The greater York County region has experienced significant growth in the last decade; however, increased population inevitably leads to increased construction.
According to the York County Economic Development team (YCED), York County had the nation’s highest increase in employment in 2017. Nationally, employment rates rose 1.6 percent over the course of 2017. In York County, however, employment was up nearly seven percent during the first three months. This increase in employment then created more jobs as construction to build more residential neighborhoods and buildings took place.
Historically, York County has been an industrial region. According to the Brookings Institution (a public policy nonprofit) the area’s main export has largely been manufacturing. However, office buildings and corporate spaces have captured the attention of white-collar workers.
As more residential and commercial buildings are being constructed, road repairs are becoming increasingly important. York County is an up-and-coming corporate area, which means that first impressions are everything. Derelict road conditions could possibly prevent major corporations from establishing themselves in Rock Hill.
Rock Hill’s Planning and Development department oversees the administration of building/demolition permits, ensuring that all buildings are up to code, and coordinating the city’s zoning. Records of their previous meetings are available on Rock Hill’s local government website to allow citizens to fully understand where construction will take place and for what purpose.
The Planning and Development department strongly encourages the public to contact them. Emails can be sent to any member of Rock Hill’s governing body by accessing the city’s official website. If any citizen wishes to go to a public meeting, they are held at Rock Hill’s City Hall. Phone inquiries can be sent to (803)-329-5590.
Inquiries about roadwork, transportation, and similar topics can be made to South Carolina’s Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Public comments are addressed in press releases to ensure information gets efficiently distributed. Phone inquiries, comments or complaints can be made to (803)-737-1200. The SCDOT’s website also features a section where visitors can email their inquiries to a representative.
But why does getting involved in local politics matter? These repairs and construction largely impact how Rock Hill functions. With roads closing in order for workers to safely repair it, this can alter commute times, putting strain on Rock Hill’s growing corporate district. It can also endanger citizens if the construction takes place near exposed pipelines, power lines or other public utility.
Public opinion is a contributing factor as to how city officials determine whether or not to approve any changes within the area. While voting takes place within the different departments, citizens have the freedom to request anything they believe will improve the community. The constitutional right to speak freely and hold assembly is why these meetings are held. A population can protest or agree to anything the local government plans, and the governing body has to at least hear their complaints.
While the increased construction in Rock Hill ultimately means that the community is growing—and therefore so should the economy—it also means that this is an important time for local residents to make their voices heard. The decision of whether or not to increase the community is not solely the job of the city officials. Residential voices pave the way for future growth opportunities, after all.
Photo by Wren Brooke
