Golf cart path could take new route from Carolina Orchards to Springfield golf course

If a new golf cart path can’t go through Springfield to connect the incoming Pulte Homes development on Springfield Parkway, there could be another option.

Joe Cronin, town planning director, and Dennis Pieper, town manager, met with Pulte representatives Nov. 20. The Sun City Carolina Orchards developer wants to put a pathway through Springfield that would connect its residents to the golf course there. The 10-foot-wide path would be wide enough for golf carts, but Springfield residents have been vocal in opposition to the proposal.

If Springfield residents don’t grant an easement, Pulte could look to partner with the Anne Springs Close Greenway to provide access that would tie into local roadways. Problem is, the greenway property sits on the opposite side of Springfield Parkway and would require crossing the main road.

Cronin said discussions are taking place between Pulte and greenway officials.

“At that point we would be out of the discussion,” Cronin said.

Carolina Orchards is an age-restricted development with plans for more than 700 homes. Town Councilman Larry Huntley said the idea of seniors crossing always busy Springfield Parkway in golf carts at rush hour is an interesting one, even if the town has no say so in whether it happens.

“It’s none of our business,” Huntley said, “but it is going to be something to see.”

Other town decisions

▪  At its Nov. 23 meeting, Fort Mill Town Council updated several ongoing items. Council passed a resolution supporting intersection improvements along I-77, the same resolution presented three days prior by the Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study. County leaders are looking for financial support from the state on upgrades.

“The county has asked that we support them,” Pieper said. “This would impact Exits 82 on up to 90.”

David Hooper, RFATS director, said the need for “upgrading and/or reconfiguring” exits has been identified at Carowinds Boulevard, Gold Hill Road and S.C. 160 in Fort Mill, plus Sutton, Celanese and Cherry roads in Rock Hill.

Having resolutions from several municipalities may help the application.

“It just lends weight to the package,” said Fort Mill Mayor Danny Funderburk, who will give his seat on the RFATS policy committee to Mayor-elect Guynn Savage in January, after eight years with the group.

▪  Council voted to continue funding for Fort Mill Rescue, at $6,000. The amount is similar to past years, despite changes with the squad.

“They’re basically an ambulance service now,” Pieper said. “They’re still asking for the same amount they’ve asked for in the past. They’re not doing the rescue part anymore. The fire department is doing that.”

The squad works with the town fire department and has agreements in place as to which group responds to what calls.

“This is a mutually agreed upon format,” Funderburk said.

▪  The new year should bring new additions to the Paradise area of Fort Mill. The town applied for and received a $500,000 federal grant for work in the area, along Joe Louis and Steele streets. The grant included water line upgrades, sidewalks, community signs and the demolition of four vacant properties.

“The design of that is complete,” said Chris Pettit, assistant town planner. “It is expected that this will go out for bid in January.

There were 17 easements needed for the sidewalk work. The town has five, and hopes to have the rest by the end of the year. Demolition work is on hold as the town works on securing the easements.

▪  Historic requirements could come soon. The town received a $25,000 grant earlier this year to set new guidelines for development in its historic district. The town put out a request for proposals earlier in November and should have a consultant shortly after the Dec. 1 deadline, in time for vote at the next council meeting.

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 2:07 PM with the headline "Golf cart path could take new route from Carolina Orchards to Springfield golf course."