Pendarvis Introduces Bill to Accelerate Transit Oriented Development in SC

 

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Image left- Representative Marvin Pendarvis rising the #11 CARTA Bus stopped at the Charleston International Airport. Since this image was taken a lighted shelter has replaced the basic outdoor bench at this stop.

North Charleston, SC- Legislation introduced Public Transit carefully fitted into SC communities which are allowed to leverage the mobility it offers to everyone will help create walkable, urbanized areas with lower crime, higher incomes, more rewarding civic and cultural life and less traffic congestion.

On Feb. 23, 2003, SC State Representative Marvin Pendarvis (D-CHS) introduced a bill H. 4013 in the SC House of Representatives to amend Title 6 of the S. C. Code by adding Chapter 39 regarding Transit-Oriented Development Projects. It has been Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.

Image, Right, PlanningMap for N. Charleston Community improvement Meeting, 2018.

The district Pendarvis represents contains most of the separated busway section of the State’s first planned rapid transit system, the Lowcountry Rapid Transit System (LCRT) https://lowcountryrapidtransit.com/ online.  Charleston County voters approved funding for construction of the LCRT and other improvements to bus transit in November 2016. The LCRT is a Bus Rapid Transit system based on operation of articulated electric buses in dedicated bus only lanes, accelerated boarding and advanced electronic enabled wayfinding and fare payment.

The legislative findings set out in the bill begin by stating that, “Public Transit is a valuable element of providing mobility to the people of South Carolina and functions best in communities where density, walkable infrastructure, cycling and short distance transportation services can connect residents and workers efficiently between home, work, shopping, civic opportunities, recreation and education.” It goes on to note that transit benefits drivers by reducing congestion and making use of the existing roadways more efficient.

Image, Left, Children at N. Charleston Farmer's Market plannng model transit system for the Lowcountry on 12 x 16 foot map, October 2019

The bill notes that Transit benefits the disabled and other groups not often considered in making decisions about transportation planning, including “those who have lost their driver's license or lack insurance, reducing the number of illegal drivers on the road the costs of the collisions in which they are involved, which increases the cost of uninsured motorist insurance coverage.”

Unlike many bills introduced in the legislature which have been drafted by national special interest groups, this bill was drafted by Representative Pendarvis with the assistance of Lowcountry Transit riders, people who actually ride transit on a daily basis in his district. Research failed to find similar legislation in other states, so laws from other countries such as New Zealand and Canada were reviewed to help complete the proposed law. The law allows for establishing district and a district authority that can work with government and the private sector to build or redevelop neighborhoods, commercial properties and manufacturing facilities in areas where transit is or will be available.

Image, Right Jennifer  Saunders and the late Dave Crossley rampaging with Best Friends of Lowcountry Transit for passage of the half penny sales tax for Transit, Transportation and Greenspace during the Coastal Carolina Fair in October 2016.

The Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments, The City of North Charleston, The City of Charleston and the Town of Lincolnville are already planning for improvements to the areas along the LCRT to create a safer, cleaner and more rewarding community where car ownership will not be a necessity. While this type of development can’t be constructed everywhere and may not be desired in other areas, its critical to the Elderly, Disabled, workers in Charleston’s critical hospitality Industry, Students and those otherwise unable or unwilling to drive to have some areas available in a region which are adapted to their needs.

Representative Pendarvis will now work with transit advocates, organizations working to build affordable housing and local governments to help the bill H. 4013 get the necessary committee hearings and votes in the house to cross over to the senate and ultimately be ratified by the Governor’s signature over the rest of the current two year legislative session. The LCRT is currently planned to begin rapid transit operation between the Fairgrounds in Ladson and MUSC in downtown Charleston in 2028.

Image, Left, Pizzeria Owner Ben D'Allesandro posting banner supporting improved transit in downtown Charleston, April 2017.

