Hartsville perceptions -- the good and the bad

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with the Hartsville Kiwanis Club about the Byerly Foundation. I always enjoy being able to update groups on the Foundation and to also talk about Hartsville as part of that type of presentation. The primary mission of The Byerly Foundation is to help make Hartsville one of the best communities,anywhere, to live and raise families. So, you can see why I talk a great deal about this community in such a presentation.

For this particular talk I thought I would use a couple of minutes for a quick survey and I asked those present to give me their immediate thoughts when "Hartsville" comes to mind. I also asked them for what they perceived as the biggest problems we are facing in our community.

What are the problems?

The number one perceived problem in the Hartsville community in this unofficial poll turns out to be crime with youth gangs mentioned often. There were other issues that were at the top of mind like dilipidated buildings - particularly houses in the South Hartsville neighborhood but also some for shopping areas. The Kiwanians also noted the need to extend the city limits, to improve the entrance corridors, to improve education, and pay more attention to street paving in several areas of the city. One person said the most crucial need in the area was for more jobs. Another wondered what would now become of the Bank of American building since the bank has announced it is moving from the center of town. This summary is not exhaustive but it does give some quick idea of what is on the minds of area residents.

The other list about what comes to mind when you think about Hartsville was a positive list that includes ideas of a little city with a metro environment and progressive people willing to cooperate and collaborate. Several institutions including Sonoco, Coker College, the Governor's School and the Nuclear plant were noted in the poll. Generally these Kiwanians were positive about the resources available to continue building a great community.

What are you thinking about the issues and the resources we have for building our community. Would love to get some comments to begin such a discussion.