In confidential documents obtained by Wateree Wasp’s editorial staff, it appears the lone proposal received by the City of Camden to develop the former Camden Elementary School site is from DAVsno Solar. DAVsno Solar is a leading provider of municipal solar farms using non-traditional construction techniques in historically significant areas.
The former school site has attracted significant attention lately when local residents urged City Council to consider the ”…historically significant nature of downtown Camden…” in the city’s plans for the site. The city sought development proposals for consideration, but only received one proposal in response to the RFP.
The property, shown here, is bordered by large residential properties and two churches, all whom have expressed concern about any development on the site. Some have suggested a pickle ball park or possibly a small go kart track, but the city pointed out that, with drag racing currently being offered on nearby Mill Street, a track here wouldn’t be a priority.
When contacted at an upstate coffee shop, DAVsno Solar’s CEO would not discuss specifics of the project, but did indicate that he was well aware of the potential controversy involved in development efforts in Kershaw County, and that he looked forward to the challenge.
The solar farm, similar to one seen here, would provide solar power to help offset the fuel surcharge currently being charged by the City of Camden. New electric lines, run underground, would be installed using surplus funds generated by the fuel surcharge, and power from the farm would only be available to downtown residents who live within 5 miles of the new site. Excess power from the farm would be used to power the massive outdoor light and animated Christmas display at the new Camden Christmas House. Funded by the hospitality tax and a small millage increase, the project is currently in the final planning stages and scheduled to open at the Aberdeen homesite purchased by the city from former owner, Jack Brantley, for $1.
While the project is under the City’s purview, one County Councilman, who declined to comment publicly, did inform our editors that he “…supported the privatization of the utility grid, and that campaign contributions to his campaign by DAVsno Solar in no way affected his position on the matter…” The city plans an announcement about the new solar farm at the next City Council meeting, scheduled at 5:30pm on September 31st at City Hall. The public is invited to attend.
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