(This month’s column features excerpts from the mayor’s remarks given last month at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Region.)
As I reflect on my first year of service as mayor, pride is the overwhelming sentiment that describes my journey. It is a pride rooted in my deep connection to Hilton Head Island and the conviction that drove me to work tirelessly for the community.
My pride extends to the remarkable individuals serving with me on the Town Council–Patsy Brison, David Ames, Tammy Becker, Steve Alford, Glenn Stanford, and Alex Brown. We have diverse perspectives on island matters but collaborated, compromised, and endorsed projects and legislation to improve the island’s future.
Our path forward is bright, particularly in terms of business and employment opportunities. In 2023, we witnessed the opening of 120 new businesses, ranging from day spas to bike shops, restaurants to realty offices. Hilton Head Harley Davidson’s investment in the thriving Palmetto Bay Road corridor is notable among these endeavors. Billy Watterson, a community-centric individual, exemplified the island spirit by establishing a new culinary hub, The Bank, on Pope Avenue, which rejuvenated a local business landmark. His generous donation of $1 million to Mitchelville on the day of his restaurant’s opening underscores a commitment to preserving our island’s rich history.
In a concerted effort to promote diversity, we instituted a small and minority-owned disadvantaged business program, providing opportunities for these entrepreneurs to secure town contracts and compete on a level playing field with larger businesses on the island.
Recognizing the pivotal role of the island’s workforce, our focus on addressing the critical issue of workforce housing has intensified. “Finding Home” is not just a slogan but our plan and commitment to preserve and expand workforce housing options so we don’t lose a valuable community of workers. They help make this the No. 1 island in America.
The initiation of the island’s first-ever public/private housing partnership at the Northpoint property with OneStreet Residential signifies a landmark step towards creating environmentally sound and aesthetically pleasing residential spaces. This groundbreaking project, set to commence in the coming months, marks a pioneering initiative in the region.
Concurrently, we confront the challenges of the 278 corridor and roadway project. Our comprehensive approach aims to enhance traffic flow without compromising the island’s natural beauty, respecting the Gullah communities at the entrance, and preserving the environmentally pristine landscape. Any decision made will be based not on emotions, but on the information gathered by all parties involved. In the next few months, we will take up this topic as a council to make sure the project that is agreed upon is the best for the island.
While essential projects like this shape the island’s future, we remain committed to safeguarding its natural beauty. A substantial investment of nearly $20 million in acquiring almost 26 acres of “legacy parcels” aligns with our strategic approach to managing growth, preserving the environment, stabilizing neighborhoods, and providing waterway access while reducing density.
Dedicated efforts are underway to expand parks and open spaces, catering to the evolving needs of the younger generation. This initiative ensures that children and adults have access to enhanced recreational facilities.
This year has been great, thanks to the town council and staff who work so hard daily to make the island what it is. I express my gratitude to Town Manager Marc Orlando, who has brought energy and a vision for the future that gives us all pride and hope.
However, my deepest appreciation goes to my wife, Kathy, the unsung hero of my administration. She supported my crazy idea to get into town government from Day One, and has been there with me for the ribbon cuttings, meet and greets, council events, and meetings to help me through this journey.
In closing, it may sound cliché to proclaim, “The state of our region is good.” Yet, for Hilton Head Island, this is a fact. The state of our island is good–and is only getting better.
Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry
