PROSPERITY — Jason Hogan, owner of Rescue Auto Care, and Glenn Hamm addressed Prosperity Town Council during open session about allowing a variance for Hogan to operate his business at 119 Elm St.

“Rescue Auto Care requests to obtain a variance stop rate at the 119 Elm St. location. This will allow us to continue to grow our business and become a well established business within the town, furthermore supporting the growth of the Town of Prosperity,” Hogan said.

Hogan addressed to Council that at this time Rescue Auto Care has been denied any permitting for extended operation at the Elm Street location and is seeking council’s support in doing so.

In mid-March, the floor at the current location began to crack due to not being able to support the weight of a lift. This resulted in the temporary relocation to the Elm Street location that was once an automotive repair facility.

The current location was damaged when a truck backed into it.

“It took more time for the Broad Street location to be repaired, with sales continuing to grow. The Broad Street location has been repaired, but we have grown far beyond its capacity and would be taking a significant step back if we moved back into that building,” Hogan said.

Mayor Derek Underwood said he was under the impression that the town would have to rezone Elm Street.

“Rezoning would be an option, but we don’t know if that is necessarily the best option for the Town of Prosperity as a whole. The easiest pathway that we can look for that puts the least burden on the Town of Prosperity and the business would be requesting this zoning variance,” said Hamm.

“Within the town’s rules and regulations, it states that it may be granted for a business to operate out of a building that does not necessarily meet zoning requirements,” Hamm added. “The zoning will remain the same, but a variance for operation, thus the town issuing a permit for continued operation in that building.”

After listening to Hogan and Hamm, Underwood said Council will allow an extension for Hogan’s business until plans begin coming together.

Other business:

• Under new business, Council had a discussion on the Debris Policy. Councilman Chad Hawkins had a meeting with Councilman Robert Martin, Town Administrator Karen Livingston and Utilities Directory Ed West where they went over the Debris Removal Policy, looking at Prosperity’s current ordinance and what the town has to do as far as DHEC regulations. Councilman Mike Hawkins made a motion to have the first reading on the policy and Councilman Robert Martin seconded.

Park hours were also discussed, citing concerns from parents and walkers of people swearing and yelling during the park hours of 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• A motion was made by Hawkins to have a second reading for the transfer of authority to conduct municipal election from the Town of Prosperity Municipal Election Commission to Newberry County Voter Registration and Election Commission. Councilman Allen Gallman seconded.

• Councilman Chad Hawkins make a motion to approve the second reading of the 2017-2018 budget. Councilman Gallman seconded the motion.

Hawkins also reported that sidewalk repair will soon be getting off the ground. There have also been some issues with sanitation service.

• Police Chief David Beddingfield reported that there were a total of 606 citations for the current calendar date, 30 arrest warrants, 12 search warrants and 135 incident reports. From the last council meeting, significant incidents officers have responded to include unlawful communication, harassment, a motor vehicle complaint, one medical emergency, assault, domestic disturbances, cruelty to animals and attempted suicide complaints.

• Ed West reported that the Utility Department has encountered water leaks on Shiloh St. and also gave an update on the Washington St. Project.

• Livingston met with the CTC and they have approved the money to begin road repair as part of the Washington St., McNeary St. and South Main Project. Livingston also met with the Planning Commission to discuss re-zoning the area behind Town Hall.

Prosperity Town Council heard from Rescue Auto Care owner Jason Hogan and Glenn Hamm during Open Session to discuss allowing a variance for Hogan to operate his business at 119 Elm St.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_Prosperity1.jpgProsperity Town Council heard from Rescue Auto Care owner Jason Hogan and Glenn Hamm during Open Session to discuss allowing a variance for Hogan to operate his business at 119 Elm St. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.