COLUMBIA, S.C. — Have you heard of the Villages of North Columbia? It is a development plan put forth by the City of Columbia to revitalize and reinvent the image of North Columbia while preserving existing single-family neighborhoods.
City Councilwoman Tina Herbert represents the North Columbia area in District One. Herbert will host a public meeting 6-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 at the Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Ave., along with city planners and local developers in order to provide an update on the City's Master Plan for the Villages of North Columbia.
Anyone wanting to submit ideas or a proposal for a development project in North Columbia, please send all information to District1@Columbiasc.gov. Deadline to send information is Thursday, January 26.
Basically, the Master Plan would create three neighborhood communities --
- the Artist Village -- encompassing the Cottontown, Elmwood Park, Earlewood, Hammond Village, Laurel Hill, and Marshall Park neighborhoods. One of the features of the Artist Village would the development of the former Highway 277 right-of-way into a greenway trail that would be part of a series of urban trails connecting Finlay Park to the Bull Street Redevelopment and Earlewood Park. The Artist Village would also be a center for ongoing activities, studios and shops.
- College Village -- centering around the neighborhoods near Columbia College, the Lutheran Seminary, Eau Claire High School and the former Eau Claire Town Hall. This area would become more pedestrian friendly, reflecting the "small college town" atmosphere of the area. The hope is to attract more small retail shops and restaurants that would be frequented by residents and students, faculty and staff of nearby institutions. College Place and Seminary Ridge would be recommended for historic Conservation Districts.
- Gateway Village -- the first collection of North Columbia neighborhoods encountered after leaving I-26, Farrow Road, and US-21 and heading into the city. The Gateway Village would redevelop these corridors with concentrated mixed-use construction that would reinforce the neighborhood's ideals of a walkable community. Communities in the Gateway Village include Burton Heights & Standish Acres, Fairwold Community, Farrow Hills, Farrow Terrace, Golden Acres, Greenview & North Columbia Civic Club, North College Place, and Prescott Terrace.
You can find out more details at the City of Columbia's Planning and Development website.
