Legends Oaks Residents Raise Concerns Over Speeders

Legends Oaks residents pleaded with Dorchester County Council Monday to do something about reckless drivers using their neighborhood as a cut-through to avoid the heavy traffic at the intersection of highways 61 and 165 during rush hour. 

Linda Berganske said dogs have been hit and killed or maimed in the neighborhood, and the young children walking to the bus stops could be next. Berganske was one of two Legends Oaks residents to address council during its regular meeting at its Summerville chambers. 

"The impatience is going to take its toll," Berganske said.

The Neighborhood Watch coordinator also cited incidents of drivers speeding around stopped buses, not stopping at stop signs and endangering pedestrians. 

"I'm here on behalf of my neighbors to ask for your help; we need something," she said. "It's a tragedy waiting to happen."

In response, County Councilman Jay Byars, whose district includes the intersection, said he would talk to the school district and the sheriff to have a deputy present to help control the situation. 

County Chairman Larry Hargett said council will explore the current ordinance on file that expressly prohibits through traffic through neighborhoods.

"We might have to look at doing some signs out there," Hargett said. "We already got the ordinance."

Berganske also said enforcement is needed to make an impact, since many of the drivers now do not obey posted speed limits, stop signs or stopped buses.