Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Summary topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents raise litter and large solar-array concerns; Lincoln High preservation event scheduled
Summary
During public comment, residents urged fuller local representation in cultural festivals, reported problems with litter and enforcement, voiced opposition to proposed large-scale solar arrays near Rembrandt, and announced a Lincoln High School preservation fundraiser at the Sumter Opera House.
Several residents addressed the council during the public comment period, raising concerns about litter, proposed large-scale solar projects, cultural representation at a local festival, and announcing an upcoming fundraiser to support renovation of Lincoln High School.
Catherine Washington thanked council members for progress on paving in her area and asked that her neighborhood be prioritized on the list when funds become available. Cindy Brooks Parks asked whether the Irish Festival uses city and county funds and said she wanted more African American cultural presence in the event; a county representative replied the festival is “a combination of both” public and private funding and offered to continue the conversation after the meeting.
Jamie Washington, speaking for the Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association, said the group is renovating Lincoln High School and announced a cultural fundraiser at the Sumter Opera House on June 6, 2025, featuring Gullah gospel and three named performers. She said a portion of proceeds will go toward the school's preservation and that the school’s reopening is planned “around November” if there are no further setbacks. Jamie Washington provided ticket information in the meeting, listing price tiers in the order given as $20, $30 and $40.
Robert Booker, identifying himself with the county litter advisory board, said he had not been contacted about meetings since his assignment, described persistent illegal dumping at local hotspots (including behind a Dollar Tree), and urged better enforcement and cameras to deter repeat offenses.
Tyrone Lewis Austin, a resident of Rembrandt, said he and neighbors oppose the siting of 1,600–1,800 acres of solar panels near his property, raising concerns about displacement of animals, perceived local temperature effects and that developers live out of the area. He said residents there “do not want” the project.
Matt White thanked the council for support for a recent Kite Festival and noted bipartisan donations and community turnout.
No formal council action on these public-comment items was taken during the meeting; several council members invited speakers to continue discussions with staff after the session.
