COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
APRIL 20, 2010 MINUTES
POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING ROOM
519 NORTH GOOSE CREEK BLVD. GOOSE CREEK SC

I. Attendance:

Committee Members Present: Joel Arenson, Rick Buckner, Paul Connerty, Jerry Glass, Nancy Hellstrom, Gayla McSwain, Tom Volkmar, Allen Wall
Committee Members Absent: Doug Quinn, Jeffrey Smith, Jerry Tekac, Barry Washington
BCD COG Staff Present: Jessica Gillis
City Staff Present: Daniel Ben-Yisrael and Sarah Hanson

Mr. Wall called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.

II. Review of Minutes from March 16, 2010

Motion: Mr. Arenson made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Buckner seconded.
Discussion: There was none.
Vote: All in favor; none opposed.

Mr. Ben-Yisrael asked the Committee if they had any general questions or comments concerning the process of creating the Plan. Mr. Arenson asked where we were relative to having a document to review, and Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated that was something to ask Ms. Gillis. He said there was still the plan to have a draft available to present to City Council this fall. Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated we've covered all the existing conditions but for one of the elements - priority investment. Now all that is left is developing goals and strategies for each of the elements, which began last month with the discussion on land use. He stated he thinks the process is on track. Mr. Arenson stated that throughout the process requests have been made for information to be provided, but as yet they haven't been given out; there was discussion about what these requests were. It was decided that some of the information would be distributed at the time of the relative discussion, but in the meantime Staff would review meeting minutes to determine what was requested. Mr. Wall stated he would be interested in hearing Ms. Gillis' summary of the status of the Plan.

III. Committee Discussion - Draft Elements

Mr. Connerty mentioned having attended a COG meeting concerning Sustainable Communities. Ms. Gillis explained the Sustainable Communities concept and stated it was a part of what the Committee has been discussing. She summarized that this is a federal initiative through the EPA, HUD, and DOT whereby grant money will be awarded for the development of a regional Sustainable Community plan. The application for the grant is being handled through the COG.

The extended connectivity of the hiker biker trails, completed greenways, and recreation locations was discussed. Ms. Hellstrom asked how all of this would impact the area of Goose Creek on the east side of the railroad tracks. There was brief discussion about area greenway plans. Mr. Ben-Yisrael explained that related to that he had been within the Naval Weapons Station and had been told that access to the park and the waterways is open to the public once a pass is issued. Ms. Gillis explained that all of these issues can be tied together within the Plan. Attempting to accomplish connecting all of these types of amenities will impact how to manage the major intersection of 176/52.

There was considerable discussion concerning the future redevelopment of the Highway 176 and Highway 52 interchange. The discussion centered on creating neighborhood traffic patterns and alternate feeder roads to take cars off of the major arteries rather than adding lanes or overpasses. Dispersion of traffic and traffic calming measures were discussed. There was discussion about the Henry Brown Boulevard and the Howe Hall/Liberty Hall area in terms of roads and relieving the number of vehicles traveling 176/52, as presently 176/52 is the only route to take in many instances to get to Goose Creek locations.

It was suggested that a plan be created to guide the decisions made when DOT brings forth their plans for road construction in that area. Mr. Buckner discussed developing a specific measure of success so that the process can be focused toward a specific goal and plan; otherwise, future funds could be spent with disappointing results.

IV. Upcoming Tasks

Ms. Gillis stated she will be sending out additional information concerning upcoming tasks for the Committee. She offered copies of the Population Element goals from other cities' Plans and said she would provide copies of the Commercial Center plan from City Council.

V. Adjournment

Mr. Volkmar made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Arenson seconded. All voted in favor. The meeting was adjourned at or about 6:35 p.m.