LaHood in Florence

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood with Congressman John Spratt.

It's not often and never anticipated to see the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in your hometown planning for transportation's future. The Secretary of Transportation is the head of the agency that provides funding for State and local transportation projects and, for the reason of today's meeting, larger national-scale projects such as I-73. So, that's is just what happened this morning. I got a tip late last night from a Darlington County colleague (thank you, Brooks) that explained that there was going to be a transportation roundtable at SiMT Friday morning.

The Planning Services team with Secretary Ray LaHood (from left, Renee Proctor, Elizabeth Ervin, myself, and Debi Matthews at the right of the Secretary.

Of course you know what I said: "what roundtable meeting on transportation at SiMT?"
So a quick search for the meeting came up with Secretary LaHood's appearance in the Pee Dee - only the second for this position. Then, since I was excited about a potential 'fun Friday' with my staff, I woke up and called them to see if they were interested! ...yes, they were interested (and were already awake!). And, plus our intern was going to go, which I though would be a fantastic experience to see government in action.

Deputy Secretary of Transportation  John D. Porcari, who LaHood said, "really runs the department." 

During his presentation, Mr. Secretary mentioned that the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is compiling a reauthorization of the transportation funding bill (where FLATS, through SCDOT, gets it's guideshare funding) worth nearly $500 billion with a tenth of that being a "down payment" to begin with the larger, important projects that the President mentioned in Milwaukee on Labor Day.

All in all, a very eye-opening day with an audience full of elected officials, MPO staff members from GSATS (our Myrtle Beach colleagues, Grand Strand Transportation Study), directors and administrators of many of the jurisdictions that would be affected by the new interstate highway.

Exciting times here in Florence!

This blog was edited to correct the number of visits the Sec. of Trans. has visited SC.

FLATS Policy Committee Pursues Options

The most recent FLATS (Florence Area Transportation Study) Policy Committee meeting was held this past Monday. The meeting revealed what we can expect regarding transportation in our area and what applications for enhancement grants have been submitted.

Enhancement grants are federal funds most often used for bicyclists facilities, pedestrian facilities, landscaping and scenic beautification such as streetscaping and also preserving the abandoned railway corridors. Eligible applicants include city and county governments in the FLATS area (Darlington County, City of Florence, Florence County and Quinby). SCDOT must approve the local government to manage the project by showing that it has adequate staff to meet federal requirements. The allocated amount for the FLATS area is $117,000 annually.

An enhancement project that prompted discussion was the enhancement of the Cheves St. corridor (shown in turquoise and labelled "A" in the map below) from around the railroad tracks west to Irby St. The City of Florence is investing $1 million in parking north of this street that will support the Performing Arts Center and planned museum. City plans show a change in the number of lanes of this corridor to provide a more pedestrian-friendly environment to downtown and these new facilities. The enhancement grant proposal also includes much needed landscaping and bike lanes.

Renee and Debi did this.

Another option is to enhance the Dargan St. corridor (shown in pink and labeled "B" in the map above). Some of the Committee members mentioned this street may be the focus for enhancement monies. This street is two lanes and begs for beautification that will be inviting to downtown. The Committee has requested City of Florence staff to incorporate Dargan St. in the plan. What is your choice?

Other discussion at the meeting included upgrades to S. Cashua from Second Loop to Knollwood Rd. The question is whether sidewalks should be included in the project in a location where currently has little walking traffic or is walking traffic light because there is no where to walk? With limited area to expand, would a bicycle lane be a better solution in this area? As you can see in the schematic below, lane designation near the shoulder acts as a more significant bicycle accommodation.

Courtesy of SCDOT

The Committee has asked SCDOT to determine a cost savings if sidewalks were omitted from this project. Weighing the pros and cons make for healthy discussions especially when there is a high dollar at stake. We'll talk more at the next FLATS Policy Committee Meeting.

What are your thoughts and concerns on the above projects?

Planning for the Pedestrian

The latest Florence plan for transportation has a significant focus on alternative ways to get around including by foot!

