The City of Rock Hill's Planning Commission meeting on January 7, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding a proposed zoning ordinance aimed at addressing homelessness. The ordinance, which includes a 30-day limit on guest stays in hotels, has sparked a heated debate among community members and stakeholders.

During the meeting, hotel operators raised questions about the feasibility of tracking guest stays across multiple establishments. Rohit Patel, a hotel owner, expressed concerns about how hotels would manage reservations if guests were already nearing their stay limit. He also questioned who would bear the costs of cancellation fees if reservations were denied due to the new ordinance.

Community advocates voiced their apprehensions about the potential negative impact on vulnerable populations. Melissa Carlisle from the Catawba Area Coalition for the Homeless emphasized that the ordinance could lead to increased unsheltered homelessness. She urged the commission to involve service providers in future discussions to ensure that the needs of those experiencing homelessness are adequately addressed.

Dan Robertson, a local resident and housing advocate, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the proposed ordinance might exacerbate the very issues it aims to solve. He highlighted the complexities of homelessness and criticized the ordinance as an ineffective tool for addressing the problem. Robertson also raised legal concerns regarding the proposed inspections of hotel rooms, suggesting that such measures could infringe on individual rights.

The discussions underscored a critical need for collaboration between the city and local service providers to develop comprehensive solutions to homelessness. As the Planning Commission prepares to forward its recommendations to the city council, the outcome of this ordinance remains uncertain, with many stakeholders advocating for a more inclusive approach to tackling homelessness in Rock Hill.