Trees on I26

22 January 2014

Letter to the Editor

Last night's public hearing, 21 January 2014, at Summerville High School on the proposal to clear cut the trees in the median on I-26 from I-95 to Summerville was well attended by citizens opposed to the plan. However, it was not well attended by our COG representatives who will have the final say on the proposal. Many citizens voiced their opinions, but the COG was only represented by Larry Hargett, Lester Dempsey, Dan Davis of Berkeley Co., and Jim Rozier, 1st District Highway Commissioner.  Our Summerville Mayor who is a COG member was out of town in Washington, DC on town business but did sent his representatives to listen even though he had demonstrated by his vote on city council that he is for clear cutting the trees. Since this hearing was the only one planned, I was expecting more of the 56 voting COG members to be present. The prevailing theme of the comments was that we should try other solutions to the traffic problems along this stretch of road before we take such drastic action as clear cutting the trees. Many of the solutions mentioned were less costly, such as lowering the speed limit, more patrolmen, warning signs, flashing caution signs, and guard rails in certain places. I agree that tree trimming and bush cutting are long overdue, but let's not scar the look of our front door before we try other less severe solutions. As a side note the Dorchester County Council met the same night as the hearing, and I am proud of Councilman David Chinnis for introducing a resolution against the clear cut proposal. Unlike City Council the County Council passed their resolution unanimously.

Wiley Johnson

Summerville, SC