Trails Documents

As I promised in my November blog, our Florence Trails Committee Mission Statement and By-Laws are posted for you. Check them out on our website.

I haven't heard from any of you about joining our group. It's an open invitation.

Our next meeting will be in February, so give me a shout.

I plan to have the Florence Trails Map and Master Bikeway Plan online for you sometime in January. I'll let you know.

Gifts from PDRTA

It looks like the holidays came early for the PDRTA and the Florence Transit System (FTS). You'll certainly enjoy your ride to your next $10 lunch in these beauties. Look what's new with this update from the Director, Janice Baroody:

PDRTA took possession of 2 brand new 26 passenger trolley buses this morning. These trolleys are for the Florence Transit System (FTS), are ADA equipped and, for the first time in our fleet, feature bike racks on the front. These represent a $375,000 investment in the Florence urbanized area, city and county. I should add that PDRTA complies with “Buy America”, which means that these buses are manufactured in the US with predominantly US parts, so we help keep Americans working.


It’ll be approx 4 weeks before you’ll see these “on the street” as we must complete final mechanical inspections, tags, training, and adding (we hope) an adaptation of the new Florence branding logos.

We expect delivery of another 5 new Florence Transit buses by April 30, 2009. These will represent a $1.1M investment in FTS. Additionally, we will spend approx. $300,000 to retrofit FTS and other buses with state-of-the-art “smart card” automated fareboxes and bus passes. We’ll also be adding WiFi to FTS buses and trolleys.

Thanks to Florence County Planning Dept, we’re making significant progress on new route maps (Scott and Debi—thank you!—we’ll be adding new cross-town routes and Saturday services soon, so we’ll be in touch). Once the routes are mapped, we’ll be putting up new bus stop signs along the routes. We have funding for bus shelters as well, and we hope to work with both the city and county on those.

With a new administration coming in January, federal transit funding opportunities are expected to increase. I hope that PDRTA will be able to partner with local governments and private sources to accomplish a number of projects.

Thank you all for your support. Have a Merry Christmas!

Janice

And in no way have we paid Janice to say those great things about the Planning Dept! FLATS and the Planning Department continue to be here to help the PDRTA as we are for all Florence County residents.

Just for more emphasis... they have bike racks!

The Long and Short of Transportation

One of my teachers in this great transportation planning effort we call FLATS is Robert Puentes. He is a Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institute. According to their website, the Brookings Institute is non-profit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Their mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals:

• Strengthen American democracy;
• Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and
• Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system.

Mr. Puentes is also the Director of the Metropolitan Infrastructure Initiative - and keeps the likes of me on track with what is happening in Washington (funding) and also other national transportation trends.

Take for instance a new study he released with research analyst Adie Tomer that shows a decrease in vehicle miles traveled from 2004... not just since our economic slowdown of 2006. And these numbers are for urban and rural communities.

So, the main thing I wanted to share with you is short term and long term strategies that Mr. Puentes is proposing to the new Federal Administration. His short term recommendations are stimulation, empowerment, and transparency. Similarly, the long term goals are leadership, encourage competition, and improving its own performance.

Since we always try to mimic what the teachers tells us (except for those few rabble rouses out there), then these same principles will find there way into FLATS planning initiatives.

FLATS is moving towards starting our long range transportation plan. We are in the process of finalizing a contract for a consultant to help us. There are new tools in the game that will be very helpful in making this plan. And we are happy enough to have such a great team including our consultants, our colleagues at the State's DOT, Federal Highways and of course, those guiding words from the Brookings Institute.

Florence Economy Hitting Brakes?

A recent article is the Wall Street Journal is a tell-tale sign of the economic times. Freight haulers cutbacks together with the U.S. Senate putting a legislative end to the GM and Diamler bailout plan, what does all this news mean for Florence County?

First, it's business as usual in Planning Services. We continue to work on increasing the quality of life through the County's comprehensive plan and long-range transportation plans. This economic hiccup, however, will alter some of the models that predict important numbers such as traffic counts and population increases. Recessions, however, don't reduce the need for better services and way of life for County residents [I'm one too!].

Furthermore, Census 2010 is coming up soon... those will be interesting numbers, and we rely on them significantly.

So, when freight haulers aren't buying any new trucks and GM and Chrysler look for other government bailout funding, you and I will hopefully continue to work in making the future of Florence even better than it is today.

We recently met with planners from the City of Florence to discuss the Future Land Use element of the comprehensive plan. Most of our initial draft was reaffirmed with some changes in the areas where the City is intending on growing. Next on our City of Florence agenda is to meet with the County Economic Development team, then to present the plan to the public [where should we have them?].

A couple of possiblities with the Future Land Use plan:

Countywide zoning - With more people looking to the Pee Dee to live and setup businesses, countywide zoning is a way to work in some predictability for its current residents. You only have to look at citizens' resistance to the factory turkey farm that won DHEC approval in Darlington County. Zoning would be very helpful is allowing all residents to know what type of uses can be located in certain areas.

Community Centered Schools - The future land use plan looks forward 20-30 years and tries to envision where infrastructure needs can be met. These needs include necessities such as sewer, water, roads, police and fire protection. In reference to your wallet - your insurance is based on the fire protection rating (ISO) of your fire department. Plus, the location of a school determines if (and how far) you drive or if you can walk to it. I am sure there is no one walking to any school that's situated like in the picture here.

Making sure adequate services are available takes a lot of planning. So, it's strange to see in a recent Morning News article that Florence School District 1 is seeking to purchase 172 acres for a school campus. We are trying to contact District 1 to determine where it is, what roads are available, if there is water and sewer, fire and police protection. Also, we want to see how it will integrate into a neighborhood that may be able to benefit from it's ballfields or continuing education evening classes?

Overall, I see Florence buffered to much of the economic havoc occurring in the world. We are not immune to it, though. Although most of our commercial and business properties seem rented out, I am not sure how much business they are doing.

All we can do is keep our chin up and plan for the future!

Community Facilities Element

Are you familiar with the infrastructure of Florence County? Neither was I until I was given the opportunity of writing the Community Facilities Element. This Element is part of the Comprehensive Plan and identifies services and facilities that are available to Florence County residents.

Among the many subjects discussed in the element are water and sewer issues. These are key components of our infrastructure and a major expense. In 2002, a new surface water plant began utilizing the Great Pee Dee River as a raw water source. This added capacity of 10 mgd to the existing wells and plants. The City of Florence also adopted a master water and sewer plan in 2006 that addressed future demands to 2025. The City's combined service now covers a 361 square mile area. That's a lot of water and sewage!

The need for new schools and how much to spend on education are always an issue of public concern. Voters recently rejected a referendum that would have allowed seven new schools to be built. The referendum would have also helped reduce the number of portable classrooms and class sizes. Alternative funding will be necessary to accommodate future growth.


Do you know where the Emergency Medical Services, emergency evacuation routes, or refuse convenience centers are located? While these are important to know, this Element also provides the location of Florence County libraries, museums, civic and arts venues, parks and recreation.

As you can see, the Community Facilities Element covers several things that affect you and your families. It also includes a list of goals and strategies to guide us in the right direction for future growth. The draft of this Element should be available on our website (www.florenceco.org), by the end of December.

Please take the time to read it and let us know your thoughts. We welcome your comments!

Hit The Trails!

Have you been on any of the Florence trails? If not, you don't know what you're missing. They are REALLY NICE!

In 2004, a consultant was brought in by the FLATS committee to develop a Florence Area Bikeway Master Plan. Thanks to the City of Florence's efforts and the grants through FLATS, we now have many trails to enjoy and more in the works.

I'll let you know when we get this Master Plan and the current Trails information in online to view. Look for it in January!

Local hotels and other community organizations have brochures on the Trails system. There has been so much interest from both residents and tourists that we are in the process of having more brochures printed for display.

