News Summary
Columbia is gathering feedback from residents on development plans for a nine-acre site below Earlewood Park, aiming to expand the Vista Greenway. As the area transitions from a vacant lot to potential housing, green spaces, and commercial options, the community is invited to share ideas for balancing development and green space. City planners will base their approach on successful projects elsewhere and aim to select a developer by the end of 2025 as part of a broader $3 million investment for pathway enhancements.
Columbia is currently seeking feedback from its residents regarding potential development plans for a nine-acre site located below Earlewood Park. This initiative is part of the broader extension of the Vista Greenway, which aims to expand the pathway from Elmwood Avenue to North Main Street, eventually reaching Bull Street.
Experts have engaged with the community to gather insights on what type of project might best complement the existing plans for the greenway. The site, which has been vacant for several years following the demolition of residential properties for a proposed freeway that was never constructed, is now being considered for new development opportunities.
At present, the property is home to the North Main Community Garden and serves as an informal practice area for local football teams. In 2022, the city of Columbia purchased this property from the state Department of Transportation with intentions to develop it, aligning it with the expansion goals of the Vista Greenway.
Residents have put forth a variety of ideas for the proposed development, including options for housing such as townhomes or condominiums, grocery stores, and green spaces designed for outdoor events. The Columbia Planning Administrator has indicated that there will be a focus on balancing the community’s desire for green space alongside the demand for housing, while also taking into account the future of the community garden.
The planning process will draw inspiration from successful urban projects in other cities, including Atlanta’s Piedmont Park and Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail. The city planners are expected to provide a formal presentation of the plans by the end of May 2025, which will then guide a request for proposals from potential developers.
Columbia aims to select a developer by the conclusion of 2025. The current Vista Greenway stretch extends from Lady Street to Elmwood Avenue, with efforts underway to expand it towards North Main Street. This project carries an estimated budget of $3 million, with further phases covering an additional 1.6 miles to Page Ellington Park at Bull Street, projected to cost $4 million and expected to be completed by 2028.
Additional development in the area includes a $5.2 million overhaul of Sunset Drive to enhance pedestrian access and new bike lane installations along River Drive. Furthermore, two significant apartment projects, Benton Crossing and a 300-unit market-rate development, are also in progress within the vicinity.
Traffic patterns in the area have shown significant changes, with counts on River Drive increasing from an average of 4,800 to over 6,000 vehicles per day since last year. Sunset Drive has seen a transformation into a major thoroughfare, experiencing an increase from approximately 18,300 to an estimated 20,300 cars per day. Residents have expressed their support for development, acknowledging the potential for increased traffic, yet they believe that the benefits will outweigh the inconveniences.
Workshops and meetings are being organized to facilitate community input on the future development plans. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts regarding transportation improvements and growth strategies for their neighborhoods, ensuring that the planning process remains inclusive and reflective of the community’s desires.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Columbia Development Plans
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- WLTX: Public Input for North Main Street Corridor
- Google Search: Columbia development plans
- Post and Courier: Greenways Project Update
- Google Scholar: Columbia urban development
- The State: Columbia Traffic Patterns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Lincoln Street Tunnel Art Project
- Google News: Columbia South Carolina development
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