For the first time, since work began two years ago, Dorchester county council tonight unveiled its comprehensive plan to the public. The plan will effect basically every decision the county makes over the next 20 to 30 years, still work on this plan is not finished.

The idea of growth brings an upside and downside. For starters, more people bring more tax dollars, more business, but it also brings crowded schools and congested roads. That’s why county council began work on a comprehensive plan some 24 months ago. Pete Weathers, a 67 year resident of St. George, says the town for the most part sits unaffected by the population boom, but Summerville is a different story

“My feeling about it is growth will turn a paradise into a parking lot and I think its happened in the Summerville area,” said Weathers.

Weathers keeps a close on development of the comp plan, as every corner of the county will be impacted. He spent 12 hours reading over the proposal, admitting some of it is still a little foggy. But what he understands, he supports, seeing it as a plan to preserve and conserve.

“The fact they are looking for ways to centralize communities to keep them from spreading into fields and woods in the upper part of the community,” said Weathers.

The comprehensive plan, points out areas best suited for growth, addressing infrastructure improvements, and utilizing space to avoid urban sprawl. Zones are established for lots fit for either business or residential, keeping in mind distance to major roadways and waterways. Using ideas and concerns from the people living in Dorchester County along the way.

“It’s been tremendous, we are just overjoyed with the amount of the public feedback we have got on this document,” said Dorchester County Chairman Larry Hargett.

Some minor changes could be made before a vote to handle any new concerns that come up during the final public hearings.