Forest Acres Takes Steps Towards Road Improvements and Storm Recovery
In the picturesque city of Forest Acres, the sun shone down on a collaborative effort to enhance the safety and accessibility of the local roads. State leaders and city officials joined forces to assess storm damage while working towards necessary road improvements.
Progress Through Partnership
Earlier this year, Representative Heather Bauer from Richland County met with city representatives and officials from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to evaluate the city’s transportation infrastructure. Following these discussions, significant changes have been made, including the installation of nearly seven four-way stops throughout the city.
“The best way to effectuate change is to bring everyone together,” Bauer explained. “By collaborating at all levels of local and state government, we can achieve amazing results.”
The ongoing enhancements include new stop signs, improved sidewalks, and repairs to potholes. Bauer, alongside SCDOT and Mayor Thomas Andrews, recently took a tour of the city to identify further improvements that can be made.
Focusing on Safety
Mayor Andrews emphasized the importance of maintaining safe access for residents, especially near educational institutions. “We have some crosswalks, but many of them could use a fresh coat of paint, and we need additional sidewalks,” he noted. Some areas, such as those around schools and popular spots like Trenholm Park, are also in dire need of upgrades.
However, this ambitious vision comes with its challenges. Andrews acknowledged that funding for these improvements is a pressing concern. “As a small city, our resources for sidewalk projects are limited. We are actively exploring grant opportunities and collaborating with both the DOT and the state legislature to secure the necessary funding,” he shared.
After the Storm
Forest Acres also faced the aftermath of severe weather, with over thirty trees toppling onto homes during Hurricane Helene. As city officials assessed the damage on Lakeshore Drive and Spring Lake Road, it was clear that the storm’s impact had disrupted lives.
Local residents shared their experiences, including Lyssa Fisher, who expressed gratitude for the ongoing improvements. “I had a couple of trees fall in my backyard, and one even blocked Bethel Church Road for hours,” she explained. “I can’t help but think of all the areas I need to avoid while driving to the gym. There’s just so much work that needs to be done on our roads.”
Looking Ahead
Bauer reiterated the critical nature of these safety projects. She concluded that implementing small yet impactful road improvements would hold the top spot on their agenda. “Whether it’s repairing paths to enhance walkability or refining the existing framework of our streets, every bit contributes to the overall safety of Forest Acres,” she said.
Community members and officials alike are feeling the momentum of these changes in their lovely city, and as the efforts continue, the hope for a safer, more efficient Forest Acres remains bright. With ongoing teamwork and vision, the future looks promising.
