The Oct. 20 meeting featured a vision for Dusty Bend, action on City finances and ordinances, and updates on Halloween safety and community activities.

A vision for revitalizing Camden’s Dusty Bend community took center stage at the Oct. 20 meeting of Camden City Council, where members reviewed recommendations for improving the area’s appearance, supporting local businesses, and creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

Blake Sanders, a landscape architect with Studio Main, presented a small-area master plan for Dusty Bend outlining recommendations for both immediate improvements and long-term revitalization. The presentation followed months of work involving Councilman Phil Elliott, City staff, property owners, business representatives, and community stakeholders.

The plan envisions Dusty Bend as a welcoming gateway into Camden, with recommendations focused on strengthening the area’s identity, supporting local businesses, and improving pedestrian access. Proposed improvements include district signage and landscaping, sidewalk enhancements, traffic-calming measures, and a potential public gathering space.

Sanders emphasized that revitalization would require a phased approach and collaboration among the City, property owners, and businesses. An advisory committee is among the recommended first steps to help guide implementation. The presentation was informational, and Council took no formal action.

While the Dusty Bend plan focused on future development, Council acted on several ordinances affecting businesses, transportation, and City operations.

Among those receiving second and final reading were measures addressing the operation of utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, within City limits and updates to parking regulations.

Council also gave final approval to a zoning amendment providing greater flexibility for awnings extending over downtown sidewalks while maintaining size restrictions. The change addresses a regulation had prevented a Rutledge Street business from expanding its awning because of the sidewalk’s width.

Financial matters included an amendment to the City’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget incorporating Mayor Vincent Sheheen’s proposal to designate up to $250,000 each for engineering and related services, property, or easement acquisitions, and building repairs, within a $750,000 authorization. The additional language was approved before the ordinance received its second and final reading.

Lease-purchase financing of no more than $700,000 was also authorized for police vehicles and a street sweeper for the Public Works Department. City Manager Matt DeWitt noted that the equipment costs were included in the City’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget.

The financing agreements required separate Council approval given through a Council resolution.

Another item addressed the administration of municipal elections. Council gave first reading to an ordinance dissolving the Camden Municipal Election Commission, as required by state law for municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Kershaw County already conducts the City’s elections and would assume responsibility for certification and appeals as well now.

Camden Police Chief Rushing outlined temporary street closures along portions of Lyttleton Street and Fair Street on Halloween night. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, pedestrian traffic is expected to be heavier than usual. The closures will last approximately two and a half hours on Oct. 31 to improve pedestrian safety in these heavily traveled areas. Mayor Vincent Sheheen thanked the Police Department for working with residents to develop the plan.

During public comments, William Browning thanked the City of Camden for its support of a recent Horse & Hound event weekend that drew more than 2,100 attendees to one event and provided approximately 1,000 complimentary tickets to first responders and local healthcare personnel.

City Manager DeWitt reminded residents that Camden’s second annual City Hall Candy Crawl will take place on Friday, Oct. 30, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Camden City Hall. The free, family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating with City departments and a special Halloween experience hosted by the Camden Fire Department.

DeWitt also announced a temporary adjustment to Council’s November meeting schedule. Rather than meeting on the first and third Tuesdays, Council will meet Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. The regular schedule will resume in December.

Council members recognized additional community activities, including Camden High School’s homecoming celebrations and a recent free tree giveaway that provided City residents with opportunities to add trees to their properties.

Councilwoman Delia Davis acknowledged October as both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, sharing personal reflections on the impact of both issues on families and the community. She encouraged continued awareness, early detection and support for those affected.

Council also requested that the meeting adjourn in memory of Rusty Davis, a beloved Camden musician and longtime owner of Davis & Sons Guitar Shop, who died Oct. 6 at age 72. A fixture of Camden’s music scene for nearly six decades, Davis performed throughout the community and helped inspire generations of musicians through his performances and teaching.

The Oct. 6 meeting included a presentation on TIF, proposed changes to parking and traffic rules, neighborhood concerns and proclamations recognizing planning and fire prevention.

Safer streets, well-maintained neighborhoods and planning for Camden’s future connected the discussions at the Oct. 6 meeting of Camden City Council in South Carolina, where members explored a potential funding tool for public improvements and considered measures affecting local businesses, traffic and parking.

Tripp Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates presented an overview of tax increment financing, or TIF, explaining how it could help Camden fund public improvements.

Mayor Vincent Sheheen explained that creating a tax increment financing, or TIF, district would not itself raise property tax rates. Instead, additional property tax revenue generated by growth within the district would help pay for eligible public improvements in that area. That revenue could also support borrowing to complete improvements up front.

For Camden, those improvements could include water and sewer systems, streetscaping and parking, helping meet everyday needs while supporting local businesses and redevelopment.

The proposed district includes portions of downtown and an area near the I-20 Exit 98 interchange. Sheheen identified the former Shops at Midtowne and Deluxe Inn properties as important redevelopment opportunities.

Other possibilities include streetscaping on Broad and Rutledge streets, clock tower maintenance, an entrance feature near the interstate and additional downtown parking. These projects remain possibilities, with details still to be developed and considered.

Tuesday’s meeting was about public education and transparency, and no action was taken to establish a TIF district. Sheheen said Council would continue discussing the proposal and potential projects before deciding whether to move forward.

