COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents in Columbia are sounding off about a potential housing development that could put 300 units near Fort Jackson Boulevard.
An area along I-77 could look very different in the near future depending on how a new proposal fares when it goes before Columbia's Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday.
According to the application, the space is listed as vacant now and the plan is to put a 300-person housing complex with exterior amenities including a pool, garage, dog park, and walking paths. The area sits just south of Fort Jackson Boulevard and expands to the Brandon Acres neighborhood, backing up to homes along Woodlawn Avenue.
News19 spoke to homeowners along Woodlawn Avenue who said they're worried the new development could cause headaches. One resident who wanted to remain anonymous shared what he's most concerned about.
"People cutting through my yard, stealing things out of my backyard, I have things back there," he said. "I have my yard the way it is, I don't like people coming in my area. So, for me, no, I don't want a whole new apartment back there."
According to the zoning application, the project's estimated value is $60 million. That has residents like Carletta Murray Kitt excited. She lives in the Hampton Hills apartment complex on Fort Jackson Boulevard. She said new development could mean a higher return on investment for her home.
"It'd be good for my property because I own mine - it makes the value of my property go up," she said. "So, if I get ready to sell, I'll get a better deal for it."
News19 spoke with Columbia City Councilman Howard Duval who sees money being spent in the area as a positive for the city's long-term growth.
"I think that will be a good location for that if they can have ingress and exits," Duval said.
The meeting will be held at 1737 Main Street, in Columbia at 4 p.m.