COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hundreds of new homes are being proposed for a property along Hard Scrabble Road in Richland County. But before developers can move forward, they must get approval for a zoning change from the Richland County Council.
It’s just one of several projects that were discussed during a zoning town hall Thursday night.
Richland County District 7 Councilwoman Gretchen Barron was looking for honest answers as she quizzed applicants about their rezoning requests.
“What is your plan to really look at making the community around you feel comfortable with these homes coming,” Barron asked one of the applicants.
Allen Goff represents a group that is seeking to build 146 single family homes on what is currently 51 acres of land along Hard Scrabble Road. Presently, the land is zoned for agriculture use.
Barron pressed him for about how the development would address water runoff.
“That is an area of concern, but we will absolutely meet the Department of Environmental Services and Richland County storm water requirements for pre/post. So, we will let the water out much slower than it does currently,” Goff responded.
The Councilwoman also asked Goff about how the project would impact traffic in the area.
“Have you all done any initial traffic studies, or anything of that nature at this point,” Barron asked.
“Basically, we’re waiting for this approval, to make sure that the money spent on that is justified,” Goff replied.
Barron says town hall meetings like this one benefit the public.
“It's the opportunity for the neighbors to come in and find out first-hand what is being proposed to be built on the parcels of land, as a part of the application process,” she explained.
Barron said she will take the information gleaned from Thursday's meeting back to the full Richland County Council before each of the rezoning requests are considered.