Forest Acres City Council Unveils Exciting Plans for New Mall Park and Midnight Business Ordinance Discussion

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Exciting Plans Unveiled for New Mall Park!

On Monday night, the Forest Acres City Council gathered to take a closer look at the newest designs for the upcoming Mall Park. This eagerly anticipated recreation and performance space is set to transform the vacant Richland Mall site into a vibrant hub for community activities and events.

New Features to Enhance the Park Experience

Presenting the updated plans was Chris Lambka from The Landplan Group South, who shared some fantastic features in the latest renderings. One of the exciting additions included the proposed walking loop that could stretch from half a mile to three-quarters of a mile, offering residents a beautiful space to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

Thanks to the city’s effort in acquiring additional property, there will now be extra parking spots, a scenic walking trail, and even a storage building for park needs. How great is that?

The Great Pavilion Debate

The council’s discussions centered on whether to add a water feature to the park or to build an upscale pavilion. This pavilion could double up as extra seating for concerts and could even be rented out for parties. However, the allure of having a VIP area raised some eyebrows, particularly with the possibility of attracting local businesses like breweries or tap rooms.

Councilman Stephen Oliver voiced his apprehension, wondering aloud if this VIP setup might detract from local businesses. “I don’t want to take away from a business making money,” he cautioned, highlighting the delicate balance between creating a fabulous park and supporting local economic growth.

The council ultimately decided to let designers continue with their work while promising to revisit the topic of the water feature and pavilion designs in the future. Once decisions are finalized, plans will be handed over for contractors to bid—though that process might stretch into late next year!

Midnight Business Ordinance Proposal

In a fresh twist to their meeting, the council also tackled a proposed ordinance that could regulate which businesses could stay open after midnight. The suggested restrictions would allow essential businesses like gas stations, hotels, and even grocery stores to maintain 24-hour operations. Wouldn’t that be handy?

Councilman Oliver emphasized the importance of having around-the-clock grocery options available for people in emergencies, setting off some thoughtful discussion among the council members. On the other hand, Mayor Thomas Andrews expressed some hesitation about the idea, suggesting there could be implications for the community’s well-being.

The council decided to hold off on voting until January, giving them more time to assess the implications of the ordinance.

Community Concerns About Demolition Dust

The evening wasn’t all about grand park ideas and midnight stores. Residents of Forest Acres raised some eyebrows when they voiced concerns about dust and noise stemming from the Richland Mall demolition site. Local resident Bruce Chavis brought up an interesting point, particularly regarding the failure of demolition crews to manage dust effectively. “Imagine (it) snowing outside, but it’s not snow, it’s dust, it’s dirt, it’s rubble,” he exclaimed, sharing frustrations about how the debris was affecting fellow residents’ cars.

In good news, city leaders promised to look into these complaints and address them with the demolition contractors. Mayor Andrews assured residents that the last concrete structures would be demolished by the end of January, with the final cleanup expected by March. A breath of fresh air is on its way!

On the Horizon

With all the exciting ideas swirling around the new Mall Park and discussions on business hours, Forest Acres is set to undergo a transformation that could greatly benefit the community. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as the plans unfold, and let’s hope for a greener, brighter future in our thriving city!