News Summary
In Columbia, Carolina Cafe is concerned about losing four vital parking spots due to an upcoming bike lane project. Owner Lauren Schlueter fears this loss will impact customer access to the popular breakfast spot, which has served loyal patrons for nearly 30 years. With alternative parking options being limited and costly, the cafe’s future remains uncertain as the community rallies to support local businesses amidst city planning changes.
Columbia Community Cafe Faces Parking Crisis Amid Bike Lane Construction
In the vibrant city of Columbia, a beloved breakfast spot is finding itself in a bit of a pickle. Carolina Cafe, notorious for serving the freshest bagels and quick bites for the past 28 years, is appealing to loyal customers as a new bike lane project threatens to snatch away the much-needed parking spots they depend on. Situated at the busy intersection of Sumter and Pendleton streets, this cafe has become a go-to destination for those rushing to grab breakfast before heading off to their daily tasks.
The Comfort of Convenient Parking
Carolina Cafe’s owner, Lauren Schlueter, has expressed her worry about what losing four street parking spots would mean for her business. For many of her customers, a quick visit for a bagel and coffee typically involves leaving their cars parked for around five minutes. With the average breakfast order costing about $7, the cafe relies heavily on this quick turnover of customers in those convenient spots right outside the door.
The current parking setup boasts three metered spots and a loading zone directly outside the cafe. However, with recent plans to extend a bike lane from Main Street to Pendleton Street, those four precious parking spots are on the chopping block. Schlueter fears these losses could hit her business hard, making it challenging for customers to pop in for that beloved breakfast fix.
Challenges Beyond the Cafe’s Front Door
Customers might want to think twice when considering the nearby privately-owned parking lot, which charges a hefty $8 for the first 30 minutes. Schlueter understands that most patrons may be unwilling to shell out that kind of cash just to enjoy a coffee and bagel. Even with foot traffic flowing through the area, she remains skeptical about the future of her business without accessible parking for her customers.
The cafe is located just a block away from the University of South Carolina and the Statehouse, not to mention the state’s oldest community theater around the corner. Despite this bustling location, convenient access and parking remain crucial factors driving customer decisions. With 58% of the surface area on Pendleton Street already dedicated to parking, it raises the question of whether removing even more spots is truly beneficial for the community.
Community Needs vs. City Plans
Back in 2015, the city adopted the “Walk Bike Columbia” initiative aimed at improving safety and connections for pedestrians and cyclists. While the idea was to enhance urban living, Schlueter and other local business owners are now calling for a rethink on the project. The original plan suggested creating central parking solutions or even building subterranean garages, yet none of these developments have materialized thus far, leaving small businesses like Carolina Cafe to fend for themselves.
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann has acknowledged concerns from Schlueter and her fellow business owners regarding the removal of these parking spots. He intends to reach out to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to explore potential compromises that might aid local businesses. However, the DOT has stated that the approved project currently has no plans to implement parallel parking on Pendleton Street, leaving Schlueter’s café in a precarious situation.
A Call to the Community
With construction slated to kick off in March, Schlueter has taken to social media to mobilize her loyal customers, many of whom are legal professionals, to lend a helping hand in advocating for her cafe’s future. She has voiced her frustrations about the city’s actions, feeling that support for small businesses might not be as strong as it could be. As the cafe moves ahead in this challenging climate, the community’s backing may prove to be more crucial than ever before.
As the bike lane project progresses, Columbia will be watching closely how the bustling community continues to rally around one of their favorite breakfast nooks. Will Carolina Cafe weather this storm? Only time will tell!
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Carolina Cafe Faces Parking Crisis
- Only In Your State: Plant-Based Restaurant Loved by Meat Eaters
- Cola Daily: Maurice’s West Columbia Location Reopens After Fire
- The State: Local Food and Drink News
- ABC Columbia: Student Shot in Restaurant Parking Lot
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Columbia South Carolina news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia
- Google News: Columbia, South Carolina
