Councilman Ron Brinson         
District 4 Updates      September 24, 2019

Look for re-paving machines beginning this week on sections of Wescott Boulevard, Patriot Boulevard and city sections of Windsor Hill Boulevard, at Indigo Palms.  This work will repair these roadways. Funding is provided by our city and the County Transportation Committee. Plans for a city-funded repaving Wescott and Patriot are being formulated. Also, we anticipate public meetings in January to consider the futures of Wescott and Patriot – should they be widened to four lanes, or should they become “neighborhood” streets – more crosswalks and stops, slower speed limits. This would make cut-through traffic less attractive.

Panera Bread at the Corner at Wescott is experiencing what one of its managers called a “fantastic first week.”  Site work has begun at Krispy Kreme’s new store on Ladson Road. “Hot and Ready” lights should be blinking in early January.

CEDAR GROVE DEVELOPMENT
The property owner has submitted a Planned Development District application to the city Planning Commission covering the Dorchester Road tract across from Charleston Park, at Cedar Grove. Councilman Skipper and I arranged for the developers to meet with neighborhood leadership focus groups. These produced valued insights and counsel. The application addresses all of the major concerns expressed at these meetings. The process of Planning Commission public hearings and City Council consideration should begin in November. A grocery store, a home furnishing “big box” and restaurants are in prospect. The project has been described in terms complementary to the Corner of Wescott, and many of the same aesthetical features will be applied.

The November 5 Municipal Election and County Referendums

Mayor Summey, Councilman Skipper and I are working to achieve a significant increase in voter turnout for the November 5 election. In 2015, only 12 per cent of voters in Districts 4 and 9 voted. We hope that number approaches or exceeds 20 per cent on November 5.

And to answer the scores of thoughtful questions after my last newsletter, yes, I am running for re-election and I would welcome – and be grateful – for your support.

Most importantly, please plan to vote and please spread the word among your neighbors and friends.

North Charleston now has an estimated 27,000 residents living in Dorchester County. It is important to continue to meld constructive relationships with county government and the Dorchester 2 School District. County Council will have a pair of referendums on the November 5 ballot, propositions for new libraries, including one in North Charleston, and a new public park complex on the Ashley River.

Some important considerations:

North Charleston residents can vote “In-Person Absentee” at the Community Center located at Wescott Park, 9006 Dorchester Road beginning Monday, October 28, through Friday, November 1, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

The last day for registering to vote or changing your address is October 5. There are several options, including registration online, by mail or facsimile.  You can find detailed information about those options, absentee balloting, and confirming your precinct at
https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/government/administrative-services/election-commission/november-5-2019-election

Charleston County Election Commission is coordinating our city’s election with Dorchester County’s commission. Absentee ballot information is available at both commission sites, or you can request information by e-mail at absentee@charlestoncounty.org,

I have precinct assignments for all registered voters. Let me know if I can help.

Also, keep in mind that this election will be conducted under new state law rules, including a requirement that each voter provide a Photo ID at the polling place.

SPEEDERS, STOP SIGN RUNNERS AND SIGN FLOUTERS BEWARE:
Enforcement initiatives are underway, particularly on neighborhood streets. These trends are epidemic in all neighborhoods – and pose serious public safety concerns. Please drive safely, carefully and lawfully.

Thank You Lowe’s!
Led by its Dorchester Road store, Lowe’s answered Mayor Summey’s challenge to provide water, tarps and chain saws for the relief efforts in the hurricane ravaged Bahamas.  This also included collection centers in several shipping centers manned by off-duty North Charleston policemen. Even the James Island Lowe’s responded. The results included truckloads of water, equipment and specialty tools.  As Mayor Summey noted, Hurricane Dorian hovered for nearly two days over the Bahamas and that likely lessened its impact on Greater Charleston.  When you shop again in Lowe’s please let their team know of our city’s appreciation.

Please circulate this newsletter to your neighbors. I’m glad to add any resident to the mailing list. Please contact me at rbrin@aol.com
 

Our mailing address is:
Ron Brinson, District 4, North Charleston City Council
Chair Finance Committee
rbrin@aol.com