The Georgia Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case that involves a crucial dispute between Black landowners and local officials over the recent zoning changes affecting Sapelo Island’s historic Gullah-Geechee community. These changes, enacted by McIntosh County officials, have doubled the size of homes permitted in Hogg Hummock, sparking fears among residents about potential unaffordable tax increases that may threaten the preservation of this unique cultural heritage.
The central issue before the court is whether the residents have the constitutional right to demand a referendum to repeal the 2023 zoning amendments. Last year, these residents and their supporters gathered over 2,300 petition signatures from registered voters within the coastal county to secure a referendum. However, the effort faced a legal hurdle when McIntosh County commissioners filed a lawsuit, and a lower court judge subsequently canceled the voting just days before the election, citing its illegality after early ballots were already cast.
During the recent hearing, attorneys representing Hogg Hummock residents argued for their right to a referendum, emphasizing the community’s cultural and historical significance. On the other hand, McIntosh County’s legal representatives contended that zoning powers are distinctly different from other government powers under Georgia’s constitution and should not be subject to referendum challenges.
Hogg Hummock, with its modest homes and dirt roads, is home to approximately 30 to 50 Black residents descended from enslaved ancestors who once worked on Thomas Spalding’s cotton plantation. This community stands as one of the few remaining Gullah-Geechee communities along the southeastern coast, known for retaining much of their African heritage through distinct dialects, crafts, and skills.
Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hogg Hummock’s preservation depends largely on local government policies. The community was taken by surprise in 2023 when McIntosh County commissioners voted to ease long-standing zoning restrictions aimed at protecting the residents from outside pressures to sell their ancestral lands.
The court’s decision is awaited alongside the backdrop of a recent tragedy on Sapelo Island, where a walkway collapse at the ferry dock resulted in seven fatalities during the island’s Cultural Day festival. This incident has underscored the community’s resilience amid ongoing disputes over their future.
The Evolving Landscape
The ongoing legal dispute over zoning changes in Hogg Hummock carries significant implications for the wider region and its historic communities. Should the Georgia Supreme Court favor the residents’ push for a referendum, this decision could empower other communities across the state to challenge local government decisions through citizen-led initiatives. This case highlights the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and navigating governmental powers, potentially setting a precedent for similar situations in the future.
For the residents of Hogg Hummock, the outcome holds the key to safeguarding their way of life and cultural legacy. The threat of unaffordable tax hikes looms large, while increasing development pressures pose risks to the community’s sustainability. The court’s ruling will either bolster their ability to defend their heritage or underscore the complexities and limitations of citizen engagement in local governance.
