PROSPERITY — The Town of Prosperity has established their “goals” for 2019, as presented by Mayor Derek Underwood.
One of the town’s goals is the completion of the Town Square (Dec. 2019). The Square project will provide a meeting place, festival location, small town gathering spot and will be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. The goals also include swings and benches, complimenting downtown residences (apartments) and providing beautification with fragrant plants and blooming trees.
The town will continue to work on the paving of Main Street along with finalizing a policy and action for property violators, people with poor planning and failure to fulfill commitments to Town of Prosperity (dilapidated buildings, etc.) and rezoning areas in need.
Underwood also placed focus on accountability and timelines for projects, giving realistic timelines and schedules to stay on top of what is happening in town and working toward an electrical provider plan.
Parks, signage and police presence and enforcement rounded out Underwood’s goals along with a 20/20 Vision Plan for the town.
The 20/20 Vision Plan includes downtown Square revitalization ($10,000 is in the budget for Square beautification) and soliciting private donations and industry sponsorships, remarking parking spaces, signage, road repairs and enhancements and park enhancements.
“Prosperity Vision 20/20 Committee will work with Mayor, Council and Prosperity Business Association to create a new, better and inviting town, which is clearly equal to the name,” Underwood said.
In other business, Mary Roe, Palmetto Conservation Foundation program and development director spoke before Council about the Foundation’s upcoming True to the Brew Run and Hike.
“Several years ago, RJ Rockers chose us as a not-for-profit that they felt very strongly about to make a beer for us, it’s called Palmetto Trail Pale Ale and a portion of the proceeds from that beer comes back to us,” Roe said.
Last year was the inaugural True to the Brew Run and Hike (10K run) which, 250 participants later, sold out.
“The mayor of Pomaria (Darryl Hentz) worked very closely with us along with some of the merchants because the Pomaria Trailhead is right at Wilson’s Grocery Store,” she said.
The next True to the Brew will be held on March 30, Roe said it is already sold out with 350 participants with almost 50 people on the waiting list. Next year, Roe said they would like to potentially start the run in Prosperity for runners who want to run a longer distance.
Other business:
• Councilman Chad Hawkins informed Council of the inaugural 5K/10K Run, Prosperity Fire Department Fire Drill, which will be in memory of Chief Mark Bowers on March 30. The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 7:45 a.m., registration is on Strictly Running’s website. He is also looking into possible sign relocation for thru trucks and has contacted AT&T about fiber optics.
• Chief Don Evans reported there have been 57 cases and 34 tickets so far in 2019. He added the department is now implementing 24 hour coverage and is not rewriting tickets anymore. He is also updating the Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Newberry, Prosperity and Whitmire.
• Utilities Director Ed West reported they are continuing to work on sidewalks and parks in addition to addressing electrical issues and hydrant flushing.
• Underwood appointed the following Councilmen to committees: Mike Hawkins, Electrical, Public Works and Sanitation; Chad Hawkins, Public Safety and Streets; Robert Martin, Economic Development, Buildings and Properties; Allen Gallman, Parks, Recreation and Events.