For more information on the Transit Oriented Development Bill see the full text at https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/bills/4013.htm or see the Best Friends of Lowcountry Transit, Inc. at www.bfltransit.com online. Representative Pendarvis can be contacted through his legislative office at (803) 212-6716 or via https://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.php?code=1457812326 online. Pendarvis is planning community forums to discuss this and other issues related to improving the quality of life in his district and elsewhere in SC in the future.

Transit Enabled Community around the old Navy Hospital

Safer grade separated transit access, a cultural incubator cluster and walk able environment policing will help make development of the area around the old Navy Hospital a success.

After very limited consultation with our membership within Best Friends of Lowcoutnry Transit came up with three major suggestions regarding the redevelopment of Rivers Ave. and McMillan, including the area round the old Navy Hospital, former Shipwatch Square and closed Kmart.

Grade Separated Transit Access- Keeping Riders Safe 

Map of Planning Area in N. Chas.

The Transit Hub and McMillian and Rivers needs grade separated access to bus stops and the BRT stop. Since this area will serve a large, dense population, including, ultimately whatever is build on the old Navy Base and connections from the West Ashley area, a lot of traffic can be expected. if affordable housing is included in the plan, a large population of senior citizens and disabled persons will be attempting to use these stops as well. It's not going to be efficient or safe for pedestrians to be crossing Rivers and McMillian on grade with ordinary vehicular traffic.

Spaces to transfer to and from BRT, regular bus service, rideshare and private vehicles (kiss riders) would need to be planned so that pedestrians can avoid crossing traffic lanes to the greatest extent possible.

Bus Stop, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Pedestrian overpasses should allow transit riders to access the BRT and bus stops going in the various directions without the danger of pedestrian / vehicle collisions. Nearby buildings could be connected directly to the hub from their second floors eliminating climbs up or down stairs and reducing the need for elevators.

It would be possible to bring the BRT up to an above grade station so that it avoids conflicts with traffic at that intersection as well, creating an above grade streetscape dedicated to rapid transit and pedestrians. This is an expensive option, but it would transform the region's mobility with a vastly better gateway experience to the community. Ordinary pedestrain overpasses would be functional at lower cost.

Cultural Incubator

Rising rent, parking and space costs are making downtown Charleston a less practical place for young creatives to establish themselves. Youth oriented cultural activities are also leaving the old City and becoming disbursed to suburban areas where they find their market.

Youth planning transit system

A modestly sized cluster of incubator spaces for artistic work, performance linked to nearby affordable housing could produce huge benefits for the area and N. Charleston. it would help transform public perception of the area. it could leverage large scale civic spaces in nearby existing Churches and the new library to support events which would support a positive cultural and civic life in the area. This would would reduce crime and attract economic activity.

All of this would be linked by the planned Bus Rapid Transit Line to the established performance spaces and tourism entertainment market in downtown Charleston. An actor, musician or stage technician could reach work at the Dock Street Theater or a downtown Hotel in 25 minutes without any need for a car.

Meanwhile, small, modestly scaled studio and performance spaces at McMillian would allow younger creatives to put on events there with a local focus at low cost. They could find affordable housing with walking distance. This would be accessible to young artists in the already existing surrounding communities as well.

The Bus Rapid Transit system would allow all of this to exist without the high cost of parking structures and parking access infrastructure. Audiences could access performances and exhibitions without the need for a car or dealing with the cost of parking as well.

We've seen projects like this in other cities. Most were built around performance spaces of 99 audience seats or less and bare bones studio space. Regular co working spaces were usually found nearby. I've been to one such space in Seattle- http://www.12avearts.org/ and another in Philadelphia where the entire complex, including three functional performance spaces was inside a former town house on a street with no parking.

Law Enforcement

Some sort of office of the policemen patrolling the area needs to be included. Since this is a walk able, transit oriented space, a significant part of police work will need to be done on foot. on a bicycle or by the use of smaller electric vehicles. It may be worthwhile to train officers in how walk-able, urban, transit enabled spaces are supposed to work. Cultivating the goodwill and understanding or residents and visitors in outdoor occupied spaces would help drive crime out of the area. The hundreds of pairs of eyes put on the sidewalk, transit stop and public areas by transit riders and residents can assist the police in keeping the area safe and successful.

