West Columbia Residents Brace for New Housing Development Amid Traffic Concerns

West Columbia Residents Prepare for Change with New Housing Proposal

West Columbia, a city known for its charming neighborhoods and vibrant community, is getting ready for some changes on Comanchee Trail. Recently, the city leaders were faced with a controversial development plan that has gone through quite a few transformations. Originally, the proposal was for a whopping 90 townhomes, but after much discussion and pushback from residents, the developers have come back with a more modest plan: 55 detached single-family homes.

The Journey of the Development Plan

This whole process has been anything but smooth. Just before Tropical Storm Debby rolled through South Carolina, an important public hearing regarding this development was scheduled, but it had to be canceled. Since then, the city council and planning commission finally met this week to consider the new proposal. The land in question is a 10-acre grassy plot currently home to a small house and four large, now-unused radio towers.

The new plan now backs up against the Edgewater condominium complex and is located near the Saluda Gardens neighborhood, making it a prime location for families looking to settle down. Unlike the previous plans that raised eyebrows and concerns, the new plan seems to reflect a more community-friendly approach. The planning commission voted recently to recommend this new project to the Town Council, with an initial vote scheduled for next month.

Concerns About Traffic Remain

While the changes are welcomed by some, there are still worries in the air, particularly regarding traffic on the already busy roads. Residents attending the public hearing voiced their concerns, noting the already limited access to Sunset Boulevard and the existing poor condition of the roads in the area. With only two access points—Park Lane and North Lucas Street—city leaders acknowledge that traffic is a considerable issue.

However, developers reassured the community that the addition of these 55 homes should not significantly impact traffic. According to Shawn Escobar from Cross Engineering, the project is expected to cause just 23 additional vehicles during peak morning hours and 29 during peak afternoon hours on the local roads.

Looking Ahead: What Will the New Community Look Like?

The current zoning allows for 55 homes, so the developers are working on an agreement with the city that includes high-quality building materials to enhance the neighborhood’s appeal. This will prevent the area from becoming a “vinyl village,” as Mayor Tem Miles put it. Furthermore, the plan includes a small, fenced park for residents to enjoy, helping to maintain a green space in the area.

As for prices, the homes are likely to be sold within the range of $255,000 to $300,000, making them accessible to many families looking to settle down in West Columbia.

City Council’s Response

During the discussions, there were calls from residents to consider turning the property into a park instead of developing homes. However, both Mayor Miles and City Councilman Jimmy Brooks emphasized property rights. As Brooks explained, property owners have the right to sell or develop their land, and many had the opportunity to purchase the property themselves if they so desired.

“When somebody comes and says, ‘Well, it should be a park,’ when they buy that property, they are buying it with the assumption that it’s going to be zoned as it is,” said Brooks, highlighting the complexities involved in land development.

As West Columbia navigates this development process, the community remains engaged, expressing both hopes and concerns. The coming months will be critical as the city council prepares to cast their votes, determining the future of this neighborhood.

Stay tuned, West Columbia! This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting development journey.