COLUMBIA, S.C. — Some state offices might be moving away from Bull Street near downtown Columbia.
Lawmakers on Tuesday gave first approval to a plan that would shuffle things around.
Under the proposal, the Department of Environmental Services would move to 1200 Colonial Life Boulevard.
There's also talk of creating a healthcare hub by moving the Department of Public Health, Mental Health, DDSN, and DAODAS to 400 Otarre Parkway in Cayce, just off I-77.
Lawmakers said the move is necessary because the current buildings need major upgrades. They add the new buildings would have more parking, and security, and would also help streamline services.
"What we are finding in the study is that many of these clients and folks served by these agencies have to call one number and another number and another number and are just confused about how to get help, so that’s, I think, one of the other thoughts," an official with the SC Department of Administration said.
The Department of Social Services plans to stay put for now.
Ambrosia Executive Chef Roderick Nelson said he’s worried about the impact on business. He tells News 19 that about 80 percent of his lunch crowd is made up of state employees.
"We’ll have to go back to closing on a Monday or something or closing two days out of the week to cut back from paying employees, and it's just going to hurt business in itself," he says.
On the flip side, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann thinks it will open the door for more development in the Bull Street District.
"Losing employees is a bad thing, but having the opportunity to create more housing opportunities, more business opportunities, and creating tax income where we haven't had it is going to be a positive," Rickenmann said.
The Department of Administration is tasked with appraising the properties to possibly be sold to private developers.
Moving the offices is expected to cost the state $330 million more over 20 years than if they stay where they are.
It’s a concerning cost for State Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg).
“This is a pretty significant amount of money to be used to rent office space. I’m a firm believer that the state ought to not be a renter, but own properties,” said Cobb-Hunter.
She pushed the panel of lawmakers to consider offering on-site child care at the new properties, as well.
“If we’re going to talk about moving forward here in South Carolina as far as state employees are concerned, given how much child care costs, I think a part of our consideration has to be including on-site child care for these state agencies,” said Cobb-Hunter.
News 19 also asked Gov. Henry McMaster for his thoughts.
“Whatever makes it easiest, most accessible for customers and also the employees, the staff would be what I recommend,” said McMaster
If the money gets the thumbs up from the General Assembly, the move could start happening on July 1st, 2024.