To see the land of the former Honeywell site being transformed into potentially viable industrial property again is a welcomed sight.

That property has provided jobs for the Ironton area since the 1920s when it first started out as Ironton Solvay Coke.

Honeywell took over in 2001, but closed up shop only a few years later leaving the land contaminated and abandoned. Now that same company is stepping up to the plate with an EPA-approved plan to restore the property.

On the surface, that seems like the most productive move. But how many times in Lawrence County are sites remediated only to remain a vacant piece of property?

The South Ironton Industrial Park has a horse arena, a garage for the Ohio Department of Transportation, a couple more small businesses and a lot of grassy area where Canada geese can graze. Turning the old Wolohan’s building into a new business was touted as an answer to a prayer with up to 40 jobs expected. But look at it today. Where’s the business?

Three abandoned gas stations have been leveled. Are they going to remain glorified parking lots?

Economic development leaders say bringing in jobs takes time. But when a man or woman has to pay bills and feed a family, time is not what they have.

Serious marketing is needed, not part-time board members.