Anyone out there interested in promoting new bicycle/pedestrian trails or lanes?

Well then you need to join our growing group of volunteers on the Florence Trails Committee. We meet quarterly on the 3rd Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Florence County Planning Department located at 518 S. Irby Street. Call the County Planning Department at 843-676-8600 to have your name added to the e-mail notification list.

We had a great trails meeting last week. The City of Florence updated the committee on the newest trail on Jefferies Creek off National Cemetery Road. It's called the "SWIM" project (Storm Water Improvement - which is important stuff!) This trail should be ready in the spring of 2009.

Happy Trails!

Ride for 25

25 cents!

PDRTA is providing "Reindeer Routes" to ease the shopping/parking conundrum.


Find a parking spot at the new Florence Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Magnolia Mall or Florence Mall - then ride, ride, ride to the next shopping destination.

And it only costs a quarter - that beats parking on the grass at the old Wal-Mart, running across David McLeod Blvd to the Best Buy!

The New Florence Map

Faster, smarter and good looks too...

I am describing the new mapping webpage set up by Florence County GIS department.

After accepting a standard notification, you are granted access to 2008 aerial photography, updated parcel information, updated roads, zoning information and much more.

Searching for something specific? A new search tool towards the top left of the page "Search Parcels, Roads, Locations:" will make quick work of getting you to your destination.

For example, I wanted to search for the parcel number and acreage for Clemson University. I simply entered "Clemson" into the search and was returned with a list of potential candidates. Details of that list can be expanded by clicking the plus (+) to the left of each entry.

You can also zoom to any of the entries by right-mouse clicking the entry to see that option.

We have big plans for this map - imagine if you will... providing the future land use map so everyone can see what may be around the County in the future... or maybe show places where road construction will be occurring.

Other information all ready to view is zoning (the regulatory end of things that limit such uses like industry from locating next to single family residential), flood zones, Census tracts, voting precincts and much more.

Look yourself up! Find what flood prone areas are near where you live. Find out who your local representatives are. What zoning is near you (do you have zoning?), what rivers, streams and soil types are close to you.

So many things possible. What do you want to see on the map?

The Week Unfolds

It's only Tuesday, but the Planning team has worked hard enough to believe it's Friday.

The FLATS (Florence Area Transportation Study) Policy committee met yesterday morning to discuss penny sales tax projects, regional road improvements and the long-range transportation plan for the urban Florence area. The Policy Committee gave the go ahead to negotiate with the point-leading consultant, Kimley-Horn, to help with the plan.

Also, the Committee requested more information to make their decision on adding new members to their Committee and the FLATS Study Team (technical team). For the next meeting, we will provide maps of the areas that currently may be better represented with these additional stakeholders.

Last night, the Planning Section visited a full house (about 30 people) Town Hall meeting in Scranton. [I still think it's one of nicest little towns in Florence.] We described the comprehensive plan update and presented their Future Land Use map. Some people were at the Schoolhouse BBQ Town Supper meeting when the townspeople first saw the map.

Interestingly, the one similar comment was made last night: we need a place for kids to hang out after school. One suggestion that was brought up was to utilize school facilities for after-school activities. Try to drum up some volunteers to monitor the schools library and/or gym for community usage. In Scranton, their school is within walking distance from most neighborhoods and is an existing facility!

Sounds good to me.

What else...

...more Comprehensive Plan (scroll down the linked page to see all elements)...

On Thursday, the Planning Commission will be at a working lunch presentation at the Founder's Room of the Library to solicit feedback and affirmation of our direction on the drafted Community Facilities element. We hope to post this element to our website within a couple of weeks, send it to the County Planning Commission agenda in December, and present it to County Council for public hearings starting in early 2009.

...and I would be remiss if I failed to mention air quality opportunities!

DHEC has recently released a request for proposals for a nearly $250K grant to reduce diesel emissions. It just so happens that we presented the County Council with a list of air quality increasing options on October 16th. Two qualifying projects were included in that list: diesel engine upgrades to the County fleet and a truck stop electrification system at Exit 169. This technology allows the truck engines to stop (as opposed to idling all day and night) and hook up to a power outlet and A/C vent, decreasing diesel emissions. Another point: this truck stop is within two miles from the ozone monitor!

Are we busy? Yes.

Want to help review a Comprehensive Plan element, write a grant, gather community support, or share an air quality idea?

Leave us a comment, and we'll be right with you.

Comprehensive Plan Elements

What in the world is a 'Comprehensive Plan Element'?


As required by State Law, the local planning commission must develop and maintain a planning process to guide the development and redevelopment of its area of jurisdiction. This planning process is the 'Comprehensive Plan'.


Exciting stuff!


Nine elements are included in this plan. They are reviewed every five years and updated every ten years. The 1997 elements are currently being updated. These (**) elements have been adopted by County Council and are available on our website for viewing.

• ** Population
• ** Cultural Resources
• ** Natural Resources
• ** Housing
• ** Economic
• Community Facilities
• Land Use
• Transportation
• Priority Investment

The Administrative Procedures outlines the adoption process for each element. A 'DRAFT' of this document in addition to the next element, Community Facilities, will be posted on our website soon. They have been written and we are proceeding with the adoption process on them.

Each element entails the following information in regards to Florence County:

1. inventory of existing condition;
2. future projections;
3. a statement of needs and goals; and
4. implementation strategies with time frames.

The County Services Department spends many months searching for and preparing this information for you. So, take a look at them on the website. It's quite amazing to see how our county has grown and is still growing!

Sam Palmisano addresses traffic efficiency capabilities

Who is Sam Palmisano, you ask?

He is the Chairman and CEO of IBM, and the following are excerpt from his speech at today's Council on Foreign Relations in NY City:

...
How gridlocked our cities are: Congested roadways in the U.S. cost $78 billion annually, in the form of 4.2 billion lost hours and 2.9 billion gallons of wasted gas—and that's not even counting the impact on our air quality.
...
Stockholm's smart traffic system has resulted in 20 percent less traffic, a 12 percent drop in emissions and a reported 40,000 additional daily users of public transport. Smart traffic systems are strengthening the competitive positions of cities from London to Brisbane to Singapore—with many more being planned.
...

He bottom-lines his remarks with this...

"The importance of this moment, I believe, is that the key precondition for real change now exists: People want it. But this moment will not last forever."

See the complete text of this 'efficiency speech here. I hope that we will be thinking about these cutting-edge ways of thinking as we focus on our long-range plans. Transportation, land use, park land and natural resource protection all deserve a state-of-the-art approach towards protection, maintenance and increased levels of service.

Are you on board?

Viva el Voto

What an exhilarating voting experience!

I got up at 6:30, donned the jeans, sweater and jacket - biked to the polls and arrived at 6:50AM...

and a glorious site appeared - more than a couple hundred people waiting in two lines: A-K & L-Z.

then I waited...

...saw some neighbors...

...

...met some new ones...

...

...then in a matter of minutes, I was out the door and into the light mist of voting-day rain feeling refreshed and ready to get to work!

It was a low scoring day (maybe a two-point-five) on the commuter continuum, but it was worth the bike ride! I agree with the 66% of those who took the poll to the right - I would have taken the car if I was dressed for work.

What's your voting day experience?

Tis' the Season for Public Hearings

As Florence County Future Land Use and Transportation plans are being worked on, public hearings are scheduled to get the public in on the planning level. Check out and visit the bottom of the blog for public notices for your area.

Planning this Week - October 27

Halloween is around the corner, and it's scary to think how much we have done this month and how much more we have to do over the next two weeks.

