A new group wants to bring industry back to Georgetown amid debate over biomass plant

GEORGETOWN — Shawn James worked at the International Paper mill for 30 years, and he doesn’t think Georgetown should say goodbye to heavy industry.

He’s started to rally other residents who feel the same way.

The 87-year-old IP mill, once a cornerstone of the coastal city’s economy, closed at the end of last year leaving nearly 700 workers and roughly 200 contractors without jobs.

In the wake of the closure, state and local leaders have been debating how Georgetown’s waterfront should be redeveloped. Some, like S.C. Rep. Lee Hewitt, R-Murrells Inlet, envision increased public access to the waterfront and mixed development on the Liberty Steel, IP and Georgetown port properties.

Others, such as state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Murrells Inlet, support a plan to create a biomass power plant on the IP property. 

In April, a group called “Citizens for Georgetown“ was formed with the goal of opposing the biomass plant and other heavy industry on the waterfront. It’s led by Tom Swatzel, a former county council member, and is a coalition of residents, business owners and community leaders, according to its website.

In response, James formed a new group — “Citizens for Georgetown (Common Sense Edition)” — which supports the creation of a biomass plant and preserving Georgetown’s industrial legacy.

“We believe Georgetown can grow while honoring its blue-collar backbone, and we won’t stand by while outsiders or elites rewrite our story,” the group’s Facebook page states.

 A week after the group’s creation on June 4, it had gained 1,400 followers.

James still hasn’t found a job to replace his position at the paper mill. Many of his friends are also still out of work, and some have to drive several hours each day to new jobs, he said.