Changes to Downtown Columbia’s Housing and Planning

News Summary

Downtown Columbia is undergoing a significant transformation with the unveiling of a Downtown Strategic Plan that includes new housing regulations and community engagement opportunities. The city council has decided to ban private student dorms while allowing new housing options for students. Open houses are set for community feedback as the city aims to enhance the downtown experience and consider public input during this strategic planning process. This initiative is expected to reshape downtown Columbia over the next ten months.

Exciting Changes are Coming to Downtown Columbia!

Downtown Columbia is in the midst of a thrilling transformation that promises to change the way we navigate, develop, and socialize in the heart of our city. Last year, the city took an important step by drafting a Downtown Strategic Plan along with Design Guidelines, and now, they are eager to hear from the community through local engagement.

Meet the Big Ideas

As part of this planning process, the draft unveiled six major goals, fondly referred to as the “big ideas.” These ideas aim to enhance the downtown experience for everyone, from residents to small business owners. To foster discussion and collect feedback, the city will be hosting two open houses on Wednesday, March 12, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. This is a golden opportunity for locals to dive into the draft, share their thoughts, and get their voices heard!

If you can’t make it to the open houses, don’t worry! Online comments on the draft plan will be accepted until Saturday, March 21, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute.

New Housing Regulations on the Horizon

This shift is seen positively by local businesses, who anticipate a surge in traffic and economic activity as a result. Meanwhile, students from the University of South Carolina (USC) are expressing their enthusiasm for more housing in downtown. They believe that expanding housing options will significantly enhance their overall college experience.

Next Steps for Approval

The proposed plan for student housing still requires approval from the planning committee. A presentation is set for Thursday, April 10, where the planning commission will evaluate the amendments for four-bedroom housing units. This commission will play a crucial role, as they will recommend the proposal to the city council.

Following this, the city council will hold a zoning public hearing on Tuesday, May 20, offering a platform for final discussions before voting on the ordinance. With this careful progression, the city aims for a well-considered approach to these important housing regulations.

A Look Ahead

It’s worth noting that this strategic planning process is expected to unfold over approximately 10 months. The city is committed to incorporating public and stakeholder engagement throughout this timeline. The goal is to ensure that the updated plan does justice to the changes that have taken place over the last 25 years, including completed infrastructure projects and shifts in transportation trends.

The last master plans for downtown Columbia were adopted more than 15 years ago, making now a perfect time for this reevaluation. As the community comes together to share their ideas and thoughts, there is no doubt that the future of downtown Columbia is in good hands. So let’s get involved, share our views, and help create not just a vibrant downtown, but a place that reflects the unique spirit of our beloved city!

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Additional Resources

• Cola Today: Downtown Columbia Strategic Plan
• WLTX: Columbia Downtown Student Housing Amendment
• Columbia Business Report: Downtown Strategic Plan Process
• Washington Post: UDC Rebranding & Enrollment
• Google Search: Columbia Downtown Strategic Plan

Author: HERE Lexington