Tag: Public Meeting

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Notice of Public Meeting, Drop-in Style

SCDOT Public Meeting

South Carolina Department Of Transportation (SCDOT) has published a notice of a drop-in style public meeting related to Interstate 26 Corridor Improvements (between mile markers 172 & 187 – St. George to Ridgeville). The drop-in meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2025, from 5 pm until 7 pm at Woodland High School Gym, 4128 Highway 78, Dorchester, SC 29437.

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.

You can find out more and explore this project at the SCDOT project website at www.i26improvements.com/mm172-187.

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Notes from the December 12, 2024 Dorchester County Planning Commission 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.

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Dorchester’s Planning Commission on December 12

Resource Extraction Areas 2.5 Mile Buffer

This Thursday, December 12, The Planning Commission will meet at 4:00 PM. Meetings are held in the Summerville County Council Chambers at 500 N. Main Street (Cedar St. Entrance). Here is the link to the Planning Commission November Meeting Agenda Packet: https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25151/638690939917530000

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.

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Join Us: Dorchester’s Zoning Amendment Meeting on November 14

Resource Extraction Areas 2.5 Mile Buffer

This Thursday, November 14, The Commission will meet at 4:00 PM. Meetings are held in the Summerville County Council Chambers at 500 N. Main Street (Cedar St. Entrance). Here is the link to the Planning Commission November Meeting Agenda Packet: https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25045/638666671247439337

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.

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Dorchester County Council To Consider Limiting Mining

Sand truck

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.

Planning Committee Agenda: https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgranicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdorchester%2Fa342504a3e608349ebebcd358899ee2e0.pdf&embedded=true

County Council Agenda: https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgranicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdorchester%2F25f03316663850fa45e5aaf192b723ba0.pdf&embedded=true

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Hurricane Preparedness Expo at Ashley River Park

Hurricane Expo 2024

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.

The Red Cross will host a blood drive during the Expo. You can Pre-register to give blood here. Visit this link to pre-register and sign up to donate blood. 

Please note: If you do not have a Park Annual Pass, admission to the park is $2 per person (free for 3 years-old and under).

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Upcoming Joint Town Hall Meeting

Dorchester County Logo

Chairman Todd Friddle from Dorchester County Council, Ms. Kellie Bates from the DD2 Board of Trustees, Dr. Charmaine Palmer-Roberts from North Charleston City Council, Chief Richardson from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, and Representative Chris Murphy from the S.C. House of Representatives, invite residents to an upcoming town hall meeting at the Wescott Park Clubhouse.

Residents, community leaders, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and actively participate in this meeting. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with elected officials and decision-makers, shaping the future of our community. Topics of discussion will include education, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.

To submit your questions to the moderator, please email them to mmills@dorchestercountysc.gov.  

Date: April 3, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Wescott Park Clubhouse Address, (9006 Dorchester Road, North Charleston)

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County Greenbelt Master Plan Public Input Sessions

Dorchester County Logo

Dorchester County will be holding two upcoming in-person public engagement sessions designed to gather community input for the development of the Greenbelt Master Plan.

A greenbelt is an undeveloped land area around or within cities, safeguarded to preserve nature, biodiversity, and recreational spaces. It serves multiple purposes, such as environmental conservation, flood prevention, and supporting sustainable urban planning. Greenbelts seek to strike a balance between urban development and maintaining green spaces for community well-being and environmental health. The Dorchester County Greenbelt Master Plan will help guide funding for eligible projects such as land acquisition and purchase of conservation easements as a result of the 2022 Dorchester County Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum. 

The public input sessions will be held as follows:

1. St. George Rosenwald School:

  • Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Location: St. George Rosenwald School, 205 Ann Street, St. George, SC 29477

2. Alston Middle School Cafeteria:

  • Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Location: Alston Middle School, 500 Bryan St. Summerville, SC 29483
    (Enter the building from Highway 78)

These sessions serve as opportunities for community members to share their thoughts, suggestions, and concerns which will directly shape the Greenbelt Master Plan.

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Do This Survey for Better Streets

Steets

In an initiative to enhance community involvement in shaping the future of our county’s transportation policies, Dorchester County has launched the Complete Streets Survey. This survey invites residents, businesses, and stakeholders to actively participate in crafting safer, more accessible streets for all.

To access the survey, please visit this link. Please note the survey will close on November 27, 2023.

The Complete Streets approach advocates for the design of streets that can accommodate all modes of transportation by promoting safety and accessibility for everyone. By taking part in this survey, you can contribute to the development of transportation policies that reflect the diverse needs of our community.

The County will also host its second Complete Streets Workshop. This workshop is open to everyone, and families are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

Date: October 26, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM 
Location: St. George Rosenwald School (205 Ann Street, St. George)

For more information, please visit the Dorchester County Complete Streets Policy webpage. 

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Another Sand Mine is Coming To Dorchester – Update!

I had not received the needed ten petition signature until Sunday, August 13th and sent the petition for a public meeting to DHEC despite being past the deadline. DHEC responded today with a letter indicating they would not proceed with a Public Hearing due to the missed regulatory deadline, but would arrange for a Public Meeting. The public meeting will allow for the exchange of information and provide an opportunity for the community to express our concerns.

Once the public meeting details are received, interested parties will be notified and I will update this site with the meeting time and place details.

DHEC Letter
DHEC Letter

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