A draft study for the City of Charleston outlines how the James Island Connector could be modified to include bike lanes to allow bicyclists to cross the Ashley River safely. Over the last few years, there has been much controversy about turning a lane of U.S. Highway 17 over the Ashley into a bike lane. The new study suggests an alternative, which would cost about $3.6 million to implement.
“The conceptual design plan considered a six-foot bicycle lane and a reduction of the inside shoulder to four feet in width. A striped buffer area will be provided where possible, which varies between two parallel white lines and a wider area with chevron markings. This buffer area will provide more recovery space for vehicles and bicycles without making the bike lane appear so wide that it might be mistaken for another travel lane. It should be noted that for the majority of the James Island Connector, the six-foot bicycle lane and adjacent buffer area will provide adequate room for a vehicle to pull over in an emergency.”
The study also recommended that the speed on the expressway should be reduced to 45 mph, as well as addition of railings, better lighting, pavement marking and better signs. Public comments, which are open on the study until Dec. 2, 2015, can be sent here.
Also in Good News:
Sculpture dedication. U.S. Deputy Secretary for Veteran Affairs Sloan Gibson will make a keynote address 10 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center as part of a sculpture dedication ceremony. A sculpture donated by Dr. Edward Byrd is of a young fallen Marine, Dennis Lobbezoo, who was killed in the Vietnam War. Byrd, who served as a medical officer on a hospital ship during the war, treated Lobbezoo, who is said to have left a lasting impression on him. A reception will follow the dedication.
Flourish Lowcountry. The Lowcountry Open Land Trust will offer a half-day brainstorming session and celebration on Nov. 11 to develop new ways of thinking about the business of conservation in the Lowcountry. Following a panel discussion involving 12 people, there will be a party featuring local food and drinks. The event will start at 1:30 pm. Nov 11 and will be at Founder’s Hall at Charles Towne Landing park in West Ashley. Cost is $75. More info.
New community garden. The Charleston Parks Conservancy has launched its third community garden to allow neighbors to grow their own crops. The new garden on James Island is the Medway Park and Community Garden, 2101 Medway Road in the Riverland Terrace section of James Island.
“We have seen the impact community gardens have had in other parts of town and we know the James Island community will benefit from having a public space to learn best practices for gardening in the Lowcountry,” said Jim Martin, programs director at the Conservancy. “We know the addition of a community garden will give more people the opportunity to experience not only the health benefits but the personal satisfaction of the park-to-table concept.”
Holiday food drive. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens offers special discounts off admissions to the garden and nature train ride for people who bring one or more non-perishable healthy food items in November and December. The attraction is collecting food until Dec. 31 to benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank. Over the past four years, it has collected more than 10 tons of food during the holidays.
- More info: http://www.magnoliaplantation.com
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