Transportation Planning and the Comprehensive Plan are the two big-time consumers of our focus:

Transportation (Florence Area Transportation Study, FLATS): The Policy Committee (The FLATS decision-makers, read - the real hard workers of this outfit) will be meeting on November 10th at 10:30 at the City/County Complex, Room 803. The agenda will be out today or Wednesday (I am in Charleston tomorrow for a tree workshop). Send me an e-mail if you are interested in a copy.

The most important item is the presentation by our recommended consultant to do Florence's long-range transportation plan... what roads will be widened, circled, razed or paved... I invite all those citizens that drive cars, bicycles or walk to join in on the discussion...

Otherwise, every street will be limited to two-way traffic and have bicycle lanes, adequate sidewalks, tree lined medians and an occasional traffic circle. If you are okay with that, then don't worry - we've got you covered!

Comprehensive Plan: Again, this is the County's vision 20-30 years into the future. This plan should answer questions like 'where will the next school be built?', 'how many parks will we need for our growing population?', 'how many police will we need in the future?' and 'how do we grow responsibly?'

We are currently working on the Community Facilities and Future Land Use elements. Community Facilities focuses on infrastructure like roads, police, fire, sewer, schools, parks, etc. whereas the Future Land Use is the framework towards zoning (keeping the cold side cold and the hot side hot - see my previous blog)

At this Tuesday's County Planning Commission meeting (6:30PM City/County Complex, Rm 803), a workshop for planning members will be discussed for the Community Facilities element. We are currently finishing up maps and stats which we will share after the workshop (proposed for Nov 13th).

The Future Land Use Element requires a bit more procedure to get everyone on board and does not solely rely on statistics and levels of service. For that reason, this element takes more time and dedication to the newest planning principles: namely, sustainability!

How do we integrate sustainability into our plans? Now that is a good question to bring up to any planning commission member, elected official or employee of the City or County planning departments. They'll thank you for it!

Check out our future land use maps for Olanta and Scranton. Johnsonville's maps should be available soon as well as areas surrounding Pamplico and Lake City (these municipalities have their own planning, so we plan up to the cities' boundaries.) Olanta has a public meeting at their town hall on November 10th, 6:30PM to discuss their future land use.

We know there are planners out there - please help us plan for the next 30 years!

DHEC in Florence

DHEC continues their hard work in the Florence area.

October 28th, 6:00PM at the Darlington County Institute of Technology (160 Pinedale Drive, located west of the Darlington speedway)

According to the press release, "...stakeholders will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on freshwater quality standards, classifications, and uses, as they relate to recreation," said David Wilson, chief of DHEC's Bureau of Water. "We'll be sharing information and also will be available to answer questions and concerns."

Also, Smurfit-Stone Container is applying for a sulfur dioxide permit. I don't know what that is either, but the public notice released today states the company "has applied to the SC DHEC for an air construction permit to establish a plantwide sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission limit at its existing pulp and paper mill."

When I get more information, I'll post it here.

Information, Generation, Imagination

The EPA released news last Thursday that tracking power plant emissions is "just a few clicks of a mouse" away. The release explains Power Profiler and EGRID

I did some clicking of my own at their referenced sites: http://www.epa.gov/powerprofiler and http://www.epa.gov/egrid to see what they had to offer.

Power Profiler offers interesting insight into what our area's fuel mix for generating our power. You won't find any 'green' sources; but remember, this data is from 2005 - a little old for such an interactive tool. Also, the information is most specifically based on a national subregion scale. Further, the data only shows the rates for Progress Energy and it's uncertain if that includes Santee Cooper and SCE&G generation plants (if there are any).

It's interesting information, but I feel there should be more specific details available.

Thankfully, EGRID includes 2007 data and is more for the in-depth user who likes to work with spreadsheets. You may download the latest version (17MB) to your hard drive and work on excel files and view summary pdf files. The excel spreadsheets have a nice layout, but have drawbacks in cryptic abbreviated references such as state ID numbers, the 'prime mover type' and 'generator fuel' in the generation file.

Click on the graphic below to view a local selection from the generation table:

It's interesting to see that the Stone Container Florence Mill generates electricity by using a mixture of fuels: coal (23.7%), oil (9.3%), and gas (0.3%) with the majority ascertained from biomass (66.7%). It's also interesting to see that the majority of the plant is owned by CBS Corp. and General Electric.

So, these tools are quite useful if you have some time to dive into it and have some specific generation questions. But, be prepared to use your imagination to find answers.

I knew there was a planner in there...

Finally, I have time to address the poll sitting off to the right for the past month or so.

Okay, so there were only 6 votes: let's look instead at percentages. Even better, let's look at where there's a 100% participation: "I am here to help"

That's the Florentine Spirit!

...the first thing we'll do is present a new Future Land Use Comprehensive Plan to Council. This non-regulatory tool may just pave the way for county-wide zoning.

I liken county-wide zoning to the late 1980's McDLT container: keeping the cool side cool and the hot side hot. It's the same thing (work with me) for land use.

It's crazy to think that lettuce is going to stay cool with this warm chunk of meat so close, so they separated them. Likewise, it's crazy to think residents of a condominium would have fun overlooking an industrial factory.

McDonald's started putting everything together in 1990 because of the amount of waste keeping everything separated. This bring up another idea about our environment. We have some cleaning up to do for our air quality.

So, zoning and air quality are next up! I'm glad you'll help!

Olanta's Future

The drafted Future Land Use Map for the Town of Olanta was presented last night at the Town Hall meeting.

About 30 people packed into the Town Hall to hear a presentation on what the Future Land Use Plan is, how it looks and what it would allow within the Town of Olanta.

At first, there may have been some confusion that I was there to say that businesses were coming into the Town and here is where they are going... but it's not that easy. Really, the only thing that the Future Land Use plan will do is to say if a particular type of company would come into town, this plan includes potential zoning of where it could locate.

I wish I could have been the bearer of such great news like "a handful of businesses are coming to your town." But for the most part, many of the residents that attended last night said they have opened and closed businesses in Town while others say that Olanta is mostly a Town where people live, not work.

Still other residents who caught up with me afterwards relayed their concern about current commercially designated areas that are kept from opening for one reason or another. It sounds strange to me why owners would not want to rent their property out, but there may be some things I'm missing.

Overall, I was impressed with the group's understanding that the Future Land Use map is a reflection of the current zoning in the Town. Further, they were happy with how their Town is planned. In the whole Comprehensive Plan scheme of things, that has been the general reaction from residents about the plan. Most of the big changes may be in a push to create a county-wide zoning.

Zoning is the regulatory part of land use: what uses can go in specific places. Zoning is crucial in areas of increasing population density and creates a certain amount to predictability for adjacent landowners, municipalities whom would offer services and the State or County whom may need to provide capital improvements such as resurfaced roads or drainage in an area.

Also with county-wide zoning, we could show businesses such as concentrated animal farming operations (chicken, swine and turkey farms) where they could potentially locate. As you may already know, Darlington County is facing this very issue.

Scranton Sees the Future

...and they like what they see.

That was my impression from last night's Town Supper at the Old Schoolhouse BBQ. I met people who lived in Scranton their whole life, others that just moved into town and others that have moved there from Florence after inheriting a 100-year-old house.

This mix of ages, backgrounds, races and genders came together for a night to see Senator Leatherman offer a $20,000 check for the Town Hall in addition to a fill-your-belly meal from the Old Schoolhouse. I don't know if they knew I was going to be there...

There were three large format maps along with a handful of smaller ones to distribute to the crowd of 150 people. I shared the County's draft of the future land use for Scranton.

Scranton is a great little town. Most of the Future Land use map reflects current uses except for some areas designated as suburban development - these areas could include a variety of uses such as small business and variable residential. These suburban development areas are adjacent to commercial areas, making a sort of 'X' with its center at the middle of town.

See Scranton's Future Land Use map here.

