COLUMBIA, S.C. — Real estate developers say they're working on plans to bring hundreds of homes to the Sandhill area of Northeast Columbia.
Responsible growth in District Nine is top of mind for Richland County Councilwoman Jessica Mackey. She thinks a new proposed housing development could be the next step in continuing that goal.
"After COVID, we really saw a decline in the Village at Sandhill, and it's important for it to be vibrant again; this is a key part of northeast Columbia," Mackey said. "This potential rezoning could bring a different vibrancy to the area with additional bodies that can help patronize these commercial shops in the village of sandhills."
On Thursday, the property group Hillpointe notified residents about their hopes to put nearly 500 homes by the village at Sandhill. They're looking to rezone the portion of land around the Richland two-district building and place the homes. Marcus Wiedower, the vice president of external affairs with Hillpointe, said the goal is to attract young professionals.
"They're all two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. They're about 1100 square feet. They're set up like dual masters; we look to cater to the young professional," he said. "rent around here is about $1300; we'd actually want to be under that."
The idea received speculative support from residents on Thursday, including Lee Daniels. She lives across from where the new homes would be and is hoping more neighbors could be positive.
"We could welcome that; it won't be so much wilderness," she said. " I think the more developed it becomes, the better community we will have."
Some residents did raise concerns about increased traffic. Wiedower said they plan on running a traffic study during their planning phase.
"Whatever the traffic study shows, if the county requires us to do any improvements, we're going to do them," he said.
According to the county, no official zoning proposal has been submitted for the property, but Hillpointe is under contract to purchase it. Mackey said that if Hillpointe decides to develop, they'll submit the rezoning request.
"Once they do that, the planning commission reviews, then it'll come to county council, and we will have three readings and a public hearing before a final decision is made," Mackey said.