Transportation Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Monday, June 4, 2018 1:15 p.m. Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES Members Present: Mayor Will Haynie, Chair; Bob Brimmer, Joe Bustos, Kevin Cunnane Staff Present: Eric DeMoura, Brad Morrison, Paul Lykins Mayor Haynie called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. Mayor Haynie thanked the residents, staff and Council for the response on the sudden and unexpected effect on the transportation system due to the closure of the Wando Bridge, commenting the unprecedented situation was handled well. 1. Approval of Minutes from the April 30, 2018 meeting Mr. Bustos moved for approval of the April 30, 2018, minutes; motion seconded by Mr. Brimmer. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Public Comments Mayor Haynie stated that Agenda Item 2 will be reserved for public comments related to the Long Point Road Realignment and Extension project and any other public comments can be made during discussions on other agenda items. Public comments should be limited to two (2) minutes or less. Glen Cowden, 737 Bloomfield Drive, expressed opposition to the project stating that increased traffic will cause Long Point Road to fail and repairs could potentially include widening the roadway to four lanes by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) resulting in Long Point Road no longer being a scenic highway.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 2 of 21 Jimmy Bagwell, 41 Vincent Drive, stated that he does not live in the Long Point Road area but has been a resident of Mount Pleasant for sixty-nine (69) years and that Boone Hall Plantation is one of the greatest assets to the Town of Mount Pleasant. He expressed his opposition due to the project being outdated. Rebecca Kinlock, 431 Gurley Street, expressed opposition to the project stating that the potential for increased traffic will further impede commute times for residents. Julia Vanderpool, 1242 Parkway Drive, expressed opposition to the project stating that Boone Hall Plantation is an asset to the community and to increase traffic would be a detriment to the scenic highway. Fran Deer Gossett, 7817 Spring Creek Road, stated that she is a resident of North Charleston and questioned if the extension on Long Point Road would interfere with the Christ Church Cemetery where her deceased husband is buried. Mayor Haynie stated that a project map would be shown during the project review and alignment discussion for Long Point Road. William Hamilton, Executive Director of Best Friends of Lowcountry Transit, stated that no matter what improvements are made to Long Point Road, traffic will only continue to worsen and now is the time to seriously consider transit and that the road needs to be designed to accommodate transit. Dinah Owen, 303 Spring Hill Road, expressed opposition to the project stating that additional traffic will cause further congestion and the scenic road will be ruined. Tom Collins, The Enclave, expressed opposition to the project stating that the project is outdated and that the number of residents and traffic volumes has significantly increased. Donna Newton, 941 Long Point Road, expressed opposition to the project stating increased traffic will force Long Point Road to be widened and that her property could become acquired through eminent domain.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 3 of 21 Kathy Grayson, 541 West Rice Planters Point, stated that she was recently involved in an accident on Long Point Road and expressed opposition to the project due to the project increasing traffic and making the roadway more dangerous. Steve Hurst, President, Snee Farm Homeowners Association (HOA), expressed opposition to the project stating that when construction of Lucy Beckham High School is complete, there will be one viable exit from Snee Farm for approximately one thousand (1,000) residents. Michael Hagedorn, 960 Casseque Province, stated that he is a board member of the Snee Farm HOA and expressed opposition to the project commenting that that according to Post and Courier, the growth rate has been twenty- seven and one-half percent (27.5%) and asked the Committee to consider the financial ramifications of the project. Nick Kobylk, 1125 Deleisseline Boulevard, expressed opposition to the project stating that the project would impact residents in African-American and church communities. Arthur Pinkney, 873 Long Point Road, expressed opposition to the project stating that Long Point Road has a history of drainage issues that need to be addressed before proceeding with any roadway projects. John Hendricks, Middleton Court, expressed opposition to the project stating that an accident occurred earlier in the morning on Long Point Road and the potential for increased traffic will make it more dangerous for residents to enter or exit their neighborhoods. Mayor Haynie asked what intersection Mr. Hendricks was referring to. Mr. Hendricks replied that he was referring to the first exit from Snee Farm Gardens. Douglas Gosnell, Long Point Road, expressed opposition to the project stating that it is very difficult to turn left onto Long Point Road. Chris Collins, 505 Coaxum Road, expressed opposition to the project stating that it is very difficult to turn left onto Long Point Road.