Traffic concerns raised over new development near 7 Hills Sunday congestion

The Florence City Council Caucus Meeting held on April 15, 2025, focused on traffic concerns related to new developments in the area. A significant discussion arose regarding traffic patterns on Sundays, particularly around the 7 Hills Church, which has been noted for causing congestion as church services conclude.

Council members expressed concerns about the impact of increased traffic from two new locations opening nearby. Questions were raised about whether a traffic study had been conducted to assess the situation during peak times, especially on Sundays when churchgoers are leaving services and residents are trying to access their homes.

A representative confirmed that a traffic report had been completed, but it primarily addressed weekday traffic and did not specifically analyze Sunday conditions. This raised further questions about the adequacy of the study in capturing the unique traffic dynamics of the area during church hours.

The representative indicated that Sunday mornings, particularly between 10 and 11:30 AM, tend to be peak times due to church services, but traffic typically slows down after that period. The council's inquiry highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of traffic patterns to ensure that new developments do not exacerbate existing congestion issues.

As the council continues to evaluate these developments, the discussions underscore the importance of thorough traffic assessments that consider all days of the week, particularly those with unique traffic challenges. Further steps may be necessary to address these concerns and ensure smooth traffic flow in the community.