Coastal development riles St. Marys

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.

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