News Summary
York County is exploring regulations to limit hotel stays, echoing Rock Hill’s proposal amid rising public safety concerns. Local law enforcement advocates for rules that could impact the homeless community relying on hotels for temporary shelter. Sheriff Tony Breeden emphasizes that these changes would help allocate police resources more efficiently while addressing safety hazards at frequent emergency call locations. As both cities weigh the balance between public safety and support for vulnerable populations, community feedback is being considered in the decision-making process.
York County is considering new regulations aimed at limiting the length of hotel stays, mirroring a similar proposal unveiled in Rock Hill as concerns about public safety rise. These potential rules, driven by a push from local law enforcement officials, could dramatically impact the homeless community who often rely on hotels as a source of temporary shelter.
The discussion began during a recent meeting of the York County justice and public safety subcommittee, where Sheriff Tony Breeden highlighted the necessity of enforcing regulations on extended hotel stays, as well as challenges surrounding encampments and frequent emergency service calls to these locations. Breeden asserts that initiating changes within the hotel sector would represent a crucial step in enhancing community safety.
While specific details regarding the proposed regulations and the implementation timeline remain undisclosed, any new rules would require approval from the York County Council, which consists of seven members; three of whom are part of the subcommittee that met to discuss these issues. The council is expected to weigh the balance between improving safety and maintaining support for vulnerable community members.
Councilman Watts Huckabee emphasized the need to minimize law enforcement’s time spent addressing legal infractions linked to hotel stays. He echoed sentiments that the proposed changes could better allocate police resources toward more pressing public safety concerns.
The context for this proposal follows a contentious set of measures already introduced in Rock Hill. The city is deliberating a potential cap of 30 days on hotel stays annually, alongside restrictions on the construction of hotels where room access is granted through outside doors. These regulations are motivated by rising crime-related issues and attempts to diminish unauthorized long-term camping on private land.
Feedback concerning Rock Hill’s measures has been mixed, with several hotel owners and public agency personnel arguing that such limitations would have a detrimental impact on local businesses and exacerbate the homelessness crisis. The Rock Hill City Council has conducted an initial vote on these limitations but is actively seeking additional community input prior to reaching a final decision.
Sheriff Breeden reinforced the notion that homes facing issues of repeated emergency calls would be scrutinized, particularly those presenting safety hazards. However, the current laws necessitate a home being deemed uninhabitable before it can be condemned. This threshold means many crime-prone properties remain outside the reach of swift legal action.
Concerns have been raised regarding certain properties, especially those owned by absentee landlords, that might contribute to crime problems. Yet, without solid evidence of wrongdoing, appropriate measures to curtail these issues are severely limited. Breeden also noted worries surrounding the safety of temporary homeless encampments, citing instances of makeshift structures appearing near shopping centers such as the Galleria Mall.
While some property owners have permitted individuals to camp on their land, this has led to concerns about litter and other hazards that affect the surrounding environment. Sheriff Breeden clarified that the objective of the proposed regulation is not to impose a “police state,” but rather to address properties that pose a threat to community safety.
In Rock Hill, Mayor John Gettys has acknowledged the city’s ongoing efforts to tackle the influx of homeless individuals residing in hotels, a situation that has been linked to rising crime levels and an increased demand for emergency services. Proposed regulations would also establish guidelines for future hotel construction, mandating that all room entrances face interior hallways to enhance security.
Moreover, exceptions would be considered for homeless individuals participating in housing programs, allowing them longer stays in hotels than the proposed limits. Community advocates stress that the success of such regulations is contingent on simultaneously increasing affordable housing options to provide a more stable solution for those experiencing homelessness.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: York County Hotel Regulations
- Google Search: York County hotel regulations
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Hotel Policy
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill hotel policy
- Daily Press: York County Adult-Themed Business Limits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: York County
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Crackdown on Homelessness
- Google News: Rock Hill homelessness policy
- Herald Online: Local News Update
- Google Search: Local news York County
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
