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Residents urge Sumter County action on roadside safety and cleanup of burned hospital site
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Summary
Two residents told Sumter County Council on Sept. 12, 2023 they are concerned about a woman pushing a wheelchair along Highway 261 and about an abandoned burned Community Hospital site where people are congregating; one commenter also requested donations to maintain Walker Cemetery.
Two residents used the public‑comment period at the Sept. 12 Sumter County Council meeting to raise community safety and historic‑site concerns.
George Bates, a local resident, told council members that a community member routinely walks a wheelchair along Highway 261 between Cougar Way and downtown Wedgefield, placing the woman at risk from passing vehicles. Bates said he has long advocated for increased sheriff staffing and asked council to check on the woman’s safety and consider adding deputies and vehicles to reduce road‑safety risks.
Linda Hastie spoke in support of a previous speaker, Lottie Spencer, and reported that Coldwell Bankers removed its sign at the site of the burned Community Hospital but that cleanup has not occurred. Hastie said people have been congregating at the abandoned building and described that as a public‑safety issue for the adjacent neighborhood. She also urged donations and assistance to keep Walker Cemetery maintained, noting historical burials including Dr. Brown and the county’s first Black lawyer.
Vice Chairman James R. Byrd Jr. opened the public comment period and informed speakers they had up to three minutes; council did not take immediate action on the issues raised at the Sept. 12 meeting. Council members did not offer a substantive response during the hearing; staff or the sheriff’s office may follow up per the county’s usual process.