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 4 of 21 Kristin White, 312 Bridgetown Pass, expressed opposition to the project stating that Lucy Beckham High School will open in fall of 2020 and the project will potentially increase the number of high school drivers on Long Point Road, placing residents at risk. Virginia Smalls, 891 Long Point Road, expressed opposition to the project stating that it is already difficult to access Long Point Road from her driveway. Alfreda Ravenel, 516 Coaxum Road, expressed opposition to the project stating that she is employed a school bus driver and it is difficult to turn left off Garden Way onto Long Point Road. Barbara Jenkins, 474 Spann Street, expressed opposition to the project stating that the project could potentially increase traffic making it more difficult to turn onto Long Point Road. Terri Crow, 594 Hidden Boulevard, expressed opposition to the project stating that extending Long Point Road will result in Long Point Road to be widened. John Hendricks, Middleton Court, stated that straightening the curve will not make much difference to traffic issues on Long Point Road. Susan Ruprecht, 2068 Middleburg Lane, expressed opposition to the project stating that drivers are not navigating the traffic circle properly and that the duel lanes are being used as a straight lane. Traffic has significantly increased and accessing the traffic circle is becoming more difficult and that better signage could be beneficial. Erica Bowen, 356 Mount Royall Drive, stated that while paddle boarding Horlbeck Creek, she noticed that the Boone Hall Creek Bridge is supported by wooden piers and she is unsure if the bridge is currently safe, suggesting that existing infrastructure be improved before proceeding with any projects. Rebecca Gosnell, 1223 Long Point Road, expressed opposition to the project, questioning if a scenic highway, a historic black community and Boone Hall Plantation were sacred enough for Council to preserve.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 5 of 21 Jane Crowley, 644 Bonneau Road, suggested installing four way stops at each intersection on Long Point Road to reduced speeds and allow vehicles to enter Long Point Road safely. Katherine Knight, 2181 Gulf Drive, expressed opposition to the project stating that there is not a need for another road from Rifle Range Road to US- 17 when Six Mile Road and Hamlin Road are located within a mile of each other, suggesting that it is the intention of the Town to acquire the land located between Hamlin Road and Six Mile Road for development, which would create additional traffic. Paul Turner, 356 Bridgetown Pass, thanked Mayor Haynie and the Committee for allowing residents to express their concerns regarding the project. Mr. Turner thanked Mr. Morrison, the Transportation Department and Lauren Sims for explaining the process on how to make changes within the Town. Belle Hall Subdivision is currently compiling information and will be making requests for changes on how Belle Hall interacts with Long Point Road. Since 2009, the traffic count on Long Point Road has exceeded twenty- three thousand (23,000) vehicles per day. The project will create an attractive nuisance and increased traffic. The 2018 Comprehensive Planning encompasses transportation within Mount Pleasant and the Town will be hosting an Open House Tuesday, June 5, 2018, and residents are encouraged to attend. Mitch Witherspoon, Hobcaw Creek Plantation HOA, expressed that residents are concerned with the increased truck traffic from I-526 to the Port and that truck operators often rush leaving the port. Hobcaw Creek Plantation and Hidden Cove have formed a committee and will approach the SCDOT, Ports Authority and the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) to control speeding trucks. Carmen Miles, 751 Omni Boulevard, expressed opposition to the project stating that her primary concern is wetland degradation. Additional drainage, even when not interfering with wetlands, reduces the natural function of filtering and elements of the ecosystem are adversely affected.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 6 of 21 Andy DeMassey, 3117 Queensgate Way, expressed opposition to the project stating that Boone Hall is a historic site, Long Point Road is a designated scenic highway and the Snowden community has been established for hundreds of years and the community’s quality of life is being affected and the Town should be protecting the area. The Town has already taken a small portion of land for intersection improvements on US 17 and if another portion is taken for the current project, what would stop Mr. McRae from developing the front tract of his property and developing something similar to what has been built across from Towne Center. Thomasena Stokes-Marshall, 481 Lillie and Rebecca Lane, thanked Mayor Haynie and the Committee for the opportunity for residents to express their concerns stating that she was a Council member when the decision to proceed with the project was made in 2010 and did support the project but with the increase in the population and number of vehicles on Long Point Road she is now opposed to the project. Pat Sullivan, 1002 Plantation Court, expressed opposition