ATLANTA, Ga. () — The Georgia Supreme Court is set to begin hearing arguments on Wednesday in a fight over zoning changes to Sapelo Island.

has been following the push for development and larger buildings on the historic island.

Members of the Gullah Geechee community in Hogg Hummock have opposed the move. They previously told that it would change the character of the island, where many residents are the descendants of enslaved people.

They also said it will increase their property taxes which would ultimately force families out of homes that they have lived in for generations.

According to a lawsuit against McIntosh County, for 25 years, construction in the Gullah-Geechee community was limited to 1,400 square-foot single-family dwellings. However, a zoning amendment increased the maximum square footage to 3,000 square feet.

Opponents tried to hold a ballot referendum last year to reverse the zoning changes, but a judge put a stop to it in September.

The new zoning was put on hold after the judge issued an injunction following the referendum organizers appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.