ATLANTA – Today, State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), State Senators Nikki Merritt (D-Grayson), Sheikh Rahman (D-Lawrenceville) and residents from Sapelo Island’s Hog Hammock community held a press conference to urge the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners to reconsider its scheduled vote on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for the Hog Hammock District. Both residents and lawmakers discussed the effects that the amendment may have on Hog Hammock residents and the Gullah Geechee community.
“I was proud to join with so many concerned citizens and colleagues today because Georgians need to know about what is going on right now between the residents of Hog Hammock and the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners,” said Rep. Scott. “We stand with the residents of Hog Hammock for justice, and we are calling on others to reach out to the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners to voice their concerns.”
“The proposed amendments to remove zoning regulations in Hog Hammock by the McIntosh County Commission are not just regulatory changes; they are a direct threat to the very existence of the Gullah Geechee residents and their rich cultural history,” said Sen. Merritt. “We call on the McIntosh County Commission to halt these proposed amendments and engage in meaningful conversation with the Gullah Geechee residents of Hogg Hammock. Through honest and open communication, I hope both parties will work together to find solutions that protect both the cultural history and the future of this unique community.”
“Sapelo Island holds great historical significance to American-Muslim and African-American communities,” said Sen. Rahman. “As the first Muslim legislator in the state of Georgia, I have a deep and personal concern regarding the future of this island and its community. The zoning proposal will unjustly displace and drive out the last remaining members of the community through tax spikes. I urge the Commission to take our concerns into consideration before proceeding with any further action.”
During the press conference, residents expressed concerns that the proposed zoning ordinance amendment would remove regulations that they say were intended to protect the Gullah Geechee residents of Hog Hammock. The McIntosh County Planning and Zoning Commission and the McIntosh Board of Commissioners have scheduled public hearings and a vote on the amendment, but residents today said that meetings are scheduled at times when there is limited ferry access, thus preventing residents from attending. Residents stated that they made requests for accommodations to allow residents to attend these hearings but said such requests have gone unanswered. Residents also expressed concerns that the proposed amendment would eradicate the Gullah Geechee community in Hog Hammock.
“This is an egregious problem that has gone on too long, and enough is enough,” said Rep. Schofield. “These elected officials should protect the interests of the Hog Hammock community and its residents. We call on the McIntosh Board of Commissioners to do what is right by the people of Sapelo Island and Hog Hammock, in particular. We will not allow our cultural history to be erased or bought at the price of land developers. This is our history and our heritage, and we will fight to protect it.”
Members of the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate urged McIntosh County officials to consider the impacts that this amendment could have on Hog Hammock and are calling on the board of commissioners to reconsider the vote on the proposed amendment and engage in conversations with Hog Hammock residents.
“If you believe in property rights, public comment, open meetings and the public’s right to voice their opposition at zoning hearings, then it is imperative to stand with us in supporting the residents of Hog Hammock in McIntosh County,” said Rep. Davis. “The people of Sapelo Island have a constitutional right to protect and safeguard their property rights and heritage.”
The amendment proposed by the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners and the Coastal Regional Commission to the McIntosh County Zoning Ordinance would affect minimum lot size, the minimum square footage of buildings constructed in the district, amend the maximum square footage requirements and otherwise impact various uses allowed within the Hog Hammock District.
Hog Hammock was one of fifteen African American Saltwater Gullah Geechee settlements on Sapelo Island, Georgia and first appeared on a pre-Civil War topographical survey map in 1856-57. Many members of the community are descendants of African-American plantation workers. Hog Hammock is approximately 500 acres and contains the only privately owned property on Sapelo Island. The community has approximately 40 full-time residents. Hog Hammock was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
A video recording of today’s press conference may be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ywamr-aUAs
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Senator Nikki Merritt represents the 9th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She may be reached at (404) 463-2260 or via email at nikki.merritt@senate.ga.gov.
Senator Sheikh Rahman represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker, Lilburn and Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County. He may be reached at 404.463.1318 or by email at sheikh.rahman@senate.ga.gov.
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