New guide for regional planning

Monday, June 18, 2007

The hazards of inadequate planning are seen on congested roads, in overcrowded schools, and in the often extraordinary public expense required to accommodate private development. The Priority Investment Act, approved by the Legislature this year and signed by the governor, will improve the process.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ben Hagood, R-Sullivan's Island, will require local governments to broaden the scope of the mandated comprehensive planning process in terms of the expenditure of public money on waterlines, sewerage, roads and schools.

For example, local planners will be required to notify their counterparts in neighboring jurisdictions about development plans, and allow them the opportunity to respond. It recognizes that the consequences of development cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Gov. Mark Sanford cites provisions for comprehensive transportation planning as well as a requirement to determine where investments of public funds for infrastructure and facilities should occur over a 10-year span.

"We believe this bill is a win for anyone who cares about improving quality of life in our state and for every taxpayer," he said. The governor cited the pending growth projected for South Carolina, saying the bill is "a step toward preserving the way we look and feel as a state."

The Legislature already mandates a comprehensive planning process by local jurisdictions. Comp plans must be reviewed every five years, and the public must be given the opportunity to comment on their essentials in the process. The review process is under way in both Charleston and Dorchester counties.

The need for regional planning has become apparent, for example, in Dorchester District 2, as rapid development has outstripped the capacity of the school district to provide classroom space.

Dana Beach, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League, believes the Priority Investment Act will encourage residents to tell their elected representatives "where growth and infrastructure and schools will go" and improve public accountability as a result. The League is expected to assist in the development of model zoning ordinances, along with representatives of the home building industry, Realtors and associations that support county and city governments in South Carolina, Rep. Hagood says.

Cooperative planning has had some local success. For example, the city of Charleston and the Charleston Water System have agreed to follow the county's urban growth boundary on Johns Island to largely retain the island's rural character.

But more needs to be done. The Priority Investment Act encourages rational decision-making that respects the greater community on land use and in the construction of roads and schools.