Town of James Island
Roads, Drainage and Traffic Committee
Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2003
The minutes of the regular meeting of the Roads, Drainage and Traffic Committee of the Town of James Island, held on Monday, October 6, 2003, 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1246 Camp Road.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Chairman, Parris Williams.
Since proper notification had been made, Mr. Williams stated that the meeting was being held having met the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Approval of Minutes: There were no minutes to approve at tonight’s meeting.
Chairman’s Comments: Mr. Williams announced that he was pleased to see everyone present at tonight’s meeting. He understands that we have problems related to traffic issues on the island (Folly Road to Harbor View), and urged citizens to state their concerns. He said that the Mayor and Council will do the very best to resolve these issues.
Old Business: Mr. Williams reported that the committee is moving along on the road pavement project. The four (4) roads that appeared on the agenda last week has been put on hold until additional research is done. Road projects include: Seawater Drive $79,000, Elias Lane - $77,000, Sigsbee Road- $39,000 and Ben Road - $64,000.
New Business: At this time, Mr. Williams asked those who had questions to come forward, stating their name and the issue they wished to make known.
Fred Neuville - 1046 Grand Concourse, brought nine (9) children to tonight’s meeting in support of the installation of speed humps in their neighborhood (to assist in slowing speeding). The children present were: Timothy Latto, Charlie Cook, Owen Cook, Josh Neuville, Angel Barrs, Catherine Latto, Nicole Neuville, and Austin Neuville. Mr. Neuville noted that a study had been done in the past (car counter) and to the best of his knowledge, there were over 2400 cars between Saturday and Sunday nights (24 hours). Eighty percent of those were speeders. Mr. Neuville said at least three speed humps would be needed in order to slow speeding in the neighborhood. He expressed concern for the lives of the children as well as for family pets.
Susan Milliken, a member of the Roads, Drainage and Traffic Committee, gave a recap of the Charleston County speed hump program which was formed in 1998. She reported that when the Town became incorporated, the Traffic Calming Program was passed by County Council. This made all streets in the Town, a part of James Island roads and no longer in the County’s system. The County, as a part of the passage of the program, counted the streets on James Island. She indicated that none of the streets county-wide met the criteria for the Traffic Calming Program. It is pretty easy to get speed humps if you live in the City of Charleston or the Town of Mt. Pleasant. The Town of James Island has been waiting to hear from its citizens to tell us what they want. Until anyone comes to us, we have no way of knowing what is needed or what you want in your neighborhood, (i.e., speed humps).
Chris Anderson – 1027 Grand Concourse: asked the criteria to get speed humps? Ms. Milliken responded that an 80 percentile feet- plus 10 mph over. Mr. Anderson noted it would be more effective to have calming devices in place during the weekdays as opposed to weekends. During the week, school is in session and traffic is heavier, additionally, this is when the cut through traffic occurs. Everyone is in a hurry to get to school and work. He felt that 98% of Bayview Farm cuts through Grand Concourse. Ms. Milliken mentioned a point that the Town has just been incorporated one year ago. The Town does not have to put together a speed hump program just like the County’s. The Town is currently in litigation and could put together a speed hump program or traffic calming program similar to Mt. Pleasant’s. The Town of James Island could establish a program that will fit our need.
Councilman Bill Woolsey commented that the Town did not pass a traffic calming program. He was of the opinion that a traffic calming plan should be developed and perhaps we should look at Mt. Pleasant’s plan. He did not feel that it should be done on an ad-hoc basis.
Sam Jones – 1032 Grand Concourse also expressed this distress about the speeding through the neighborhood.
Amy Cook – 1045 Grand Concourse – stated that the criteria for putting in speed humps was originally the number of cars. Susan restated that the criteria are through the County of Charleston. The Town of James Island has no speed hump or traffic calming programs in place. We are no longer county roads, but town roads.
James Thornal – 830 Burnet Drive – stated that there are about 15 children in his neighborhood. Unlike Mikell Drive or Concourse, there is nothing in his area. There are no speed humps or stop signs. Because of this lack, the neighborhood gets all the speeders. There have been some surveys done which indicate that the people coming through the neighborhood are not driving too fast, however, he has lived in this area for a long time – and finds speeding to be a serious problem. Some of the neighbors put up a stop sign at Fred and Harbor View one afternoon and it was removed by the next morning. He has counted approximately five 4-way stops on Concourse. Something must be done and the entire community is behind this. Mayor Clark asked for suggestions about what could be done. Mr. Thornal suggested that a stop sign at Fred Street and one or two speed humps would help to alleviate some of the speeding problems. The citizens will appreciate anything the Town is able to do for the community.
Mayor Clark suggested that a group of citizens or committee be developed to study the traffic and speeding issues in the various neighborhoods on James Island and that a resolution be brought before Town Council for consideration.
It was mentioned that it is important where traffic calming devices (counters) are placed so that accurate counts are made.
Nick Latto – 1044 Foxcroft Road questioned the legality of residents paying for and putting down the speed humps. The Mayor and Council members were urged not wait for the courts to make a decision as to whether or not we are a Town. We are a Town and we should operate as a Town. Many citizens expressed an interest in paying for speed humps themselves. It is unlikely that the County will remove them if the courts rule against the Town. Mayor Clark will find out from our attorney if this request could be granted to the citizens of the Town. Susan Milliken also noted that if citizens are interested in paying for speed humps, that some type of agreement with Charleston County Public Works may be possible. Councilman Woolsey suggested that the Roads, Drainage and Traffic committee develop a recommendation and bring it before Town Council for its consideration regarding speed humps and/or traffic calming devices.
Mr. Williams shared information that he received from Mark Cain at Charleston County Public Works. Mr. Cain has provided Mr. Williams a copy of James Island’s traffic calming requests as of October 7th (copy attached). He states that none of the streets that were previously studied met the criteria for speed humps under the County’s current program, which was adopted on May 7, 2002. To qualify, the following criteria must be met:
24-hour volume -- 750 to 1250 vehicles per day
85th percentile speed – must be at least 10mph over the posted speed limit. Mr. Cain, however, will be conducting traffic studies later this month and in November on several other streets on James Island. Mr. Williams encouraged citizens that we are trying to resolve these issues. A grant in the amount $20,000 is in place, but cannot be used under the current program. Four streets will also be evaluated: Rainbow Road, Bur Clare Road/Subdivision (S-948), Oak Island Drive and Stone Post Road (S-28).
Mayor Clark discussed the possibility of a “No” left turn on North Shore and Harbor View Road. Susan announced that there was information in this morning’s edition of the Post and Courier regarding the “No” left turn. North Shore/Harbor View is the 13th most dangerous intersection – this is low. There were only two accidents at this intersection within a one year period. This intersection is not as dangerous as it appears to be.
The citizens thanked the committee for allowing them to express their concerns. Mr. Williams thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged citizens to bring any issues they have to the Town. Citizens interested in becoming members of the Road, Traffic and Drainage committee were encouraged to complete an application for consideration.
Susan Milliken, a resident of Fort Sumter Drive, reported that the residents of Fort Sumter Drive are putting together a letter to the Town opposing any signal going in at North Shore Drive and Harbor View Road that would indicate “no left turn” during peak hours. The residents position is that any controlled “left turn” signal at North Shore Drive would put up to 2,000 cars on the residents of Lawton Bluff, which they are opposed to.
The Roads and Traffic Committee will develop a draft traffic calming program (similar to Mt. Pleasant) and present it to Town Council at its meeting on November 4, 2003.
There being no further business to come before the Roads, Drainage and Traffic Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.