WE’RE NOT IN ‘OZ’ ANYMORE

by Carol Mac

There is a line in “The Wizard of OZ” where Dorothy says “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”. She saw such “beauty and splendor” when she arrived unexpectedly in OZ during that huge, whirlwind tornado.  OZ was such a contrast to Kansas, a rather plain and colorless place.  

Well, I am beginning to feel a lot like Dorothy, but my journey is in reverse. I have gone from OZ to Kansas. Granted, it took me a while longer to get here, but nevertheless, I have arrived in a place that I do not recognize, and unlike Dorothy, I don’t like it a bit. The small, beach town I moved to looks more like a suburb of Atlanta where I came from. Life was pretty simple here, except for the usual summer tourist season. Perhaps you feel the same way that I do when all of what I have to say comes together.

I have lived in Horry County for 14 years. In the last 4 years or so, I have seen so many changes and not for the better. A literal tsunami of migration from the Northeast and other areas, massive building of apartment houses and housing developments, a raping of the land and natural resources (clear cut of trees) overcrowded roads, schools, hospitals, retail establishments and restaurants. Oh, and I must not forget to mention the 3-6 month wait to see a doctor or dentist.

 I can’t blame the people that have moved here. They have come for a better quality of life, and to escape high taxes and horrific crime in their states and cities, which in my opinion is a direct result of the policies of the local, state, and federal governments that transformed their home states into a place unbearable to live in. But that’s a subject for another time.

All of this growth and progress has surely impacted the quality of life here in Horry in a negative way. I am not against growth and prosperity, but thoughtful planning is key to an outcome beneficial to all residents. We have seen just the opposite, with this area being thrown into a chaotic mess, by out-of-control elected officials, and those in zoning and planning. It appears they do not realize the adverse conditions they are producing, or they are driving around with blinders on, or just don’t care. So the developers and the builders walk away after they have transformed our city and made a lot of money in the process. We need to keep our county officials accountable for a growth plan that enhances our quality of life, not one that destroys it.

I think it’s time to “take a breath, a “time out” and reassess our rate of growth in Horry County. Let’s do some “catch-up” on our infrastructure and services before we willy-nilly add homes and more population. We owe it to the people that already live here.

The next time you hear of a zoning/planning commission meeting or a Council meeting, attend and support your position on the issues we face.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

What do you think we can do?