Residents of Gullah-Geechee Community in Georgia Fight Zoning Changes: No Referendum Allowed

Residents of the historic Gullah-Geechee community of Hogg Hummock in McIntosh County, Georgia are facing a battle against zoning changes that threaten their way of life. The community, founded by formerly enslaved people on Sapelo Island, has been a stronghold of African heritage and culture for generations.

Last fall, McIntosh County commissioners made the decision to weaken zoning restrictions in Hogg Hummock, a move that has sparked outrage among residents. The changes would allow for larger houses to be built in the community, potentially leading to property tax increases that many residents cannot afford.

In response, residents and their supporters submitted a petition with over 2,300 signatures seeking a referendum on the zoning decision. However, attorney Ken Jarrard, representing the county commissioners, argued that the decision cannot be challenged through a referendum, citing Georgia’s constitution and state law.

Despite the legal challenges, residents are determined to fight for their community. They believe that the zoning changes threaten the very essence of Hogg Hummock and could force families to sell land that has been passed down for generations.

The battle over the zoning changes in Hogg Hummock is not just a legal dispute, but a fight to preserve a unique and important piece of African American history in the South. As the community continues to push for a referendum, the outcome of this struggle will have far-reaching implications for the future of Gullah-Geechee communities in Georgia and beyond.