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Residents raise development, infrastructure and accessibility concerns; council hears public input on Midtown Village, Palmetto Street traffic and accessibility
Summary
Multiple residents told council at the Oct. 6 meeting that recent and proposed development near Midtown Village is straining local infrastructure and wetlands buffers; others raised traffic safety on Palmetto Street, downtown wheelchair accessibility and nuisance/crime concerns at Crane Creek Apartments.
Conway, South Carolina — During public input at the Oct. 6 City Council meeting, residents raised a cluster of concerns about growth, infrastructure and accessibility.
Neighbors of Midtown Village urged council to consider larger wetland buffers and slowed or smaller footprints for new developments. "If we could get 50 feet back that way just because there's some seclusion back there, there's some wildlife back there," resident Sue Taylor told council, arguing that construction is encroaching on green space near homes. Several speakers said multiple new developments in the past year have increased pressure on local roads and utilities.
Council members and the mayor acknowledged limits on the city's power to stop development that complies with zoning, while saying the city protects wetlands and seeks to manage infrastructure. The mayor observed that growth is steady and that some infrastructure improvements will be required as population increases.
Traffic and safety complaints included a request from Tiffany Edwards about large vehicles turning at a stop sign and damaging curbs on Palmetto Street, causing backups onto adjacent streets. Council said staff would look at solutions.
Kennedy Poole, who identified themself as a disabled resident, described challenges with downtown accessibility during the recent Halloween costume parade: cracked sidewalks, mulch-covered walkways, obstructed ramps and a steep river-walk ramp. "No one should have to feel less of a human or be discouraged from going out because I need some ability aid," Poole said, urging improved accessibility.
A resident identified as Mister Temple (speaking about Crane Creek Apartments) described repeated gun violence and crime in that complex and asked for the city to use nuisance laws or other tools; council said staff and the police would follow up.
Council members acknowledged the comments, told residents staff would investigate infrastructure and safety complaints, and noted that wetlands protections and development standards are part of planning review. Several councilmembers thanked staff and volunteers for managing the large Halloween events and reminded residents the city would continue to monitor infrastructure and safety issues as development proceeds.
