The Close family, of the Springs Industries textile fortune, launched the Clear Springs development of homes, offices and industries on 4,800 acres, some of it bordering the river. Lancaster County in February awarded development rights to 6,200 acres for the Bear Creek Landing riverfront retirement community. This delay in development was good in a way because it gave us a handle on how to deal with growth,'' said Carl Gullick, chairman of the York County Council. Gullick hopes his York County Council will vote on a similar standard by June, adding an additional no-build zone 50 feet wide. The council last year set a countywide goal of preserving one acre for every acre developed.
Landowners are the real lords of the river.
Crescent Resources, Duke Power's land subsidiary, alone owns about a third of the free-flowing riverfront. Bowater, which makes pulp and paper south of Rock Hill, owns about 5,000 acres. Owners' willingness to temper shoreline development will help determine the river's future appeal and health. They're tough negotiators. York County landowners tossed aside a proposed 300-foot buffer.