News Summary
The Georgia Supreme Court has sided with Hogg Hummock residents, allowing a referendum on new zoning regulations. This ruling reverses a lower court’s decision that halted voting amid concerns about community displacement due to increased home sizes. The court emphasized the necessity for the referendum process as outlined in Georgia’s Constitution, marking a significant victory for local residents aiming to protect their heritage and influence over local governance amid external pressures.
McIntosh County, Georgia – The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Black landowners of the Hogg Hummock community on Sapelo Island, reversing a lower court’s decision that had blocked a referendum concerning new zoning regulations. This unanimous decision allows residents to vote on revised zoning changes implemented by the McIntosh County officials in 2023.
The initial zoning amendments proposed a significant increase in the size of homes permitted in Hogg Hummock, which raised alarms among the community members regarding potential increases in property taxes and fears of displacement due to outside developers. In response to these concerns, residents and their advocates gathered over 2,300 signatures from registered voters to demand a referendum on the ordinance. However, the McIntosh County commissioners sought to hinder this process, leading to a legal clash.
Complicating matters, early voting for the referendum had already commenced when a lower court deemed the referendum illegal, resulting in hundreds of votes being cast before the process was abruptly halted. The Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies that the zoning ordinance must adhere to the referendum procedures mandated by Georgia’s Constitution, specifically the Home Rule Provision. The lower court’s previous ruling was classified as erroneous.
Hogg Hummock, often referred to as Hog Hammock, is an important historical site, recognized as one of the last Gullah-Geechee communities in the United States, home to approximately 30 to 50 Black residents who are tasked with preserving significant elements of African heritage. The area was established by the families of enslaved individuals from the cotton plantation owned by Thomas Spalding, and residents are concerned about the rise of development pressures that threaten their community.
In recognition of its historical significance, Hogg Hummock was inscribed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The ruling by the Supreme Court is seen as crucial not only for Hogg Hummock residents but also as it shapes the legal landscape surrounding local zoning laws and the power of county commissioners to impede voting initiatives.
Following the ruling, officials of McIntosh County expressed disappointment but acknowledged the authority of the court. The case underscores persistent tensions within McIntosh County, which has a population that is 65% white, while maintaining a historically Black community that faces unique challenges.
The Supreme Court’s decision not only permits the referendum to go forward but also represents a significant victory for residents of Hogg Hummock as they strive to maintain control over their local zoning laws and protect their cultural heritage. This case is part of a broader movement empowering citizens to challenge county government decisions, demonstrated by a recent 2023 ruling that upheld a citizen-led referendum against a commercial rocket launchpad in Camden County.
As the referendum process resumes, the residents of Hogg Hummock remain hopeful for a positive outcome that will affirm their rights and preserve their way of life against external pressures. The ruling may also have implications for similar communities across Georgia as they navigate the complexities of zoning laws and local governance, emphasizing the importance of community voices in the political process.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Hogg Hummock
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Georgia Supreme Court Sapelo Island
- 11Alive
- Google Scholar: Gullah-Geechee
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sapelo Island
- WSAV
- Google News: Hogg Hummock zoning
- WSB TV
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