Some of the feedback I received from residents include a desire for a community center where children and retired residents can go and play games and join activities after school and during the day. Other residents want a local grocer to locate in town. Luckily, the Future Land Use as drafted would allow for both of these uses along 52 or Main Street.

My only regret of the evening was not getting to talk with a group of high school students (no doubt attracted by the free food) about what they wanted in Scranton and where they liked to hang out. After all, it's their age group that this plan will really apply to.

Next stop - a high school government class near you.

Participate In Future Planning

Future planning requires participation from all levels of society as well as representation from all areas. It takes both to achieve the solutions and goals that satisfy the vast majority of the people.

There was a good article in the American Association Planning magazine this month regarding infrastructure needs. Ohio's Congressman Blumenauer is proposing a bipartisan federal infrastructure commission that would hold hearings in all 50 states. The commission would discuss our national infrastructure and investment needs for the next century and report back to Congress with documentation based on existing research.

"We have crumbling bridges and water systems that are actually in worse shape than the surface transportation system," Blumenuar says. "We have capacity issues for freight movement and for our passenger rail service, and aviation is a nightmare. And the economic model, which has been tenuous at best, doesn't work anymore in an era of $130 a barrel oil."

There is a need for new technologies to reduce harmful greenhouse-gas emissions, new power distribution systems and renewable energy sources. Water and transportation are key componets of the infrastructure plan.

Blumenauer says there may be a national infrastructure summit in the fall before the November elections. Presidential candidates and other congressional leadership would be invited. He seems to think that there is keen interest in this summit. I'm curious as to whom will attend!

Meanwhile, Florence County Planning is on board researching ways to improve air quality in order to meet the attainment requirement. Some of the focus is on hybrid vehicles, diesel conversion, anti-idling, green power, tree preservation, and burn control.

We are also making progress with Future Land Use and the Community Facilities Element which details much of Florence County's infrastructure in regards to water, sewer, and storm water management. We will also be writing Transportation and Priority Investment Elements for the Comprehensive Plan.

Hopefully through hard work and public awareness, we can make a difference. We may not be attending the summit but we will be on the train!

the BIG day!

Today's FLATS Study Team meeting will hopefully result with a recommendation for a consultant to help us with our long-range transportation plan.

It's time for Florence residents to call our streets their own! Join us over the next many months as we put together our future in urban transportation.

Traffic circle at 5-(6-)points, anyone?

October 2nd - A perfect nine!

There are many things to celebrate this October.

What could have been a trick on Florence residents turned into a minor treat. Ozone season has officially ended. What's better news: we continue to meet the EPA air quality standards.

But the air quality challenge continues. We got a break in 2006 with a low (good) ozone reading which is keeping us in attainment. However, that number will be cycled out of the average in 2009 - leaving Florence County in a vulnerable position for meeting the standard.

We need another low ozone year - and Florence County is ready to make it happen.

At the last County Council meeting (Sept. 18th), the Planning Dept. presented the status of the County's air quality along with some options to improve it. ...and I think they liked it. So much, that they are looking forward to being the regional example working to keep our air clean.

Also this month... South Carolina Planning Association will be meeting in Pawley's Island in the middle of the month, FLATS Study team will be meeting this Friday to discuss the long-range plan consultants and two arborist conferences (Charleston and Greenville) will be towards the end of the month. Like I blogged before, October is busy!

Oh yeah, and the commuter continuum score today was a perfect nine! I rode the bike in, what did you decide to commute with?

Planning Department On Board For The Pee Dee Heart Walk

Each year, The Florence County Planning and Building Department in addition to many other businesses in Florence County, joins forces with The American Heart Association to help them raise money for this worthy cause. To date, we have raised over $400. We have until October 17th to increase this amount. Our department has many caring individuals who have contributed both their time and money.

The 2008 Pee Dee Heart Walk is presented by McLeod Health and Honda of SC Mfg., Inc. It will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 10 a.m. The walk is a non-competitive, one or three mile route on the campus of beautiful Francis Marion University, in the heart of the Pee Dee. Parking is free and the activities at the event include a children's area, clown, jump castle, refreshments, health screenings, survivor recognition, singing competition, hoopla giveaways, music and entertainment and more.

Our event is the largest walk in the region. We have a history of leading the state and setting records. We are recognized at a national level as being the benchmark walk event for markets of our size! We have grown from raising $10,000 to $384,000. Participants on the day of the event have increased from a handful to over 2,200.

Our event accomplishes four important goals:

• Celebrate survivors of heart disease and stroke


• Encourage walking and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle


• Educate the public about the prevention & treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke


• Raise money for biomedical reserach, education and outreach programs

For more information, visit their website.

A worthy cause and a fun day! Hope you can be there.

This is my very first blog. How did I do?

Quick note...

I am reading commentary on the US DOT Transportation Policy Proposal and wanted to share a quote from the intro...

"Policies targeted only towards relieving congestion and increasing mobility do not offer a comprehensive response to the complicated economic and transportation challenges many metropolitan areas currently face."

This is what we hope to be doing for the urban Florence (FLATS) area.

Want to read too? The commentary is found here.

Planning This Week | September 22, 2008

FLATS - Transportation issues are taking center stage this week. The Florence Area Transportation Study (FLATS, yes, I know you already know that acronym) will be finalizing our recommendation for a contractor to help with the long-range transportation plan and transportation element of the County's comprehensive plan. Three submittals have been reviewed and the final tallies will be completed today.

The next stops: Study Team (a technical group) meeting next month to get the okay to recommend a contractor to the Policy Committee (decision-making body) - also to be scheduled for next month.

October will be busy for transportation planners!

Comprehensive Plan - We are heading to Scranton this Wednesday to discuss our drafted future land use plan with the Town's administration. We should also be able to get a public hearing date to show the plan off to the public.

The Community Facilities element continues to take shape and should be ready as a workshop for the Planning Commission (yes, you guessed it!) next month!

October may be busy for long-range planners!

Air Quality - So many things happening on this front... unfortunately, two meetings have already occurred: The Water and Energy Stakeholder's meeting at Francis Marion University held last Tuesday night and the County Council meeting last Thursday where County Planning presented the status of our air quality.

The Water and Energy meeting was fantastic. The goal was to act as a public forum for a State Senate subcommittee whom are seeking comments about water and energy programs... and they got a lot of comments!

The County Council presentation resulted in the Council requesting a list of potential programs that will be result in cleaner air. So far, this year, we are in attainment - but the next two years will be tough! Send me your ideas to be incorporated into the list to the County Council.

October busy for air quality planners? - oh yeah!

Ketron Canceled for Thursday

Linda Ketron's presentation about the history of Waccamaw's "Bike the Neck" is postponed - we'll keep you posted.

New FLATS Newsletter

As we continue to strive to increase our outreach initiatives, we have just released our 2008 newsletter for the Florence Area Transportation Study (FLATS). Look on the right side of this page for the scrolling pageviews of the new publication.

Click on the pictures to view a bigger image to read.

We will be distributing copies of the newsletter to area-wide stakeholders for the public to access. We will be distributing to the main library, Economic Development, the Florence Chamber and really, anywhere that will increase public awareness.

Please tell us how we are doing - feedback is key!

Bike the Neck | Ketron in Florence

You are invited to a presentation by Linda Ketron, organizer and Chair of “Bike the Neck”.

This presentation is sponsored by the Florence Trails Committee and will be held this Thursday, September 18, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at the McLeod Regional Medical Center Conference Center at the McLeod Medical Plaza (shown as #10 on this map).

Just a friendly reminder that we need your RSVP to save your seat. We hope to have a big turn out for Ms. Ketron. Her presentation about her 10-year effort to establish the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway is excellent.

I look forward to hearing from you at (843) 676-8600 ext. 61131 or dmatthews@florenceco.org.