Downtown Florence improvements that lend to pedestrian traffic.

See the urban area plan here and County plan here.

Recent news from the past two months aren't the only indications of conflicts between walkers and drivers. Oftentimes, I personally see pedestrians crossing Irby Street at various locations to access the library, convenience stores or drug stores. On larger roads like Lucas Street, pedestrians use the shoulders to get where they want to go. There are still other clues of pedestrian use just by looking at the worn path along roads such as National Cemetery Road, Pamplico Highway and Palmetto Street. I am making my own path along Cherokee Road!

A road with limited pedestrian capacity.

There is little doubt that walking is an important mode of transportation.

Obviously, news reports on when pedestrian and car mix improperly usually result in a very bad outcome. Forty-five miles per hour and 3800 lbs. versus a 200 lbs person (I use my own weight, not yours) at 3 miles per hour has terrible odds when they meet. I hope I never find out what that feels like; and with those odds, I probably wouldn't. But I digress. There is a long list of issues that may not be readily apparent to a driver. Pedestrians are oftentimes walking in edges of unkempt yards and trash thanks to our faster transported cohorts (that's a whole other blog). Sometimes pedestrians walk uneven shoulders as is the case on Cherokee Road which has a steep side and a more flat side (although State Law says that you must always be on the left for two-lane roads). I opt for the flat side every time although I am not walking against traffic for half the time.

Some shoulders show signs of heavy pedestrian and bicycle use. 

Other issues include the obvious. Why would someone walk when they have a car (that is, if they have a car): it's either a desire to enjoy a walk through the park over waiting for the light to change, or a necessity. I know I contend with speeding traffic whizzing by, hoping they had their cup of coffee and see to avoid me. I hope the grass is mowed and the sprinklers are off as I walk to work. I hope turning vehicles don't mind waiting a few more seconds so I may cross. I hope the sidewalks I find are in good repair. I hope the suicide lane on Irby Street doesn't morph into a merging lane. I hope the temperature is below 75, but I would be asking for too much by that time. I wish Cherokee Road was a bus route.

In fact, if you live in more rural areas of the county, your transportation options are ever more limited and I am sure you would have to deal with higher grass at the least. In order to live outside of municipal limits, one would certainly need access to a car (or a neighbor with a car!). The American Association of Highway Officials (AASHTO) recently reported that improvements are needed to the "rural transportation system to keep agriculture, new energy products, and freight moving; improve access for the travel, recreation, and tourism industries; connect new and emerging cities; and to ensure reliable access to key defense installations..." However, the lack of multi-modal options in the report stirred the National Rural Assembly (along with YouthBuild USA, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), Redwood Coast Rural Action and others.) to counter that "public transit, regional, and inter-modal systems" should be included.

A typical cross-section and traffic of rural roads.

Even through the recent planning process, it's hard to determine the solution of where to utilize limited funds for multi-modal projects. Without much feedback from rural residents, can the assumption be made that everyone has a car there.  Or are rural areas among the only affordable locations to live with transportation continuing to take a bigger share of family income?

PDRTA waiting at the Timmonsville greenway.

Individuals and government agencies consider many factors when planning on that next house to live in or road to improve. What is your perspective on transportation priorities?

A Community Foundation for the Pee Dee Area

Until a few weeks ago, I was not aware of the many benefits available to an area through a community foundation or that nearly all of South Carolina is served by them. The Eastern Carolina Community Foundation serves our Pee Dee area and is located here in Florence at 234 West Cheves Street. This foundation was formally announced in November of 2007 to serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties.

If you're as unfamiliar as I was with what a community foundation is and what they can do for a community, let me fill you in. They are tax-exempt public charities created by and for the people in a local area to help improve the quality of life. Their four main roles are:

• act as grantmakers to any non-profit in the region;
• community conveners and partners to bring together government, business, and individuals to address local issues and needs;
• consolidators of existing small foundations; and
• philanthropic advisors and partners to match donor interests with community needs.