to the project stating that Hamlin Plantation and Boone Hall Plantation are the only two (2) uncommitted parcels of land within the Town. The Town owes it to citizens and visitors to do everything it can to protect these last lands. The National Trust for Historic Preservation thinks that Boone Hall is valuable enough that it has put it on its National Register for Historic Places. Boone Hall land should not be encroached upon or compromised and should be proactively preserved and protected instead of encroaching on part of it to build a road that Long Point Road homeowners believe will only increase the already dangerous traffic overload. Robert Coaxum, 435 Gurley Street, asked the Committee that instead of extending Long Point Road to lower the speed limit. Elizabeth Boyles, Town of Mount Pleasant Principle Planner, stated that it is an honor to be working with the Citizens Planning Forum on the update of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Plan. The Town will be hosting an Open House at the Municipal Complex, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be discussing transportation and land use  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 7 of 21 recommendations to seek feedback from citizens to try to ensure that the plan represents what the community wants. If residents are unable to attend the Open House, a survey will be available on the Town of Mount Pleasant website. Ms. Grant, 1684 Latroy Avenue, expressed concern for the safety of new drivers. Kathi Flowers, 1958 Blythewood Court, noted that the commercial aspect on Long Point Road has not been discussed. Willie McRae, Owner, Boone Hall Plantation, thanked the residents for attending the Committee meeting and stated that Long Point Road is scenic highway and has an entrenchment that was constructed next to the road in 1860 that was built to protect the City of Charleston, Fort Moultrie and Mount Pleasant. The Town is looking to extend Long Point Road through Boone Hall which will clear cut a road bed to include a sidewalk to US 17 that is not in keeping with a scenic road. The road will then extend to Rifle Range Road. When US 17 was widened to six (6) lanes, traffic was alleviated for approximately a year and a half. Do we need yet another short-cut to I-526? Mayor Haynie stated that Mr. McRae was a material part of Agenda Item 3 and suggested that the meeting move into Agenda Item 3 so that Mr. McRae would not be limited to speak for only two (2) minutes. 3. Project Review and alignment discussion for Long Point Road Realignment and Extension Mr. McRae continued that the Liberty Hill development that will be located at the opposite end of Long Point Road extension and the developer has contributed one million, six hundred thousand dollars ($1,600,000) toward the project and drivers will take the shortest route from Rifle Range Road to I-526. In a 2009 meeting with former Mayor Billy Swails and former Council Member Paul Gawrych, regarding the project, the project sounded good and he asked when the project would begin. Mr. Swails replied that he did not know when the project would begin because the Town did not have the money. When Linda Page was Mayor, he asked her when the project would begin and Ms. Page replied that the Town still did not have the money. Now  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 8 of 21 the money is available and it appears that we are going to build a road whether or not it is wanted. It took eight (8) years to get to this point and suddenly, there is a rush to do it. Other alternatives should be examined before the project commences on a scenic highway. Bill Miller, President, Rice Planters Point HOA, stated that he is the former Director of Planning for Charleston County and present at the Transportation Committee meeting at the request of Mr. McRae and the homeowners of Rice Planters Point to express concerns relating to the Long Point Road project. The condition of the two (2) bridges on Long Point Road are in a state of disrepair and need to be focused upon to maintain safety, noting that the bulkhead near the roundabout is failing. The SCDOT does not have funding to repair the bridges, but is in the process of developing plans to submit for permitting and a date to complete repairs has not been established. Expected growth on US 17 north of Long Point Road has not been mentioned and it is estimated that an approximate five thousand to five thousand, five hundred (5,000 – 5,500) more dwelling units are planned that will add approximately twenty-two thousand (22,000) additional vehicles using US 17, Rifle Range Road and eventually the future Billy Swails Boulevard. Another cut-through road from Rifle Range Road to Long Point Road that will increase traffic on a road that was designed for thirteen thousand (13,000) vehicles per day is not needed. Mayor Haynie stated that the public comments portion of the Committee meeting was concluded and that public comments have lasted for approximately one hour. This item was placed on the agenda because residents now have a Council that listens to the people of the Town of Mount Pleasant. When running for Mayor and being elected to office, he emphasized it was time to put the residents first and this meeting is evidence of that, expressing