What’s at Stake

In December 2007, Georgetown County Council voted 6-1 to approve a permit allowing commercial development of the Black River. Council took this action against the advice of the Georgetown County Planning Commission and in spite of the overwhelming opposition of local residents. Furthermore, the Council disregarded the prior residential zoning status in place when the current owners brought the property. After the Planning Commission meeting, only one resident supported the proposed marina.

Conservationists believe that a commercial fueling facility and 100-foot dock are inconsistent with this pristine, residential area. The dock would block almost half the navigable water and the site presents substantial public safety risks for both vehicular access and boating navigation. It also threatens wildlife, water quality, and preservation of a historic natural resource. 

Challenges

The proposed Black River Marina is not a sensible development because of the many conservations challenges it poses to the Black River. These include:

• According to the Georgetown County Future Land Use Maps, the predominant and adjacent land uses are classified as conservation/ preservation and low density residential.
  
  
• A marina is unsuitable in this location because increased boat and auto traffic is incompatible with the general character of the area.
  
  
• A marina would threaten essential habitat that sustains wildlife.
  
  
• Surface runoff from commercial activity, traffic and gasoline spills will adversely impact the river.
  
  
• Vehicles towing boat trailers slowly entering and exiting the major 701 artery (with a bridge overpass in one direction and a curve in the other) will lead to the very real possibility of an increase in automobile accidents.
  
  
• The topography and steep gradient of the proposed site exacerbates the shoreline erosion.
  
  
• The site is immediately adjacent to the Hwy 701/Black River Bridge and its support pilings. Launching boats into swift crosscurrents immediately adjacent to cement bridge structures enhances the chances of boating accidents.

Take Action

Urge the developer and the regulatory agencies to consider the severe potential liabilities and public safety issues that would result from this project in its proposed location.  Several other publicly accessible locations already exist on the Black River within several miles of this proposed marina.

Consider alternatives, the Rocky Point public facility could be improved and expanded. Rocky Point is at a wide section of the river with negligible current and none of the other hazards presented at the Black River Bridge location.

For more information contact: Christine Ellis (843)349-4007 or email her here.

Links

SaveBlackRiver.org