With no public water or sewer access and only one public well, the Blackmon Road neighborhood has been listed by state officials as "environmentally distressed."
But if the community receives federal money for the much-needed services, that label could be washed away.
York County officials have applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If the grant is awarded, plans call for the first set of water and sewer lines to feed into A Place for Hope, Blackmon Road's community and resource center. Future phases include lines for the rest of the neighborhood. Those basic utility services also could open the doors to new, affordable houses, said Tom Aggeles, the center's director of operations.
"The residents are waiting with bated breath," Aggeles said. "They are thrilled about the opportunity. But they've heard about this type of stuff before and have been let down."
The Rev. James Hill knows that disappointment all too well. As pastor of Philippi Church of God, he has lived in the community for more than 20 years. The neighborhood's rock-hard blackjack soil makes it difficult to build anything on the land.
"The water and sewer lines will give the community opportunities that are necessary for growth," Hill said, adding that it's the third time the neighborhood has been in the running for similar grants. "If we are able to break through with this grant, we can make other changes that can help the neighborhood out as far as education and new jobs. But it will take some time."
Blackmon Road residents should have an answer by fall. The money could only be used for water and sewer services, sidewalks and paving roads. York County leaders already have agreed to supply a $50,000 match if the grant comes through.
"We have taken the first step," Aggeles said. "We hope HUD realizes this is an incredible opportunity that will allow folks out here to realize their full potential."
Located off S.C. 72 just outside Rock Hill city limits, Blackmon Road was once dubbed "Trashpile Road" because of its proximity to the city's old landfill. The community has been tagged by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control as the most environmentally distressed neighborhood in the state in terms of basic water and sewer utility services.
But things have started to turn around.
A Place For Hope has been in the neighborhood for nearly three years and has helped provide residents with essentials such as clothing, food and household items. During that time, the center has become a gathering place for residents, many of whom have worked with its directors to make changes in the neighborhood.
The grant process requires center leaders to prove A Place For Hope will remain open to provide educational and job-training skills to residents and other communities in need. Starting in September, the center will be open six days a week. A Place For Hope now operates Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays. The extra days will allow the group to expand its programs.
Still, the water and sewer lines remain the most crucial piece of the puzzle, officials say.
Erica Pippins 329-4072
epippins@heraldonline.com
want to HELP?
Donations for A Place For Hope can be sent to: Administration Offices, A Place For Hope, 222 Kings Mountain St., York, SC 29745; or A Place For Hope, 1020 Archer Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29730.
With no public water or sewer access and only one public well, the Blackmon Road neighborhood has been listed by state officials as "environmentally distressed."
York County officials have applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If the grant is awarded, plans call for the first set of water and sewer lines to feed into A Place for Hope, Blackmon Road's community and resource center. Future phases include lines for the rest of the neighborhood. Those basic utility services also could open the doors to new, affordable houses, said Tom Aggeles, the center's director of operations.
Located off S.C. 72 just outside Rock Hill city limits, Blackmon Road was once dubbed "Trashpile Road" because of its proximity to the city's old landfill. The community has been tagged by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control as the most environmentally distressed neighborhood in the state in terms of basic water and sewer utility services.