Safety, security important for universities and city, mayor says

Mayor Michael Butler addresses Claflin student reporters.

“Without the universities, we would not have a big city,” Mayor Micheal Butler said of Orangeburg’s relationship with Claflin and South Carolina State universities.

During a Feb. 26 session with Panther reporters, Butler, 1978 Claflin graduate, cited the importance of both institutions to the city’s economy and development, even as Orangeburg works to address recent violence.

“We consider South Carolina State and Claflin as the economic engine for the city, both employing over 800 people,” Bulter said.

The mayor said the city works closely with universities on several projects focused on improving quality of life for the residents and students.

One example is the movie theater located in Claflin’s student center. It is open to the public.

“We didn’t have a theater in the city at all,” Butler said. “The city partnered with Dr. Warmack (Claflin president) to help advertise that we have a theater.”

Butler said some residents do not go to the theater because of little advertisement and concern for safety.

“A lot of people don’t like to come because they said it’s not advertised, and also we want to let the general public know that it is safe,” he said.

In response to recent incidents, including fatal shootings at S.C. State, public safety is a concern. Butler said Orangeburg should be a safe haven where all residents can live without fear.

“One of my major goals is to bring the community together,” Butler said.

The city and Claflin have partnered on measures to improve safety near campus. One solution involves closing a portion of Goff Avenue between Magnolia Street and Clark Street.

“The city council agrees with the president in closing some of Goff Avenue,” Butler said. “When we watched the film of some shooting towards the science building … we felt that someone was really going to get hurt.”

He added S.C. State is taking similar precautions.

“So, we agree now more than ever because look at how South Carolina State is having to protect themselves from outside coming in.”

Butler also discussed several development initiatives planned for the city, including Railroad Corner, a new student housing building, a walkway bridge across Magnolia Street and the construction of a parking garage.

Additional projects include the Gateway Project, redevelopment in downtown Orangeburg and the arrival of a new manufacturing company expected to bring more growth to the area.