Howie J. Owens

The board reviewed several design approval requests including the installation of a wooden shadowbox fence at 509 W. Hampton Ave., the installation of a 5,000-gallon aboveground storage tank for backup fuel at 129 N. Washington St., the replacement of a wire fence with a wooden privacy fence at 443 W. Hampton Ave., and the installation of a whole-house backup generator at 20 Calhoun Place.

The committee discussed and approved several transportation infrastructure initiatives, including the incorporation of the Connect 378 corridor project into the Transportation Improvement Program and the allocation of engineering funds for its design and environmental review. They also adopted the 2026 meeting calendar and approved Revision #11 to the Transportation Improvement Program for fiscal years 2024-2033. Additionally, the committee adopted the 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan report card, received an update on updated SCDOT Commission Policy #3 regarding the Regional Mobility Program, reviewed potential future project funding opportunities, and examined the year-end financial summary and active project status reports.

The Committee discussed the Connect 378 corridor project, deferring action on preliminary engineering funds. They also addressed intersection improvements at Broad St. and Loring Mill Rd., recommending a delay in construction to FY2033. Furthermore, the Committee adopted Revision #10 to the Transportation Improvement Program, approved Amendment #4 to the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, and adopted Amendment #5 regarding safety performance targets. Finally, the Committee received an informational update on the US-521 corridor feasibility study and an update on active projects funded by local sales tax and the Regional Mobility Program.

The Unified Planning Work Program for the Sumter Area Transportation Study (SUATS) details all anticipated urban transportation and transportation-related planning activities for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It focuses on key objectives such as enhancing road and bridge safety, promoting accessibility for all users, supporting project delivery, prioritizing resiliency, and integrating various transportation modes. The plan outlines ten major tasks: Administration and Management, Long Range Planning, Short-Range Planning, Transportation Improvement Program, Project Implementation and Monitoring, Modal Planning (Bicycle/Pedestrian, Transit, Intermodal Freight), Transportation Data Collection and Analysis, Land Use Monitoring and Analysis, Public Involvement, and MPO Consultant Services, all designed to meet future mobility needs and foster sustainable growth.

The board reviewed and approved a variance request for the construction of a detached garage in the front yard at 3240 February Lane. The applicant cited site constraints, including the location of a septic system and a mature tree, as reasons for needing to deviate from standard accessory structure location requirements. The board determined that the proposed location was feasible given these constraints and the rural nature of the property.