Have you ever wondered why there’s a four-lane road between Easley and Clemson?

Or why we have public boat ramps at our three beautiful lakes?

Or why we have a Commerce park on highway 123?

What about highway 11 and the beautiful scenery of Table Rock and Keowee-Toxway State Parks? How did they get here?

We don’t think much about them; they’re “just here”. I’m nearly 50 years old, and with the exception of the Commerce Park, I can’t remember when they weren’t here. They didn’t simply appear overnight, though. Someone, a generation or two back, saw a need and made a plan. I’m sure glad they did.

It’s up to us now, this generation, to plan.

We have an opportunity; an obligation really, to plan Pickens County’s future. I’m glad someone took time when we were children to plan for roadways, recreation and public facilities, and jobs. It’s time to plan for our children. What roads, public facilities, and recreation and job opportunities will they need? These are important questions.

A group of citizens, and we need many more, are planning for the future. We’re reviewing the Comprehensive Plan and revising it to reflect projections to the year 2030. We’re looking at nine categories; population, economic development, natural resources, community facilities, cultural resources, housing, land use, transportation, and priority investment. These nine areas paint a picture of how citizens and government can prepare for the future.

When it comes to planning, there are all sorts of opinions. I’ve heard plans that control every aspect of life. Some want fines when our grass is too tall, or they want to tow my old truck from the back yard, which would make my wife happy, but I really hate to see it go; it’s like family. And then there are those who prefer the Wild West approach to our future; anything goes, don’t mess my property rights, etc. They want a junk yard on every corner, which would be handy about keeping my old truck going, but they do have a downside. And some want a pool hall near every church and school. Yes, we have all sorts of ideas for the future, but I think we can find middle ground. We shouldn’t waste time arguing. We should focus on the big picture.

The big picture is South Carolina will grow by over a million citizens by 2030; just 20 years. We’re the 16th fastest growing state in the nation, and Pickens is ranked in the top ten fastest growing counties in the state.

We’ll need improved roads, water and sewer systems, and our kids will need jobs and recreational opportunities. Our lakes and scenic beauty must be protected from pollution and ruin. We must plan for our kids and newcomers like our parents planned for us.

Please contact the Department of Community Development and volunteer for the future. We need you.

Phillip Bowers

Chairman

Pickens County Comprehensive Plan Committee