🌱 Housing Committee Formed + Local Found Guilty In Federal Conspiracy

Morning, neighbors. Lauren Kubiak here with your fresh copy of the Hilton Head Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Humid with clouds and sun. High: 90 Low: 76.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and humid. High: 90 Low: 78.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. A groundbreaking housing committee has been formed on Hilton Head Island, comprised of nine diverse community members. This committee will help with advising the town on addressing its affordable housing challenges. Although the island has been grappling with this issue for some time, this marks the first time citizens are directly involved in shaping solutions, with hopes that their varied perspectives will lead to innovative approaches. Committee members are optimistic about making a meaningful impact and reversing the trend of diminishing affordable housing options. (WTOC)
2. Gilbert Basaldua, a resident of Hilton Head Island, has been sentenced to 80 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to steal aircraft design and testing secrets. Basaldua is one of four men convicted for this conspiracy. The scheme aimed to expedite regulatory approvals for another company's aircraft technology. The FBI investigated the case, and U.S. Attorney Steinberg lauded the efforts of law enforcement in successfully concluding the investigation and prosecution. (Department of Justice - United States Attorneys Office)
3. Hilton Head's Palmetto Dunes neighborhood is aiming to address issues with overcrowded rentals by potentially implementing regulations. Concerns over safety and residents' quality of life have arisen due to short-term rentals advertising accommodations for as many as 30 guests. The community's board is set to discuss and potentially take action on this matter in the upcoming month. (Subscription: Island Packet)

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

New puppy? No problem! Certified Trainer, Maxine Fox of Canine Services will teach your furry friend all the important commands, from sit to stay and everything in between. With positive reinforcement techniques, your pup will be eager to learn and have fun doing it. Contact Maxine today and watch your new best friend thrive!

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Thursday, August 24

• Nick Poulin - Coligny Summer Music At Coligny Circle (6:30 PM)
• Island Time Cocktail Class At Hilton Head Distillery (7:30 PM)

Friday, August 25

• Kerry Pollock & Tim Hill At Comedy Magic Cabaret (8:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know a teacher making a difference in Hilton Head? Nominate them here for a Teacher Spotlight on Patch.

From my notebook:

• New homes have hit the market in and around Hilton Head! Check them out at the link. (Hilton Head Patch)
• Full Spectrum Studio is a safe place for artists with disabilities in Hilton Head to be creative. The studio goes beyond creating art, artists also gain insights into running a business by selling their creations at nearby community markets. Some of the artists have expressed that witnessing a satisfied customer buy their work brings them unparalleled satisfaction. If you're interested in buying artwork, visit Full Spectrum Studio located on Bow Circle or learn more here. (WJCL)
• Dunnagan’s Alley Pocket Park is undergoing improvements from Aug. 23-25. The makeover includes pathway construction and landscape enhancements, and the pathway will be temporarily closed during this period. Safety measures and detour signs will be in place. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (August 29)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• As temperatures rise, so does roach activity! (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Thursday! See you all soon for another update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.