Residents Celebrate Demolition of Unsightly Mobile Homes in Columbia Neighborhood

COLUMBIA: Residents Score Victory as Unsightly Mobile Homes Demolished

In a recent turn of events in Columbia, SC, residents of the Booker Washington Heights neighborhood are breathing a sigh of relief. On November 30, two portable homes that had become a source of concern and frustration were demolished, marking a win for local community members who deemed these structures an eyesore.

A Community Rallying Together

It all started in mid-November when neighborhood leaders noticed a pair of what some called “shanty homes” placed precariously on wood pallets in the North Columbia area. Residents expressed their feelings about the homes, describing them as completely out of place and a disturbing addition to their community. After multiple complaints, city officials took action, leading to the eventual demolition of these structures.

City Councilman Tyler Bailey was among the first to highlight the issue, stating, “We need more attainable housing — that doesn’t mean shanty homes being dropped off in areas that can’t afford to have the blight.” It’s a sentiment shared by many residents who envisioned a more vibrant and attractive neighborhood.

The Developer’s Dilemma

The homes were placed by a developer who had planned to refurbish them into modular housing units. Modular homes, unlike their mobile counterparts, come with permanent foundations and must meet specific building codes. In the state of South Carolina, nearly 10% of new single-family homes were modular in 2023, ranking 20th nationally. The rush of modular home shipments indicated a growing interest, but this particular scenario didn’t sit well with locals.

A New Ordinance in the Works

As news of the demolition spread, city officials didn’t take long to act. They are currently working on an ordinance that would prevent developers from placing homes temporarily with the intent to refurbish them later. This proposed ordinance aims to ensure that any approved modular home development starts with homes that are ready to reside in, eliminating the once-expected blight from areas already facing challenges.

At a recent city council meeting on December 3, the first reading of this ordinance was passed, indicating a shift towards more conscious development and zoning measures in Columbia. Residents welcomed this news, hoping it would safeguard their community from similar situations in the future.

Looking Forward to Revitalization

The Booker Washington Heights neighborhood is a historic and predominantly Black area in North Columbia. Councilman Bailey indicated that revitalizing this community is crucial for the city. “We want to bring density back to these areas,” he commented. “There’s been a lot of historic populations that have moved out from there. And there’s a lot of empty lots.”

With more than 2,000 empty lots in Columbia, city officials are focused on finding appropriate ways to fill these spaces with beautiful housing options that reflect the needs and desires of the community.

A Beautiful Future Ahead

Residents and local leaders are optimistic that the city’s commitment to thoughtful planning will lead to a brighter, more cohesive future for Booker Washington Heights. The goal is to replace those unsightly memories of shanty homes with aesthetically pleasing and practical housing developments that strengthen the community as a whole.

As Columbia moves forward, eager eyes will remain on the ongoing conversations about housing and development, hoping for a landscape that genuinely reflects the values and beauty of its neighborhoods.