As I prepare myself for the upcoming mayoral race, I am working on how to deliver on my promise to bring jobs to Georgetown. I am running as a member of the Forward Party and, there just so happens to be a Forward Party mayor in the State of South Carolina. I thought giving him a call would be a good place to start, so I reach out to him and we set a time to have a video conference call. What I found out was amazing, to say the least.
The man I spoke with is Harry Williams, he has been the mayor of Hardeeville since 2016. In that time, he has brought hundreds and hundreds of jobs to the city.
With the release of the 2040 Plan “Final Draft” and upcoming Planning Commission meeting next week, it is highly likely that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan will be moved forward to City Council. Public concern about the plans contents and future impact will need to be presented and substantiated at this meeting. Citizen attendance and participation is important at this meeting. A large turnout of citizens at this meeting is needed in order to communicate to the Planning Commission that many citizens have specific concerns and are not in favor of moving the 2040 Comprehensive Plan forward to City Council.
Over the next few weeks, the City of Georgetown will give us all opportunities to fill our cups with abundant joy. Worship, concerts, tree lightings, ice skating, and caroling will be part of our citywide celebrations. I am grateful for the people who work to ensure that these freedoms and traditions continue and to God for the blessings of this wonderful city.
For several months, I have considered writing on this platform about a different side of our city life. This other side involves the push and pull of citizen involvement versus government decision making surrounding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the forces of change that are on our doorsteps. Many of you have encouraged me to write on this platform about my involvement, concerns and the next steps in this very important process. It has been a personal struggle for me to articulate my thoughts without seeming judgmental or arrogant. However, being complacent is also problematic. I have been waiting for the right timing for my public comments.
Nick Robinson
Comprehensive plans play a pivotal role in guiding the future of cities throughout the country. They act as a roadmap guiding us toward sustainable, resilient and vibrant communities. You can’t build a house without blueprints. Likewise, you can’t grow a community without a vision, one that is captured in the Comprehensive Plan.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
So, if a Comprehensive Plan is so meaningful, why is the City’s Planning department apparently down playing its importance and implying that it some form of obligatory formality?
