Street Hole Blocks Traffic to Florence Church
Unresolved Sewage Issue Inconveniences Community and Hinders Church Attendance
It’s not just your average speed bump. In Florence, South Carolina, parishioners and residents in West Pine Street are facing a significant traffic impediment due to a gaping hole in the street. The street hole, which directly affects traffic to the Pathway Pentecostal Temple Church (PAW), has left both church members and the broader community disgruntled.
The Crux of the Issue
Bishop Richard Gordon, speaking on behalf of PAW, disclosed that the hole had been a glaring issue since May. According to him, city officials instated road closed signs and occasionally inspected the gulf, but to date, no tangible action has been taken to rectify the situation. The perceived lack of urgency and transparency is heightening frustrations among the community.
Many believe the problematic hole is a manifestation of a broader sewage issue, an assertion primarily based on the unpleasant stench emanating from it. However, the city’s silence on the matter has left the community largely in the dark about the underlying cause and potential resolution timeline.
The Wide-Reaching Impact
The city’s lack of action has rippled beyond mere traffic disruptions. Larry Jackson, a local resident, bemoaned how the blocked path disrupted his regular walking routine, while expressing his frustrations over the evident infrastructure problems in Florence that go beyond the current hole.
Furthermore, the road closure has negatively impacted the Pathway Pentecostal Temple Church’s attendance. Church Deacon Henry Jones voiced his concerns about the potential for residents to mistake the ‘road closed’ signs for the church being temporarily out of service, deterring both regular and new attendees.
The Church’s Dilemma
As the situation drags on, PAW is faced with tough decisions regarding its future events. A looming convention planned for October may have to be relocated – an inconvenient disruption for parishioners. The church also fears that if someone passes away during this time, the blocked road will complicate their ability to bring the deceased into the Church.
“We’re making plans to relocate the convention if possible, but that would be a great inconvenience for parishioners,” divulged Bishop Gordon.
Call for Action
Members of the community, while understanding that there can be issues, are urging the city to act quickly and rectify the situation. Deacon Leverne Knox poignantly expressed this sentiment: “We don’t just want the problem patched over. We want a long-term solution that reflects the value our city places on its infrastructure and its people.”
Contact with the city officials regarding the matter has unfortunately been met with silence, leaving the community anxious and craving clarity.
The alarming issue underpins deeper infrastructure concerns in the area serving as a reminder that small problems left unaddressed can quickly snowball into larger inconveniences that affect the daily lives of many. While Florence awaits a resolution, the issue serves as a stark reminder to city officials everywhere: prioritize transparent corridors of communication and swift, efficient service delivery for the betterment of community life.
