The Sustainability Institute’s Upper Peninsula Initiative program was joined by about 50 residents at their forum on transportation yesterday evening.
Utilizing EcoDistrict, a collaborative planning framework, The Upper Peninsula Initiative works to help promote thoughtful, sustainable growth and development in the area.
Yesterday’s UPI forum highlighted the importance of public transportation on the Peninsula, identifying the need for more effective, sustainable and environmentally responsible options. Marie Curtis and Lindsay Nevin are designing a solar powered bus shelter as a more sustainable alternative. The gathering’s attendees voted on potential bus stop locations to help better serve the community.
The results are as follows:
On that same note, an SC Energy grant awarded to The Sustainability Institute will go towards creating the first solar panel system and real time bus schedule display for a shelter in Charleston, located at 1600 Meeting Street.
Other guest speakers in attendance included Sylvie Baele and Martin Pence. Additionally, Gotcha Bike‘s Sean Flood brought a bike to the gathering for display.
Sylvie Baele works with Holy City Bike Co-op, a group of residents promoting bicycles as a viable, sustainable mode of transportation. The group is part of a coalition of advocacy organizations, working to tackle the same obstacles
Martin Pence works with Roll With it, a business that provides bike racks and pumps on the Peninsula — resources that are both in high demand.
Thanks to gracious host, Desano Pizza Bakery everyone (yes, all every last one of them) left with an extra slice and full stomachs.
Sponsor of the evening was Geoff Scott Financial, a local industry leader on the Peninsula.
A survey collected found that the majority of residents are calling on UPI to take on and prioritize transportation and mobility on the peninsula — the hot topic of the hour.
The results of the survey are as follows:
The Upper Peninsula Initiative is a public-private planning effort managed by the City of Charleston and the backbone organization, The Sustainability Institute.
For more information, please visit CharlestonUp.com or email info@charlestonUP.com.
Photos by Stan Foxworthy Foxworthy Studios.
*UPI is a community centered, neighborhood oriented program created with the needs of the areas it serves in mind. The results of any survey conducted do not use empirical methods of data collection, and are not necessarily reflective of the community at large.
