Stop Excessive Tax Increases on African American Gullah-Geechee Historic Hog Hammock Property
- by: Dyanne Hood
- recipient: Wanda Nelson, McIntosh Co. Tax Commisioner
Please sign this petition to help direct descendants of slaves from the Hog Hammock Community on Sapelo Island remain on their historic property. This tiny community of apx. 50 residents are targeted with unaffordable excessive property tax increases.
The Gullah-Geechee culture is prized for having clung to its African roots and traditions more than any other in America. In 1996 the federal government added Hog Hammock, Georgia to its list of historically significant treasures, the National Register of Historic Places.
Listed are some of property tax bills received:
Increase from $200 per yr. to $2,700 per yr. for two (2) acres of undeveloped land
Increase from $600 per yr. to $2,100 per yr. for one (1) acres of land
These unaffordable tax increases are unfair and have the potential to wipe out one of the Southeast coast's last remaining Gullah-Geechee communities from North Carolina to Florida.
This Community, while isolated from the mainland, is reachable mainly by ferry. The remote island receives virtually no county services. It has no schools, no garbage pick up, no transportation system, no paved roads and no police station. Why increase the taxes?
The residents believe their land is targeted because wealthy mainland buyers want to build large houses on the island.
Dear Commissioner Nelson,
The direct descendants of slaves of Hog Hammock, Georgia are in danger of losing their historic property because they cannot afford the excessive tax increases levied on them by the county. I have started a petition to bring awareness to their plight.
The Gullah-Geechee culture is prized for having clung to its African roots and traditions more than any other in America. In 1996 the federal government added Hog Hammock to its list of historically significant treasures, the National Register of Historic Places.
Listed are some of property tax bills that have been received:
Increase from $200 per yr. to $2,700 per yr. for two (2) acres of undeveloped land
Increase from $600 per yr. to $2,100 per yr. for one (1) acres of land
This community is isolated from the mainland and is reachable mainly by ferry. There are no schools, no paved roads, no trash pickup and no police station. Why the increase in taxes? I do know taxes are also accessed based on the value of the land. Maybe, a solution that is agreeable to all concerned parties will be reached that will allow these residents to receive reasonable taxes therefore remaining on their historic property.
There must be other people involved in this matter which could result in court action. I am sure an agreeable solution to this excessive tax problem will be reached.
Thank you for your concern in this matter.
Dyanne Hood
