What’s at Stake

Open space is becoming increasingly rare in Georgetown and Horry County, yet the unique natural landscape is one of the driving forces in the relocation of thousands of new residents to the Grand Strand each year. Open space adds recreational, scenic and ecological benefits to our area like greater flood protection.

Challenges

The challenge now facing our area is how to balance economic growth with the preservation of natural areas. The increase in paved surfaces and the destruction of natural flood basins poses the very real threat of flooding to our region. The elimination of wetlands also poses a problem to the natural filtration of our water supply, making expensive filtration systems a necessity.

Citizens recognize that parks and open spaces help turn “developments” into “communities.” Developers should recognize that putting greater emphasis on residents’ quality of life is important to future homeowners and to the current residents of the community their development will reside in.

Georgetown and Horry Counties still have opportunities to invest in undeveloped space through smart, sustainable planning that sets aside recreational space for current and future generations to enjoy.

Take Action

Promote the incorporation of the Green Infrastructure concept which enables open space planning and land conservation in harmony with growth and urban development.

Promote the linking of natural areas with greenbelts to counteract habitat fragmentation.

Insist that county governments adhere to Comprehensive Plans that have been established to promote the preservation of green/open space especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

Urge elected officials to include more open/green space in future land use planning.

Incorporate sidewalks and bike paths in development models thus, reducing the dependence on polluting methods of transportation.

Get involved in the planning process by attending County Planning meetings.

For more information contact: Christopher Klement, Horry County Senior Planner Open/Green Space Office, (843) 915-7899 or email him here.

Links

Georgetown County Planning

Horry County Green and Open Space Board