COLUMBIA, S.C. — Plans to rezone over 100 acres of land in Blythewood are on the horizon, with potential implications for both homes and businesses.
Kevin Nelson, a 31-year resident of North Pines Road, has seen the landscape of Blythewood transform. His home, a silent witness to decades of change, now stands amidst the hum of increased traffic.
"From 8 o'clock in the morning to 10 o'clock, traffic is so bad, so busy we can barely get out of the driveway," Nelson said.
Nelson fears the situation could worsen as developers set their sights on rezoning 170 acres along North Pines Road and Wilson Boulevard, aiming to transition from rural to residential single-family homes.
"I think it is going to cause people to move out of the area because of the business, or they're going to have to put up traffic lights on the street to get people in and out of their subdivisions," said Nelson.
Richland County Councilwoman Gretchen Barron represents District 7. She noted the increasing frequency of proposed developments. "By us being in the heart of Richland County, even before Scout Motors came, we were thriving, we were growing, and now even more so."
In addition to residential rezoning, developers are eyeing nearly 6 acres on 9500 Wilson Boulevard for light industrial use and 32 acres on Killian Road for general commercial purposes, potentially attracting new businesses.
Barron, mindful of the community's concerns, stated, "I have deferred every one of my items that are located in this area because we're doing some assessments on the drainage and runoff in this community."
Residents can learn more about these proposed developments at a town hall hosted by Barron on Thursday at Meadow Lake Park from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.
"With them proposing to bring business in the area, they need to talk to people and hear directly from the people who will be their neighbors," Barron emphasizes the importance of community engagement.
The County Council will vote on the rezoning after the New Year.