Pendarvis Op Ed

State Representative Marvin Pendavis (iamge, right) wrote an Op Ed in the Charleston Chronicle dealing with redevelopment of this area in Fall 2018.

Other Issues, Affordable Housing

We understand that many other issues must be considered in this planning, including creating a significant amount of affordable housing for people in the area and those being priced out of living downtown, including those in our Hospitality and Food Service Industries.  We also understand that the quality and performance of the entire future Bus Rapid Transit line is important to this project. We've treated those issues extensively in other materials and did raise them with the planners at our interview. We also know that Metanoia and CAJM also brought up those issues.

Tues. March 26- SC Safer “Complete Streets” Lobby Day and Hearing

Join transit, cycling and pedestrian safety advocates from across South Carolina for a day of action to help pass the Complete Streets Bill,  H. 3656 which would require the State Department of Transportation to adopt and apply a complete streets policy to all new roads constructed with its funding so that they’re safer for pedestrians, transit riders and cyclists. You can check the status of H 3656 on the Legislative Website.

Do Now

Ask your Representative  to cosponsor the H. 3656- You can find out who your representative is by using the Find Your Legislator Web page.  We'll be doing State Senators later in the process. 

Reserve your seat in the van going to Columbia. Most seats are free. Riding shotgun costs $50. You can also make donations. Get your seat now. Standby spots are available.  Download a printable flyer to share with all the details.

Rep. Marvin Pendavis has issued a press release on the legislation.

Contact your friends across the state online or better yet, on the phone and ask them to join us on Tues. March 26. You can download a flyer on the effort.

On Tues., March 26

Rep. Marvin Pendarvis

• 8:00 am- Van trip from Charleston. Meet in the parking lot of the Longshoreman’s Hall at 8:00 am or in the parking lot next to CARTA Superstop at 8:20 am for Trip to Columbia. You must RSVP to ride. A $10 contribution for gas and vehicle rent is requested.
• 12:00 noon – Meet with advocates from across South Carolina  inside the Statehouse under the dome in the Lobby. We’ll have “Transit Voter Stickers” and Information sheets for all participants. We’ll meet with legislators and other activists while the House is in session.
• 2 to 4 pm,  AFTER SESSION- We’ll testify at the hearing of the House Committee which will convene after the legislative session ends.
• COFFEE- Before returning to Charleston, we’ll meet with other activists from across the state to compare notes and plan our next steps. Return trip to Charleston will follow, Time TBD.

Afterwards

If the bill gets out of committee, it will go to the house for a vote. If the house votes to approve it before “crossover day” it will to the Senate to be considered.

More information
On the Bill, Contact Rep. Marvin Pendarvis

On the Trip and Grassroots Effort, Contact Best Friends of Lowcountry Tranist Executive Director, William Hamilton (843) 870-5299 or wjhamilton29464@gmail.com

Call Now and Ask for A Hearing on Safer Complete Streets Bill H. 3656

Six pedestrians and cyclists have been killed on Charleston’s roadways since New Year’s Day. SC is one of the most dangerous places in the US to Walk, Bike or Ride the Bus. Charleston County is the most dangerous place in SC. The Lowcountry can’t operate a successful transit system if people can’t survive walking or biking to and from our transit stops. Crossing deadly roadways is one of the most common reasons elderly and disabled people cite for not riding the bus. That depresses ridership and leads to cancellation and reductions in transit service.

Bring Safer, Complete Streets to SC

Bus stop in Mt. Pleasant, SC

We need a law to require the SC Department of Transportation to adopt a statewide “Complete Streets” policy so new and improved roadways are safe for transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists with sidewalks, transit stops, bike lanes and safe road crossings. Representatives Marvin Pendavis and JA Moore have introduced H. 3656.

To help pass this bill, we need to have the House Education and Public Works Committee hold a hearing on H 3656- “A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 57-1-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FUNCTIONS AND PURPOSES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL IMPLEMENT A "COMPLETE STREETS" POLICY TO PROVIDE SAFE AND EFFICIENT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS, AND TRANSIT RIDERS.” In the next few weeks.

