Jan. 5, 2022 • Volume 11, Issue 1 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
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Town seeks public input on potential short-term rental ordinance By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
There is a dramatic shift going on in how the 2.5 million annual visitors to Hilton Head Island experience the island and where they want to stay while they’re here. That shift is causing a move from the resorts into homes being rented out in what were once full-time-resident neighborhoods. That has led residents to push for an ordinance that clearly defines the rules and the locations where these short-term rentals can happen. But is such an ordinance necessary? Town officials have been meeting with stakeholders on all sides of the issue over the past three months, and now, they’re holding a number of public forums to ask
for additional input. Town interim comprehensive planning manager Anne Cyran gave the town’s public planning committee an update on the town’s due diligence at the committee’s Dec. 16 meeting. “We are investigating ways to develop a fair, predictable, and balanced approach to manage short-term rental impacts on our neighborhoods, economy, housing stock, public facilities, and the quality of life of our residents, and experiences of our visitors,” Cyran said. “We are moving into the last portion of our public outreach with a number of open houses and forums scheduled in January.” Broker and investor Dustin Kennedy, who owns two short-term rental properties on the island, addressed the committee to emphasize what’s at stake for
Screenshot of a recent Airbnb rental
those attempting to meet the ever-growing housing needs of the island tourism industry.
“There are over 300,000 visitors at any
Please see RENTALS on page 10A
Island’s MLK Celebration features concert, march, speakers The Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice has gone into high gear to plan its annual events that are held each January in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. The theme for 2022 is “Only love can drive out hate.” Activities kick off Jan. 8 with a concert, “Celebrate MLK: A Music Extravaganza,” starting at 7 p.m., at Christ Lutheran
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Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway. The event will feature the MLK Community Choir, which continues to seek singers to join in. Musical selections will include Lowcountry gospel, blues, Motown and American standards. Featured vocalists include Bessie Bates, Scott Gibbs, Terry Herron, Rick Radcliff, Nicky Riley and
Quirky Bluffton store features ‘Snowbirds’ exhibit 17A
John Simmons. To join the choir, call or text 843271-9919. Tickets are $20 each and are available at celebrateMLK2022.eventbrite. com. Masks will be required. Proceeds will support the MLK Committee for Justice. An Ecumenical Community Worship Service will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at
Hilton Head National RV Resort ready to open 20A
St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, 20 Pope Ave. All are welcome to attend this free event. The following evening, a Shabbat will be offered at Congregation Beth Yam, starting at 6 p.m. The synagogue is located at 4501 Meeting St. and welcomes all
Please see MLK on page 16A
Night to Shine honors special guests 23A
Sunny Side Up 3A • Editorial 4A • Sun on the Street 6A • Noteworthy 26A • Business 38A • Legal 42A • Health 43A • Wellness 44A • Faith 45A • Giving 47A • Nature 49A • Home 53A