appreciation for the residents attending. When the project was first developed many years ago and discussed with Mr. McRae and when Ms. Stokes-Marshall was on Council, it was not the intention to harm anyone or to increase traffic on Long Point Road. That was a decade ago and a lot has changed in the Town of Mount Pleasant. Mr. McRae expressed opposition to the project during a meeting with him at Boone Hall  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 9 of 21 to discuss the project and the public forum today is a result of that. He asked if the Committee would like to proceed with the presentation by Staff or if the Committee has another idea. Mr. Bustos stated that the issue came to light with the Liberty Farms Subdivision that will consist of three hundred (300) homes, and commented that he did not vote for the project because he thought it was in the wrong place and was concerned that Rifle Range Road would be inundated with additional traffic. It is good to hear the Ms. Stokes-Marshall, who initially voted for the project, has had a change of heart and changed her mind, suggesting that Council not proceed with the project. A study should be conducted on Long Point Road to include Rifle Range Road because there are many communities on Rifle Range Road and because of the number of houses that have been approved, traffic is going to become problematic. He has a motion to offer the Committee, but did not know if the Committee is ready to entertain that motion or wait for more discussion. Mr. Cunnane thanked everyone for attending the meeting and thanked Mr. McRae for his presentation and for meeting with him. It is clear the residents want less traffic on Long Point Road. There are a lot of residents not present that are impacted by the project and it is important to be cognizant of that. Several suggestions and ideas were mentioned and it is important to identify solutions to improve traffic. It is clear more police enforcement is needed on Long Point Road to more stringently enforce the truck restrictions and issue citations. Emergency vehicles travel on the causeway and the Belle Hall Engine Station services the residents on SC 41. Travel time for first responders is approximately eighteen (18) minutes at night and twenty-five (25) minutes during the day. Making sure all signage is visible is an easy solution. The current conditions of Long Point Road are horrible and the next step is to identify solutions. Residents are entitled to use their driveways safely and commuters are entitled to use the roadway properly to access the commercial area near Belle Hall Plantation, area schools and offices. Mr. Brimmer thanked the audience for attending the meeting and commented that he spent approximately seven (7) years on the Planning Commission prior to being elected to Council and has been aware of the  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 10 of 21 project for a long time and assumed that the agreements had been executed and was unaware there was any resistance. This project requires the use of private land and Mr. McRae has expressed that he is not interested in using or selling his land for this project. Because Mr. McRae is opposed to the project, that would put the Town in the position of considering eminent domain, noting that he is not a supporter and has never voted for it and never supported it for any project. Eminent domain is an option that is used when no other option is available and questioned if the project is a necessity or a convenience and that he would not support eminent domain for a convenience project. The Town is currently in the comprehensive plan process, which will lay out the Town’s priorities and values for the next ten (10) years. The Comprehensive Plan should be examined to see what the land use recommendations are going to be on the Long Point Road corridor and what the transportation recommendations will be. The recommendations may be consistent with the current recommendations or may be different than past recommendations and it would be prudent to examine the recommendations since the comprehensive plan is based heavily on what the residents desire as opposed to other interests. The quality of Long Point Road is very concerning and has been a topic of conversation in Town for many years and because the issues are not resolved, he is hesitant to do anything on this road that does not consider the quality of the bridges, flooding and any other issues. Additionally, by not having the presentation from Staff and based on some of the public comments that have been expressed, he is unsure if the residents are fully informed on the specifics of what is being proposed, asking staff when this project was proposed, was the problem that was being solved currently the same problem. While the project does provide some connectivity to the transportation network, it is worth discussing whether all the improvements that have been made over the past nine (9) years and all the improvements that are being considered have mitigated the need for the road. Mr. Haynie stated that he previously lived on Snapdragon Way and drove his daughter to Wando High School for two and half (2.5) years and is aware of the traffic issues and what it like to have a teenage driver. Several