During 14 years of planning and fund raising, Bike the Neck (a grassroots volunteer committee devoted to creating a multipurpose path from Murrell's Inlet to Georgetown) has worked in partnership with Georgetown County to complete several phases of the path for use by walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists. A map showing planned and completed trails, as well as “share-the-road” routes throughout the community, is available online and at local bike rental outlets, Realtor offices, and the toll booth at Huntington Beach State Park.

Green it Up!

Two of my colleagues and I attended our first Carolina Arborist Workshop as part of the Urban and Community Forestry Council grant we recently received. The grant will allow three County Planning staff to take workshops, order study material, become ISA members and attempt arborist certification.

To what end you may wonder?

Increased tree protection, of course!

Have you ever drove (biked or walked) by an area being developed where the trees were entirely razed? With little regard to the affects on the local air quality, the neighboring landowners, stormwater capacity and quality, aesthetics and natural flora and fauna, acres of intact canopy as well as top soil are scraped to make room for... a 'for sale' sign.

If we are successful in our forestry grant campaign, then the public will realize the current state of our tree canopy and where we need to be in order to maintain and increase our quality of life.

At yesterday's workshop, the State Forester Gene Kodama opened up the meeting with a whole list of interesting stats. Did you know that 67% of our fine State is covered in forests! That's more than the area covered in Georgia, which is quite a bit larger in size. A seventeen BILLION dollar industry, employing more than 44,000 jobs - it's clearly the #1 manufacturing industry in SC.

Look for more stats in the State Forestry publication: Annual Report 2007-2008 (pdf, pg 37 has a good graphic)

On a local note, check out the County's newly approved Economic Element of the Comprehensive Plan. This link is also to a pdf - check out pages 30-32 to see Florence's ranking among other Pee Dee counties.

So, we understand that forestry is an important crop, the most valuable crop, in Florence as it supports this important State industry. Let's also start thinking about when those resources are replaced by more and more 'for sale' signs. We need our forests; and we are here to help builders, engineers, developers and investors to develop responsibly keeping in mind the quality of life for Florence residents.

Another topic at the workshop was about plant hormones! Comment if you want more details.

Commuter Continuum

Welcome to the Commuter Continuum!

What kind of Commute Day is it? Is it a perfect ten? ...or are we stuck in the car?
If we were in an ideal world - we would love our job (as I do!), we would have every transportation option available, we would have the perfect weather everyday (72 degrees, 30% humidity, light breeze from the north, partly cloudy) and we would be able to walk to work in five minutes.

This brings me to thinking about a continuum that would score a particular day with a particular commuting tool or mode. I would rate the above scenario as a perfect ten. However, we don't all live in a ideal world.

Some of us commute to school, others work in Darlington. Some have kids to drop off and errands to run during the day. Still others are retired and only go out to get the paper - but go out later to pick up a few things. It's a mixed-up set of circumstances, but this continuum can still work for you.

1. First, take stock in the types of transportation, or modes, you own (or will own in the near future). For me, it's feet (distance to work allows it), a three year old mountain bike and a five-ear old car. You may also have a skateboard, scooter or motorcycle or a nearby bus stop at your disposal. [Please don't use a riding lawnmower! -see a recent post]
   
   
2. Next, line up your modes on a scale from one to ten, with ten being 'perfect'. Now the meaning of perfect to me is arriving to work under my own power and little or no time constraint: walking is ideal. If I am in a hurry, then a bicycle. As a last resort, or when my score for the day is low, then the car is the option. Unfortunately, a bus stop is not near my house.
   

It's personal - in essence, I want to get to work without using petroleum. It saves on insurance and at the pump... plus I like Florence BBQ, but I want to keep my weight in check!

So my continuum, so far, looks like this:
3. Now, let's add all the mode specific elements that would lean to one side of the spectrum or the other. I am considering time, how long is the commute (Google it), traffic, temperature, humidity, rain in forecast, available shower (my office has one, but do you work close to a gym?), errands to run at lunch?

Now my continuum looks like this:

For me, rain (and illness) is the only factor keeping me in a car for the commute since my distance to work is walkable and bike-able. Likewise, some factors won't spoil the entire score. Today was definitely 100% humidity (the photo above shows the fog!), but I still rode the bike in.

Of course, this continuum may work also for all sorts of travels: small list grocery shopping, visiting neighbors, dropping mail, visiting the gym, going to the library - the list is endless depending on where you live.

A fun exercise is to draw a half-mile line from your house (Google Earth!) to see what is within walking distance, about three to five miles would be biking distance.

Now, if we can just get more sidewalks and bicycle lanes!

So, what's your score and mode? For me, today is a 7 on a bike!

Air Quality Improvements | boats to mowers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to tighten standards affecting air quality. In March, the EPA lowered allowable ozone levels from 84ppb to 75ppb; now its tackling some of most significant mobile sources that make ozone.

New gas-powered lawn equipment and boat engines including mowers, trimmers, inboard and outboard engines, will all need to comply with the new EPA standard by 2010 and 2011.

Garden equipment under 25 horsepower must meet the standard by 2011 while the full range of watercraft engines must be up to specifications by 2010.

EPA states that about 600,000 tons of hydrocarbons, 130,000 tons of nitrous oxides (NOx) and 5,500 tons of particulate matter will be thwarted from emissions while saving about 190 million gallons of gasoline each year.

These numbers are significant for Florence County - more so for the lawn equipment then the watercraft engines. Lawn mowers, blowers and trimmers pollute 25% more emissions than our automobiles. This improvement on these emissions will help with the County's ozone problem.

So, are these new regulations a good thing? You tell me!

Planning This Week | September 4, 2008

FLATS - The Selection Committee has received qualifications for consultants interested in completing the long range transportation plan and transportation element of the County's comprehensive plan. By the end of next week, our reviews of submitted qualifications should be mostly completed with a recommendation to the Study Team and Policy Committee for a contractor.

Also, staff is almost ready to return a Title VI compliance review as requested by SCDOT. Title VI federal code language focuses on ensuring non-discrimination and is based on the 1964 Civil Rights Act. FLATS already has a complaint process as described in the Public Participation Process (pdf, p.13-14). However, FLATS staff may need additional training which SCDOT may offer after reviewing all of the surveys.


If you have any questions or comments about Title VI or have noticed any discrimination on transportation projects in Florence, please contact us. You may also reach us by phone: 843 676-8600 - ask for 'transportation study'.

And lastly, we are working up our first newsletter. In this age of e-mail, blogging and websites, who needs a newsletter? Well, it's just another way to communicate with those who like to read in print. The newsletter will highlight air quality, land use and the long range plan. [and we'll distribute it via e-mail and post it on the web]


Comprehensive Plan - The future land use element is moving right along. We are getting a lot of help, too. The Town of Olanta will be holding their public meeting on October 9th. The Town of Quinby may hold theirs in November as they continue the planning discussion from the last Tuesday into their October meeting. I hope all the residents will get out to the respective town council meetings to take action on the plan.

We are looking for a lot of answers. "Where would you take your family when they come to visit?" "Where do you avoid taking friends when they come to town?"

Questions like these provide insight into where the heart of a community is located as well as where portions of the community need some help.

Of course, we want your questions, too. We'll try to answer them truthfully based on our knowledge about sustainable neighborhoods.



Air Quality - We are golden! Our air quality has not spiked since July 17th. And my predictions were wrong, I admit... but there is one day that the ozone wasn't recorded, which I am checking.

If we keep our air quality in check for the remainder of this year, our design value to beat next year would be 79ppb (as opposed to this year at 77ppb).

Unfortunately, today our upstate neighbors are feeling depressed air quality.

