This Week around Walkers Woods

"This Week around Walkers Woods" is a community column written for the neighborhood of Walkers Woods, but pertains to the entire Carolina Forest community.

Hello, neighbors.  The results from the Walkers Woods traffic study are in, and I have some great news from the Horry County engineer’s office. 

As I wrote in the Aug. 4 column, I contacted deputy engineer Andy Markunas and requested that another speed study be done for Walkers Woods.  According to the annual meeting minutes, homeowners were very concerned about speeding and asked what could be done.  They also asked about having additional stop signs installed.  I asked the county to evaluate that possibility, and also re-evaluate neighborhood speed limits and our eligibility for speed humps.  And I told Mr. Markunas that in my opinion, it is unsafe to have inconsistent speed limits in the neighborhood. 

The results of the study came in last week, and Markunas replied, “Based on this study along with the presence of pedestrians, the layout of the subdivision, and the need to have consistency within Walkers Woods, I am recommending that all of the 25 mph speed limit signs be replaced with 15 mph signs -- with the exception of Tuckahoe Rd (the main entrance roadway that leads to the rear phase of Walkers woods - Reserve).”

He is not recommending additional stop signs.  Markunas feels that they will not be warranted with the lower speed limits, additional speed limit signs and the sufficient sight distance at our intersections.

And last but not least, the study took additional traffic counts near the three entrances of Walkers Woods, which show that we now meet the county’s ADT (average daily traffic volume) requirements for speed humps.  We are eligible for speed humps if we decide that we want them.

My opinion is that speed humps should be installed around the amenity center & basketball court, and every school bus stop in the neighborhood.  Markunas agrees that they should be placed at these critical locations.  He said speed humps are the best option for pedestrian safety and are effective in slowing down traffic.

But it is not my decision to make.  Nor is it the county’s decision.  Whether or not to install speed humps is a decision that needs to be made by the residents of Walkers Woods together.  I know from past discussions that some of you don’t want the speed humps.  That’s why I asked Markunas if he would be willing to come to a community meeting in the amenity center to answer questions and address concerns, so we can all make an informed decision.  He enthusiastically agreed.

I have asked the POA board to please schedule an open meeting for this purpose in the near future.  The date and time should be announced soon.

Markunas also included a map showing the ADT and average speed throughout Walkers Woods.  If you would like a copy so you can see the traffic conditions on your street, I’ll be happy to email it to you.

Walkers Woods resident Raina Mills is collecting recyclable materials for her class, and needs your help.  Between now and March, the 4th graders at CFE are competing in a recycling competition.  Please save your magazines, newspapers, aluminum cans and plastics.  Contact Raina’s mom at Bonnie.Mills@sanofi.com to arrange a pickup.

I want to thank everyone who volunteered to serve dinner to the Carolina Forest Panthers last Friday.  The team was very appreciative, and my wife and I enjoyed the privilege of sitting in on their pre-game devotional.  Coach Hummel and his staff put an emphasis on building character and community involvement.  That’s what makes this such a great program.

The Carolina Forest Civic Association is serving the team dinner again this Friday before their last regular season game against Conway.  If you can help, please sign in at the CFHS main office by 3pm.  They will direct you to the cafeteria.

Don’t forget that daylight savings time ends this weekend.  Set you clocks BACK one hour when you go to bed Saturday night.  The time change is also when you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Last weekend, my boys from the youth center and I helped the Conway Fire Dept install smoke detectors in people’s homes who can’t afford them.  Some had experienced fires in the past.  If you are unable to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, or if you need to install new or additional smoke detectors, please call Horry County Fire Rescue at 915-5190.  It won’t cost you a thing, but it could save your life.

If you are on Facebook, check out the Walkers Woods at Carolina Forest page and the Carolina Forest Civic Association page to connect with your neighbors and your community.  And if you have any items you would like me to include in this column, please send them to me at walkerswoodsnews@gmail.com.  Have a great week.

 

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