West Columbia’s Development Plans Take Shape After Storm Delays
West Columbia is buzzing with conversation as city leaders finally moved forward with a development plan that has gone through quite the transformation. Following the disruption caused by Tropical Storm Debby, which led to the cancellation of a public hearing in August, it seems local officials now have a clearer path regarding the future of a 10-acre plot located on Comanchee Trail.
From Townhomes to Single-Family Houses
Originally proposed were plans for as many as 90 townhomes on the property, which sits near the popular Sunset Boulevard/U.S. 378. However, developers have since altered their proposal, now aiming to build 55 detached single-family homes instead. This newer design is decidedly more palatable to city leaders who had voiced concerns regarding the initial number of homes feeling too excessive for the area.
The site itself features a grassy terrain that is currently home to a small house and four large radio broadcasting towers, and it is bordered by the well-established Edgewater condominium complex and the Saluda Gardens neighborhood. With the property already zoned for the proposed 55 homes, this new plan fits neatly into the existing regulations.
City Leaders Weigh In
The Planning Commission, having held a public hearing recently, has recommended the project to the Town Council, which will hold its initial vote next month. Mayor Tem Miles, who has seen the proposal evolve, shared how this project transitioned from an initial plan that sought to stack 188 apartments on the site to the current iteration of single-family homes. “It was pretty obvious that it wasn’t going to go anywhere,” he remarked, hinting at the complications the developers faced in presenting their ideas.
The mayor noted that the revised proposal is a win-win for everyone involved as it not only respects the community’s concerns about overcrowding but also adheres to the zoning requirements. The developers are keen on entering into an agreement with the city to retain a communications tower on the property, which could lead to additional opportunities for businesses, including a potential café or coffee shop.
Concerns About Traffic
While the development plan seems to present a more controlled number of homes, concerns from residents about traffic have certainly not vanished. Access to Sunset Boulevard is limited, and this issue stirred up discussions at the public hearing. However, city officials, supported by traffic studies, assure residents that the addition of 55 homes will introduce only a modest increase in traffic flow—about 23 additional cars during peak morning hours and 29 during peak evening hours.
During discussions, only two nearby roads, North Lucas Street and Park Lane, connect to Sunset Boulevard, both of which are just two lanes wide. According to data from the S.C. Department of Transportation, North Lucas Street accommodates approximately 1,800 vehicles daily, while Seminole Drive, further into Saluda Gardens, sees around 1,150 vehicles.
Community Voices and Expectations
Some community members have proposed that the property be turned into a park instead of being developed. Mayor Miles and City Councilman Jimmy Brooks addressed these remarks, emphasizing that landowners have rights to use their property as they see fit. “It’s my understanding that everybody in this room had an opportunity to buy that property,” Brooks stated, reminding everyone that the land was purchased under existing zoning laws.
Looking Ahead
As the project progresses, the homes are expected to be priced between $255,000 and $300,000, potentially appealing to a wide range of buyers. Developers also plan to set aside a small fenced-in park for the community, which could help enhance the neighborhood’s appeal.
Although many questions remain about how the new development will impact traffic and community dynamics, one thing is for sure: the city is actively engaged in finding a middle ground that satisfies developers and residents alike. With the initial vote on the project just around the corner, all eyes will be on West Columbia to see how this story unfolds.
