Business Owners Weigh-In on Five Points

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Being a daytime merchant, it’s like Mayberry down here,” says Debbie McDaniel, Owner of Revente.

“It’s jovial, there’s no real problem down here,” says Dean Ellison, Owner of The Gentlemen’s Closet.

Ellison says the streets of Five Points are much different when the sun goes down.

“It’s two different worlds,” says Ellison

“From midnight on, Five Points was the hug for gangs,” says Richland County Sheriff, Leon Lott. 

Last week, Sheriff Lott announced a lot of the problem with crime in Five Points is gang related. 

Lott also says a club, known as “The Library” catered to gang members.

The owners, deny that. 

“We are disgusted and heartbroken,” says Anne Kershner, Co-owner of The Library. 

“We are disgusted and heartbroken that it has come to this,” says Kershner

In recent y ears, more cameras have been added here and last month, USC President, Dr. Harris Pastides announced the school would add more lighting and cameras between the entertainment district and campus in an effort to keep students safe. 

Also, the Department of Corrections has issued curfews to known youthful offenders. They cannot be in Five Points past 9:00 p.m. 

“I’m all for whatever it took,” says McDaniel

“I think it’s the best thing he could have done. Because he didn’t have to go through 4-5 other people to get permission to come down here and do what he did,” says Ellison.