concerns  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 11 of 21 include flooding issues, the twenty-seven and a half percent (27.5) growth rate and the increase in land value that has occurred since the project was initially developed. The effect of this project creates a new parcel of land that backs up to Snee Farm with no road there and what is the future of that land. His pledge to the residents as a candidate and as Mayor was that Town infrastructure plans should proceed first to get our infrastructure in place before doing things that increase traffic. The point has been made that a scenic highway, a historic property and a cultural community are going to impacted and it is time for the Committee to reconsider what we are doing. Mr. Bustos has prepared a motion and some aspects have been discussed, but something that should be at the forefront is contact the SCDOT regarding the status of the bridges. Discussion has occurred with Mr. McRae about the long-term future of Boone Hall because no one will be here forever and he hopes to continue that conversation. He does not want a road to harm it and does not want anyone in the future to change it for the worse. Starting a conversation to identify how the Town can to help in that regard and doing what is fair to Mr. McRae is important. Mr. Bustos stated that he would make two motions relating to the project and the SCDOT. Mr. Bustos moved to recommend to full Council that the Long Point Road Realignment and Extension Project be suspended until the next Capital Improvement Retreat and funds remain in place for the project to be used for repairs on Long Point Road, if needed; Mr. Brimmer seconded. Mr. DeMoura inquired if the motion is passed, should staff cancel the current design contract or follow through with design. Mr. Bustos stated that the project needs to be put on hold due to concerns that have been raised and since the project was initiated approximately ten (10) years, that the design could not be in keeping with where we are now. The motion to suspend the project design includes everything. Mr. Brimmer asked for clarification from Mr. DeMoura that the design is focusing on the portion of road from US 17 to Rifle Range Road. Mr. DeMoura answered in the affirmative.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 12 of 21 Mr. Haynie asked for clarification whether the portion of road from US 17 to Billy Swails Boulevard is part of the on-going design. Mr. DeMoura replied in the affirmative. Mayor Haynie stated that portion can continue and that the portion of the project being discussed is the realignment on the Boone Hall side. Mr. DeMoura stated that if that is the Committee’s desire, Staff will proceed in that direction and thanked Mayor Haynie for the clarification. Mr. Bustos asked if the portion of the project being referenced was from US 17 down Long Point Road. Mr. DeMoura clarified it was the portion from US 17 to the intersection of the future Billy Swails Boulevard. Mayor Haynie stated that is not the portion being considered to halt design and that input today related to the effect of the realignment through Boone Hall property on the other side of US 17. Mr. DeMoura agreed. Mayor Haynie asked Mr. Bustos if his motion would include a statement to full Council that based on the changes and input from the community that the Committee cannot say the project is being deauthorized, as there is a process for doing that, but that the Committee is proposing to suspend a portion of the project to reconsider probable outcomes and that the residents do not support the project. Mr. Bustos stated that the motion effectively stops the project and at the next CIP, it can be identified on how to connect Rifle Range Road with US 17 without connecting to Long Point Road. Mayor Haynie stated that by leaving the project in the CIP portion of the budget, funds can be used to address drainage or bridges issues, if needed. Mr. Bustos agreed, stating that was his intention. Mr. Cunnane asked if there was a time frame in the agreement Mr. McRae eluded to with the Liberty Hill developer.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 13 of 21 Mr. DeMoura stated that he would need to check that the language did not specify a roadway all the way to Long Point Road and just for the extension of Long Point Road. Mr. Cunnane asked if the Town could stop the developer from building it. Mr. DeMoura asked for clarification that Staff is to proceed with design of the portion from the future Billy Swails Parkway to Rifle Range Road. Mr. Brimmer stated to Mr. Cunnane that portion of the project was not solely for the extension of Long Point Road and was to provide another alternative for neighborhoods on Rifle Range Road and the project has purposes other than the extension of Long Point Road. Mr. Cunnane asked if the improvement was a required precursor to the development. Mr. DeMoura stated that it was not a formal condition. Mr. Cunnane asked how it would be navigated if the Town were to violate the contract. Mr. DeMoura stated it would take some time to explore that issue and that the developer of the Liberty Hill Subdivision is required to make that contribution but does not believe it forces the Town to continue the roadway to the portion that is being discussed. Mr. DeMoura referred to a graphic for clarification to identify the portion of the project that Staff will proceed with, stating that as Mayor Haynie suggested and through Mr. Bustos’ motion with a favorable vote of Council, Staff will adjust the project design contract to reflect the motion. Mr. Cunnane stated at the public meeting in February, concerns were expressed regarding where that road will be located on Rifle Range Road and impacts to adjacent residents. Mr. DeMoura explained that the Committee will have two (2) options on where the roadway will meet Rifle Range Road. One can be further to the south, which is more disruptive to the conceptual design of the recreational park or one that will be more to the north and will provide more park land for public’s enjoyment.