In January of 2008, the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation was chosen as the recipient of the first Liberty Prize from the Liberty Fellowship, a statewide leadership program that seeks to inspire value-based leadership among young South Carolina leaders. This vote validates the importance of the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation not just to our area, but to the state as a whole. Impressive!

Were you able to attend the dedication of the City of Florence Trails System and Family Fitness Day? For those who missed it, it was held on National Trails Day, June 7, 2008. The dedication recognized the growth of the Florence trails system from two miles to 18 miles, stretching from the new Veterans Park behind the Civic Center to Freedom Florence. It was a great day!

Ok, so you missed the 2008 event. You want another chance to join the fun? The Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, along with local volunteers, have just started brainstorming ideas to host a 2010 Florence Trails Event. I'll keep you posted on when and where. More volunteers to help coordinate the event are welcome. If you're interested, get in touch with David Wach, Event Chairman, and he'll add you to his e-mail distribution list. Contact him at (843) 629-4850, (843) 229-9000 or david.wach@roche.com.

I've only touched on the surface about this foundation, so check out their website for the whole picture. Susan Bankson, Executive Director, would welcome hearing from you. She can be reached at (843) 667-1131 or susan@easterncarolinacf.org.

Be Transported!

Today's schedule includes a workshop for Planning Commission members to look over and brainstorm about the next Comprehensive Plan element: Transportation.

We all need some sort of mobility to get from home then back again while we conduct our daily lives. Seniors in our community may have radically different needs than a resident traveling to Myrtle Beach for work. The typical 'soccer parent' may have a high number of evening trips while the single person may have classes by day, but might also be a 'night owl'.

Transportation comes in all sizes. We might use feet or fuel, both having their unique needs and which depend on the landscape for space. A 12-foot wide lane may have its advantages to freight haulers on highways, but it could also accommodate both a car and a bicycle if such a lane was in a residential area.

This plan will be focusing on the anticipated transportation condition over the next 30 years. The plan will look at all modes of transportation, the people who will use it while considering future growth. Security, the environment and neighborhoods will also be considered. Improving the quality of life is the main objective.

Aesthetics play a significant role in the quality of life for Florence residents. Already a concern in many public forums is the notion of improving the entrance corridors to our municipalities. Just look at the online comments in response to a recent Morning News opinion piece. The new land use element of the County comprehensive plan has already established this idea as Goal 19.

As with the past plan elements, we NEED your INpUt! Look for a public meeting coming up in the near future and also look at a new website we are compiling to share the document as it is developed.

Repaving in Florence

In addition to the Ashby at McIver Road and Pine Needles Road improvements, the following roads are scheduled to be resurfaced:

• Cherokee Road from Us 76 to US 52 (Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.)
• Third Loop Road from Cashua Dr. east to McCown Dr. (Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.)
• US 52 from 0.2 mile north of Green Acres north to SC 51 (Pamplico Hwy). (Periodic lane closures are expected during the week.)

Be careful and especially mindful of workers and truck traffic - most likely, they are our neighbors too.

TPAC is on a roll!

Tuesday we had our second TPAC, Transportation Plan Advisory Committee, meeting for the Long Range Transportation Plan. We had a great turn out of members who knew the problem areas and were anxious to express their ideas since the previous meeting.

It seems that the concensus of the (LRTP) questionnaire was that we needed to work on connectivity, bike and pedestrian friendly streets, and trying to make things more appealing to the eye. The combination of these ideas will make getting from point"A" to point "B" less stressful, maybe even enjoyable!

The previously mentioned round-a-bout for five/six points will not work because of the the large footprint that would be required. Another alternative may be to make one of the intersecting streets inbound only. Then there are those that say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"! What do you think?

All agreed that the East Palmetto corridor coming from the airport to the hospital is a definite eyesore and needs to be cleaned up. This is one of the gateways to our City and requires much attention.

South Irby Street is highly traveled and begs for help. Safety is the biggest issue whether it is for motorist, pedestrians, or bicyclist. They all use Irby Street (maybe in fear). Proper turn lanes, controlling curb cuts, plantable medians, and pedestrian elements were some of the suggestions that need to be incorporated.

