OPINION: Florence needs to address its appearance problem

Florence is a good place to live and work. As a real estate broker, I have been fortunate to benefit from the growth here during the last 20 years.
In spite of the economic situation, I think most people believe Florence is poised for another period of strong growth once the economy settles down. We have elected officials and a business community who understand economic development and provide financial resources to recruit new industry which create jobs for the citizens of the Pee Dee. We have the water and sewer capabilities to handle any size project. We have the ideal location on the eastern seaboard halfway between New York and Miami.
We are located at the intersection of two interstates. We have two wonderful institutions of higher learning in Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University. We have good recreation programs for our youth. We have world class medical facilities. Our State Senator is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and sits on the Budget and Control Board. Our Congressman is the Majority Whip, the third highest ranking position in the U.S. House of Representatives. We are the home to one of the largest private foundations in South Carolina whose mission is to support capital projects in our backyard.
In spite of all of these good things, we don’t seem to be willing to admit we have an appearance problem. As they say in the real estate business, Florence doesn’t show well. I often see the negative reactions and hear the negative comments as newcomers or people considering a move here see these areas. No doubt there are beautiful places here but our gateways and main corridors have been eyesores for a long time and are getting worse.
One of the primary appearance problems is the proliferation of portable neon signs. Some argue our small businesses would close down if they didn’t have portable neon signs. It seems odd that most other cities in South Carolina seem to do fine without them. As someone who has been affected by this economy, I understand why small businesses might be grasping at anything to keep the doors open. However, the portable neon sign companies and the businesses that use them were fighting just as hard to keep them five years ago when the economy was booming.
Portable neon signs are synonymous to receiving an e-mail in all capital letters. It gets your attention but is inappropriate and not something you want to see on a regular basis. I can understand why some businesses use these portable neon signs. It gives them an advantage over the competition. Portable neon signs are hard to miss. It’s a form of “in your face” advertising which forces you to look at it.
A recent letter to the editor from a portable neon sign company employee implied that if you are against portable neon signs then you are against small businesses. She also lambasted County Councilman James Schofield for having an “agenda” because he had the audacity to single handedly propose an ordinance that would restrict the use of portable neon signs. This proposed ordinance was drafted with input from the portable neon sign companies and sent to the Florence County Planning Commission for review and a public hearing. I commend Councilman Schofield for addressing a controversial and long overdue issue.
After attending the October Florence County Planning Commission meeting and a subsequent Planning Commission work session, I am of the opinion the Planning Commission has not heard from a fair representation of the community on this issue. The largest portable neon sign company and their users were out in full force. Most individuals are not inclined to attend and speak at these kinds of meetings. My experience has been that the most bodies and the loudest voices usually have the advantage in these situations.
It’s unfortunate that we don’t take more pride in our community’s appearance. We’re good at dealing with the technical parts of growing our local economy. Florence is known as a “business friendly” place but it takes more than being “business friendly” to get from good to great.
A way to start would be to improve our main corridors and gateways, remove dilapidated signs and remove or seriously restrict the use of portable neon signs. People driving through Florence and those here to consider a job form first impressions based on what they see. If we want to attract quality growth and become a major player in this state, we must address this issue and we must do a better job of conveying pride in our community. I know there are many people out there who would like to see the public officials in Florence County take a stand to improve our community appearance.
The Florence County Planning Commission will be meeting on Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. to make a recommendation to County Council regarding the use of portable neon signs. I encourage anyone who wants to express an opinion to contact County Council at clerktocouncil@ florence co.org or the chairman of the Florence County Planning Commission, Peter Knoller at pknoller@ sc.rr.com.