Columbia Residents Contribute to Downtown Development Plans

News Summary

Columbia invites locals to participate in shaping the Downtown Strategic Plan and the controversial apartment development proposal. Open houses on March 12 will provide opportunities for feedback, while online comments are accepted until March 21. The proposed mixed-use development includes 288 units and modern amenities but threatens local businesses. Residents are urged to voice their opinions at the Planning Commission meeting to further influence the project’s direction.

Columbia Residents Invited to Shape Downtown’s Future

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the City of Columbia opens its doors for community input on a new Downtown Strategic Plan and a hotly debated apartment development proposal. The city is eager to hear from its locals about the draft guidelines that were put together last year, and they’ve set up some welcoming open houses to encourage participation!

Join the Conversation on March 12

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 12! There will be two open houses at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, where residents can dive into the details of the draft, get their burning questions answered, and share their feedback. It’s a fantastic chance to take part in shaping the future of downtown.

If you can’t make it to the open houses, don’t worry! The city will be accepting online comments on the Downtown Strategic Plan until Saturday, March 21. This means everyone will have a chance to chime in and make their voices heard.

A New Apartment Development on the Horizon

eight-story mixed-use development at the busy intersection of Bull Street and Elmwood Avenue. The project is expected to bring in 288 residential units and will stretch from Bull Street to Elmwood Avenue.

But what does that mean for local staples? Unfortunately, several long-standing establishments, including the beloved No Name Deli, will need to find new homes if this project takes off. The deli has been a cherished fixture in the area for 40 years, and its owner has expressed heartfelt gratitude for customer support through the years.

A Modern Living Experience

fitness center, a shimmering swimming pool, a dog park for furry friends, recreational spaces, a parking garage, and even retail and office areas. Developers aim to create an inviting hub that caters to young professionals, recent graduates, and families seeking a walkable environment.

Bull Street development, which boasts the popular Fireflies stadium as well as various apartments and local businesses. With so much happening, it’s no wonder there’s a growing demand for additional housing options in the area, as emphasized by Richland County Councilman Don Weaver.

What’s Next for the Development?

288 units instead of the at least 200 previously proposed. However, there will be a slight reduction in retail space, now at 25,000 square feet, and there seems to be less emphasis on attracting a grocery store.

Upcoming Planning Commission Meeting

Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at Columbia City Hall. It’s another opportunity for residents to show their support or concerns about the building proposal. So, whether you’re a new face in town or a Columbia veteran, make sure your voice is heard in this exciting chapter for downtown Columbia!

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Additional Resources

• Cola Today: Downtown Columbia Strategic Plan
• WLTX: Apartment Building Proposed for Downtown Columbia
• The State: News Article on Local Developments
• Post and Courier: Main Street Developments in Columbia
• WLTX: The COMET CEO’s Training Facility Proposal
• Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
• Google Search: Downtown Columbia SC
• Google Scholar: Columbia Urban Development
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
• Google News: Downtown Columbia Development

Author: HERE Irmo