RSS Feed
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Columbia City Council meets February 6, 2008
Downtown residential development Developer Tom Pr ioreschi of Capitol Places reviewed his housing projects on and near Main Street. In his presentation were the Kress Building at 1502 Main, Berry's on Main, Silvers Five and Dime, Barringer Building at 1338 Main, 1520 Main Condominiums, and Main Street Lofts in the Tapp's Department Store. Two projects about to come under construction are the Vsion Condominiums at the corner of Lady and Marion, and Fire Station at the corner of Senate and Park, across the intersection from the Hilton Hotel. Pr ioreschi's projects have consumed over 400,000 sq. ft. of vacant property. Taking all of the projects together, both occupied and planned, real estate taxes increased by $900,000 annually. For the most part, Prioreschi has put these deals together with the help of real estate expert Billy Way and architect J. Lesesne Monteith.
Columbia City Manager Charles Austin reviewed recent progress in city business. Since December 2007, the city repaired 130 water main breaks. Since 2006, the city spent $17,119,454 on cleaning and lining sewer and water lines. For FY 2007- 2008, the city's minimal water and sewer capital improvement needs are more than $85 million. Over the next five years, the cost estimate of these needs jumps to more than $448 million. The candidates competing for the Columbia Chief of Police have been screened, and the favored few are invited for interviews Monday and Tuesday, February 11- 12. On Sunday, February 10, council is invited to a 6 pm reception at the Inn at USC to meet the candidates. The North Main streetscaping is ready to begin, waiting on council's final approval. Cottontown Amy Moore, the city's historic preservation planner, reported Cottontown's historic designation process is on schedule. North Main The North Main Master Plan was reviewed by Dana Turner, an assistant city manager, and its two main planning overlays, one in traditional zoning and the other in financial incentives, are under discussion.
Sprinklers Jack West, one of the city's Statehouse lobbyists, brought council up to date on legislative matters important to the city, particularly the pending requirements from the state for fire sprinklers. Palmetto Capital City Classic The annual football fanfare at Benedict's stadium needs $25,000 to cover leftover expenses from last year's game. Sinclair, an event supporter, suggested the issue be put on hold while council heard more details. Development near Columbia college Property at the corner of Columbia College Drive and North Main Street is about to be developed with 32 rental housing units and street- level retail. The targeted market is the student body at Columbia College, according to Columbia College President Caroline Whitson, but non- students can rent, too. Architect Tom Savory offered an esthetic analysis of his design. Neighborhood activists Bill Manley and Lyman Munson noted the lack of neighborhood coordination in the planning process, and Mike Manis of the Eau Claire Development Corporation volunteered to meet with the neighborhood representatives.
Lee Carroll objected to the city's lack of traffic control along Lorick Ave., especially where the children play. Yolanda Smith echoed Carroll while she stood surrounded by neighborhood supporters. The neighborhood contingent wanted speed bumps to slow traffic. Council agreed to look into it. Cromartie reminded the room of a February 19 meeting among three neighborhood groups, all who should debate the Lorick Ave. speed bumps issue.
Council meets February 20 for a District III evening meeting at Hand Middle School, 6 pm.
|
for larger version       |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
)
)
)
)
)
)