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.
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