New Enthusiasm Behind Goose Creek Economic Development

The Goose Creek Economic Development Advisory Committee made the first move Wednesday toward a sharper focus on attracting and retaining business to the city.

The EDAC has requested fresh numbers on business property values; the trend line for new business licenses and renewals; and a map of vacant business parcels in the city.

The information will help build a GIS database for economic development, said Assistant City Administrator Jeff Molinari.  

"Previously we've always looked at it in macro terms," he said. "This will give us an opportunity to go into a little more depth."

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In collecting this data, the city has divided the city and unincorporated areas into three regions: west of St. James Avenue, east of U.S. 52 and everything in-between.

EDAC Chairman Rick Buckner called the metrics a starting point. As the committee begins monitoring trends, it can recognize areas that are seeing a drop in development and recommend change.

"We've taken a 15-year stance of standing by and watching, I think it's time that we start influencing change," Buckner said of the new effort.

Business growth has been a particular priority for council members in recent years, with the redevelopment of the streets in the downtown district. The next step will be finding ways to bring in new business to the area.

"If we're as focused on bringing in business as we are about hiker biker trails and historical markers, we'll fill it up," Buckner said.

More:

• Read more business coverage at Goose Creek Patch
• Read more coverage of Goose Creek's downtown district
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