Cheraw Town Council members decided last Tuesday evening to move forward with plans to renovate the Cheraw Complex; but not with the “master plan,” and not with everybody’s blessings.
The “master plan” is the architect’s answer to requests for the ideal work environment from each of the town’s department heads. “To do the master plan would cost approximately $4.2 million,” said Cheraw Mayor Andy Ingram, “which council, without a doubt, could not afford.”
And so, it was back to the drawing board.
During the second visit with architect Gary Brown, department heads were basically asked what they had to have.
The second plan, the one council voted to move forward with, is projected to cost $230,000. “This is a bare bones floor plan that took out all the bells and whistles, with the consent of the department heads,” said Ingram.
But not everyone is happy with that decision. Councilman Billy Wallace Jr., the only to vote against it, said, “Since the inception, I have been against the purchase of the B.C. Moore building. And I’m still against it!”
Councilman Randy Butler said “$230,000 is a lot more reasonable, but I’m still uncomfortable. They may have reduced too much. But I’m impressed, awesomely impressed, that anyone could cut a project by $4 million dollars.”
The move forward, according to Ingram, does not mean council is obligated to the project at this point. What will happen next, he said, is the architect will prepare the documents necessary for putting out bids to contractors. Once bids have been received council will still have the option to accept or deny.
In other business, council unanimously passed the second and final reading of an ordinance created to prohibit the use of engine compression brakes, or jake brakes, within the city limits.
Another ordinance, which unanimously passed first reading, pertains to home occupation businesses for Section 4-3.3 of the Zoning Code. “There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of such home occupation other than one non-illuminated sign which shall not exceed one and half square feet and must be attached to the dwelling.”
With the recommendation of the Legislative Committee, the meeting room of the Cheraw Police Department will no longer be available to the general public. Its use will be limited to town sponsored events and special requests from non-profit organizations.
— Staff Writer Karen Kissiah can be reached by calling 843-537-5261, or by email at kkissiah@heartlandpublications.com.
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