Council recognized October as Community Planning Month and Fire Prevention Awareness Month through proclamations highlighting planning and fire safety in Camden.

Planning and Development Director Shawn Putnam reported on efforts to address overgrown lots, trash, unlicensed vehicles and other property maintenance concerns. Six uninhabitable structures have been demolished at their owners’ expense this year, and debris was cleared from a railroad right of way near Chestnut Street. Putnam said posting notices on properties has helped resolve more than 90% of violations before court citations are needed.

Raymond Peterson and Judge Tommy Cooper requested consideration of annexation for Pine Creek, a neighborhood off Dicey Creek Road, citing challenges with maintaining its private roads. Peterson said petitions had been submitted and requested further discussion with City staff and Council.

Lisa Moore shared additional neighborhood support for temporarily restricting Halloween traffic on a portion of Fair and Lyttleton streets to protect trick-or-treaters. Sheheen asked Police Chief Jack Rushing to provide a recommendation by the end of the week.

In other business, Council approved second reading of the rezoning request for 1009 Rippondon Street, with two opposing votes. Councilman William Wilkes and Councilwoman Davis voted against the request; all other members voted in favor. Council unanimously approved second reading of a special property tax assessment for historic property at 1008 Broad Street.

Council also unanimously approved first reading of proposed local restrictions on utility terrain vehicles. Police Chief Jack Rushing explained that the measure addresses traffic safety concerns following a change in state law allowing vehicles on certain roads. The proposal requires another reading before becoming final.

A separate zoning amendment would adjust limits on awnings extending over downtown sidewalks. Putnam said the existing rule prevented a Rutledge Street business from expanding its awning because of the sidewalk’s width. The proposed change would provide more flexibility while maintaining a maximum awning size.

As part of an effort to bring the City’s ordinances up to date, Council unanimously approved first reading of a proposal to restore local parking rules and retain a portion of citation revenue locally. Members increased several proposed fines while leaving the overtime parking fine unchanged and requested a fire lane definition before second reading.

Keeping Camden clean and protecting family property also entered the conversation. Councilman Phil Elliott called for a litter awareness campaign, while Councilman William Wilkes highlighted his partnership with the Center for Heirs’ Property to offer free seminars Oct. 17 at the Kirkwood Community Center and Oct. 24 at the Robert Mills Courthouse.

Drawing on a conversation with Greenville Mayor Knox White, Sheheen suggested possible signs downtown to raise awareness of Camden’s noise ordinance and noted that police have already issued citations for violations.

Agendas, approved minutes, meeting dates and additional information are available at www.experiencecamdensc.com.

At its Sept. 22 meeting, Council recognized Constitution Week, considered plans for several properties and heard from residents about Halloween traffic and the care of Camden’s trees.

Mayor Vincent Sheheen presented a proclamation recognizing Sept. 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. Kathryn Watkins, vice regent of the Hobkirk Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, accepted it on the chapter’s behalf.

Council also gave first reading of a proposal to rezone property at 1009 Rippondon Street, with Councilman William Wilkes voting in opposition and all other Council members voting in favor. The proposal will require another reading before it can be final.

A separate proposal involving 1008 Broad Street also received first reading. Becky Rodgers, owner of Camden Jewelers, described plans to renovate the building. Under the Bailey Bill, the property’s pre-improvement tax assessment could be locked in as an incentive to rehabilitate the historically significant building. The proposal requires another reading before it can take effect.

A plan to give Little Midget restaurant space for a new drive-through exit passed its first reading. City Manager Matt DeWitt said customers currently exit through neighboring property, but that route would no longer be available after redevelopment of the new Midtown property. The land would return to the City if the new exit is not built.

Artist Colt Shirley presented a revised concept for a metal mural being considered at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. The mural would feature painted images depicting a Revolutionary War timeline. After discussing its size and cost, Council carried the decision over so Shirley could provide a budget update.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, Fair Street resident Lisa Moore asked the City to consider temporarily limiting traffic on part of the street during trick-or-treating. She said Fair Street draws a large number of children even when Halloween falls on a weeknight, and she worries about the volume of vehicles among them. Moore said neighbors support her request.

William Browning of Horse & Hound gave Council an update on the event scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27, including its regional promotion, equine activities, and dock diving competition. He thanked the City and its fire department for their support.

The recent removal of two large trees prompted comments about how the City evaluates trees. Former City urban forester Liz Gilland spoke about the trees’ significance and encouraged continued tree planting. Bob Williams, chairman of the Camden Parks and Trees Commission, said he would like to be involved in these decisions when possible.

DeWitt said the City evaluates trees before removing them and sought an additional assessment from the South Carolina Forestry Commission for the trees discussed. He said falling limbs had raised safety concerns and that the liability was far too great not to address these problem trees. He also noted the City’s planting efforts and reminded residents that a free tree giveaway will be held Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall.

Council also approved requests to allow alcoholic beverages at the Hero Fest Motorcycle Ride After Party and the Southern Gothic Festival Downtown Concert. Before the meeting ended, Mayor Sheheen shared compliments the City had received about staff members’ work with a downtown business and the City’s enforcement of building and code violations.

Agendas, approved minutes, meeting dates, and additional information are available at www.experiencecamdensc.com.