Drivers on Dave Lyle Boulevard are taking notice of a new fence installed this week just outside downtown.
The fence, of the white picket variety, winds for about a half-mile through some woods between Willowbrook Avenue and Annafrel Street. It hugs the side of Dave Lyle.
Here's some backstory for you:
The existing fence was about 35 years old and made a barbed wire. Parts of it were damaged. So the city decided to put in a new fence consistent with what had been installed in the Manchester Village area of Dave Lyle and Interstate 77. Those of you who shop at Manchester know that a similar fence runs in front of the shopping center.
The new fence carried a $45,000 price tag covered by hospitality taxes. Every year, hospitality tax projects must be endorsed by a committee of merchants and other stakeholders and then approved by the City Council.
Over the years, some folks around town have complained about what they perceive as frivolous uses of hospitality tax money. Defenders are quick to point out that hospitality tax revenues come largely from out-of-town visitors who eat at restaurants and stay in hotels.
In other words, if we can get tourists to pay for a fence that locals can enjoy, why not do it?
Hospitality taxes are a
Hospitality taxes are a scam. Don't think for a minute that you don't pay them. First up, if you go out of town and stay at a hotel, you pay them there almost certainly. Only thing is, you pay them to that city or county for things they might like want like pretty little white picket fences. But do you ever eat out in Rock Hill? Really> Then you pay hospitality taxes here, too.