Orangeburg residents oppose Claflin University road transfer
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - A proposed plan to turn a section of a state-maintained road in Orangeburg to a private road is drawing some opposition from people who live in the area.
Last week, Orangeburg City Council officials tabled the third and final reading of an ordinance that would allow a section of Goff Avenue to be permanently closed.
Although students at Claflin University may the idea, residents who live on Goff Avenue ― such as longtime resident Norma Murdaugh ― does not.
“I’m totally opposed,” said Murdaugh.”This home has been here for over 80 years, close to 85 years. It’s the home that I know. Why would I want them to give it to Claflin University?”
The Orangeburg City Council has ed two readings of an ordinance that would permanently close a section of Goff Avenue from Magnolia Street to Clark Street.
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South Carolina Department of Transportation would transfer that section of road to Claflin University.
A gate would go up on each end to ensure safety measures for Claflin students.
“Why would you gate up a community,” said Murdaugh. “I don’t need a gate at Magnolia, and there’s no need for a gate at Clark. This is what happens ... When you gate the community in, and when my children come home, they’re gonna have to stop at the gate, and so guess, identify themselves into their own property. If I have guest coming, it’s the same thing. This is America, it’s a free country. I don’t want a gated community.”
The university said closing the road would help control traffic and help make the campus safer.
“Always put yourself in someone else’s place. How would you feel if all of your life you’ve known a nice quiet neighborhood and a school comes which has been here all the time comes here and says ok we’re gonna gate you off. Would you want to have a or something to get to your home? I think not,” said Murdaugh.
University officials want to hear from the impacted property owners before council votes on the third reading.
A date for that vote has not been made at this time.
The next Orangeburg City Council meeting will be held in the first week in April.
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