The industrial park is a very controversial
issue in our community.
Many negative aspects outweigh
those that are positive. Foremost,
one of the positive aspects that
the industries have to offer;
thus, including the many jobs
brought to McDuffie County
and surrounding areas. Since
the industries will be located
less than a mile from exit 175
off Interstate 20, it will be easily
accessed by many residents.
The commission claims that
the industries will bring more
business for Thomson, with the
promise that there will be "no
heavy industries."
The negative aspects of this
industrial park seem to come
along with a plethora of positive
aspects. However, the industrial
park zone is adjacent to a historic
residential area. The owners of
homes in this area are infuriated
at the idea of an industrial park
being placed in their back yard.
Since Thomson is such a rural
area, some of the residents of
the community do not want a
city-like atmosphere that comes
along with an industrial park.
Not only do businesses bring
the risks of air, noise, and
water pollution, but they
also decrease property
value.
Many people want an
industrial park in Thomson.
They believe that such industry
will help McDuffie County
economically. The population
is excited at the idea of more
jobs and money being brought
to McDuffi e County, yet they
are blind to some aspects.
Thousands of dollars are
being put in this project - one
that could easily fail. The
commissioners have already
determined that 10 percent of
the land is not capable for an
industry to be there. Personally,
I am against the construction
of an industrial park in my
hometown. Moreover, I do
not want Thomson to lose its
inviting, small town feel.
Leslie Ann Wangness, a freshman
at the University of Georgia and a
greaduate of Thomson High School,
recently penned this column for an
English class. Her assignment was
to choose a personal local issue and
either praise or condemn the issue.
She is the daughter of Tommy and
Patricia Wangness.
