Concerns raised over “unsuitable” stores near MHS

by Larry Chowning –

At a special called meeting Monday, June 6, the Middlesex County School Board (MCSB) issued a “statement of concern” to the Middlesex County Planning Commission (MCPC) concerning a rezoning application of land in Saluda on U.S. Route 17, across the road from Middlesex High School (MHS).

The planning commission will consider the rezoning application request today, Thursday, June 9, at 7 p.m. in the Middlesex County Historic Courthouse in Saluda.

The school board voted 4-0 on Monday to present MCPC with its concerns. The statement from Chairman Soucek reads that “on behalf of the MCSB, I am expressing, not an opposition to the rezoning application before you, but, what we believe to be a responsible concern for the character of the businesses that may be established there due to the rezoning.

“Not to demean a business in any manner, but to say that there are businesses that would not be suitable operating across from our high school, for instance, any shop that would specialize in the sale of alcohol, firearms or tobacco.

“I would implore the governing authority, with all due diligence, to restrict this type of business from locating in this new business zone in order to exercise responsible guardianship of our precious children,” stated Soucek.