Building Stronger Communities Through Engagement and Dialogue

September 2024

Community engagement is vital to the planning and execution of Town projects. It helps us understand the needs of residents, foster connections, and share ideas. This month, we're putting this commitment into action with two Neighborhood Gathering & Cookout events designed to bring residents and Town staff together for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

The first event will be held for residents of the Jonesville neighborhood and surrounding areas on Thursday, September 5, from 5 to 7 pm at the old stable grounds (the former Driftwood Stable property) at 200 Jonesville Road. The second event is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, from 5 to 7 pm at 30 Bryant Road for residents of the Muddy Creek and Bryant roads areas.

At both events, residents will have the opportunity to meet with Town staff from various departments, including Planning, Engineering, Fire Rescue, Public Safety, Administration, and the Gullah Geechee Community Development Corporation. Our staff will also be rolling up their sleeves to cook and serve hamburgers and hotdogs for community residents.

Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character, and we're eager to share information tailored to each community. In Jonesville, residents can expect to hear about our initial ideas for the former Driftwood Stables property, which the Town acquired in 2023 to manage growth in the area. The future of this property will be shaped by the proposals we receive, and we're excited to explore the possibilities with the community.

At the Muddy Creek and Bryant Road event, residents can learn more about the Town's conceptual plan for the 7.19-acre site at 30 Bryant Road and ongoing efforts to address issues within and enhance the Muddy Creek neighborhood.

In addition to these community-specific topics, Town staff will provide updates on a variety of ongoing projects and services that benefit these neighborhoods, including:

• Enhancements to roads, parks, open spaces, and pathways
• Stormwater management and other environmental programs
• Driveway access and property addressing
• Discussions on zoning, districts, and maintaining community character
• The Home Safety Repair Program
• The Sewer Connection Program
• The Historic Neighborhoods Permitting and Design Studio, which assists with addressing, property access, conceptual site design, business licensing, and more
• Public safety initiatives and more

While these events are an opportunity for us to share information, they are also an invaluable chance for us to listen to residents and learn about their visions for their neighborhoods. We aim to use this input to create plans that enhance and preserve the unique qualities of each community.

We encourage all residents to attend these gatherings, engage with Town staff, learn about important initiatives, and provide their feedback. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of our community. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Town.