Will Sapelo Island residents have a say on zoning ordinance?
MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — Early voting is underway on a referendum that would undo rezoning on Sapelo Island. Residents gathered more than 2,000 signatures to force a vote, but it could all be for nothing.
They returned to court Friday to continue their fight to protect their property and the island itself, arguing that the county has no right to interfere with the upcoming special election.
"The county is trying to challenge the election and circumvent it. They need to follow the rules and think about what the Constitution says about these special rules," said one resident.
At the center of the court hearing is the question of whether changes to Sapelo Island's zoning ordinances, made in September of last year, are constitutional. These changes allow homes over 1,400 square feet to be built, raising property taxes and threatening to displace native islanders.
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County lawyers argue that citizens have no right to question county authority, as zoning ordinances fall under that umbrella. However, petitioners counter that under constitutional homeowner rights, residents can question anything that directly affects them.
"People understand that this is specifically about our community, our culture, and our history, but it's also about everyone in the county. It's about how we want our county to operate and treat the people they're supposed to serve," said Josiah Jazz Watts, a Sapelo activist.
Six hundred people have already participated in early voting ahead of the Oct. 1 election. While the vote is still moving forward, whether the results will be certified remains uncertain.
"This is about the voices of the people, not just those coming to vote, but all of McIntosh County. We want people to exercise their right and vote to repeal this action because it didn't include the community," Watts added.
The judge in Friday's hearing did not make a ruling but indicated a decision could come in the coming days. In addition, a separate lawsuit claims the zoning ordinance change was illegal from the start.
News 3 will keep you updated on when that court date is set and what it means for the residents of Sapelo Island.