TPAC thinks it's all about raising the level of service and the more bang for your buck!

What do you think?

Great Feedback for the Land Use Element!

The most important thing Florence County Staff has needed, asked, and advertised for over the last eleven months while updating the existing Land Use Element and Land Use Map, has been public input, public input, public input.

The Home Builders Association of the Greater Pee Dee has gone above and beyond in helping our department to get the word out. Florence County Staff met with their members last week at the beautiful new Pee Dee Realtor's Association building on Celebration Drive. There were more than 34 interested members present with all sorts of good questions and comments.

• When did the State Statute begin on the Comprehensive Plan? (1994)
• What is the Comprehensive Plan's role for unzoned parcels? (None)
• What is the process and how long is the procedure to make a change to the comprehensive plan change? (Very detailed answer, look for this information to be included soon in the Land Use Element DRAFT on the county website.
• Would like to see all residential uses combined into one land use designation.
• Would like to see all commercial uses combined into one land use deisgnation.
• When will the (FHD) Flood Hazard District change on the map? (Will reflect FEMA FIRM maps updates)
• Several good recommendations for additional information in the Land Use document. (To present to Planning Commission on July 28th public meeting.

Hope to see all you other interested individuals and groups at the Land Use Night School tonight at 6:30PM in room 803 of the City/County Complex. If you can't make this meeting, save the date on your calendar for the next Planning Commission public hearing on July 28th at the same time and location as noted above. Your input is needed too!

Attention All Paddlers!

Anyone out there familiar with The Scenic Rivers Program, established by the SC Scenic Rivers Act 1989? I wasn't until I was fortunate enough to be asked to join the Lynches Scenic River Advisory Committee. The upper section of the Lynches River was designated a State Scenic River on March 24, 1994, while the lower section was designated on June 11, 2008.

Thanks to the efforts of SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and SC Department of Natural Resources a grant was received from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and a Lynches Scenic River Water Trail Guide has been created. The guidebook contains information on the portion which flows roughly 111 miles from U.S. Highway 15 Bridge in Lee County to its confluence with the Great Pee Dee River, which by the way, is another SC State Scenic River.

The guidebook is waterproof, however there are specific instructions on how to dry the sheets if the book gets wet. These instructions can be found on the DNR website under Managed Lands and Secenic Rivers. A pdf of the guidebook is also available at this site.

You can pick up a copy of the booklet (FREE!) at any of these locations:
- Florence DNR office;
- Florence County Planning Department;
- Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library;
(carded copies will also be available here and at each of the Florence County libraries)
- Naturally Outdoors;
- Two outfitters on the Lynches River (River Ratz & Swamp Fox);
- Lynches River County Park;
- Woods Bay State Park;
- Lee State Park; and
- The Cotton Museum in Bishopville.

Poster size signs with specific information will be placed at the following landings:
- Highway 15, Lee County;
- Highway 76, Sumter County;
- Highway 401, outside of Olanta;
- Half Moon Landing, above Johnsonville;
- Highway 41/51, Odell Venters Landing;
- Lynches River County Park @ canoe landing and @ Highway 52 landing.

Small blue "South Carolina Scenic River" tree signs will be posted visible by water or land at other landings available to the public. No signs will be posted on private landings.

The date, time and location of the Dedication has yet to be determined. I'll keep you posted.

I can't begin to elaborate on all of the great information this guidebook contains. So, run out and pick one up soon (limited supply of FREE books) and take it with you on your next outting on the Lynches River. I've got mine and my outting is in the works. See you on the river!

Florence County Foreclosures Decline to 2006 Levels

Over the past few months, the Florence County Planning Department has been tracking foreclosures back to 2006. With the help of the County Clerk of Courts and its Special Referree, we have compiled all the available information on those homes that have completed the foreclosure process.