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 14 of 21 Mr. Cunnane commented that the Committee will have to choose between more park land or harming access to a resident’s property. Mayor Haynie asked if there was any further discussion from Committee on the motion. Mr. Brimmer stated because the project has been in progress for so long, it should be acknowledged that the amount of time Staff has worked on the project and it is important for the public to understand that the Transportation staff carries out the will of Town Council and do not make decisions about roads or which roads will be built. The work that has been done on the Long Point Road project has been in response to directives from the current and previous Town Councils and the work that has been done to accommodate Council’s wishes is appreciated. Mr. Cunnane asked if the portion of the project between Billy Swails Boulevard and US 17 will be suspended. Mr. DeMoura replied if that is the will of the Council. Mr. Cunnane stated that he does not know what the motion is. Mr. Bustos stated that the motion is anything dealing with the portion of the project that involves the existing Long Point Road will be put on hold and the only portion of the project that will be designed is the portion from Billy Swails Boulevard to Rifle Range Road. Mayor Haynie stated that when the project is before Council, it will be explained that the reason funding is being left in place is to examine infrastructure needs. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bustos moved to direct staff to contact SCDOT relative to the number of vehicles and the general condition of Long Point Road to conduct a survey for repairs. Motion seconded by Mr. Cunnane. Mr. Cunnane asked to amend the motion to request additional law enforcement on Long Point Road.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 15 of 21 Mr. Bustos amended the motion to include increased law enforcement on Long Point Road; motion seconded by Mr. Cunnane. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Discussion of traffic impacts associated with the expansion of Moultrie Middle School and the construction of Lucy Beckham High School Mr. DeMoura stated that a traffic analysis was performed prior the construction of Moultrie Middle School and the traffic improvements that were made were for the build out of the school. The original improvements satisfied the traffic analysis and it is not expected that the Town will be requesting additional traffic improvements. The future Lucy Beckham High School was rezoned and a traffic analysis was performed at that location and the Town requested that Charleston County School District (CCSD) fund a traffic signal at Mathis Ferry Road at Lauda Drive. Mr. Morrison stated the responsibility for the signal installation at Lauda Drive and Mathis Ferry is on CCSD. He noted that if it were included as part of a larger project, the Town would receive that funding to install the signal within that project. Mayor Haynie stated that Lauda drive is located near US 17 and inquired how close will the signal be to US 17. Mr. Morrison estimated it was approximately three hundred fifty (350) feet from US 17 and the signal would be part of a larger project that involves a reconfiguration of the laneage on the entire approach. Mayor Haynie stated for the benefit of the audience, the Town does not make the decision of how the CCSD will zone Lucy Beckham High School and asked if Staff is consulted by CCSD with respect to traffic infrastructure. Mr. DeMoura stated that the redistricting is performed solely by the constituent board and when the board is considering new schools, the Town has been proactive in requiring a traffic analyses for recommendations and improvements that are imposed on CCSD. Mayor Haynie asked if it is anticipated that adjustments will need to be made based on the outcome of the redistricting.