The meeting will have a drop-in type format (stop by anytime between 5-7pm) with displays for viewing. Citizens will have the opportunity to provide written comments. There will be no formal presentation at the meeting.
On Thursday, December 12, The Commission met at 4:00 PM. The meeting was held in the Summerville County Council Chambers at 500 N. Main Street (Cedar St. Entrance). Here is the link to the Planning Commission December Meeting Agenda Packet: https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25045/638666671247439337. Our Dorchester District 97 Representative Robby Robbins was also in attendance.
The amendment to limit new mines came before the Commission for the third time. This time, they finally stopped delaying the decision. This time, they outright rejected the staff recommendation. They refused to adopt the amendment. This decision denied our community some form of relief from the sand mine truck traffic.
Of interest to the community of the Town of Dorchester in this meeting was Agenda Item 6 (Old Business) B. “ZTA 24-07: Text Amendment to the Dorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards Ordinance Number 04-13, as previously amended, with respect to Article X, Section 10.4.11 “Mineral Resource Extraction Operations” for the purpose of limiting the proximity of new mineral resource extraction operations from existing permitted operations.”
This text amendment was requested in response to concerns voiced regarding the condition of roads with high volumes of large trucks. The ordinance amendment was modeled after a similar condition in Charleston County. It limits the number of mines that can operate close to each other. This reduction would help decrease the amount of large-truck traffic on certain roadways (package pages 45-49). This amendment had been studied and recommended for approval by the commission staff. Amendment input included a public workshop of stakeholders and feedback from the county on roads and traffic.
Unlike prior agenda items at this meeting, no public comment was allowed during the commission’s discussion of this item. Commission Members Chris Ackerman and Bret Judy were the most vocal in opposition to the amendment. There were no other options or alternatives discussed. They led the vote to reject the amendment to reduce the density of sand mine traffic in the county. With no other alternative on the table to reduce the truck traffic density, I feel the commission’s rejection of the ordinance amendment was irresponsible. This was an open public meeting and included public feedback and comments at the end. I did rise and express my dissatisfaction to the Commission on their lack of action in this matter.
Of interest for this meeting to the community of the Town of Dorchester is Agenda Item 6 (Old Business) B. ZTA 24-07: Text Amendment to the Dorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards Ordinance Number 04-13, as previously amended, with respect to Article X, Section 10.4.11 “Mineral Resource Extraction Operations” for the purpose of limiting the proximity of new mineral resource extraction operations from existing permitted operations.
I believe that for our community, this proposed amendment to the ordinance is a positive step. It aims to control some of the sand mine truck traffic pummeling us in our area.
This is an open public meeting that includes public feedback and comments. Please plan to attend and make your voices heard for a positive change.
Of interest for this meeting to the community of the Town of Dorchester is Agenda Item 6 (Old Business) A. ZTA 24-07: Text Amendment to the Dorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards Ordinance Number 04-13, as previously amended, with respect to Article X, Section 10.4.11 “Mineral Resource Extraction Operations” for the purpose of limiting the proximity of new mineral resource extraction operations from existing permitted operations.
The intent of the ordinance text amendment is to limit the mining density in our county. The amendment is modeled after a successful similar ordinance amendment in Charleston County. Page 21 of the agenda packet shows the existing mines and the proposed buffer around them. Page 22 of the agenda packet includes a rather long Pro-mining letter opposing the ordinance change.
I believe that for our community, this proposed amendment to the ordinance is a positive step. It aims to control some of the sand mine truck traffic pummeling us in our area.
This is an open public meeting that includes public feedback and comments. Please plan to attend and make your voices heard for a positive change.
Dorchester County Planning Commission held a workshop meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024, in the Summerville County Council Chambers at 500 N. Main Street to discuss a proposed amendment to the existing County Ordinance 20-17. While few introductions were made in the meeting, several people were assumed to be from the county commission, several people present were representing the mining interests, a couple representing the Town of Dorchester and the local area, and our State Representative for Dorchester District 97 (Colleton & Dorchester Counties) Robby Robins were in attendance.
The members of the Planning Commission indicated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed amendment to Section 10.4.11 of the Dorchester County Ordinance 20-17, by inserting the following language:
“10.4.11(b)(8) Location. Resource extraction use shall not be allowed on a lot located within 2.5 miles of another lot on which another resource extraction use has been permitted or is currently in operation, whether located in incorporated Dorchester County or within a municipality. Distances shall be measured as a radius from the nearest property line of the subject lot to the nearest property line of a lot containing another resource extraction use.“
There was discussion about a wide range of topics, including property rights, road design, state & county road maintenance and construction responsibilities, the significant increase of quad-axle trucks over the last year, augmenting the triaxle mining truck traffic, the destruction of Salem Road due to truck traffic, taxation of trucks, geology, and a lot of general discussion unrelated to the specific proposed ordinance change.
Shaded areas are the proposed 2.5-mile buffer around existing mines in Dorchester County.
