Hilton Head U.S. 278 corridor decisions should be made locally | Letters
I note with interest the recent op-ed by Steven Baer outlining a course of action for the U.S. 278 corridor improvements program.
The gist of the op-ed suggests “what organization(s) should be responsible for the determination of the best solution(s) for our traffic dilemma”?
The answer should be simple — the communities that would be most affected: Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and to a lesser degree Beaufort County.
In all my years of developing shopping centers and mixed-use projects all over the country, never, never would the developer rely on the state or other jurisdictions to determine roadway improvements for our projects. This was no disrespect for the government agencies, but the project’s developer always had a better handle on what the current and, more importantly, future needs were.
During the project’s conceptual phase, a thorough, independent traffic study was commissioned to determine:
1. What and where were the best ways to access the project?
2. What would be the critical acceptable “levels of service” at all the project’s major and minor intersections?
3. Alternative conceptual-level schematic designs and estimated project costs.
In support of these efforts, critical existing and anticipated traffic counts and computer simulation studies were done to determine acceptable “levels of service,” a key traffic engineering parameter.
For Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort County to be absolutely sure that they have optimal U.S. 278 corridor solutions, an independent traffic study by a qualified traffic consultant, should be quickly initiated.
Robert W. Richardson
Hilton Head Island
Say ‘no’ to Hilton Head’s new tax and more visitors
I moved to Hilton Head Island in 2009 to retire and enjoy the beauty and weather in this geographic location. I do not boat, golf, play tennis, use the beaches or go to plays. I do not live in a gated community and I pay my taxes.
I travel a lot, including to communities that actually reduce the tax burden based on tourism wealth.
Hilton Head wants a tax to improve and increase tourism, which is already overwhelming and reducing the quality of life of its residents. It is nearly impossible to leave or return to the island on Saturday during peak tourism months.
I would like to promote the idea of less tax and less tourism promotion and development to entice more occupation of our town. Stop making me pay for visitors’ entertainment and activities.
I would gladly express this through my town representative, except he will not answer or return a phone call unless you are known to him.
I will not support a new tax, if anyone is listening.
Thank you.
Philip Finkle
Hilton Head Island
Trump has done wonders
To call President Donald Trump an enigma is a gross understatement. America has never had a president like him before and probably will never have one like him again.
Which, of course, can be taken two ways.
No doubt, he has “upset the apple cart” in Washington, which has caused most of the terrible things that have been said about him.
The majority of people in Washington are quite happy with the way things are and don’t need an upstart like Trump to make so many changes to the status quo.
However, like him or not, he has done wonders for our country both domestically and in foreign affairs.
America is now, for the first time in a long time, respected. In October of 2018 someone wrote of his 289 accomplishments in only 20 months. Doubtful? Google it. There have been a lot more since then.
While his impeachment has its downside, does anyone now wish to “change horses in the middle of this stream”? The Democratic hopefuls openly admit to higher taxes by taking money from those who have earned it and to give it to those who haven’t. Their best route out of poverty is simply a job, of which the current administration is providing many.
Trump should win the presidency. Can we win the House back as well? Only if we work for it.
Tom Hatfield
Hilton Head Island
Reevaluate GOP principles
The lack of integrity and common sense with virtually all Republican congressmen and senators threatens our national security and makes it impossible for our government to function for the best interests of the people.
A pathological liar, corrupt-minded criminal exhibiting dictator-like qualities occupies the White House. Furthermore, Donald Trump is ignorant and demonstrates daily he has no capacity or interest at all for carrying out his presidential duties.
Voters were told this president would eliminate the “swamp.” Sounds great, but he lives every day to build an even more corrupt culture within many of our government’s departments. This president epitomizes corruption and I suspect no person in U.S. history has been sued more.
Some polls say that only 51% want this president convicted and removed. Well, that’s pretty troubling, for so many reasons.
The Republican-controlled Senate shows every day that it is fine with our “stable genius,” yet he has nothing positive to offer the overwhelming majority of the country’s population. And, yes, the Republican-controlled Senate is currently orchestrating the biggest criminal cover-up in U.S. history as the impeachment trial unfolds.
Soon, news will break and show that our president is financially supported by loans guaranteed by Vladimir Putin along with laundered millions from Putin-controlled oligarchs. This alone is a reason for his immediate removal – right?
The GOP needs to reevaluate its core principles as a legitimate party so that we have two properly functioning parties that can tackle the many challenges our country faces, domestically and internationally.
Mike Bartholomew
Hilton Head Island
Learn more about it: Locals must help nature
It is with a rare enthusiasm in the dead of winter that I write to share a stellar review of the recent “Story of the Understory” event held at the Hilton Head Library and sponsored by the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island’s Nature Explorer interest group.
Sally Krebs, sustainable practices coordinator for the Town of Hilton Head Island led the panelists; followed by Laura Lee Rose, Beaufort County Clemson Extension agent, who stressed the urgency of using native plants in our landscaping; Lynn Hodgson of Hilton Head Audubon, who highlighted the 30% loss of birds and what we can do to provide them a home; and Kelley Ferda, general manager of the South Island PSD, who highlighted the water we waste, with 44% of our treated water going to landscaping due to leaky sprinklers and non-native species featured in our plantings.
We all received a clear and implementable program for our own gardens, neighborhoods and island. But we recently discovered that of the 10 native plants recommended for our yard, only two were commercially available because, in the landscaper’s words, “They just aren’t that popular in new installations.”
We have to stop thinking of our native plants as weeds and cherish them for the beneficial insects they bring to our neighborhoods.
What great community engagement took place in that room. I understand they will present an Earth Day program on April 22. If this was a preview, watch for future announcements.
Paula Eagle
Hilton Head Island
Donald Trump a sad figure
Since I have retired, I can now devote time to subjects that would be impractical during my working life. I have watched the impeachment hearings of the president of the United States. Anyone with a functioning brain can see that our president is a corrupt and venal man.
Having resided in the New York media area for most of my life, I am familiar with Donald Trump’s life and reputation.
Prior to being interested in participating in national politics, this man at one time or another embraced virtually every aspect of political thinking. As a matter of fact, he was friendly with the Clintons and other notable liberals.
We cannot forget about his phony university, charities, and multiple and credible investigations of sexual misconduct.
The previous is only a small fraction of facts against this president, but I would need a book to list all of his exploits. And that is sad.
Donald Pfautz
Okatie