Old Stables Corner is one of St. Simons Island’s most beloved properties. When it was threatened by commercial development in 2010, hundreds of concerned citizens came together to raise $2.5 million in private donations in order to protect and preserve it under the stewardship of the St. Simons Land Trust, a non-profit organization led by a small, dedicated staff and local volunteers. This act preserved for the public an important piece of island history, live oak trees on the national historical register, and a well-maintained greenspace at a highly visible intersection.
Today, sadly, Old Stables Corner is again under threat. Glynn County officials have recently informed Land Trust leadership of their plan to take a material portion of the property in order to construct traffic lanes for a proposed roundabout. If implemented, the plan would result in the grading and paving of roughly ½ acre of greenspace and the removal of trees, including numerous historic live oaks. Preservation would give way to destruction.
“The Land Trust is neither for nor against a new roundabout as a tool to help ameliorate traffic issues on the island,” said Emily Ellison, Executive Director of the nonprofit organization. “But we have been given no data as to why the proposed site for the roundabout is the ‘only viable option,’ especially when the County already owns two of the other three corners at that intersection.”
This forced taking of privately-owned property would be achieved through the exercise of the governmental power of eminent domain at a level that is unprecedented in this community. The Land Trust objects, both as a private property owner and as a citizen and steward of St. Simons Island. We recognize and appreciate that the County is working to address the legitimate issue of increased traffic on the island. We do not believe, however, that the currently proposed plan strikes the right balance for today or for posterity.
“As a native of St. Simons and a longtime Land Trust volunteer and donor, I’m disappointed in our elected officials’ judgment on this particular matter,” said Land Trust Board Chair Jim Barger Jr. We’ve all got to come together and do better. If we get this plan wrong, we and our descendants will be living with the mistake for centuries.”
There has to be a better way. We call on the County to go back to the drawing board and find it. We call on our donors, partners, supporters, and the public at large to get informed, get involved, and make their voices heard. We urge our elected officials to listen to the community’s concerns for the future of their beloved greenspace and their expressions of support for protecting private property rights.
“When we publish content on social media about the Old Stables Corner,” according to the Land Trust’s Communications Director Raleigh Kitchen, “the posts quickly become some of our most engaging and reach tens of thousands of people. The Old Stables Corner is a treasure trove of memories, joy, and shared experiences for so many in our community and beyond.”
The Land Trust’s mission for the last 25 years has been “to preserve the island’s natural and scenic character and to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.” In keeping with this mission, we will do everything within our power to protect Old Stables Corner, forever.