A few items specifically discussed related to the proposal were:
Mining will continue in the area for the foreseeable future to serve development and road projects.
The proposed change is modeled after a similar Charleston County Ordinance. Despite mining opposition, the Charleston County ordinance remains in effect and is currently unchanged.
State DOT borrow pits would not be exempt from this ordinance or this change.
The issue of determining “currently in operation” was raised, i.e., what would be the definition of in operation? Would permitted mines not actively mining be considered in operation?
Possible consideration for small mining (less than 2-5 acres) exemption was suggested.
At the end of the meeting, the proposed ordinance change was to move from the workshop meeting to the next Dorchester County Planning Commission Meeting. No action was taken to change the proposed language of the change from the workshop group.
I received a notice for posting this morning from Robby Robbins (our state representative for Colleton & Dorchester Counties) stating the Dorchester County Planning Commission is having a workshop on the issue of mining in the greater Dorchester area today (November 4, 2024) at 3 PM in Summerville. I’ll assume the location is the Summerville County Council Chambers located at 500 N. Main Street (Cedar St. Entrance). If you can attend or stop in even for a few minutes it would help show our community interest on this topic. This workshop meeting is not listed on the Dorchester County website. Please note this is a Planning Commission workshop and not necessarily a public hearing. Please. I do not know their protocols for comment or input but we want to convey any interest and concerns allowed politely and productively.
After years of public feedback, it looks like the Dorchester County Council is finally considering some action to limit the negative impacts of mining operations in our area.
There is a Dorchester County Council meeting tonight at 6 pm (the County Planning meeting is at 5:45 pm). The hot topic is the Public Hearing, which is to amend the county mining regulations to limit the proximity of new mining operations.
If you can attend, please do and make your voices heard.
County Council Agenda: https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgranicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdorchester%2F25f03316663850fa45e5aaf192b723ba0.pdf&embedded=true
Local farmers’ markets offer a unique opportunity to support your community while enjoying fresh, high-quality produce. By shopping at farmers’ markets, you’re helping local farmers thrive, which in turn boosts the local economy and reduces environmental impact through decreased transportation emissions. These markets provide access to seasonal fruits and vegetables, often grown organically and picked at peak ripeness, ensuring better taste and nutrition. Additionally, farmers markets foster a sense of community, connecting consumers directly with the people who grow their food, and creating a vibrant, social shopping experience that’s both enjoyable and educational. Supporting local farmers markets means investing in sustainable agriculture and healthier, more resilient communities.
Here’s a short list of local farmers’ markets in and around our town (listed by distance from Dorchester).
Visiting a farmers market for the first time can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
Key Takeaways
Bring Cash: While many vendors now accept credit cards, cash is still king at farmers markets. It’s easier for small transactions and can help you stick to your budget.
Arrive Early or Late: Arriving early ensures you get the best selection of produce, while arriving later might net you some deals as vendors often discount items at the end of the day.
Bring Your Own Bags: Vendors may not always provide bags, so bring reusable ones to carry your purchases and reduce plastic waste.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Farmers markets can be large and spread out, so comfortable footwear is a must for walking around.
Talk to the Farmers: Don’t be shy! Ask the farmers about their produce, growing practices, and any tips for preparation. They are a great resource for learning more about what you’re buying.
Explore Before Buying: Take a lap around the market to see what’s available before making purchases. This way, you can compare prices and products from different vendors.
Be Open to Trying New Things: Farmers markets often have unique and seasonal produce that you might not find in regular grocery stores. Be adventurous and try something new.
Bring a Cooler Bag: If you plan to buy perishable items like dairy, meat, or fish, a cooler bag with ice packs will keep your purchases fresh until you get home.
Plan Your Meals: Having a rough idea of what meals you want to prepare can help you buy the right amounts and types of produce, reducing food waste.
Check the Market’s Schedule: Farmers markets often have special events, live music, cooking demonstrations, or seasonal celebrations. Check the schedule to make the most of your visit.
Enjoy the experience of supporting local agriculture and discovering fresh, delicious food!
With the 2024 Hurricane Season about to start, Dorchester County is encouraging residents to attend the Hurricane Preparedness Expo at Ashley River Park. The Hurricane Preparedness Expo aims to provide valuable information, tips, and resources to help residents of our county prepare for hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Event Details: Date: Sat. June 1, 2024 Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM Location: Ashley River Park, 200 Renken Road, Summerville
Win a New Generator! The Hurricane Preparedness Expo will feature a range of fun activities and offerings. These include interactive exhibits, food trucks, an inflatable obstacle course, an electric children’s train, balloon art, face painting, and emergency services demonstrations. Charleston Electric will also be raffling off a brand new 3600-watt Generac GP3600 portable generator.
Other Fun Activities at the Expo Representatives from Tradesman Brewing Company will be there with samples for our 21-year-old and older crowd with our special hurricane beer, Know Your Zone.
Coastal Coffee Roasters will also be there with our one-of-a-kind coffee, Storm Surge.