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 16 of 21 Mr. DeMoura replied that he is unsure, stating once the decision is made, the impacts would need to be reevaluated and discussed with the Committee. Mayor Haynie inquired the purpose of the traffic signal at Lauda Drive. Mr. DeMoura replied that the signal is to facilitate traffic. Mayor Haynie asked if the signal is intended to facilitate traffic towards or away the school. Mr. DeMoura replied that the intention is to facilitate traffic in both directions stating that the analysis showed a signal to be an effective way moving additional traffic. Mr. Brimmer questioned if when Indigo Square was discussed, the signal was also to help facilitate safe ingress/egress into the adjacent neighborhoods. Mr. Morrison responded in the affirmative, stating the general growth in the volume at the intersection was concerning and that is why the improvement was required of CCSD. Mr. Bustos asked if it is possible to find out, by percentage, how much traffic has increased. Mr. DeMoura stated that the data is available as to major roadways and secondary roadways. Mr. Bustos commented it would be good information to have and to somehow impose the information over our population growth. Mr. Morrison stated the information was displayed at the Comprehensive Planning Open House and Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) that provide volumes across the entire network and selected count stations to include the annualized percentage growth table. The information can be provided to the Committee. Mr. Cunnane commented that when Jennie Moore Elementary School was re- zoned, it took students away from Park West. The school district goes through these zoning proposals where the kids are going to feed from, and in that instance, SC 41 was completely disregarded as a failing road and they added more trips on SC 41 by putting Rivertowne students at Jennie Moore instead  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 17 of 21 of putting Charleston National students there. We may not be able to control what the school district does, but can could propose some broad-based policy goals to share with them. Mr. DeMoura stated that policy goals would have to be defined further, explaining that CCSD provides staff support and data to the constituent board in making decisions throughout the process. CCSD interacts with the Town as to zoning assumptions and traffic trips to collect information to provide to the Constituent Board for decision making. Mr. Cunnane stated that the decision is based from data and a policy formed by the Town could be more impactful when decisions relating to re-zoning decisions are made. Mayor Haynie stated a Council level policy to provide to the Constituent Board for consideration should be discussed. Mr. Cunnane commented that Council should encourage the School Board to make decisions that will not create traffic congestion. Mr. DeMoura stated that the issue can be discussed at the Education Committee to identify the Town’s guiding principles for Constituent Board decision making. Mr. Cunnane asked if CCSD had a transportation staff. Mr. Morrison stated that it is his understanding that consultants are used for any traffic analysis. Mayor Haynie suggested that the issue be placed on the July 2018 Education Committee Agenda and asked if it is known when the Constituent Board is going to finalize the re-districting of the middle and the high schools. Mr. Brimmer stated that the Board will want to have a final decision made one year in advance and that the decision will most likely be sometime in the fall. Mr. Cunnane stated the issue should be addressed before it reaches a controversial level.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 18 of 21 5. Discussion regarding the status of the widening of Highway 41 Mayor Haynie stated that he was shocked to see that there was consideration of re-routing traffic from a major thoroughfare into one of the Town’s largest neighborhood and the Committee should make a motion and vote expressing concern at re-routing traffic off a major thoroughfare and into neighborhoods and then back onto the thoroughfare. Mr. Brimmer stated that neighbors and other residents have expressed opposition to Alternative 7 as it relates to the widening of Highway 41. Examining all alternatives is part of the process, but Alternative 7 has created anxiety, opposition and even discussion by residents to consider litigation. The general feeling from residents is they do not know the best alternative for widening of SC 41, but the focus needs to be back on the corridor to determine real solutions. The goal is to remove Alternative 7 from consideration so that real opportunities can be identified, and it would a strong statement from the Council to take a position on Alternative 7. He noted that, for transparency sake, he lives off Bessemer Road, but his comments are not his opinion, but based on comments from neighbors that are opposed to the concept. He also noted that the public comments portion of the project ends June 16, 2018. The longer Alternative 7 is a consideration, the more of a distraction it is for moving forward on other options. Mr. Haynie stated residents are expressing concerns to Council Members, and he suggest the Town publish the link to the Highway 41 Corridor Improvements website on the Town’s website and social media outlets, to include the last day to send feedback to the County. While Council does not discourage residents from reaching out to express concerns, concerns relating to this project should be sent to the people tabulating the input. Mr. Brimmer asked Staff if a motion on the Town taking position would be helpful. Mr. Morrison stated that it would be similar to the discussion of the Town making a policy statement on the re-districting of the schools and that if the Council wishes to make that statement as a whole, it would be considered in the process as input is reviewed.