Opinions - Others' Views

Sunday, Jul. 27, 2008

Beautification of intersections enhances city

The recent Herald editorial concerning the beautification of the intersection of White Street, Charlotte Avenue and Elizabeth Lane should have helped keep readers better informed. It is, therefore, somewhat puzzling to some members of the East Town Neighborhood Association and members of Historic Rock Hill that improvements should not have been cause for celebration.

Often called the ugliest intersection in Rock Hill by many, it is our understanding that officials with the city of Rock Hill, have long desired to see improvements in traffic flow and safety at the intersection. The cost of these planned improvements made up the majority of the total and was planned regardless of the White Home project. Given the state's contribution of 80 percent of the beautification components, the total cost to the city to make these changes comes to a small fraction of the total. On the other hand, the restoration of the White Home is a project of Historic Rock Hill, a private nonprofit 501-c3 organization of approximately 400 members. The organizations involvement in seeing improvement to the intersection has been extremely minor, but when requested, the staff and board gladly offered input and encouragement. We are grateful to the city for their efforts to make our community a better place.

Initial highway and intersection improvements had nothing to do with the restoration of the White Home. But in reality, the goals of Historic Rock Hill do coincide with the preservation of the area, and there is no question that completing the restoration of the White Home will take a few more years. Historic Rock Hill sincerely appreciates and needs the continued support of the city, York County, Comporium, The Herald and businesses to finish this important preservation effort.

The ongoing improvements at the corner were started in 2006 following discussions between the city and local residents, including Joe Sherrill, the former president of East Town. They determined that the intersection changes created an opportunity to help further beautify the area and draw attention to the importance of adjoining streets. Shortly thereafter, the current president of East Town, John Misskelley, located the original watering trough that subsequently was donated to Historic Rock Hill

The design plans as outlined by the city do incorporate some of the original White Home themes, such as the column design and finials. As a result of good planning and a cooperative spirit, this intersection is becoming one of Rock Hill's nicest. It offers a great gathering spot for students and visitors to learn more about the downtown area of South Carolina's fourth-largest city. Historic Rock Hill is proud to have offered support, input, bricks and the loan of the watering trough to the city of Rock Hill for this intersection. When completed, the text panels and historic photographs planned as a backdrop to the trough will further enhance the area and enjoyment of living in downtown. The intersection also will include heavy landscaping and historical interpretation of the role White Street has played in the city's history.

It is clear the restoration of one of Rock Hill's most historic buildings, the White Home, has benefited from this project as have the residents in the East Town neighborhood. But the biggest winners are those who routinely travel some of Rock Hill's oldest roads. By the way, was it not our city fathers' original idea with placing the watering trough in the intersection some 100 years ago to bring note to Rock Hill? Improvements to the intersection continue fulfilling these aspirations through good planning by Rock Hill's early city leaders and those of today.