GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WCBD) – Community leaders in the Little Italy of Andrews and Graves Station in Georgetown are pushing for more government action to beautify their community. They’re starting with demolishing dilapidated homes.
After years of watching the condition of their homes deteriorate, residents expressed their concerns to government officials.
“We’ve gotten some HARPA money for the Dilapidated Home program, where we tear down and remove structures, trailers, poles, houses. They can build places that are attractive to homeless people and other negative activities,” said Georgetown County Councilman Everett Carolina.
Officials began the dilapidated housing program more than a year ago and have demolished more than 25 properties. Leaders said the goal was to reduce illegal activity, beautify neighborhoods and create affordable housing.
“If they can sell their lot or if they want to build ‘affordable housing’ so that others or family members can come and live here, then it’s a two-pronged attack. First, they clear the old land that detracts from the value and appearance of the community that they cleared. Then they welcome the new construction that will strengthen the community,” Carolina said.
News 2 spoke with Joseph Ward Jr., a community member who lives in Graves Station, and he told us his neighborhood shouldn’t be overlooked. He hopes more officials will step up to support underserved communities.
“A lot has changed and we’re trying to create a Graves Station that looks outstanding and beautiful. I remember… we used to be able to see it from the highway, and now we can’t, and I like to think we can pull it all together and do things the right way,” Ward said.
For more information, click on the link below.
Newsflash • Economic Development Update (gtcounty.org)
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