Town of Chapin Mayor's Message

Greetings,

On January 13, our Directors hosted a meeting requested by John Burris, SCDOT Commissioner for the 2nd District, to provide an update on the I-26 interstate improvement project, to include the interstate highway and overpasses from Exit 101 to Exit 85.

Mr. Burris, a Chapin resident, was accompanied by Leland Colvin, DOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering, with members of the DOT team Brad Reynolds and Joey McIntyre. Also in attendance was Bill Dukes, Chapin resident, SC Airport Commissioner and owner of the Blue Marlin. They presented a slide show explaining several elements of the project, including the new overpass and interchange at the Chapin exit. The session was very interesting and informative.

A few days later I received a letter from Robert Dickinson PE, District One Engineering Administrator, advising us that the Peak Street bridge was to close for nine months starting February 15.

The DOT has proposed the following alternative route from Chapin to US 176:

Road 48 East to Martin Road at St. Jacobs Church, to 176

Additional options to US 176 are:

Peak Street to Old Shealy Road, right on Beagle Run (near Chapin Pet Lodge) then right on Holy Trinity Church Road over the new bridge to 176.
Drive East on Columbia Ave. over the bridge, left on Dan Comalander Road, then left onto 176.

Regarding the latest on the Covid epidemic, it appears that it is currently at its highest peak ever (in spite of the mask requirements, social distancing advice, etc.) One of President Biden's many executive orders requires all travelers using public transportation to wear face coverings. One news report stated that only 59% of the public is wearing masks; regardless of the accuracy of such reporting, I am pleased to note that in my observations, with very few exceptions, our Chapinites are compliant everywhere I go, especially the staff personnel in food service and retail.

Meanwhile Chapin is blessed to continue to add new small businesses to the mix. On Friday, January 29, Bart's Coffee Shop was presented a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce, the Irmo Chamber of Commerce and the Town. Thanks again to our state representative Chip Huggins, who always appears with a Certificate and kind welcome.

This afternoon, February 2, we will conduct our regular Council meeting electronically beginning at 3:00 pm to minimize virus transmission. Hopefully we can resume live meetings in March. Pray that with the vaccines slowing becoming available, this pandemic will be gone sometime in 2021.

I received word from Lil Mood that the COMET will soon resume transit service from Newberry to Columbia, with Chapin stops at Mr. J's and Mt. Horeb parking lot.

Mayor David Knight,
Town of Chapin

Chapin Downtown Farmer's Market

The Chapin Downtown Farmer's Market is typically held the first Saturdays of the month from May through October in the 100 block of Clark Street. We are working on reopening the market this Spring. If you have questions, please contact Nicholle Burroughs at communications@chapinsc.com.

We Care Needs for February
Here are the top ten needs at the We Care Food Pantry during February.

1. Grits
2. Dry Beans
3. Chili
4. Canned Potatoes/Yams
5. Collard Greens
6. Canned Tomatoes
7. Soup (all flavors and sizes)
8. Vienna Sausages
9. Spaghetti Sauce
10. Sugar/Flour

Any questions or comments regarding information contained in this document please contact communications@chapinsc.com