FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – The City of Florence is set to expand downtown revitalization efforts to East Florence.
City officials have heard the citizens of East Florence and partnered CSX railroad to work toward demolishing an abandoned property near downtown Florence.
The Quonset hut owned by CSX railroad, on the corner of Barringer and Pine Street, is set to begin the demolition process.
The East Florence Community Organization contacted City of Florence officials after the building burned in 2014.
People of the organization, led by then President and founder, Pat Gibson- Hye Moore, say the building was hazardous to the homeless community and an eyesore for neighbors.
Now a member of the Florence City Council, Gibeson Hye- Moore says city officials have collaborated and recognize the potential hazard and are making changes.
Gibeson- Hye Moore said, “There were homeless people living in the building. Of course, if you are homeless you have to find a place to go… where ever you can get to stay warm, to stay dry. I don’t knock that. I am thinking about their protection.”
Gibeson Hye- Moore says she is happy things are getting better in Florence communities but she wants them to continue to change and get better.
City Manager Drew Griffin said the project is in the 1st phase which includes the environmental team coming to assess and pull down the walls. The demolition process is set begin in about 2 months, after the building has lead and asbestos contaminants removed. This area of East Florence will serve as a corridor to Downtown Florence. Count on news13 to follow this story.
