LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Johnsonville zoning issue

Dear Editor:

This letter is in regards to the letter written by Mr. Allen Hutto, General Counsel of Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina, to the editor of The Weekly Observer and which appeared in the October 28, 2009 issue of that paper.  Mr. Hutto’s letter was addressed to Florence County Council Chairman K.G. “Rusty” Smith, Jr. in regards to the recent issue concerning manufactured housing in Florence County and primarily within the City of Johnsonville.  Mr. Hutto’s letter was printed in The Weekly Observer as a letter to you with Mr. Hutto’s permission.
The “manufactured home” issue has been an ongoing news item and topic of interest for many Johnsonville residents since late summer.  As a resident of Johnsonville and as someone who has been personally involved in the zoning matter since its’ origination,  I found many of Mr. Hutto’s comments to be distasteful and insulting to the citizens of Johnsonville as well as to citizens of Florence County. 
For Mr. Hutto to claim that the City of Johnsonville is attempting to discriminate against individuals choosing to live in manufactured homes is simply a lie.  As a person who is actively involved in the concerns of the community, I take offense to anyone from the housing authority, lobbyists for the manufactured homes industry, and Mr. Hutto himself for attempting to discredit the City of Johnsonville and our citizens by claiming discrimination in this situation.
There is no intention of Johnsonville’s City Council nor its’ citizens to block new housing in Johnsonville; however, there is an effort to maintain the integrity of our community by enforcing the current zoning requirements.  These are not simply Johnsonville’s zoning wishes but are the zoning requirements as outlined by the Florence County Zoning Codes.  These ordinances state that ALL HOMES must meet certain specifications.  The ordinances are specifically outlined and do not vary from the state manufactured housing standards by which your company is supposed to abide. 
Please also allow me to address Mr. Hutto’s comments regarding the economic situation within our community.  Our City Council, City Management Team, and the citizens of our community are well aware that we have seen ‘tough times’ over the past several years.  We have lost the majority of our industry and tax base.  I take great offense to the tone with which Mr. Hutto spoke of the incomes of Johnsonville’s citizens.  I found his comments and tone to be unprofessional and inexcusable.
In closing, allow me to state unequivocally that I have nothing against manufactured homes nor those who choose to live in them.  I lived in a single-wide trailer for the first five years of my life.  These types of homes are a blessing which give many individuals the opportunity to own their own.  Such homes have a place in Johnsonville as well as in Florence County as long as they meet the requirements and specifications of the zoning ordinances. 
The comments in this letter are mine alone and do not reflect the City of Johnsonville nor members of the Johnsonville City Council and Mayor.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brad Richardson
City of Johnsonville