Our awarded SC Urban and Community Forestry grant is being tapped for staff training next week. Three members will be attending the Carolina Arborist Workshop in Columbia on Thursday. It's an all-day seminar that presents standard tree maintenance practices for safety and nursery stock.

The forestry grant will also be utilized for membership, study material and certification into the Southern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. We are also anticipating on attending a parking lot seminar in Charleston and the annual conference in Greenville, both at the end of October. The certification test will be offered in February.

As we have blogged before, the push for this grant was in response to the area's decreasing air quality coupled with less-than-sustainable development practices. Low impact development improves water and air quality as well as development costs. Contact us if you want to know when our next sustainable development presentation will be held.

Perfect Air Quality

Congratulations, you went a whole week with "good" air quality according to DHEC forecasts. Keep up the good work in reducing your carbon footprint.

If you want to receive updates when our air quality less than good, send me an e-mail.

Clyburn and Alexander Address Energy in the Pee Dee

Congressman James Clyburn and Representative Terry Alexander held a press release on energy policy today at Clemson University's Pee Dee Research and Education Center.

Ann Timberlake and the Conservation Voters of South Carolina and Dr. Laurie Lawson of Clemson University represented the sponsors for the conference.

Reverend Alexander started the press conference focusing on the importance of the African American community to engage in the climate change conversation.


Dr. Lawson presented the opportunities of 'green power' in the Pee Dee region, describing many plant materials including switchgrass as fuel sources.


Congressman Clyburn, an advocate for the past ten years for alternative fuel sources such as switchgrass, began by stressing that the U.S. energy policy needs to be a proactive and visionary process and has the opportunity to create new economies. He also warned that misrepresentation of facts is a big challenge for the energy conversation when referencing a recent conversation about offshore drilling.


He likened the idea of increasing domestic offshore drilling the "methadone treatment" to wean off of foreign oil.

The Congressman then talked about human health and its inextricable ties to the quality of our air quality and water supply.

So, now it's your turn to tell us how all this fits into the County's Comprehensive Plan (especially the Future Land Use Plan), tree preservation code language and other programs to increase the quality of our air, water and life.

Planning This Week | August 18, 2008

FLATS - Data, data and more data. We are compiling even more data into a map in order for SCDOT to run a congestion model. In essence, facts such as population, dwelling units, employment, school enrollment and locations of new building permits are compiling onto a map and then a program looks at all those pieces of information to determine where the most traffic will be in the future. It's cool!

But, one thing - everyone that I have talked to about trying to model traffic say it's like herding cats!

It's a chaos model because each of us is, well, unpredictable. So, since we are so unpredictable, we rely on models that give us a clue of traffic based on things we know - like how many people are enrolled at Francis Marion University over the past two seasons.

It's an interesting exercise - and with the long range plan ready to be redone, this congestion model will give our consultant some more information to use.

Also - our Request for Qualitifications for a consultant to help on our long range plan and Tranportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan has just closed and we currently have a few submissions. A selection committee will review these documents over the next week and recommend a consultant to the FLATS Policy Committee no later than October.

Comprehensive Plan - In addition to the news above, we are heavy into Land Use and Community Facility elements of the Comp Plan. Last Friday, we met with the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem of Olanta to review a draft of the Future Land Use map. With only a few changes, Mayor Sims scheduled a public hearing so residents of Olanta and their neighbors may review and comment on the map. The meeting will be October 7th 6:30 PM at the Olanta City Hall.

Air Quality - Thank goodness, it's been good! All of this rain makes for good air quality. And with Tropical Storm Fay, this trend should continue all week. E-mail me if you want regular air quality notifications.

I am still curious about some predictions that should prove (or disprove) themselves this week. Of course, school is now back in session, so all those idling cars and old buses (25% are 19 years or older) may take their toll on our air quality record.

We are still working on tree preservation code language and will be scheduling a public 'roll out' hopefully in the next month. The basic protections we are proposing include a minimum 15 trees/ acre and preservation of certain sized species. Furthermore, we are proposing development buffers along roadways and minimum planting requirements in parking lots.

Why are we doing this?

The importance of healthy trees and tree canopy can never be underestimated. At last week's LID presentation, a couple stats about a full grown tree include displacement of 1500 gallons of water and decreasing surface temperatures by 10 degrees. These stats translate directly to stormwater management and energy conservation. Other benefits include increasing air quality, which has challenged us for the past four months.

Flip to LID

The Florence County Planning Commission sponsored a presentation about the opportunities in low impact development (LID).

The presenter is an experienced, professional landscape designer/engineer/planner who shared information about the benefits of sustainable development to members of the Florence area community. John Thomas, from WK Dickson, presented projects integrating low impact development practices and cost savings while maximizing the number and value of developable lots.

In addition to numerous Planning Commission members and city and county staff, the event was attended by engineering firms, consultants and developers including Engineering Consultants, Inc.; D-Hall Construction Company, Finklea Law Firm, RWF Construction, BP Barber and WK Dickson's Columbia office.

To learn more about low impact development, please visit some of the following sites:

http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/

http://www.stormwatercenter.net/

http://water.washington.edu/

City of Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual

And since these development practices help keep our drinking water clean, this next website includes some helpful development ideas as well:

Center for Watershed Protection

Look for more local presentations of new, sustainable ways to develop Florence responsibly.

Planning This Week | August 11, 2008

FLATS: Transportation planning rolls on. Last week, the stakeholder list for public notifications about transportation meetings has been recently updated. Now, when a policy committee meeting or important transportation news surfaces, there is an easy way to get the word out. If you would like to be on our contact list, e-mail our office (contacts at the bottom right).

Also, we will be finishing up the bus stop and route data for PDRTA. Our goal is provide a bus route brochure that is easy to read and understand. This information may also be posted on the PDRTA website in the future.

Comprehensive Plan: The Land Use element of the County's Comp. Plan continues to take shape. As discussed in a previous entry, the Land Use element is one of the most important documents for a growing metropolis. It's hard to think of Florence as a big place, especially when we have such large examples like Columbia and Raleigh nearby; but, Florence is growing fast. With so many people, the natural question is 'how should we grow?' That's where your input into making this plan is so important.

Last week, we met with the City of Johnsonville and the Town of Quinby to discuss edits to the drafted Future Land Use map. This week, we will meet with the Town of Olanta to discuss what they want to see the Town look like in the next 20 years. As a follow-up to this municipal meetings, a public forum will be scheduled so residents in each area may see these long-term plans.

Air Quality: After last week's Action Day alert from the Department of Health and Environmental Control, I thought our precarious ozone position would certainly land us deep into non-attainment - however, we have yet to reach that critical point.

In order to further maintain air quality in the future, a higher value should be given to our tree resources. Over the past months, tree protection has been brought to the forefront as a tool to combat our challenged air quality. Trees have the potential to filter air of noxious gases and dust, sequester (take up) carbon, cool our environment and produce oxygen.

So, while allowing for forestry practices to continue, we will be proposing language to add to the County code that would protect certain species, certain number of trees per acre and other specifics for new, large developments.

This plan will make developing in Florence County more sustainable by keeping our environment cooler, managing stormwater, and reducing soil erosion. At the same time, saving trees reduces the cost of installing and maintaining stormwater systems that direct flood waters from new buildings into our rivers. ...so trees will also help out water quality.

Pee Dee Air Quality 2008

Some people show off their vintage cars. Others may be inclined to display their prized gourds and pumpkins. Still others may be proud to talk about their weaving skills. Well, I want to talk about our air quality.

As you can see by the graphic, our air quality, particularly ozone, can be mostly considered 'okay' across the timeframe of April to August, since it resides mostly below the national standard (the red line). However, there are a few details that we must focus on. However, unlike classic cars, gargantuan gourds or meticulous basketry, we would rather not see these types of details.