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 19 of 21 Mr. Brimmer made a motion for the Town to take a position opposing Alternative 7 and supporting looking at other alternatives within SC 41 corridor; Mayor Haynie asked for clarification what Alternative 7 encompasses. Mr. Brimmer stated that Bessemer Road is currently a two (2) lane collector road and that Alternative 7 would create a five (5) lane road that would route traffic from SC 41 into the Dunes West and Park West subdivisions. Mayor Haynie stated that all of what was just said is not in the motion, but just for clarification. Mr. Cunnane agreed that we should not re-route a state road into a neighborhood but that we should be cognizant of future improvements that may be needed on Bessemer Road before improvements on SC 41 begin. Mayor Haynie stated that the motion relates specifically to Alternative 7. Mr. Cunnane seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Pat Sullivan, 1002 Plantation Court, stated the Phillips Community is located on both sides of the SC 41 and suggested that the community may be at a disadvantage of staying informed due to the lack of being connected on social media and that the Phillips Community does not want a five (5) lane road through its community. Mayor Hanie stated that a five (5) lane road through the Phillips Community has not been endorsed. Mr. Bustos asked Mr. Sullivan is she was a resident of the Phillips Community. Ms. Sullivan replied in the negative. Mr. Bustos asked if anyone was present from the Phillips Community. [none] Mr. Brimmer stated that one of the worst things that can happen during this process is to pit neighborhoods against each other, commenting that the taking of property anywhere is a serious issue. There are stakeholder meetings for this project and the Phillips Community is included and has  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 20 of 21 representation at the meetings, but there has not been representation for the residents on Bessemer Road. The decision to widen Highway 41 was made a long time ago and the discussion now needs to be how best to protect that neighborhood and everyone that is going to be impacted should have representation as the project proceeds. Mayor Haynie stated that he was at that stakeholder meeting and Phillips Community was represented, but there was nobody from our constituent’s neighborhoods there and asked if that was something that can be changed. Mr. Brimmer stated that he has made that request himself and not from the Town. Mayor Haynie asked if it would help if there were an action or if a request is sufficient. Mr. Cunnane agreed, stating that the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce was invited but that the public is being ignored and asked who decides the stakeholders and if a member of the Transportation staff should be attending the meetings. Cal Oyer, Construction Project Manager, Charleston County Transportation Development, stated that community meetings have been conducted and the County wanted to engage each of the communities individually and the meetings are conducted prior to stakeholders meeting. The stakeholders group is broader group to comment on the project and include members such as the Chamber of Commerce or elected officials. The County wanted to focus the community meetings within the individual communities, reiterating that the communities have not been purposely ignored. Mayor Haynie stated that he was surprised to see that Phillips Community had an official representative at the meeting, but Park West did not. Mr. Oyer explained that when the meetings first started to occur, the Phillips Community was not a stakeholder and when the County finished studies on their eligibility on the National Historic Register, the community was invited to join the stakeholder group.  Transportation Committee Minutes June 4, 2018 Page 21 of 21 Mayor Haynie stated that it does appear that one community is being treated differently than another. Mr. Brimmer thanked Mr. Oyer for attending the Transportation Committee meeting stating one issue is that when the list of attendees was forwarded, the Park West Master Association was on the list as a representative. The Mater Association is run by the developer and, unfortunately, the developer is leaving Park West by the end of this year and since the developer does not own property on Bessemer anymore, it is recommended that the County include the property owners that will be impacted. Mr. Oyer stated that the County would work with the Town to ensure the residents were included. 6. Update – ongoing projects Mayor Haynie asked, due to time constraints, if there were issued that needed to be discussed on any ongoing projects. Mr. Lykins stated that there is one issue on Coleman and the date to move into Phase 2 that was scheduled to happen in May will be delayed until July due to a utility conflict with SCE&G that that needs to be addressed noting that the delay in Phase 2 will not affect the end date of the project. 7. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:24p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Cathy Godsey June 8, 2018