Beginning around May 2007, it was not uncommon to see between 35 and 40 foreclosures a month. Those numbers have decreased starting in September 2008 when the highest values were between 25 and 30 a month.

For the month of June, the number of foreclosed property continued its downward trend with nine, roughly equal to the average of the first two months of 2006, which is the start of records we could find.

Annual municipalities' foreclosures in 2009 may meet or beat 2006 values if these trends continue.

So, what does this mean for Florence County? It may translate to decreased time a home for sale remains on the market. It may also signal a better market for builders seeing less competition with foreclosed properties.

As the Florence Economic Development Partnership continues to attract new an expanding businesses to Florence, we may be seeing some warming from this icy housing season.

The next question we must ask ourselves is how we want to grow to weather the next economic catastrophe. That answer may lie in considering the combined costs of housing and transportation (reflecting the new coordination between HUD and US DOT) while minimizing the tax burden. Instead of housing following new schools, how about schools locating near the housing... you'll see lower costs in maintaining our transportation network! Imagine a pedestrian and bicycle friendly neighborhood that includes that school, grocer, coffee shop, clothing store and other amenities.

Can it happen in Florence?

What happens when EPA, DOT and HUD get together?

A partenership in stewardship, that's what.

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood explained the partnership this way:

“Creating livable communities will result in improved quality of life for all Americans and create a more efficient and more accessible transportation network that services the needs of individual communities. Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects and programs will help America’s neighborhoods become safer, healthier and more vibrant.”

The following are great goals, many of which may find their way into the Florence County Comprehensive Plan (see the website). Together with the vision of Florence County and the help of the Florence Area Transportation Study, our local transportation planning program, the next few years will hopefully lead to a more sustainable development and redevelopment of Florence.

1. Provide more transportation choices.
Develop safe, reliable and economical transportation choices to decrease household transportation costs, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote public health.

2. Promote equitable, affordable housing.
Expand location- and energy-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races and ethnicities to increase mobility and lower the combined cost of housing and transportation.

3. Enhance economic competitiveness.
Improve economic competitiveness through reliable and timely access to employment centers, educational opportunities, services and other basic needs by workers as well as expanded business access to markets.

4. Support existing communities.
Target federal funding toward existing communities – through such strategies as transit-oriented, mixed-use development and land recycling – to increase community revitalization, improve the efficiency of public works investments, and safeguard rural landscapes.

5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment.
Align federal policies and funding to remove barriers to collaboration, leverage funding and increase the accountability and effectiveness of all levels of government to plan for future growth, including making smart energy choices such as locally generated renewable energy.

6. Value communities and neighborhoods.
Enhance the unique characteristics of all communities by investing in healthy, safe and walkable neighborhoods – rural, urban or suburban.

More information on Interagency Partnership:

http://www.epa.gov/opei/ocmp/dced-partnership.html

About a Coalition

I was recently invited to a meeting of a particular area in Florence County where stakeholders (landowners, businesses, etc.) met to discuss ways to preserve natural resources and their rural heritage.

The group is at a stage where there are tons of strong ideas floating about, but nothing on paper. As the group shapes its objectives, they are finding that they first need a geographic focus.

The recent meeting included a presentation by Noel Thorn, a real estate developer, turned farmer, turned negotiator - in essence, someone who knows the importance of protecting natural resources while providing affordable housing, education and jobs.

Mr. Thorn may have given the group a good direction to begin organizing the way they want their community to look. First thing's first: establish your boundary, establish your stakeholders, establish your goals that include the future economic viability of sustaining their commmunity.

I am very excited about working with this group. For a County planner, this affords an opportunity to work close and share potential regulatory tools to help residents realize their objectives while working with planners  across jurisdictional boundaries.

What about your community? Do you have everything you need and want in your neighborhood? If not, talk with your neighbor and invite me to a meeting so we can get your sustainable neighborhood started!

Earth Day - County's frugal plan

Did you walk to work or school today? It is a perfect day for a walk or bicycle ride anywhere around town. Need to go to lunch at the mall? - take the bus. PDRTA has a route that passes through the area (did you know they added yet another route for the southern part of the City of Florence).

