The progress already made at the intersection of Russell Street and Magnolia is most fantastic. So as the project moves forward with government and bank financed funding, the adjacent properties still hinder what the railroad corner must have in order to be complete.
So what holds this project from moving forward ? 133 Boulevard, a set of rundown connected properties owned by one person. The building is listed as Payne Bail Bonds, one address for what appears to be three separate businesses not in operation.To be fair however many businesses today don’t use brick and mortar locations, only to have a listed address of the business. But being fair we also ask the question, what does this do for Orangeburg? What’s the real story behind this lack of action blocking Orangeburg from continued growth? The street committee says the owner is holding out for more money. Other sources say the appraised value is well below the owners asking price.At what point do the everyday citizens get involved to ask both the city and county if any action or negotiations are being conducted to work with the Payne organization? Yes, everyday citizen that care about the growth of this community and are not afraid to demand answers from those of us serving in elective office.Yes, demand! It’s the duty of concerned citizen to ask and have their questions answered. Perhaps the city, county and the Payne group can negotiate. And if all else fails, eminent domain is the last and perhaps worst-case is always available.Well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, and intelligent informed individuals do what must be done for the good of everyone — and most importantly our children and future generations. Harvey Elwood Jr. of North, South Carolina is Executive Director at WOCS 93.7 FM “The People’s Station”
As a concerned native of Orangeburg, I care deeply about the growth and future of our community. But I have to ask: are we truly focused on what is best for Orangeburg as a whole?
Much of the discussion about our community seems to center around the universities located here. While our colleges are valuable and deserve support, many students come here for their education and then move on after graduation. They often don’t remain here to invest in the long-term future of our community.
What concerns me even more is that some of the loudest voices speaking about Orangeburg are not originally from here, while many lifelong residents continue to struggle to have their concerns heard.
Where is that same passion and commitment for the children and families who call Orangeburg home every day? Our youth have limited opportunities, limited safe spaces, and limited resources to help them reach their full potential.
Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School was donated to Claflin University. I support investing in education, but I also ask this: can our community invest in our youth by donating a vacant school or similar facility to become a recreation and community center? A place where young people can learn, be mentored, develop job skills, participate in sports and arts, and build brighter futures.
If we truly want Orangeburg to grow, we must invest not only in our colleges, but also in the children who will become the next generation of Orangeburg. They deserve the same energy, the same investment, and the same opportunity to succeed.
VERY VERY GOOD 👏