This petition is in regards to the scheduled 2012 SCDOT resurfacing of Old Buncombe Rd from SC Hwy 183 (Cedar Lane Rd) to SC Hwy 253 (Blue Ridge Dr). Approximately 5,000 residents live within roughly a mile radius from the center of this project site.

This section of Old Buncombe Rd was once a thriving neighborhood commercial district serving the Sans Souci community. Revitalization efforts in the area are hampered by the substandard condition of the road and the current street configuration is unsafe for users and unsuitable for neighborhood-oriented businesses. While the resurfacing is much needed, the road’s width is too narrow to safely accommodate four lanes of traffic. There is no buffer between opposing traffic on the center travel lanes, there are power poles directly adjacent to the outer travel lanes and there is only a narrow, insufficient buffer between the automobile traffic and the sidewalks – which are also in disrepair.

However, the low traffic volume on this road allows for fiscally-responsible modifications to be made which would create a safer environment for all users. Reconfiguring the lanes for safer automobile travel, while also accommodating pedestrians and other forms of transportation, would also spur economic redevelopment and create a greater sense of community in this historic area (a good example of this can be seen in downtown Travelers Rest).

These street modifications would also be complimented by Old Buncombe’s proximity to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, extending the access and benefits of the trail to a number of additional citizens while connecting trail users to the businesses on Old Buncombe. Additionally, this road segment is important in terms of access and connectivity to Cherrydale Elementary School, with a direct affect on the safety of children who travel to this school.----------------

Thank You!!

Matthew Manley