EUTAWVILLE, S.C.  - Town officials are taking s.jpg to preserve the charm of the historic lakeside town of Eutawville, including its old flow-in well, a brick-encircled artesian fountain originally built as a watering hole for mules and horses.

The Eutawville Town Council has unanimously approved the final reading of a resolution designed to give the town the means to enforce current ordinances restricting dangerous conditions of lots or dwellings within town limits.

"If we have properties in town that are abandoned, overgrown, littered with old cars, buses or boats, or overrun with garbage, broken glass or rodents, the town currently does not have the resources, money or equipment to restore these areas," Councilwoman Jean Akers, streets commissioner, said.

"This resolution will create an intergovernmental agreement between the town and the county of Orangeburg, which is equipped to follow through and enforce these ordinances," Akers said. "It's a cost-effective way to protect our town's beauty, public welfare and safety."

The resolution states that the county will follow strict guidelines for ide.jpgying properties that require cleanup or repair and for n.jpgying property owners of the requirements. If an owner is unable or unwilling to complete the necessary cleaning, hauling or restoration, the county will provide the state-ce.jpgied inspectors, equipment and labor to ensure the problem is remedied. Costs will be at the owner's expense and may be added as a property tax lien.

Council members also discussed the possible restoration of the flow-in well, which became obsolete when the "horseless carriage" came into favor -- and then finally ran out of water.

Remnants of the well now include some old lines that run 735 feet under the street and a non-functioning tap still featured in front of what is now Eutawville's local plumbing store, Home Pump & Supply Co., at 238 Porcher Ave.

"I remember back in the late '60s or early '70s when they got the well going again for a few years, and then again for a short time after Hugo," longtime resident Ray Smith said.

Councilman Roger Adkins agreed to look into possibly applying for a grant to restore the well as a historic landmark and part of the Heritage Corridor.

"It would add great value to the appeal of the town and help protect what we have," resident Gene King said. "With the projected influx of up to three to five billion dollars and upwards of 20,000 people moving into the surrounding region in the next five years, it's important we begin long-term strategic planning now to protect the historic feel and charm, and the integral zoning of the town, before outside interests try to rebuild the town to their economic advantage."

Council members agreed to take under advisement King's proposal that a committee dedicated to such long-term economic planning and zoning be drawn up.

T&D Correspondent Diane Gainer can be reached by e-mail at bcdthinktank@yahoo.com.

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