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Residents press county on lighting, drainage and park maintenance; councilmembers urge exploring regional housing authority
Summary
During public comment, residents raised neighborhood safety and drainage concerns and a resident asked about conditions at Indian Bluff park; separately, Councilwoman Janie Cooper-Smith urged the county to revisit forming a public regional housing authority, a proposal supported by Councilwoman Latisha Walker.
Public comment at the July 20 Orangeburg County Council meeting focused on neighborhood problems and park maintenance. Harvey Elwood expressed appreciation for council leadership. Resident Lewis Evans described multiple problems in the Manchester South neighborhood, including lack of lighting, repeated vehicle break-ins, speed bumps and drainage issues; he said he had been directed back and forth between the County and DPU when seeking resolution and raised concerns about unfenced retention ponds.
John Cummings of Eutawville said Indian Bluff park is "falling apart," citing poor bathroom conditions and other maintenance observations. Vice-Chair Ravenell closed public comments and the council proceeded to the regular agenda.
Later in the meeting, Councilwoman Janie Cooper-Smith urged the council to revisit establishing a public regional housing authority, noting the existing South Carolina Regional Housing Authority #3 serves nine counties including Orangeburg and helps low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities; she asked county staff to revisit the topic. Councilwoman Latisha Walker said the county should aim to retain young college graduates and make housing affordable for students and other residents as part of the effort.