All of these questions lead me to wish you a happy Earth Day and give you a perspective on how the County wants to save money by being frugal.

As you know, we are working on the Comprehensive (thinking BIG) Plan. The plan outlines where we are now and where we see ourselves in the next 30 years. I told you it was big. 

The element we are currently working on is the Future Land Use - how and where the County will grow over this long period of time. This is the quintescential plan of plans! I know many people don't know (or don't care?) and haven't read their County's Comprehensive Plan (and ours has pretty pictures, too!), but let me share what is drafted so far in the opening paragraph:

The Future Land Use Element represents a culmination of many elements of the Florence County Comprehensive Plan. Information from the Population, Community Facilities, Economic Development and Natural Resources elements are utilized to create the foundation for directing responsible future growth in the County. The Future Land Use element incorporates the analysis and future strategy of these elements and emphasizes sustainability and prudence as the priority objective for growth. The overarching goal is to create efficiency in utilizing our manufactured and natural infrastructure.

Feel free to send me any feedback.

I recently read some interesting material comparing the effectiveness of frugality and efficiency in a sort of 'chicken or the egg' discussion. Except, this time the benefit is clear to be frugal before being efficient; whereas, the opposite holds little confidence of arriving at both. 

For example, limiting the exent to grow beyond municipal boundaries (frugality) may lead to more efficient housing opportunities within the boundary. A example in the contrary - high density residential zoning allowed anywhere in reference to municiapal services creates sprawl, much like what is found on Alligator Road. This second example, although efficient this example highlights an antithesis to frugality.

All these ideas tie into sustainability and minimizing our ecological footprint. How are you reducing your footprint this Earth Day?

Oh, and one more thing - ozone forcast for today and the past few days have been green! Good Job!

Calling Florence Area Residents - Land Use Meeting Tonight

If you live in and around Florence, tonight is the last scheduled public meeting to look at the Future Land Use maps and hear the presentation on the County's future vision! Dodge the rain - see you tonight at the Family Life Church - 2812 West Palmetto Street.

Can't make it? - head to your nearest County library to peak at the map and make your mark. Also, you can pull a comment sheet to send in with your thoughts. Also, our office (518 S. Irby St.) has a similar map in the lobby. And if you need help? We'll be available to talk about it.

Happy Visioning!

Stimulating

Do you think that Florence County is getting passed over on the federal stimulus funding? Fear not!

Follow this link to the SCDOT website where the list of road resurfacing projects can be found. Florence County projects start on page 65.

Shown to the left looks like Cherokee Road... any traffic circles in there?

Busy Thursday!

The public should feel very lucky to have two opportunities to hear what's going on around Florence:

First, there is the second (rated a 'thumbs up' by Florence Morning News) meeting in the three meeting series to discuss the Future Land Use map at Eastside Christian Church, 3541 East Palmetto Street. County Planning staff will be there from 5-7PM with a presentation at 6:00PM. Feel free to drop in anytime.

Then, if that wasn't good enough, the Florence Trails Committee will be having a meeting at Naturally Outdoors (2519 W. Palmetto) from 5-6PM to discuss a grant opportunity from the State Parks and Recreation Department.

And best of all - visit both meetings and get a bonus - I'll hold off the 6:00PM Land Use presentation for 15 minutes so you may join in on both experiences. Florence County will have staff attending both meetings to answer any questions.

Two meetings, 60 blocks apart - this is your public meeting challenge of the week!

Have kids? The first child to ask a land use question (at the Future Land Use meeting) will get a large color area map to share with their school classmates.

Hitting the Presses

Florence County had some great Saturday coverage this past weekend. 

First, the front page article was covering the County $500 rebate on hybrid vehicles. To find the application and procedures to apply, clicking here takes you to a pdf document on the Florence County homepage. Also, if you would like a list of qualifying vehicles, send me an e-mail.

