Carolina Forest residents, tired of too much traffic and not enough solutions, raised their concerns about needing improvements in their community Wednesday night.
The group, Carolina Forest Civic Association, came together to ask why there weren’t enough sidewalks, bike paths, a library or even plans to expand Carolina Forest Boulevard to River Oaks Drive.
Earlier Wednesday afternoon, group member Suze Cox told News 13 she and her family moved to the south about a year ago to escape the cold weather and traffic congestion she had in Ohio. She said Carolina Forest seemed like an ideal community for her but added she doesn’t think she left her traffic nightmares behind.
"From an outsider looking in you right away can see things that you would change or ask yourself why did they do that or why did they make that road this way,” said Cox, “we like being out this far because we are away from all the activity but yet to get to anywhere the traffic is just horrendous."
Joanne Dagato a two year resident of Carolina Forest told News 13 she left the busy city life of New Jersey for the beach’s climate. She added she likes the community but is annoyed by its constant traffic congestion.
“Why is it that I can't get anywhere on 501 if I have to go to the new Wal-Mart?” said Dagato, “it's just that travelling up there is ridiculous there's no reason for that."
Dagato and Cox both said they want the county to work on adding more amenities because the rapidly growing community outpaces its roads and other services.
“We don't know if we have adequate fire police or what happened with the library," said Dagato.
"I would love to see a bicycle path you know people are just so active especially in the Berkshire forest area and we're active and we like to do things,” said Cox.
Dagato and Cox both appeared in Wednesday night’s meeting where several other residents and business owners listened to Marion Foxworth addressing their issues and concerns.
Foxworth told the packed room that the county is doing it’s best to solve these issues beginning with the construction of the left turn lane on Carolina Forest boulevard that goes to beach bound 501. That road will be extended by nearly 100 yards.
Foxworth told News 13 earlier Wednesday morning that because Carolina Forest is part of the unincorporated area of the county, it can only provide a municipal level of services and Carolina Forest falls outside of that level.
Among other concerns raised were public safety issues, needing more parks and ball fields and the paving of International Drive.
No immediate decisions were made in the meeting.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement