WOODBINE, Ga. – The Camden County Commission is considering a plan to develop 1,000 acres of land for housing on Cumberland Island.

The proposal has drawn lots of opposition from environmental groups, including the Sierra Club. There's even been talk of the plan being withdrawn due to expected legal challenges.

Some Cumberland Island residents don’t want to see any more land developed on the island. And the Camden County Board of Commissioners announced Tuesday evening that it would allow more time for the National Park Service to continue negotiations with land developers.

A small group of residents was on hand to hear what the board's next move would be.

County staff members delivered their findings after gathering opinions from those who would be affected by any future land development, including discussions they had with private property owners, leading environmental organizations in the region and the National Park Service.

Concerned residents were allowed to address the board.

“Your decision is a legacy decision,” said Bob Sutter, of St. Marys Earthkeepers. “Your very actions will indelibly mark the history of Camden County, the state of Georgia, and the National Park System of the United States. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated.”

The Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 to allow continued talks about what potential plans for increased development would entail.