KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County leaders are set to review several new ordinances during the March 24 County Council meeting.
The meeting will include discussion on three ordinances, including one that would place restrictions on panhandling across the county.
Kershaw County Councilman Derek Shoemake said the proposed ordinance is focused on safety in high-traffic and public areas.
“If you’re in a place where you are eating, if you’re in a place where you are conducting financial transaction, and if you’re in traffic a panhandler can’t come out and beg you for money because that’s a community danger,” Shoemake said.
Two additional ordinances being discussed involve zoning changes.
One proposal centers around a golf course under construction in the northern part of the county near Mt. Pisgah. The course is expected to be open to the public and is requesting expanded amenities.
“They want to go from four rooms to 24 rooms… they want to allow for staff lodging… and they want to allow for a spa and wellness center,” Jonathan Proctor said.
Planning Commission Chairman Jonathan Proctor said the county’s review process is important to ensure the ordinance is not misused.
“But you also want to set this up so that if something happens and this place goes and it doesn’t work that the county is not stuck in a position where there is a bunch of lodging up there that can’t be used,” Proctor said.
Another zoning-related ordinance involves Carolina Motorsports Park.
Proctor said the property owner has previously purchased nearby land to create a buffer due to noise concerns.
“This isn’t the first time he’s done this. Anytime there is an opportunity for him to buy land adjacent to his property he likes to buy it to give them a great buffer because that motor speedway is so loud, and he wants that property to all match,” Proctor said.
As of now, the planning commission is aware that the land will remain a noise buffer.
All ordinances must go through three readings before they can be adopted. The Kershaw County Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Kershaw County Government Center.