Exciting Developments in Columbia to Boost Community Wellbeing

Exciting Developments in Columbia to Boost Community Wellbeing

Columbia, we have some fantastic news to share! On September 3, the City of Columbia’s Community Development Committee held an important meeting that brought to light various programs and activities aimed at enhancing our communities right here in the Midlands region. The meeting was filled with valuable insights and updates that are bound to impact residents positively.

Let’s Build Together

District 1 Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert kicked off the meeting by introducing a new initiative called “Let’s Build Together.” This series of informational sessions is designed for landowners, including churches, non-profits, and interested members of the public who want to learn more about housing development. The goal is to foster collaboration and understanding as we tackle housing challenges together. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity to get involved and make a difference!

Food Options On The Rise

Next, we heard an update from Ayesha Driggers, the director of the Office of Business Opportunities, about the Grocery Store Incentive that was approved by City Council back in November 2023. This incentive is all about attracting grocery stores in disadvantaged corridors across our city. Here’s the deal: the city is offering a rebate on business licensing fees to support new and existing grocery stores that set up shop within a 200-foot radius of designated areas like North Main Street and Two Notch Road.

Currently, three grocery stores have already taken advantage of this incentive: Toms Creek Family Farms Food Market, Uncle Willie’s Grocery Store on Main Street, and Your Dollar Sto’ on Farrow Road. These efforts will not only help increase access to fresh foods but also strengthen our local economy. What’s not to love about that?

Mobile Food Market Expansion

In a related initiative, Driggers also shared some great news about the mobile food market launched in March 2024 by Toms Creek Family Farms. This program was created to bring quality foods directly to communities that have limited access to healthy options. Initially operating at three locations, the mobile market has now expanded to serve citizens every weekday at different spots across the city.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Monday: Corner of Kortright Street and North Main Street
• Tuesday: The COMET Central, 1737 Sumter Street
• Wednesday: Greenview Park, 6700 David Street
• Thursday: 2012 Harden Street
• Friday: Food Truck Friday at 2300 Bull Street

This expansion provides even more opportunities for residents to get fresh and healthy food options right in their neighborhoods. Additionally, Toms Creek has partnered with Palmetto Credit Union and the South Carolina Department of Social Services to enhance this program, including planning free cooking classes at Greenview Park. That’s just wonderful!

Community Feedback Welcomed

Director Felicia Kilgore concluded the meeting with an overview of the 2023/2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). This report takes a close look at how federal funds have been used to support Columbia residents over the past year. The committee is encouraging community participation during the 30-day public comment period that started on August 23 and runs until September 24.

If you’re interested, be sure to attend the public hearing on September 24 at the Earlewood Park Community Center starting at 6 p.m. This is a fantastic chance for citizens to voice their thoughts regarding the CAPER and the future use of federal funds in our community. To comment beforehand, reach out to the Community Development Department.

This meeting was a clear reminder of the ongoing efforts to uplift and develop our beautiful city of Columbia. With initiatives like Let’s Build Together and programs to boost grocery availability, it’s evident that the community is moving in a positive direction. So, let’s continue to support these goals and work hand in hand to make Columbia an even better place to live!