Unless a hearing is held soon, H. 3656 won’t pass out of the house in time to make the critical “crossover date” to be taken up by the State Senate and passed this year. Hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of new roads will be planned before the Legislature has the opportunity to act again.

Call and ask for a hearing on H. 3656 Today

• Rep.  Merita A. "Rita" Allison,  Chairman of Chairman, House Education and Public Works Committee, Legislative office - Phone (803) 734-3053
• Rep. R. Raye Felder has signed on as a cosponsor of the legislation, Please thank her and ask her to psuh for a hearing soon - Legislative phone number  (803) 212-6892
• Email- You can also email gingerlee@schouse.gov to request the committee set a hearing and attach detailed input.

Full information on the H. 3656’s current status- https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3656&session=123&summary=B&fbclid=IwAR3XkQ7ov_jSfaSP7j9c-_szNobxxrb6eUr1dn5muqdhRs4Sp81VPB0W4Eo

Detailed information on Complete Streets Planning https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/

Support Safer, Complete Streets for South Carolina

South Carolina, has some of the most dangerous roads in the United States for pedestrians, transit riders or cyclists. Charleston County has a rate of injuries about 3 times any other county in the state. Over the past weekend one pedestrian was killed and another critically injured on Charleston’s streets.

We can reduce this death and suffering by passing the Complete Streets Act H 3656, introduced by Representatives Marvin Pendarvis and JA Moore. Now cosponsored by Representative S. Williams, Garvin, Cogswell and Felder, its a bipartisan bill. H. 3656 which would require the State Department of Transportation to adopt and apply a complete streets policy to new roads and road improvement projects funded by the state. This would include sidewalks, transit stops and bike lanes. Attention to safe pedestrian crossings would be required. The level of facilities required would vary according to the location and type of road planned.

You can help pass this bill right now. Call the Legislative Council in Columbia at (803) 212-4500. Ask for the name of your State Representative and his phone number at the legislator. Phone their office and ask them to sign on as a cosponsor for H 3656 and ask for a call back. You can also use the Find Your SC Legislator page online and send an electronic message to your State Representative. 

While some of these deaths and injuries are the legal fault of the person hit, that makes little difference in the total cost of the injury. The injured still arrive at a local ER, often without insurance for treatment at a potential cost of hundreds or thousands or even millions of dollar with treatment and disability payments extending far into the future. Families lose a breadwinner. Employers lose the help they need for their businesses to function.

For the elderly person or disabled person who can’t cross a dangerous, busy street to get to the bus stop, it’s lost income to CARTA and the risk that bus service may be reduced or ended due to inadequate ridership.  Such Barriers llimit the ability of many  to get to work, senior citizens centers or medical treatment. Money which might support local business goes to Amazon.

Over 50 years after they were constructed, parts of Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Rivers Ave and Dorchester Road where there are no sidewalks. Hundreds of bus stops lack shelters, subjecting transit riders to humiliating waits for the bus in the rain and blistering heat in the summer. Bike lanes are absent throughout the state.

For a tourism focused economy like Charleston’s, the Grand Strand or Beaufort the cost in injury and death can be very high. The people who make our restaurants and hotels operate 24 hours a day are walking, biking and taking transit to work. They’re often out in the dark, in bad weather or in traffic full of frustrated visitors unaccustomed to our road networks. It’s a lethal combination. It places a cruel premium charged for working here on top of the modest wages they accept.

Please contact your State Representative today.

Information on H 3656 and four other bills to improve transit, increase road safety and make affordable housing more available in areas served by transit can be found at https://tinyurl/transitSC2019 online.

Additional Information.

Smart Growth America- Complete Streets Coalition, Plans and Policies
City Paper Editorial - How many people have to die before Charleston becomes safer for pedestrians and cyclists?
Post and Courier Report on Charleston's unsafe Streets.
City Paper Article on three of the Pedestrian & Cyclists Deaths in Charleston this year