COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Bright Vision for the Historic Mill District
On a lively Monday evening, residents, lawmakers, and transportation officials gathered at 701 Whaley to discuss some exciting plans for the Historic Mill District. With busy lives and even busier roads, local folks have voiced their concerns about traffic, and it looks like help is on the way!
Viola Hendley, a spokesperson for the Mill District, kicked off the meeting by emphasizing a shared feeling among residents. “That’s why we pulled together the transportation folks because as we assessed our needs, transportation is front and center,” she said. Everyone in attendance seemed to agree: they are really ready for some road relief!
New Investment on the Way
There’s some fantastic news for commuters—thanks to efforts made by local representatives, a $500,000 allocation is set to be approved to enhance the streets of the Mill District, particularly focusing on Heyward Street. This funding is set to facilitate a much-needed redesign, realignment, repaving, and even some fresh paint.
Seth Rose, who represents South Carolina’s District 72, shared that the allocated funds will make a significant difference in the area. “We expect a $500,000 allocation to a street project that they want to happen in their area tomorrow,” he commented. Moreover, there are ongoing discussions about traffic calming devices and additional enhancements in the historic neighborhoods, including Olympia and Whaley Street.
Prioritizing Safety for Everyone
One of the key themes of the evening was ensuring safe travel for both pedestrians and cyclists. Hendley noted, “It is absolutely scary to see these kids on these uni-bikes, just flying through traffic without any kind of shoulder that’s delineated, no bike lanes.” It was clear from the discussions that residents want to see bike lanes and safe pathways as part of these transportation upgrades.
Lori Campbell, the district traffic engineer from SCDOT, dove into the specifics of the plans during the meeting. She stated, “We don’t have concrete plans to do anything on that board other than what we’ve discussed, right. The Heyward realignment and pursuing some re-striping on Olympia that would do the bike lanes.” These adjustments sound promising for those commuting through the area and can hopefully reduce some of that well-known local frustration.
Long-Term Goals in Sight
Looking towards the future, exciting projects are also lined up beyond the immediate street improvements. Plans include repaving and painting on Olympia/Bluff Road before the end of June and resurfacing Dover and Texas Streets by next October. This shows a dedication to not just quick fixes but also sustainable improvements throughout the Historic Mill District.
Community Engagement Moving Forward
The Mill District Alliance is committed to keeping the conversation flowing. They announced there will be more community meetings in the future, allowing local residents to stay involved and informed about the changes happening in their neighborhoods. So, if you’re interested in participation or want to know more, make sure to check out their future announcements.
Overall, the evening was filled with hope, motivation, and a collective effort toward a solution. Collins locals left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they are not alone in their fight for better roads and safer travel. It’s clear that progress is on the horizon for the Historic Mill District, and everyone seems positively excited about what’s to come!
