City Council hears plan for new development
By JIM FAILE
A New Jersey woman gave Hartsville City Council members a first look at plans she has for a development on more than 30 acres she owns in the South Hartsville area that if built will represent a major capital investment in the community and breathe new life into the South Hartsville neighborhood.
Debbie Myers of Plainfield, N.J., said the new development, which she said will be called Myers Crossing, represents her vision for the South Hartsville neighborhood.
She said the plans call for the project to include residential units that will include about 100 apartments as well as 30 single-family homes, retail shops, a plaza, sidewalks, bicycle and walking trails, green space, pools and water features.
“Myers Crossing will be a 21st century sustainable urban renewal community,” Myers said.
“I’m a firm believer that just because you are low income does not mean you cannot be upscale,” she said.
“Myers Crossing is going to be a destination place,” Myers said. “We’re asking you to take a different look at development.”
Myers appeared with her attorney, Martin S. Driggers Jr. of Hartsville.
The property Myers owns is on Heatley Drive. Council rezoned just over 5 acres of it recently at Myers’ request to allow its use for an apartment complex.
Most of the 32.5 acres lies outside of the city limits, but Myers said she would like to get the property annexed if she and city officials can work out some zoning issues that will protect the property’s use.
Myers said her plans are to build the project in phases over a period of about three years.
She did not discuss cost figures or funding for the project.
She also said she plans to live on the property. “My family is going to be a part of this,” she said.
“I’m very pro community and I’m very pro South Hartsville,” Myers said.
She said she sees significant growth potential in Hartsville over the next 10 years. “I want to be a part of that,” she said.
Myers expressed thanks to Interim City Manger Vern Myers and other city officials for their help and cooperation on the project thus far.
Interim City Manager Vern Myers (no relation) said he and other city staff have talked with Myers about the project on previous occasions.
“This is just one more piece of the puzzle,” Hartsville Mayor Mel Pennington said.
“This is a great day for South Hartsville,” said South Hartsville Neighborhood Association President Teresa Mack.
In other business, council gave first reading approval to an ordinance to annex two lots at 1211 and 1213 Myrtle Street where Darlington County Habitat for Humanity is building two houses into the city. Habitat requested the annexation.
Council also gave first reading approval to an ordinance to lease a building at 149 W. Carolina Ave. in the downtown area for three years for office space for the Hartsville Downtown Development Association (HDDA). The building is currently vacant.
In addition, council approved two grant application requests from the city police department. The department is seeking an $87,003 grant under the S.C. Department of Public Safety Highway Safety Grant Program for a DUI unit, Police Chief Tim Kemp said.
Council also approved an application for a U.S. Department of Justice 2010 Law Enforcement Grant for $22,555 for the purchase of a law enforcement vehicle.
Members approved a resolution adopting a $50 rental fee for the use of Burry Park for organized activities. The fee will cover the use of the grassy area and electricity. The city manager will have the authority to waive the fee for nonprofit organizations. The fee was recommended by the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
Council also approved a resolution allowing the placement of two Port-A-Jons at Pride Park at a cost of $130 a month. No public restroom facilities are available at the park on South Sixth Street.
Council tabled a resolution in support of a request for a $25,000 state grant to get funding to help build a restroom facility at the park until its next meeting. Mayor Mel Pennington asked to postpone action on the grant request to have time to get additional input from members of the Darlington County legislative delegation.