West Columbia Takes Steps Toward New Housing Development
In West Columbia, the conversation about a new housing development is heating up again after some delays caused by Tropical Storm Debby. The city was set to hold a public hearing concerning a controversial plan for a development, but the weather had other plans. Now, as the storm has passed, city leaders are taking a fresh look at the project, which has undergone some significant changes.
A New Proposal on the Table
What started as a proposal for 90 townhomes has now been scaled back to just 55 detached single-family homes. This development is positioned on a 10-acre grassy plot located on Comanchee Trail. It’s nestled right next to the Saluda Gardens neighborhood and backs onto the Edgewater condominium complex, making it a convenient spot for newcomers.
This new plan comes after a couple of public hearings — one was even canceled — but there was enough discussion recently for the Planning Commission to recommend moving forward. Up next is a crucial initial vote by City Council, set for next month. The changes seem to have eased some concerns from local leaders who initially thought that 90 homes would be too much for that area.
Listening to Community Concerns
During the last public hearing, residents voiced their ongoing worries, particularly about traffic congestion. There are just a couple of two-lane roads that connect Comanchee Trail to Sunset Boulevard, and many in the community are already feeling the strain on these roads. However, developers are optimistic that the new proposal will have a manageable impact. According to them, the addition of 55 homes would only result in about 23 additional cars during peak morning hours and 29 during peak afternoon hours.
It’s important to note that the property is already zoned for up to 55 homes, so the developers are operating within the existing regulations. Plus, they’re planning to create green spaces, including a small fenced park for residents!
Quality Matters
Mayor Tem Miles emphasized that the developers’ approach is much improved from previous proposals that didn’t sit well with the community. The new agreement they are seeking with the city includes stipulations about high-quality building materials. This is seen as a way to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood and avoid what some might refer to as a “vinyl village.” Additionally, there will be vegetative buffers along Comanchee Trail to create a more welcoming environment.
Future Amenities
Beyond the residential homes, developers hinted at the possibility of using a part of the property for commercial purposes, such as a cafe or coffee shop. This could add some convenience for residents without having to travel far from home!
Thoughts on Rezoning
During the discussions, one resident raised a compelling question about the possibility of rezoning the area to create a park instead of housing. However, Mayor Miles explained that landowners have rights to develop their property as they see fit. It’s not as easy as just turning the plot into a public park — the property has seen different offers and proposals, but the current owners are operating within the bounds of the existing zoning laws.
City Councilman Jimmy Brooks also chimed in, stressing that anyone could have looked into buying the property, but the reality is that it likely comes with a hefty price tag. He pointed out that property rights allow owners to do what they want, provided they are in line with zoning regulations.
Looking Ahead
As West Columbia moves forward with this adjusted proposal for housing, the community’s input will continue to be vital. Developers are committed to addressing concerns as they navigate the planning process and work towards a successful project. The city is poised for change, and it will be interesting to see how this development unfolds in the coming months!
