Business
Business

Coastal development riles St. Marys

By Dan Chapman
May 7, 2016

ST. MARYS —This coastal city’s council will vote Monday to rezone a former paper mill site for new industry, jobs and, possibly, a much-different way of life.

The old Durango-Georgia Paper mill went bankrupt 15 years ago. Local officials have tried since to redevelop the 722-acre plot along the North River. A New York developer has big plans for factories, warehouses, maybe a barge port.

Yet no details have been forthcoming, worrying many locals who fear another polluting industry will befoul the pristine historic district that serves as the gateway to Cumberland Island Seashore Park.

"This will more profoundly impact the future of St. Marys more than anything else," said Alex Kearns, a writer and environmentalist.

About the Author

Dan Chapman
More Stories

Keep Reading

Georgia lost 3,200 jobs in September after posting job gains in August. Still, employment remains positive over the year, with the state adding 24,300 jobs. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Georgia lost jobs in September, says 1st report since federal shutdown

Georgia’s job market cooled some in September, but the unemployment rate remained steady, according to new data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor.

Kemp trip to Asia to include Korea stop, adds Hyundai meeting after ICE raid

Gov. Brian Kemp is set to make his third trip to Korea since taking office, but this economic development mission will have a distinctly different tenor than previous visits.

Coca-Cola names new CEO Henrique Braun to succeed James Quincey

Coca-Cola Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun will become chief executive on March 31.

The Latest

A new kind of hybrid, called e-Power, is coming to the U.S. from Nissan. Courtesy of Nissan

Credit: Courtesy of Nissan

OPINION

Nissan’s e-Power: An EV driving experience, fueled by gas

OPINION

December car sales are good but not magic

In the market for a luxury vehicle? You might reconsider Lincoln.

Featured

A MARTA operator is seen inside the control room of one of the new MARTA trains during the unveiling of these trains on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial board he is focused on project delivery, which he said is key to winning back public trust.

God’s Acre: Former Native American boarding school reveals complex history

A Native American boarding school established by Moravian missionaries in North Georgia in the early 19th century reveals a complicated and compelling history.

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

Midtown Bright, the annual winter lights display, was cut back this year.