Harris TEETER GAS STATION “Plan” – This proposal will be before City Council and a public hearing Thursday, February 9, 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, third floor at City Hall. HOA leaders are encouraged to spread the word and encourage residents to attend and participate. Ample opportunity will be provided to all who want to speak.
The Planning Commission last week voted unanimously to recommend the grocer’s “fuel island” plan be denied. The arching concern is that such a facility would violate the Dorchester Overlay District planning standards and set a precedent that could lead to additional gas stations between Appian Way and Parlor.
City Council has the final say and next Thursday’s meeting is the first of three during February that will complete the process.
I will keep you posted. Please contact me if you have questions or want to provide counsel.
The Aquatics Center – City Council has authorized $1.1 million for architectural work and site planning and has granted Mayor Summey authority to finalize a formal inter agency agreement with District 2 School District. This project should be moving into noticeable site planning and clearing by mid-summer. The $20 million facility will feature Olympic-sized competitive swimming pools that can be divided for more conventional community uses. Swimming lessons for all school children is a specific program objective. The project also includes another roadway ingress and egress for Fort Dorchester High School campus. Another conceptual option: The Dorchester Library Commission is planning a satellite library somewhere in the North Charleston sections of the county. The Aquatics Center site at Patriot Boulevard and Appian Way is a possible option. I’ll keep you posted.
Police Citizens Advisory Commission – This panel has an important mission to improve communications and general relationships between police men and women and the communities they serve. This group is fully supported by the mayor and city council. Its mission statement was drafted by the U.S. Justice Department. As I reported previously in this newsletter, each councilman appoints two members. We had a dozen outstanding candidates applying from District 4. For the Commission’s critically-important organizational period, I’ve made the following two appointments:
Marc Embler and Richard Hayes.
Dr. Embler is dean of Charleston Southern University Center For Academic Excellence and chairman of the school’s Criminal Justice Department.
Mr. Hayes is a retired air force officer, an executive in a local chemical manufacturing firm and a member of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry.
Raising Cane’s at The Corner at Wescott – This very popular restaurant has been cited for violating the buffer between its building and Dorchester Road. The company apparently went a bit too far in cleaning up post-storm debris and “under-brushed” what is to be an undisturbed natural buffer. The mitigation requirements will include new plantings in a process to be supervised by the city’s public works team.
New Exercise EQUIPMENT – Look for the new “adult” exercise stations at equipment at the Wescott Park and Ball fields. This complements the children’s playground which was installed last year. The exercise features were funded by District 9 Councilman Kenny Skipper’s discretionary bond program. The children’s playground facility was sponsored and funded by District 4’s program.
Dog Play Park at Wescott Park – This instantly popular facility has been showing signs of overuse, especially during the periods of heavy rain. Our city’s recreation department team has been working hard to keep it “playable” and they’re looking at some options for installing artificial turf specifically designed for such facilities.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE – I’ve been asked to share again the links below which provide valuable and timely information about maintenance of drainage facilities owned by property owners’ associations. There have been four major rain events in our district over the last 18 months. We’ve been reminded that so much of the drainage “system” we depend upon is “privately” owned by POAs and HOAs. Ongoing maintenance is not just important—it is imperative ! Please keep me posted on maintenance initiatives in your neighborhoods.
EPA best practices, includes plans and checklists….https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/pondmgmtguide.pdf
This citizens guide to pond maintenance: http://www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Docs/ponds.pdf
Our Best Management Practices (BMP) manual has sections on the construction of both wet and dry detention ponds. http://www.scdhec.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/Stormwater/BMPHandbook/mindex.htm
Clemson’s also has a helpful guide on stormwater pond problem solving. website: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/natural_resources/water/stormwater_ponds/problem_solving/index.html
Please share these updates with your neighbors and I’m happy to add anyone to the base mailing list. And please contact me anytime with questions or counsel. rbrin@aol.com
