MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)- The Gullah Geechee community is a vital part of the Lowcountry’s culture, but some members of that community say they feel like a traditional Gullah Geechie neighborhood is being threatened by developers.
The Hamlin Beach community holds decades of history.
Established after the Civil War in 1881, it’s where hundreds of freed slaves settled, and today it is a hub for members of the Gullah Geechee community.
“This is my home, this is where my family is, my parents,” Cassandra Davis said.
Within Hamlin Beach is 13.5 undeveloped acres, but Davis says the community is worried that could change.
“I’m disheartened because there’s a developer who is trying to purchase the property from some heirs that got the land after the Civil War,” Davis said.
The developer wants to clear the land and put over 40 homes on it.
“The 41 home, they are all cookie-cutter homes, they all look alike, their prices are astronomical and it’s just not conducive for our community,” Davis said.