So, let's examine the problem dates and ozone concentrations (ppb):
April 18, 2008 - 81
May 23, 2008 - 76
June 19, 2008 - 77
June 25, 2008 - 76
July 17, 2008 - 80


Remember, the national standard is 75 ppb, however, in order to be labeled 'non-attainment' for air quality standards, the average of the past three years, a design value, must be above the standard. This design value acts as a target to beat for ozone levels. For 2008, in order to maintain the standard, the Pee Dee value could go as high as 77 ppb... above the national standard because the third highest value for 2007 was 73 ppb, and 2006 was 76 ppb. In order to meet the standard, the Pee Dee monitor needs to record 77 ppb or lower to maintain the standard.

Confusing, yes, but I am sure there is some statistical genius who put this formula together.

Back to the examination... and a potential solution:

Leaving out the June 25th datum, these above-standard records fall either on a Thursday or Friday of the third full week in each month. Now, I am not a statistician, but those odds seem a bit too regular... and a potential clue to the causes to the spikes.

I am currently looking at potential causes to this anomaly... can I predict that either on August 21st or 22nd and September 18th or 19th, we'll see further spikes? ...I don't know. But keep up the car stories, gourd planting and basket weaving, and I will keep you posted on the investigation.

Ozone Action Day

The following is today's air quality forecast:

Wednesday, August 6, 2008: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Ozone (104)

** CODE ORANGE ACTION DAY for Trident and Pee Dee Zones for Wednesday **

Today's ozone readings appear headed for peaks in the code Yellow range for the most part with an outside shot at an isolated code orange still possible mainly in the Upstate. For Wednesday, strong high pressure aloft will continue to ridge into the state from the west keeping hot temperatures and mainly dry conditions in the forecast -- although a stray thunderstorm cannot be ruled out. Winds in the lower atmosphere will veer slightly to a more NW'ly direction over northern sections. This will place the Pee Dee zone downwind of the Charlotte Metro plume -- which is the main reason for the code Orange forecast for them. Trident will also be downwind of much of today's "dirty" air and under hot and mostly dry conditions, may not see much relief from the sea breeze. Thus, it is conceivable that code Orange could be reached there as well. In the other 4 zones, code Yellow ozone peaks are expected.

Today’s Share the Air notification:
This is our first Action Day for 2008 in the Pee Dee. The Department of Health and Environmental Control has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Ground level ozone concentrations are expected to be greater than 0.075 parts per million (or greater than 100 AQI). In essence, sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities.

Keep in mind where your pollution goes. Fill your tank after 7:00PM, limit unnecessary trips, use Mass Transit, carpool. Although Charlotte Metro may be the main cause, our vehicle emissions only add to local ozone levels.

The general descriptions of ozone, air quality index levels and potential risks to special population groups are explained below:

Good (1-50)
No health impacts are expected when air quality is in this range.
Moderate (51-100)
Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150)
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy (151-200)
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Very Unhealthy (201-300)
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.

If you have any questions regarding the air quality of Florence County or would like to be included in an e-mail distribution of air quality, please feel free to e-mail me at spark@florenceco.org.

Land Use and Transportation

Land Use is coming!

Land Use is coming!

Many people that I have recently talked to, say 'Land Use' is a bad phrase and that there is gong to be a fight over land use in Florence County. Well, I hope that we will dispell all the 'bad' from this important tool to our residents.

Florence County is currently in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan. This plan has a number of elements that direct the future of the County and includes such titles as Natural Resources, Economic, Community Facilities, Cultural Resources, Transportation and one that we are currently working on: Future Land Use.

All of the elements are designed to inventory what we know about the County for each of the above subjects. Then the challenge is to cram everything we want to do over the next 20 years as future goals and try to label an appropriate timeframe to complete them.

Luckily, every county in the State needs a comprehensive plan. However, every county is different; and Florence County is an exceptional example: the Future Land Use element of the Comprehensive Plan will help incorporate commercial, industrial, residential and public facility uses with transportation corridors and natural resource protection. One of our goals is to provide a land use plan that is sustainable, effective and that makes common sense.

Over the next few months, as we draft maps that show our first attempt at a land use picture, we will be meeting with municipal administration to see if there are any glaring anomalies to address before public meetings. We anticipate public meetings to further direct what our landscape will look like in the future before we present to plan to the Florence County Planning Commission.

So, what does the future land use plan do? Hopefully, it keeps residential land uses buffered from commercial and industrial uses. It keeps large industrial parks near major highways to facilitate heavy freight use. It will protect our water resources by allowing low density development along rivers and streams. In essence, it's a big picture plan for the future development of Florence County, and I think it's worth fighting for. I hope you do too.

Want to learn more? Return here for more news or e-mail me and tell me you want to be kept in the loop on Future Land Use! We'll put you on the e-mail list when we are in your town.

Beijing and the Pee Dee

What do these two locations have in common?

Both locations are air quality challenged. Yes, if you haven't heard yet, the Florence area is very close to overstepping the National Air Quality Standard for ozone. Only about half-way through ozone season, we should know soon if the levels have tipped us over the edge for this year.

And we have been doing so well! ...what are some of the things Beijing is doing to curtail air quality woes?

According to the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Beijing has been busy trying to alleviate their smoggy conditions. The most comprehensive change will be done three days prior to the olympics opening: car traffic will be reduced by half. Based on license numbers, only even or odd numbered plates will be able to access the downtown.

Other changes that have happened over the long haul have been moving industry from the center of this valley (geographic location, alone, serves to trap noxious gases). However, the industry has been moved to an upwind location. ULI also reports that air quality monitors have been moved to locations that sample overall better air, giving the appearance of better air quality. Judging by the picture, however, Beijing's air quality has a long way to go. The picture also shows that the air quality can be quite clean!

It's all too easy to look at Beijing as a third party and see what's wrong with the picture. Is it that easy for Florence County and the Pee Dee region?

We invite you to be our third party! Look at what goes on around Florence County and see where we can make improvements. Share your ideas with us.

Sustainability in the Pee Dee

Or is it spelled $u$tainability?

According to two local global companies, Roche Carolina and Sonoco, sustainable practices means a boost to the bottom line.

I have recently learned about Roche Carolina's new geo-thermal system that is designed to cool and heat their workspace. A/C by sunlight! The cooling part is quite ingenious: the more intense the sunlight, the more cooling power the system provides, theoretically decreasing cooling needs during the hotest part of the day and year. While the energy demand from these hot days usually wreak havoc on local utilities; this system helps by decreasing this peak energy demand and the potential for brownouts. This system should be up and running soon. I hope to get a tour - then I'll share photos and more information then. Roche is anticipating an annual savings of $60,000 and the system paying for itself in three to six years.

The 's' in Sonoco stands for sustainability. At least that and 'progress forward' is what titles a new report from Sonoco on the document highlighting the company's 'triple bottom line' recently released. You may find the pdf here. The document details everything from worker safety and air quality emissions.

The report is sixteen pages describing the company’s mission to increase its sustainability with regards to social, economic and environmental issues over the past year. The report reflects the general global initiative to catalog anthropomorphic affects (use that term in your next conversation!) on the environment.

Planning This Week | July 21, 2008

There's lots to do this week in the Planning Services section and we are missing one our colleagues for a few days! Come back soon, Reneé!

Comprehensive Planning - The County Planning Commission will be presented with the Economic Element of the Comprehensive Plan tomorrow night at 6:30 in room 803 of the City/County Complex. This element is a revisit to the existing element that has been in place since the 90's. Data, goals and objectives have all been updated. The drafted element is currently located on the County's planning website: http://www.florenceco.org/Planning/Economic_Element.pdf

In other comprehensive plan news, the land use element will be ready soon for its first meetings with coordinating municipalities (those cities in the Florence County that contract with the County for zoning duties). Land Use seems to always be contenious subject matter, so we are also anticipating numerous public meetings with its roll out.