Then, the editorial board gave Florence County a thumbs up for the future land use public meetings occurring this and next Thursday. We have been garnering some great conversations and hope even more residents come out to review and comment on the proposed future land uses. You may look at the maps ahead of time at the County Planning website. Scroll to 'Future Land Use maps."

In other news this week, we will be initiating the FLATS (our local transportation planning responsibility for the urban area) Long-Range Transportation Plan. This plan, like the Future Land Use Plan is a long-range look to anticiapate future transportation needs in the area. And, of course, there will be many opportunities for the public to get involved with the process. We'll keep you posted on its status.

Sustainability in Florence County

I am very excited about the next County Council meeting this Thursday at 9:00AM. Aside from the Community Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan being introduced, so are some very cool hybrid vehicle and 'greening your home' incentive programs for County residents.

That's right - the County will help you to 'green' your lifestyle! 

This link will open up the agenda - look on page 3, it's the first resolution. More specifically, the entire resolution can be found from this link on pages 20 and 21.

The County jumped on air quality initiatives at the first sign of potentially missing the new ozone standards. The Planning Department has been following our air quality very closely (see our August 2008 blog) and also presented a list of options to the Council on October 16, 2008. This incentive program was on the list together with an anti-idling policy for all employees.

The anti-idling policy is in the process of being incorporated into our Personnel Policy Manual!

Watch the Council meeting live.

Let us know what else we need to focus on to make our community better. Click on the this article's title to leave a comment.

Comprehensive Plan Update!

Last night the Planning Commission heard presentations of the new Community Facilities element and Administrative Procedures.

The Community Facilities element is on its way to County Council: to be introduced on February 19th, public hearing on March 5th and final reading Mar 19th. These dates are shown at the calendar to the right and will be updated if there are any changes to the schedule.

The Administrative Procedures, however, will be returning to the Planning Commission February 24th. Language on how to approach non-compliant zoning requests will be revised. The revision will allow the Planning Commission to recommend zoning requests that are not compliant with the Comprehensive Plan.

For those that are confused about this change in language, a brief description may help. A little background first: the goal of any comprehensive plan is to capture the public's vision of what is perceived as the direction for the next 20-30 years. Of course this is difficult, which is the reason why the plan must be redone every ten years.

This vision is embodied into the document called the Comprehensive Plan. This Plan includes nine elements: Economic Development, Cultural Resources, Natural Resources, Population, Housing, Community Facilities, Future Land Use, Priority Investment and Transportation.

The next element is the Future Land Use. This part of the plan categorizes all of the County (except for those municipalities that do their own - Pamplico, Florence, Lake City) area into land use groups. These groupings will then be the basis for allowing certain zoning in the area. Also, as mentioned last night, is the basis for the potential of county-wide zoning.

This is where the Administrative Procedures (not an element, but dictates how to amend the Plan) come into play: For example, a zoning request is presented to the Commission that does not comply with the intent of the new comprehensive plan.

The Administrative Procedures presented last night to the Planning Commission would have forced the Commission to recommend denial of the rezoning to the Council. In order to approve the request, the Council would first be directed to change the Comprehensive Plan (public hearings, notice, input, etc.) to correct the Plan.

In essence, the Planning Commission is looking for more flexibility in their recommendation to the County Council when hearing such a request.

If you continue to be challenged in understanding the Plan or actions taken by the Commission last night, feel free to contact us.

Who's New?

Lisa Jackson, that's who.

She's the new EPA Administrator-designee and she is already listing her goals for her tenure at this federal regulatory agency:

• reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• improving air quality
• managing chemical risks
• cleaning up hazardous waste sites
• protecting water resources

Check out her memorandum to employees posted on the EPA website.

Luckily, Florence County planning is following similar thinking as the EPA. Starting last year with our close 'run-in' with air quality exceeding the EPA's ozone standard. Now, we are focusing on the Future Land Use element (at a public meeting near you) which will include protections for our rivers and stream while improving our governments' ability to provide services to residents.

Are you new too? ...to your neighborhood? ...to planning? ...to comprehensive plans?