Supports the proposed College Drive park Dear Editor:

I am a resident of Gaffney and live in the historic district and would like to say thanks to our mayor and the forward-thinking members of our city council who supported the proposed park at the corner of College Drive and Rutledge Avenue.

The park will be in an area with a lot of traffic both locally and by visitors from outside our city who attend the various activities at Limestone College. This corner of College Drive and Rutledge Avenue has deteriorated and has become an eyesore during the years. The transformation of this area into a park bring a sense of pride to all who pass the area. I believe this was the intention of our city leaders who supported the project and I know many people appreciate their efforts.

I encourage our city leaders to continue looking at other areas of our city in need of a park, playground or ball court to use and enjoy. It is my understanding that the 2 percent hospitality tax was created for such as this. Since the tax is levied only on places that sell prepared food, the revenue should continue to grow in the future with all the new restaurants being attracted to our city. The hospitality tax seems to have no adverse effect on the customers since the parking lots are packed with cars, with many coming from outside our city and even from outside our state. This is a real boost for our economy overall as well as providing the funds to improve our city.

We all should be concerned about the condition of Thomson Park and the lack of restroom facilities for the playground at Park Place. I have taken my 3-year-old and 7-yearold grandsons into the porta-potty there and during the hot weather the stench is terrible. It is my understanding that the county is responsible for the upkeep of these two parks. They should do something about this situation since city residents pay county taxes the same as county residents. It seems city residents should be getting more in return.

Respectfully,

Allen Maxey

358 College Drive

Gaffney, SC Wonders how city can build park but not support museum project Dear James (Gaffney City Administrator Taylor):

As you know, the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS) has requested monetary support from the City of Gaffney in the amount of $175,000 for the renovation of the former Central Elementary School to a history and arts museum for Cherokee County. I have read with interest about the proposed passive park at the corner of College Drive and Rutledge Avenue which will require $175,000.

The Cherokee County History & Arts Museum will benefit every citizen in Gaffney and Blacksburg as well as economic development in Cherokee County and South Carolina. So, it is difficult for me and others to understand the justification to proceed with a park that a few citizens may enjoy and the decision not to support the museum project, which will be enjoyed by every citizen in the county. How was the decision made to support the park with city accommodations taxes and not the museum? If the park monies can be taken from the 80 percent that the City of Gaffney can use as it chooses, why can’t the museum monetary request be taken from the same 80 percent? Both the proposed passive park and the site of the museum are located within the city limits.

What is the specific criteria to gain verbal and monetary support of our community leaders for the museum? After researching other county museums across South Carolina, it has been discovered that the majority of these museums were begun with monies from city and county councils and continue to receive monetary support to cover annual operating costs of these facilities. Some also pay the salaries of the executive director and/or staff (even small museums in rural counties).

In order for us to move forward, we must have the support of our local government, verbally, monetarily, and through inclusion in community planning and development. We want to be a real contributor to our community — we have so much to offer. We must work together to continue the community’s forward momentum. Please include us. You need us and we need you.

Also, I’d like to address the Michael Gaffney log cabin location. I, and CHAPS members, continue to read in the newspaper and hear on the radio that the recently formed “joint committee” and City of Gaffney officials have happily agreed that the best place for the cabin is at the future museum site. However, CHAPS has not been approached by anyone from the committee or the city about this option. If the joint committee believes that this is a viable option, I request that they forward a proposal to the CHAPS Board of Directors for review and a final decision. To date we have not received even an inquiry about the possibility of building the cabin at our site.

I will be happy to speak with you at any time and answer any concerns that you or the city may have relative to either of these projects.

Sincerely,

Jane O. Waters

President, CHAPS