Judge Halts Georgia Referendum in Gullah Geechee Zoning Dispute

The ruling stops efforts by Sapelo Island residents to reverse zoning changes they say threaten their historic community.

Superior Court Judge Gary McCorvey ruled that Georgia’s constitution does not allow referendums to challenge zoning ordinances.
The decision halts a special election initiated by residents of Hogg Hummock, a Gullah Geechee community, who had collected over 1,800 petition signatures.
Residents argue that the zoning changes, which allow larger homes, could increase property taxes and pressure them to sell ancestral lands.
McIntosh County officials sought to cancel the election, citing concerns over wasting public funds and legal standing issues.
Despite the ruling, Hogg Hummock residents plan to appeal and continue their separate lawsuit alleging race discrimination and due process violations.