For the first time since the City of Georgetown purchased 18 acres of property — the former Eagle Electric location — in Maryville, a conceptual drawing has been created showing various uses for the site.

The drawing, which depicts how the land and building can be divvied up, was given to Georgetown City Council this week.

Interim Administrator Carey Smith noted council has been unable to reach an agreement on how the property should be used. The purpose of the workshop was to “try to remedy that so that we, as staff, know where you want us to go” with the plans.

When the city paid $1.07 million for the tract in August, 2009, one of the main purposes was to build a new fire station for the Maryville area.

But, the tract is large enough that other municipal uses are planned. Plus, some of the property — closest to Highway 17 —  may be set aside for commercial use.

The plans, as presented, call for two acres of the property to be used by the city’s Public Works Department. Another three-quarters-of-an-acre would be used for the Electric Department.

Smith said the property would be used for offices and storage for both departments.

Councilman Rudolph Bradley said he feels the electric department’s current location on Church Street and should not be relocated to Maryville. Same thing, he said, with the Public Works Department.

Bradley has also said on numerous occasions he does not feel a new fire station is needed in Maryville but he is now “yielding to let it be built” on the property.

He said he wants more of the property to be used for industrial development.

 The plans as presented set aside three acres for commercial use but some council members said by relocating the proposed fire station to another part of the property, more land adjacent to Highway 17 would be available to be resold to businesses.

Councilman Brendon Barber — who voted against buying the property in 2009 — said he agrees it needs to be mixed use.

A portion of the property — 1.85 acres — is expected to be used as a training area for firefighters. Because it will be in only such facility in the area, it is expected firefighters from throughout Georgetown and Horry Counties will use the site for training purposes.

That, Mayor Jack Scoville said, will be beneficial to the city.

“They would have to eat here. Buy gas here,” Scoville said.

Smith said he will rework the drawing to try to make more commercial space and will present council with the revisions at an upcoming meeting.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com