Preparing for Wiliston

At the end of March we decided to split up into groups and help Harry distribute and collect community development surveys in Wiliston, SC. (We will be holding a community meeting on April 26th at 11:00 am to discuss survey results with the community participants). The first group to spend the day helping Harry reported back to us in class that the town was extremely small and unsafe. There were apparently streets that some people felt uneasy going alone down. They also felt that most complaints from the residents of Wiliston revolved around not feeling like there is any recreation in the area. The citizens felt safe, but also felt that their children needed a better environment, especially when it comes to education. 

I'm curious to see for myself if I feel unsafe. For some reason, I don't think this will be an issue for me, but I definitely want to experience the town with an open-mind, free of judgement. I know that my group has four people total and each of us needs to take an assigned area of the town and get seven surveys filled out. I'm not concerned with time. I don't think it will be a problem getting surveys filled out, but I am very excited to talk to residents about their personal concerns regarding the future of Wiliston. 

Rules of Engagement

Last Monday- April 14th- I walked into the poster contest and stood proudly by our class poster about Rules of Engagement. The board portrayed a timeline from last semester's Mayor's Institute class to the classwork done this semester through Denmark, SC. We included pictures from the communities in SC that each group helped with, as well as the Mayor's colloquium in Charleston. I think our board was original in design, especially Aaron's idea to illustrate those students within Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and City and Regional Planning, as well as the projects each student participated in. The class worked well in designing and creating the board display. I found that many people were interested in the class itself and what exactly which cities we were involved in. A few professors seemed impressed with the continuous work we have done, and I found it rewarding to explain what community development entails and the steps that take place to gain public participation and awareness about local issues.

Recapping Denmark, SC

One trip to Denmark, SC told a story detailed enough to set some very focused goals regarding community change. Last semester, I took part in a day long charrette in this rural town of South Carolina. Hearing from the citizens, as well as exploring the town by foot, we developed key issues related to taking the first step in revamping this environment. The members of the community began conversing about their personal likes and dislikes of the town, as well as areas of opportunity and places they felt were unsafe. One major issue in Denmark upon talking to the citizens was the issue of safety. In order to promote a safer environment, certain steps can easily be taken, such as providing more lighting and enhancing public space. There is much potential for areas of green space, and one idea is to have churches take ownership in this public space to promote both town pride and protection of the environment. 

Although small, the town itself has potential for economic development. In order to diversify the economic realm, Denmark needs a base to stay steady. A college or university can act as a steady base. Another major problem is the excess of vacant buildings, especially along the main corridors in downtown. There is much potential for retail, art centers, and restaurants. 

Denmark also has a grid system with their roads with numerous sections cut off from railroad crossings. This is a problem, because the sections disconnect neighbors from the downtown area, effecting both the economy and community feel. 

With knowledge of these concerns and with the help of community participation, which is vital in community development, I believe it is possible to design a master plan for Denmark which will meet the needs and desires of residents. Denmark has much potential, and unfortunately a major deterrent revolves around funding.