The request for qualifications for a consultant to help in producing the transportation element and long range transportation plan have gone out. The qualifications are due by August 15th. Contact me if you want a copy.

FLATS (Transportation Planning) - Centered around the confluence of I-20 and I-95, FLATS plans for transportation needs in the Florence metropolitan area. Recently, an enhancement project to create a connector park on South Irby was passed by the FLATS Policy Committee (the FLATS decision-making board). The project, as proposed by the City of Florence, will landscape the northeast corner of Irby and Cedar Streets, make a formal connector to the main library, and serve as a gateway to downtown Florence. FLATS staff is currently requesting support letters from the transportation commissioner and region's SCDOT engineer. After that, the project will be submitted to SCDOT for funding.

Air Quality - I wish I could share better news about our air quality. What I can share is that we have a lot of potential to meet our air quality standards. I have found out that our biggest polluters are you and me!

That's right; our vehicles make the largest impacts to our air quality. Sitting at lights (we're looking at that), sitting at the bank teller or fast food drive [sit]-thru, or picking up Bobby and Sue from swim school. Of course, there are the obvious influences: interstate interchange on our back step, the idling semi-trailers at the Petro station, electrical generation plants and manufacturing plants...how can we reduce these influences? Please share your thoughts... do we make five-points a traffic circle? Might we all step onto public transit for a day out of the week? Do we all take Friday's off?

I am looking for answers, solutions and notable ways to improve our air quality. What is your idea?

Is Our Skyline Sustainable?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking for a few good partners.

The EPA is ramping up its Sustainable Skylines program and will be soliciting national applications from all levels of the community at the end of this month. They are seeking multiple-project (at least five) programs that maximize corporate involvement and whose focus is increasing air quality. You may think that there may be a hefty grant award tied to the grant fundings, however, the EPA is mainly doling out funds as seed money to get the area's projects off the ground, running.

Take Florence County as an ideal candidate: air quality approaching the national standards, so we certainly need help; a medium sized community, we are the Pee Dee hub for industry, commercial business and transportation, but not a Columbia, Charleston nor Myrtle Beach in size; a significant corporate presence, and growing with Heinz, Monster.com and QVC to name the newbies; and there already exists a significant partnership among the metropolitan planning organization (FLATS), Florence County and the City of Florence.

What more can EPA ask for?

Kansas City and the pilot project in Dallas, Texas, are one and two years into their three-year programs:
Kansas: http://www.epa.gov/region07/citizens/ssi.htm
Dallas: http://www.sustainableskylines.org/Dallas/home.html

Many similar projects could easily be integrated into a Sustainable Florence program such as idle-free areas around schools and hospitals, installation of solar systems, rebates for hybrid vehicle purchases, increased tree protection, water conservation efforts, and diesel engine upgrades.

Grant applications will most likely be due by the end of September.

Successful Forestry Grant

Florence County Planning Department submitted a successful grant application to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Funds will be utilized to train staff and for public outreach. Staff members will receive training and tested to become certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture.

The public outreach component of the grant is for the County's tree preservation initiative. Due to the recent EPA change in ozone air quality standards, Florence area may be considered an area of non-attainment for these new standards. One way the County is working to increase air quality is by considering the preservation and enhancement of tree resources.

Tree preservation will have additional benefits to Florence quality of life. Aesthetics and property values are increased by trees. Some studies attribute up to 10% increase in home value with the presence of mature landscapes. Especially in the current home market, this increase would be a welcome statistic.

Additonally, preserving trees during the initial development of a property increases stormwater containment. Less stormwater measures are needed on a construction project when adequate consideration is given to preserving existing trees.

The County Planning Department, together with Clemson University and SC Forestry have been working to pen the draft of the County's tree preservation ordinance. Look for the draft and public meeting dates soon on the County Planning website.

Sustainability | The local challenge...

This week - eat local

Of course this has to do with energy conservation and building strong communities: growing your own food or buying the food grown in your locale benefits you and the environment. The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/index.shtml) is proposing a challenge this week to eat only local foods. The Pee Dee area has at least three farms and a farmer's market that raises everything from lamb, chicken and beef to fruits and vegetables:

Oaklyn Plantation
Oaklyn Plantation Free Range Chicken (http://www.freerangechicken.com)
Ovis Hill Farms (http://www.ovishillfarm.com)

The Farmer's Market is located on the north side of Hwy 52 (Lucas St.), west of I-95.

Additionally, many chain food stores sell local produce like peaches from McLeod Farms (http://www.macspride.com/default.asp).

And there is always solar power... plant your own garden. Currently, my four raised beds in the backyard (just installed one more this year), each measuring 4ft. by 8ft. contain green peppers, okra, edamame, pole beans, peas, cherry tomatoes, ground cherries (related to tomatoes, but tangy), sunflowers, and new this season: asparagus and elephant garlic.

It's the season to eat local... and this week, the challenge is every meal.

Happy hunting.

Americans will drive more, regardless of regulations and fuel prices

Today's Air Quality is forecasted to be moderate (score of 90 - see past blog for descriptions). Looking at Florence County's track record for air quality, I was under the impression that the area's air quality is improving. However, on a national scale, a recent post on the Federal Highway's "It all adds up to cleaner air" forum included the following article by Saqib Rahim (6/25/08), a reporter for ClimateWire, about a recent study that gives me pause. A question about the first statement - what is your answer?:

First, the bad news: Even the toughest policies in the transportation sector, a new study finds, won't keep vehicle-related emissions from growing.

But the good news, says the report from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, is that a suite of policies can at least slow that growth.Reform has been slow to come to the American transportation sector, which has taken center stage in the public reaction to gas prices and global warming.

Reluctant U.S. automakers are showing signs of relenting, switching their efforts to smaller cars and alternative fuels. Recent rises in the price of oil have also driven scores of Americans to take public transit. The federal government has pitched in, raising fuel-economy standards and promoting ethanol.

But even as anti-gas-guzzler sentiments begin to warm, policymakers face a stark history: Transportation accounts for roughly a third of the country's emissions. And with each passing year, Americans are driving more and more. According to the Urban Land Insitute, total vehicle miles traveled have nearly doubled since 1980.

That has left policymakers in a pickle, the report says. Even if oil prices stay high, technologies improve dramatically and the government sets up policies to curb oil use, emissions and oil imports are still likely to rise.

Using an Energy Department model, the report projects what would happen to total transportation, oil use and emissions under different policy scenarios, such as an economy-wide carbon tax, stronger fuel-economy standards or other auto-related taxes. The model also accounts for other variables, such as oil prices, technology development and consumer choice.

In all cases, the report says, a major obstacle to reducing emissions and oil use is that Americans are likely to drive even more in the future. Without any policy action, the report predicts, vehicle miles traveled would increase more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2030.

While none of the policies is a "silver bullet" that could achieve all goals at once, the report finds that multiple policies could reduce emissions below the business-as-usual scenario -- one in which the present situation stays the same. In particular, the report says, an economy-wide tax on CO2 (or an equivalent cap-and-trade regime) plus a tightening fuel-economy standard would slow growth in emissions from transportation.

Revised thinking: '25 by '25' is very hard to do.

Meanwhile, another study is questioning a popular benchmark for reducing emissions and strengthening energy security.

The target, known as "25 by '25", aims to source 25 percent of electricity and transportation fuels in America from renewable fuels by 2025.But current technology is not on pace to achieve that benchmark, says the RAND Corp. report by Michael Toman.

If that goal is to be achieved, the report says, researchers must focus on producing a large feedstock of biomass, since it is the least expensive alternative today and can be grown plentifully in the United States.But it may be cheaper to reduce emissions using energy efficiency and subsidies in addition to renewables, the report suggests.