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Planning commission approves American Leadership Academy expansion with traffic‑mitigation conditions
Summary
The commission approved ALA’s proposed 34,227 sq ft expansion (increasing capacity from about 1,700 to 2,600 students) on condition that recommended traffic improvements be designed, permitted by SCDOT, and constructed or otherwise guaranteed before occupancy; OSF concurrence and CO conditions were discussed.
The Town Election and Planning Commission on May 20 approved an American Leadership Academy expansion at 105 and 109 Innovation Place, contingent on traffic mitigation and permitting requirements.
Staff presented the project: approximately 34,227 square feet of new building area including a full gymnasium, additional classrooms, and a stadium field with track and bleachers. Project materials estimate the school’s capacity would increase from about 1,700 students to roughly 2,600.
David Palen, the civil engineer representing ALA, and Eric Dylan, the project traffic engineer, described a traffic impact analysis that recommended several off‑site geometric and signal modifications, a northbound right‑turn lane on South Lake Drive into Innovation Place, and increased on‑site vehicle stacking. The project team said on‑site stacking would increase from roughly 6,000 linear feet to about 11,000 linear feet; the consultants noted that a single‑bell arrival pattern at 2,600 students would require about 13,000 linear feet of stacking, which motivated the proposed off‑site improvements.
Commissioners pressed the applicant and town staff for assurances that recommended improvements would be built and functioning before occupancy, citing traffic problems when the school initially opened. Andy Edwards, town transportation director, and staff said the Office of School Facilities (OSF) and SCDOT must review and permit the plans and that OSF has indicated it will not issue a certificate of occupancy until the traffic recommendations in the study are addressed. The applicant said they expect to start earthwork in summer 2026 with an anticipated opening for the 2028 school year, contingent on permitting and construction schedules.
The commission’s approval included conditions that the applicant coordinate required improvements with SCDOT and the town, that OSF concurrence and any conditions be satisfied before occupancy, that the applicant explore 'do not block' markings/signage to mitigate blocking at nearby commercial driveways, and that any substantial site‑plan or traffic pattern changes return to the commission for review. The motion to approve and its conditions passed unanimously.
The project will also appear before the board of architectural appearance to ensure compliance with appearance standards, and all off‑site work will be subject to SCDOT review and right‑of‑way determinations.
