Residents urge Cheraw council to act on speeding, illegal dumping, right-of-way upkeep and homelessness

At the Sept. 10 Cheraw council meeting multiple residents described neighborhood safety and maintenance problems and asked the council to take follow-up action.

James Str urged action on speeding, drugs and garbage along William Street. Melvin Wson said he cleared overgrowth at an intersection on Robin Hood Drive when vegetation blocked sight lines and then discovered a damaged sewage access that had allowed raw sewage to escape; he asked who is responsible for right-of-way maintenance inside town limits. Town staff said SCDOT is formally responsible for some right-of-way maintenance but that town crews often perform work as a good-faith service and encouraged citizens to call town hall or Public Works to report specific locations.

Terry Quick described an apparent homeless encampment at 59 Victory Drive, with people coming and going, odors after rain, suspected drug dealing and recent vehicle break-ins. She said repeated calls had not resolved the problems. Pastor Brown thanked water and utility staff for a prompt response to a major spring sewer break that affected Chapman and Stanley streets and said crews met on site multiple times.

Doug Thompson read an ordinance and accused the council of failing to uphold ordinances equally, urging elected officials to honor their oaths.

Staff and council members repeatedly said they would follow up: police referrals would be made and Public Works would be asked to assess problem sites. Rob (staff) said he would get with the Public Works director and the police chief to follow up on specific complaints.