During a recent government meeting, community members voiced their concerns and support for local infrastructure improvements, particularly focusing on sidewalks and road conditions in their neighborhoods.

Viola Henley, a resident of Olympia Mill Village, expressed her approval of the proposed infrastructure plan but raised concerns about project prioritization. She highlighted the disparity in funding, noting that while the University of South Carolina received significant financial support from the last penny tax, her neighborhood, which has been historically overlooked, still lacks essential services such as sidewalks and traffic calming measures. Henley emphasized the safety risks faced by residents and students in her area, urging the council to prioritize funding for projects that directly benefit the community.

Another resident, Warren Sherlock from Hopkins, addressed the ongoing road paving issues in his area. He reported that after years of delays, improvements were finally being made, particularly in light of a new development for a Baptist Church retreat. However, Sherlock raised questions about the requirements for homeowners regarding property easements for the road paving, expressing frustration over the lack of clear communication from officials.

The discussions underscored a growing demand for equitable infrastructure development across neighborhoods, with residents advocating for their needs to be prioritized in future funding decisions.