5 days Ago
As the state representative whose district encompasses Georgetown, I have always believed that our communities deserve a future defined not just by what has come before, but by what we can create together. The recent discussions about the future of the closed International Paper mill and the nearby Liberty Steel site open the door to a bold new vision for Georgetown’s waterfront — one that balances economic growth, environmental responsibility and community well-being. The proposed biomass power plant at the International Paper site undoubtedly sparks a conversation about our economic landscape.
While many may see potential in a biomass facility to replace some lost jobs and generate economic activity, I urge us to pause and consider the broader implications for Georgetown. The allure of another heavy industrial plant must not cloud our judgment about the kind of community we have the opportunity to create in the wake of the paper plant’s closure. Georgetown is blessed with a beautiful waterfront that holds tremendous potential for more than just industrial development.
We are positioned to become a hub for ecotourism and smart growth, where families can enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, recreational opportunities and local businesses flourish. This vision invites us to redefine our relationship with the waterfront — not as a site only for heavy industry, but as a destination marked by opportunities for sportsmen, shoppers, diners and those who need access to affordable housing to remain in our community. There is an opportunity here — one that includes stakeholders who are not only focused on short-term gains but want to create sustainable economic development, keep blue-collar jobs in Georgetown, and be responsible stewards of our environment.
As we consider the future of the International Paper site, we must engage with local leaders, the families impacted by the mill’s closure, and residents across Georgetown to explore other visions for development, including innovative economic solutions that prioritize the preservation of our coastal environment. Furthermore, our focus should also extend to the Liberty Steel property. The potential for waterfront redevelopment here is immense, and we should envision a blend of residential, commercial and recreational spaces that celebrate our unique history and natural resources.
Our waterfront should become not just a place of work, but a gathering space that strengthens our community bonds and attracts visitors, thus enhancing our local economy. We have a choice to make — one that will shape the future of Georgetown for generations to come. This is not just about land use; it about the type of community we want for our children and their children.
I invite you to participate in this important discussion as we work together to create a Georgetown that honors its past and creates a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future. Let’s come together to advocate for a waterfront that reflects our values — one where new ideas and community guide our path forward. The choices we make now will not only define the horizon of our local economy but will also create the landscape of our community’s heart and soul.
Lee Hewitt represents S.C. House District 108, encompassing Georgetown and Charleston counties.
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