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Article published: Dec 31,
2006 Shaw
protection committee a positive step
The City-County
Planning Commission took a bold step when it announced plans to form a Shaw Air
Force Base Protection Committee. This committee will look into buying
developmental rights around Shaw Air Force Base as a measure to BRAC-proof the
base.
Of course, there is really no such thing as BRAC-proofing a
military base because you simply never know why some decisions are made in
Washington, D.C. and by the brass at the Pentagon. But anything we can do to
protect Shaw Air Force Base well into the future certainly gives us an edge for
future Base Realignment and Closures. And just like death and taxes, it’s
certain there will be another one in the near future.
It is also
refreshing to see developer Louis Tisdale and Planning Commission Chairman Otis
Atkinson appear to be in agreement in forming the committee.
Over the
past few months The Item has editorialized heavily against virtually any
development within the military protection district (MPD). Any development near
or around the base could increase the chances of losing Shaw Air Force
Base.
Tisdale originally proposed a development on behalf of families who
owned land near the base with much of the acreage falling inside the Military
Protection District. After much debate and resistance, Tisdale withdrew his
development plan, which would have changed the allowable developments within the
MPD.
Common sense and good judgment for the betterment of the community
seems to be prevailing with the latest decision to take the issue of land use
and encroachment seriously.
With some estimates of 3rd Army personnel
coming to Sumter now above 2,000 people, leaders have to take extra steps and
precautions to ensure we’re doing everything right when it comes to land usage
around the base.
Now, the trick is to try and find federal money to help
buy developmental rights around the base. Having Reps. John Spratt and Jim
Clyburn holding key leadership positions in the House of Representatives as
Democrats take control of Congress in the new year could be instrumental in
opening the doors to more federal dollars for Sumter.
Be that as it may,
it’s important that the city and county work together on developing a pool of
money to start the process of purchasing land in order to prove to outsiders we
are serious about protecting our base.
Ultimately, it’s encouraging to
know steps are continuing to be taken in keeping our base safe and being smart
about ensuring growth in our community. Landowners around the base may benefit
as well over the next few years by getting their piece of the pie if money can
be obtained and used wisely in purchasing much of the land.
Finally, it
seems we are being careful — and smart.
