Over the past few weeks, residents driving on Marion Pike in Coal Grove and on South Third Street on the eastern end of Ironton may have noticed crews working to raze two buildings.

This is a good move by the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) who purchased the property and look to turn both sites into properties for new business.

While at one point both of these former business were successful, they have sat closed for several years.

It is also important, however, since the businesses were gas stations, that any remaining contaminants be removed from the ground so no environmental hazards are realized later.

The LEDC is doing a good job of taking the proper steps and ensuring all protocols are being followed in regard to cleanup to restore the property as close to its original condition as possible.

Lawrence County has several sites where former businesses once were that we would like to see rehabbed or demolished and marketed for new business and industry.

Several entities have done a good job of identifying these sites, but this needs to continue in the future.

Ultimately, purchasing, marketing and attracting new businesses into the county is essential for our growth and continued economic development.