Letter: Arts venue not really about the arts

The proposed arts center on Hilton Head Island has nothing to do with “the arts” and everything to do with “the development.” Local contractors are in line to receive millions of dollars if their cronies running the Town of Hilton Head Island can push this through, and a hand-picked committee is meeting to reach a foregone conclusion.

After word leaked that Honey Horn was a possible site, Mayor David Bennett disingenuously claimed it is “premature” to discuss the location until the money is secured. But once developers see the funding, there will be no stopping them — the Town Council will make sure of that.

Meanwhile, the select committee now has a public relations firm to “let the public know that there hasn’t been a decision made.” You only need to take that step if the decision has already been made.

When interviewed in October 2014, candidate Bennett promised an “island-wide vision” and “an economic-development strategy that is aligned with our island values and which enhances the quality of living.” Whatever those phrases might mean, you are beginning to see the results: more building everywhere. Proposing the development of Honey Horn speaks volumes about the “economic-development strategy.”

Let’s hope candidates step forward who don’t share the mayor’s “island-wide vision.” And if there is any actual intention to promote “the arts,” the facility should be built off-island for the convenience of everyone in Beaufort County, and it should be privately financed.

This story was originally published May 30, 2016 at 7:39 AM with the headline "Letter: Arts venue not really about the arts."