Negotiations between Cheraw Town Council and Mohamed El Sherif, concerning the purchase of El Sherif’s property at 243 Second Street, continue. Not only has the old Western Auto building been on the market for awhile, it has also been a topic of conversation for council members for several months.
One idea after another have been introduced to council as to how the town could benefit from the purchase of this property and space. El Sherif, and others, have suggested the property be used for parking.
Some, including Leadership Cheraw and David Sides, director of the tourism and leisure services for the Town of Cheraw, have worked to develop elaborate plans for the structure. Those plans, which were presented to council in early summer, include its renovation to house a Farmer’s Market. But at present, it seems to be back to the drawing board.
Cheraw Town Councilman Reid McBride told council members Tuesday evening, “We’re back to our original offer.” McBride said the town’s finance committee “recommends the purchase of the building for $25,000, as is.” If the property is cleared of debris, he said, the offer stands at $31,500.
In other action Tuesday, town council honored a request to help fund a scholarship program through Cheraw High School in memory of one of Cheraw’s fallen Marines, Kelly Keith, in the amount of $500 for the 2012-13 school year. The scholarship, or Spirit of the Brave award, is given each year to an ROTC scholar from Cheraw High School. Although council granted this request, it was recommended that an application form and guidelines for individual requests for municipal funds be implemented.
Council is working on an ordinance, to be presented to council in October, that will place stricter limitations for owners of pit bulls or other dogs that may be considered vicious. The ordinance may require pet owners to buy a special license, renewable each year. It will place restrictions on the type of fence and/or pen the animal must be kept in, and it will not allow these dogs to be in any public areas of town without being on a proper leash. Insurance policies for pet owners may also be required.
The parking of vehicles in one’s front yard will now be regulated by Town Hall. Councilman John K. Melton introduced an ordinance Tuesday evening that will restrict the parking of any vehicle for sale for more than a month. Only one vehicle, whether it’s a car, truck, boat, scooter or even lawn mower, will be allowed at a time; with a 30 day limit.
Council approved a cap of $5,000 to develop a landscaping plan for the River Hill entrance way along Highway 9 on this side of the Great Pee Dee River. That contract has been given to Kenneth B. Simmons.
“I just hope that as they plan,” said Councilman Fred Harris, “they will keep in mind that, hopefully one day, a new bridge may be built there.”
— Staff Writer Karen Kissiah can be reached at 843-537-5261, or by email at kkissiah@heartlandpublications.com.
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