GEORGETOWN, SC (WBTW) – The city of Georgetown is getting advice from developers on how best to improve the city’s economy–including what to do with the steel mill that closed last year.
“I’m very interested in Georgetown’s future,” said Faith Dyer.
Dyer and hundreds of her fellow Georgetown community members came out to the Howard Auditorium in downtown Georgetown Monday night to discuss that very topic. Community members got the chance to ask questions–as well as make recommendations–to a panel of industry-renowned land use and urban development experts.
These experts are visiting Georgetown for a week to advise representatives from the city on improving economic conditions, infrastructure, and how to bring jobs to the city.
“Community participation is the right way to do development,” said Alex Rose. He led the discussion Monday night.
Rose said he was encouraged by the turnout of concerned citizens ready to help improve Georgetown.
“We have a community of stakeholders and leaders who are committed to undertaking that task,” Rose said.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous, it really is,” said Dyer. She said she is one of those committed citizens.
She would like to see her city become more well-known, and not just a pit stop halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston.
“Even though people travel it all the time, a lot of people don’t even know Georgetown is here,” Dyer lamented.
Many had similar concerns during the panel, including ways to draw industry and jobs back to the city. Others want to know what the plans are for the aging steel mill–something the panel will spend much of its time discussing this week.
Rose said he and his team are ready for the project.
“It’s a challenging site and a challenging set of circumstances,” Rose explained. “I’m confident we’ve got a very good panel that’s ready to tackle it.”
The team will present its plans for Georgetown and the steel mill site on Friday morning.
