Blackville continues focus on downtown improvements

The Town of Blackville is continuing its focus on downtown and business development.

Blackville Town Council kicked off their Jan. 17 meeting by allocating $2,500 to a new partnership with Retail Strategies. The real estate and economic development agency, which works with municipalities, has partnered with SouthernCarolina Alliance (SCA), a regional economic development agency, to help spur retail growth in Barnwell County.

“They look at companies that come into small towns and match opportunities to your town,” said Kathy Rhoad, director of strategic initiatives for SCA.

In order to “help all of Barnwell County,” Retail Strategies is seeking a total of $40,000 split among all parties - $20,000 from Barnwell County EDC, $10,000 from Barnwell County, $5,000 from the City of Barnwell, and $2,500 each from the towns of Blackville and Williston. Most parties have already approved their allocation.

“We are hoping with our participation that we’ll have an opportunity to bring these companies in and show them what we have,” said Mayor Ronnie Pernell.

Retail Strategies is asking all parties to fund the partnership for at least two years because the process for attracting businesses typically takes 18 to 24 months, said Rhoad.

Mayor Pernell said he’s been challenging the Blackville Downtown Development Association (BDDA) to develop committees that will develop downtown. For example, he suggested a street sign committee to keep track of replacing faded signs, a website committee to update the town’s website, and a grant writing team.

Tearing down old, dilapidated buildings is also important. The mayor said the town has money through the capital project sales tax to demolish buildings, but they need to focus on who owns those buildings so offers can be made. Many property owners live out of state.

Mayor Pernell also suggested using the BDDA office as the town’s welcome center. The BDDA meets monthly on the fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. in the building behind the fire department.

The BDDA requested assistance from the town for the upcoming Taste of Blackville festival on March 25 in downtown Blackville. This request was not for money but for town employees to help set up for the festival. Council approved the request.

Councilman Enterick Lee reminded council that the Blackville Music & Arts Festival committee was also seeking support. In years past, the town provided financial support and a police presence, but funding was not budgeted this year. At a previous meeting, Mayor Pernell explained the Blackville Music & Arts Festival operates as a non-profit and is not under the umbrella of the Town of Blackville.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Renee Hammond and her parents spoke about her high water bill, which has risen in recent months to $350 per month.

The family said they had been in touch with town hall daily to inquire about the bill. They wanted a new meter placed on Hammond’s property since the current meter is on someone else’s property. The town did replace the meter, but the meter continues to run, meaning there’s a leak somewhere.

“Blackville has a lot of old pipes going into homes,” said Mayor Pernell.

As of the meeting, it had not been determined where the leak was and who is responsible for fixing it.

On a related note about water, another resident said the town needs a better system for informing residents about boil water advisories. This follows a recent advisory that was advertised on Facebook; however, the man said everyone doesn’t use social media.

“We have an old system in place. We do have to do a better job,” said Mayor Pernell of informing residents. However, he said it’s impossible to notify everyone, which is why it’s important for residents to spread the word to neighbors and loved ones.

The mayor said they are talking to lawmakers in the hopes of receiving money for infrastructure upgrades.