By: Natalie M. Zeigler
City Manager
Growing a community takes time, effort, cooperation, and dedication. This is something our community has kept in mind as it develops areas closely located to the City’s economic center that have been specifically targeted for revitalization for the betterment of our City. The Butler Historic District and Oakdale Neighborhood are both within these strategic investment zones, and cooperation is key to the success of the revitalization efforts of these areas.
The Oakdale Neighborhood was fortunate enough to receive a Community Development Block Grant from the SC Department of Commerce for sidewalk and security improvements to the neighborhood. In that same vein, plans for revitalizing the Butler Historic District include the demolishing of certain hazardous and abandoned structures as well as sidewalk improvements and security features.
In collaboration with these grants, local non-profits in the community have invested their time in the areas. Funded through a Byerly Foundation Grant, the City and the Community Foundation for a Better Hartsville have had a hand in the Residential Demolition Assistance Program in order to remove structures that have been abandoned or are a hazard to the community’s appearance and health. There has also been a private collaboration with Habitat for Humanity to develop targeted residential façade improvements. The Byerly Foundation has also partnered with the City to create a low-income entrepreneur revolving loan fund program- the Business Builder Certification Program, creating jobs and sustainability for those in that area and others.
The collaborative efforts of these non-profits and City administered grant projects have allowed the City to adopt and implement incentives for new development of these areas. Upon eligibility, incentives can be granted in multiple forms to assist with the cost of development. For assistance with eligibility, applications, and incentive overview, interested parties may contact the Business Navigator at 843.383.3025.
Private individuals have taken advantage of each of these features and incentives. Most recently, High Cotton Homes has taken advantage of the Strategic Investment Zone incentive within the Oakdale Neighborhood. Due to these incentives, this developer can now offer a high quality home at a lower selling price than normally sold. It is the City’s hope that future developers will follow this lead and continue to build and revitalize these neighborhoods.
It is inspiring to see all of these projects and initiatives succeeding, being utilized, and combined. This community continues to invest in itself allowing our entire community reaps the benefits of these investments. It will be interesting to see how these projects will change the landscape of Hartsville in the next 10 to 15 years.
Natalie Zeigler is the City Manager of Hartsville. For more information, call City Hall at 843-383-3015 or email info2@hartsvillesc.gov.