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sign of things
to come
A planned major subdivision in southern Columbus County is one of the most significant economic developments in recent years.
The project, which will be built near the state line at Dothan, is a sign of things to come. Expect other announcements in southern areas of the county, and possibly the east, as property valuations, traffic tie-ups and the cost of living at or near the beaches drive people to outlying communities like those in Columbus.
These subdivisions will create jobs, increase the county’s tax base and help reverse population losses.
Officials say the project will be valued at several million dollars and will include both single-family homes and townhouses.
It should be noted that none of this would be possible without infrastructure, namely water and sewer. A cooperative effort between the county and the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority, plus the county water district, makes this development and others that will follow feasible.
But the subdivision raises several issues that must be addressed through long-term planning as Columbus County readies for its role as a bedroom community.
With this development and others that are on the horizon, it would be unconscionable for the county commissioners to delay enactment of the subdivision ordinance much longer.
While the company that’s doing this project knows what its doing, rest assured that other jack-leg developers are poised to build subdivisions that will be nothing but a detriment.
County zoning will be a must as developers demand protection of their investments, but a reasonable subdivision ordinance must first be put into place as soon as possible.
People often bemoan the lack of industry in Columbus County. While they have a point, the county’s positioning as a bedroom community is its best chance for economic prosperity. Jobs follow population growth.
But, if we’re going to be a bedroom community, let’s do it right.
Now is the time to begin planning for growth. It’s not just something that’s going to happen in the future. The future is now.