until new zoning laws can be approved.

READ: McIntosh County votes to end 3,000 Sq Ft zoning limit, leaving future uncertain

“To make sure that no one builds something beyond the 1,400 square feet, we put this pause in place to prevent that,” said Roger Lotson, district 3 county commissioner.

During this pause, officials want to set up a public hearing so they can hear from the citizens of Sapelo, particularly those with deep ties to the island.

Concerned residents filled Thursday’s meeting, voicing their worries about future development.

“When you bring in larger dwellings, when you bring in hotels, when you bring in all of these huge dwellings, that also brings the possibility of pollution,” said Tyrone Timmons, a local pastor. “It changes the landscape of the entire area.”

A 10th generation Sapelo Island resident wasn’t able to attend the meeting but shared how important it is to keep the zoning limit low so Gullah Geechee culture doesn’t get forced out.

“Sapelo is definitely one of the last islands that have that culture still intact, and just seeing that little bit of change is, it hurt my heart,” said Kyle Bailey, a 10th generation Sapelo Island resident. “So I don’t wanna see it continue to happen. I want to do as much as we can together to keep it together and in place.”

Sapelo Island is one of the last remaining Gullah Geechee communities in the United States, a distinction that many residents are determined to protect.

Within the 30 days, the board will hold a public hearing to extend the moratorium. Citizens will have an opportunity at that public hearing to express their desires about whether or not there should be an extension.

Residents say they are hopeful for the future and believe Thursday’s meeting was a step in the right direction. WTOC will continue to follow the Sapelo Island zoning meetings and any future voting on building limitations.