| LIBRARY PLANS CONFIRMED – And It’s Good News!In November 2029, Dorchester County voters approved a referendum authorizing about $30 million in library improvements at several sites. The proposal specified that a branch library would be constructed in North Charleston’s municipal footprint within the county. Many sites were considered, but our city’s recommendation has been that the library should be constructed next to the Aquatics Center on Patriot Boulevard on property owned by Dorchester District 2 Schools, and that the facility be jointly utilized by Fort Dorchester High School students and the public. This required some challenging legal knitting and lots of interagency collaboration, but last week Dorchester County Council ratified a development agreement with the school district. The original plan for a 10,000 -square- foot branch library now calls for a $6 million 15,000-square-foot structure that will include the FDHS media center. This will free up space within the school for much-needed additional classrooms – and take advantage of existing parking and pedestrian access. While the facility can be separated as needed for school purposes, it will generally operate as a joint use facility. Site planning will begin soon and the library could open within two years. This cooperative intergovernmental approach enhances values of taxpayers’ investments. We are grateful to Todd Friddle, our new Dorchester County Council representative, a key player in keeping this plan on track and representing our city’s recommendations. WESCOTT CIRCLE DEVELOPMENT Barring any additional development at the entrance to the Wescott Golf Club was not a legal option. So City Council last week approved an amendment to the original Planned Development District plan that would replace commercial development options in the south quadrant of the traffic circle with 26 townhomes. Additionally, the revised plan requires enhanced aesthetics standards for the total of 78 units, including that building materials would include brick and cement board exteriors consistent with the exteriors of the Harmony at Wescott (Assisted Living Center.) The requisite traffic study indicated the townhomes would create less traffic that the list of commercial buildout options which the property owner indicated might include a hotel. Of course, any additional traffic brings concerns for Wescott Boulevard which already is a popular cut-through arterial, especially during morning commute hours. The city plans to conduct an updated traffic study for Wescott Boulevard which will include a review of signage, pedestrian crosswalks and the proposition of whether the roadway should be fully expanded to four-lanes or redesigned more as a neighborhood thoroughfare. We now await updated landscaping plans. I will try to keep residents informed via this newsletter. Here is link that provides the renderings of the townhomes appearance. https://mcusercontent.com/614be92cd45075268c796c52d/files/b7adc929-152e-48c9-aa93-8de1e4e871c0/wescott_circle_townhomes_elevations_PROPOSED.pdf ARTS FESTIVAL BEGINS ANEW Activities April 28 through May 2 include a variety of exhibits and public events. This popular program was canceled last year because of the pandemic and will be somewhat limited this season, as well. But there are many attractive options, including some virtual activities for children. This website provides all the details…..North Charleston Arts Fest Miscellaneous….. The property behind the Sphinx station Ashley Phosphate and Patriot Boulevard is being developed as a moving van depot. The property generally behind the Sphinx station at PCP-Ladson Road is being cleared in preparation for commercial buildings (not apartments.) There is no firm timetable for the final connection of Weber Boulevard to Patriot and Palmetto Commerce Parkway (PCP). The development plan ran into permitting and pandemic delay issues and the work is now pegged to Charleston County’s plan to create a new interchange at Interstate 26. I will alert residents when we have a better timetable. The county’s rebuild of the PCP- Patriot intersection is nearing completion. This work should enhance traffic flows through a very busy intersection. Please share this timely information with your neighbors. Glad to add any District 4 resident to the direct mailing list for this little newsletter. Send me a request at rbrin@aol.com |
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District 4 Updates April 26 2021 – Councilman Ron Brinson
