Residents protest 1600 acres of solar panel installation in Rembrandt South Carolina

Concerns over litter enforcement and solar panel installations dominated the Sumter County Council meeting on May 13, 2025, as residents voiced urgent issues affecting their communities.

Local resident, Mr. Booker, raised alarms about the persistent litter problem in the county, highlighting the lack of enforcement and accountability. He described the ongoing struggle of volunteers, primarily older residents, who regularly clean up trash only to find it reappearing shortly after. "We need some type of enforcement, some type of cameras out here because it's always in the same spots," he stated, pointing out hotspots like the area behind Dollar Tree, which frequently accumulates debris. Booker emphasized the need for action, expressing frustration over the lack of response from county officials regarding litter officer assignments.

In a separate but equally passionate plea, Tyrone Lewis Austin from Rembrandt expressed strong opposition to a proposed solar panel installation covering 1,600 acres near his home. He raised concerns about the environmental impact on local wildlife and the potential increase in temperatures due to the solar panels. "The people that want it there, they don't live there," Austin argued, stressing that the decision-makers are disconnected from the community's needs. He urged the council to consider the long-term effects on residents and their quality of life.

Both discussions underscored a growing demand for local government accountability and responsiveness to community concerns. As residents continue to advocate for their neighborhoods, the council faces pressure to address these pressing issues effectively.