Folly residents get second look at traffic solutions
Folly Beach, SC-
On September 24, Folly Beach residents will have an opportunity to “review, discuss, and comment” on proposed long-range traffic calming solutions. The “drop-in” style public review features potential answers which are the result of public comments and a cooperative effort between the City’s Traffic Steering Committee and the hired consultants at Wilbur Smith & Associates.
Some individuals involved in the local political arena might say that many residents are quick to make complaints about traffic during the summer months, but rarely follow though with that passion in the off season. However, residents proved that theory wrong on May 11 when they packed Father Kelley Hall during the initial public presentation. Since then, the consultants have taken the public comments into account, conducted on-site research, compiled more data, and presented long-range solutions to the Traffic Steering Committee which consists of LaJuan Kennedy, Laura Beck, Terry Boatwright, Michael Riffert and Council of Governments traffic engineer Jeff Burns. While the Traffic Steering Committee agreed on 20 points proposed by the consultants, they also made modifications to the proposal and worked with the consultants on a long-range plan which will be presented to the public on September 24. The proposal that will be presented to the public is a synergy of intimate Folly Beach knowledge and the expertise of traffic professionals.
The consultants have already brought suggestions for affordable, short-term solutions to the City. This public review involves solutions which will be of a more permanent nature and will require a larger investment of money and time from the City. The City Council will be presented with a formal recommendation for solutions by the Traffic Steering Committee as a result of this meeting. Residents concerned about traffic issues should plan to attend, have their opinions heard and see what direction the City may be heading in terms of a traffic solution. The meeting will be held on September 24 from 6-8pm at Father Kelly Hall located on West Hudson.
