The Camden City Council met Tuesday evening to advance zoning updates supporting economic development, consider redevelopment strategies, and receive updates on public communication efforts.
Council approved second reading of an ordinance amending certain provisions of the City’s zoning code to allow Transportation Manufacturing Uses within the commercial district. The change is intended to position Camden to support related businesses and suppliers connected to Scout Motors, which is under development in nearby Blythewood.
City leadership explained that the amendment expands flexibility within existing commercial districts, creating additional opportunities for transportation-related manufacturing and associated uses while aligning with regional economic growth.
Council also considered a rezoning request for property located at 112 York Street. The developer requested the item be carried over to a future meeting, and Council approved the postponement.
In addition, Council gave first reading approval to a contingency purchase plan involving the Deluxe Motel property. City officials explained that a private developer is currently under contract with the property owner and intends to pursue a mixed-use redevelopment project. The City’s action establishes a backup purchase agreement in the unlikely event the private transaction does not close.
City leadership emphasized that the contingency is designed to prevent the property from remaining vacant or underutilized and to protect the long-term redevelopment vision for the corridor. Officials noted that the expectation is for the private contract to move forward, with the City’s measure serving only as a safeguard.
City of Camden Director of Communications, Dawn-Marie Johnson, presented a six-month update on the City’s public engagement efforts. Johnson noted that more residents are turning to the City’s official communication channels for timely updates, particularly during emergency situations and public safety events. Growth has continued steadily in the months following major incidents, signaling sustained reliance on the City as a trusted source of information.
Live video coverage and visual updates have played a central role in that connection, allowing residents to follow critical developments in real time and participate virtually in community events.
To make City Council activity easier to follow between meetings, the City launched Council Connect, a bi-weekly recap designed to summarize key decisions and updates from each meeting. Council Connect summaries are available at www.experiencecamdensc.com/news.
Johnson added that the City has adopted a website-first communication strategy, ensuring official information is centralized and archived before distribution, along with a monthly meeting calendar to improve accessibility and transparency.
Council member Elliott highlighted the strong turnout at the recent community tree planting event and ongoing progress at Scott Park, thanking residents for their involvement in planting dozens of new trees that will enhance public spaces for years to come.
Council member Delia Davis also shared that she and others from the City attended the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Conference this past Friday. Davis described the event as inspiring and emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and leadership development in strengthening Camden’s future.
Mayor Sheheen later reflected on a recent in-depth tour of the City’s wastewater treatment and water treatment facilities, noting that while these systems often operate behind the scenes, they are essential to daily life in Camden. He emphasized the professionalism and dedication of City employees responsible for maintaining these critical services and ensuring reliable water and wastewater operations for residents and businesses.
Council later entered executive session to discuss legal matters. No public action was reported following the session.
City Council meetings are open to the public. Agendas and meeting materials are available at
Meeting Agendas and Minutes – Experience Camden, South Carolina.