Horry County’s growth rate is staggering. Last year’s census revealed that the county experienced the highest increase in population in the state, growing by about 10%. With new residents come increased demands for housing, hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. As we consider how to provide those services, it’s essential that we take a critical look at where we’re building. Developing in the wrong places doesn’t just put our natural resources at risk, it puts our citizens—those who’ve been here for decades and newcomers alike—in harm’s way. Located directly adjacent to Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve, the proposed Conway Medical Center on International Drive would increase the risk of flooding and wildfires in this populated area and could cause a valuable habitat to be lost forever.