BENNETTSVILLE — Last week, Bennettsville City Councilman Cy’Heim McRae held a town hall style meeting at the Marlboro County Visitor’s Center to touch base with concerned residents along with Bennettsville Mayor Tyron Abraham, Bennettsville City Administrator William Simon Jr., and Bennettsville Police Department (BPD) Chief Sammy Crosland. The event was geared towards sharing important information with the public and hearing feedback from constituents regarding recent decisions made by city leadership.
City infrastructure needs, avenues for attracting economic gains, Lake Paul Wallace, data centers, and ways to cultivate more youth civic involvement were among key tops discussed.
Improving Bennettsville
Tackling city improvements, Simon pointed out Bennettsville’s residents are frequently guilty of looking backwards.
“We all know how Bennettsville used to look and we know how it looks now. Let me ask you a question, have you ever thought about how it will look to you in ten years,” Simon said, also asking if residents have considered the lack of entertainment attractions or after-school activities for youth—what have they done about it?
Residents suggested the city strive for an entertainment venue like a movie theater or skating rink that would both attract revenue and engage youth. One resident praised the city’s replacement of its old water meters but questioned when the city will get around to replacing some of the light bulbs currently out across the city.
Simon answered that because many of the bulbs are outdated, it has been tough for the city to find and afford replacement bulbs, but he assured attendees lighting up Bennettsville is a focus of the council.
Additionally, residents said they would like to see fine dining return to the county seat. A fully operational hospital with emergency room capabilities was mentioned by attendees.
Going on to address the rise in utilities bills, Simon explained, “There are only 20 electric cities in the state and we are one. That means we offer electric services. There are less than three cities in the state that offer water, electricity, and trash pickup service for its residents. This place is special regarding how your government is serving you, you need to know that—look it up and do your research. With that being said, we need to be held accountable.”
Several residents broached the subject of beautification, stating a general feeling among attendees that code enforcement laws are not being adhered to when it comes to maintaining dwellings, noise and animal leash ordinances.
Lake Paul Wallace and Crooked Creek update
Unable to attend, McRae read a letter he received from District 54 State Representative Jason Luck providing an update for attendees on the status of Lake Paul Wallace, sharing the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget included $25 million to begin repairing the Lake Paul Wallace dam. Luck further stated that not only is the project moving forward, he is also pleased to announce that preliminary engineering work is already underway at the site.
Administrator Simon said repairing the dam is slated to start December or early Spring 2027 but shared his concern that without addressing the flooding problems at Crooked Creek, it won’t really matter how “pretty” or well-built the dam at Lake Paul Wallace is if it is still going to allow for future flooding in Crooked Creek. He suggested this setback is an opportunity for city council to double its efforts into looking for other means of funding to ensure an outcome that satisfies all locations affected.
Data Center
Administrator Simon shared with town hall attendees the county is currently considering a proposal to allow a data center to set up shop in Marlboro County.
Councilman McRae said he is adamantly against data centers in general based on their known environmental damages, potential health hazards, and scarfing up of valuable American heartland.
Simon and McRae pointed out AI firms often seek out underprivileged, mostly African American populated areas rich in land to build.
Youth involvement
Many attendees expressed alarm over the shortage of activities for young people, with one-member present questioning how today’s future can learn more about how government works and how they can get involved. Simon and McRae both suggested that high schoolers begin attending council and town hall meetings where they can observe government in action. A suggestion was made for council to consider going into classrooms and talking with students about the issues now facing Bennettsville and beyond.
Savor the Flavor catered Councilman McRae’s town hall event.
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