DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – Community members and representatives of the Juleswood community in Darlington spoke at Monday’s County Council meeting asking for more help.
You may remember, News13 has been following this story in recent months, after residents of the community who have lived there for decades were suddenly given 30 days to get out.
Residents say they were not given enough notice by the family of the now-deceased owner, who are trying to sell the land. Representatives trying to help the community residents told council Monday that they have exhausted several avenues including local, state, and even federal housing authorities.
Some council members expressed regret that these residents are going through this, and suggested a few other possible ways to get them the help they need. Many residents say they planned to stay in the community for the rest of their lives, and lack the resources and time needed to make a move.
One councilmember said while she sympathized, she had seen evidence that the residents had not paid rent in several years. One man who lives in the community took offense to this suggestion.
“That exchange flabbergasted me,” said David Gregg, who has lived in the Juleswood community for decades. “That was not forthcoming. So there have been some times that we have not paid rent, but it’s not our fault at all; we have been trying to get in touch with the people to facilitate that, but that did not happen, so that does not fall on us at all.”
Residents now say they will try to speak to additional officials who they hope will give them the answers they are seeking.
