A gas station proposed for Pawleys Island has one neighborhood worried, a reader writes
Station complications
Royal Farms has proposed to the Hidden Oaks HOA its intent to build a gas station/convenience store at the corner of Hwy 17 and Ford Road. We are deeply concerned about the negative effects this project will bring to our area. We are strongly opposed. It will cause a great increase in traffic. We will experience tanker trucks and delivery trucks to the convenience store, as well as customers. Wetlands are on the property that serve to siphon water from the Hidden Oaks area and funnel it under Hwy 17. Complications with the water source will cause Hwy 17 to flood. The height of the building exceeds the height of the Waccamaw Neck Commercial Corridor Overlay Zone. The 24 hour lighting will affect homeowners in every direction. It appears that a number of trees will be removed which might include several of the old oaks. We realize it is zoned commercial. Other buyers have realized that this is a commercial/residential area. This is no place for a gas station. House values in the area will be affected. Several petitions are being circulated. You can contact County Councilman Steve Goggans, P.O.Box 1859, Pawleys Island SC 29585, 843-545-3058, stevegoggans@gtcounty.org
Jackie Harris, Pawleys Island
Thanks Gov.
I figured I’d take a break from unpacking my new house to say thanks to Governor McMaster and his staff who helped me with a problem dealing with the SCDMV. After trying to get a simple address change online with the Department of Motor Vehicles I was at my wits end fighting the site that was supposed to be a simple process to make the change. I spent over and hour trying every which way to post my address including rebooting the site off and on to no avail. Every time I put in my social security number it was rejected. Considering I’ve had one since I was about 14 years old some 60 years ago and knowing it by heart, I knew it wasn’t me that was making a mistake, which prompted me to contact the Governor. I was given a number to call to change my address on 2 vehicles and in less than a few minutes it was done. A few days later I figured I check to see if my driver’s license was changed and was told I would have to go online for a new license. Not knowing exactly how to go about it, a different lady took me through the steps, which resulted in me getting my new license. I have to say thanks to all.
Gregory J. Topliff, Aiken
Control
As the mid-term elections progress, ignorant male politicians who are obsessed with reproductive organs still argue over the best way to keep women in their control. They love their guns and are willing to sacrifice thousands of lives a year for the right to own and use them because “the Constitution,” but they fail to see that abortion and contraception rights are self-defense for women. Pregnancy and childbirth can be fatal, and an unwelcome child can destroy a woman’s future. These politicians forget about the precious fetus as soon as it becomes an expensive child — then it’s a matter of let the woman lose her job, let the kid starve, let them lose their home, that’s none of my business, just don’t raise my taxes! Politicians are the worst people to make rules for women’s health. Period.
Carol Robinson, West Columbia
Natural clothes
I think it’s great that more and more people are choosing a plant-based diet. They’re most likely improving their health and that of the planet. I just wonder why I haven’t heard of a trend toward plant-based clothing. You know, the clothes that aren’t made from a petroleum product. The clothes made from fabrics like wool, silk, linen, cotton and hemp. Is it because these fabrics require more effort to take care of? We are a nation that seeks convenience. But maybe if we endure a little inconvenience at the ironing board, our president won’t have to open emergency oil reserves. Maybe fracking and shale oil can become history. Just a thought.
Betsy Russell, Columbia