Columbia Mall Zoning Plan Rejected, Updates on New Projects

The Richland County Council was busy on Tuesday evening as they received updates on several projects across the county and held their monthly zoning meeting. One of the key updates was about the former Columbia Place Mall, which will soon house a new 9-1-1 dispatch center, offices for the election commission and Department of Juvenile Justice, and a family services center. