City Council to Reevaluate Plan Aimed at Keeping Rock Hill’s Homeless Population Out of Hotels – WSOC Charlotte

**Rock Hill City Council to Debate Proposal Targeting Long-Term Hotel Stays by Homeless Residents**

ROCK HILL, S.C. — On Monday, the Rock Hill City Council will review a controversial proposal aimed at addressing homelessness by restricting long-term stays in local hotels.

The proposed policy would prohibit Rock Hill residents from staying in hotels for more than 30 consecutive days, mandate guest room inspections by hotel management, and bar York County residents from renting rooms in hotels with exterior-facing doors.

This plan has sparked concern among community members, particularly regarding its potential impact on homeless individuals, including local students without stable housing.

“So, do we just not want them anywhere?” questioned Taylor Golden, a Rock Hill resident, expressing frustration over the proposal.

While the Rock Hill Planning Commission voted against the measure on January 7, the city council has the authority to override that decision and approve the changes.

City officials argue that the proposal is intended to curb crime. According to city staff, extended hotel stays have been linked to increased calls for police service and drug-related activity.

Jennifer Hutchinson, a Rock Hill school board member, voiced concerns about the potential consequences for students. She estimates that hundreds of children could be displaced if the policy is enacted.

“I would just hate to see a child displaced because of a policy the city enacts,” Hutchinson said. She emphasized that many families, including students and their parents, rely on hotels for temporary housing and fears they could end up on the streets.

“I would hope city council would be lenient in their thoughts about making sure families have a warm place to stay at night,” she added.

Hutchinson noted that families living in hotels often face a variety of challenges, including poverty, family crises, or displacement due to fires.

The proposal has also raised concerns among local hotel operators. Representatives from the hospitality industry argue that the policy could harm their businesses.

“It would impact our financial stability, and on a personal side, it could close our business,” said Malay Parto, a representative of the Royal Regency Hotel. “Not all people staying in hotels are causing this problem.”

The first reading of the proposal is scheduled for Monday, January 27, at 6 p.m. during the Rock Hill City Council meeting.

This issue has sparked a broader debate about balancing public safety with compassion for vulnerable populations, as well as the economic implications for local businesses.

**WATCH BELOW: Rock Hill plans to crack down on homeless people living in hotels**
*(Image and video content available in the original article.)*

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Source: wsoctv.com

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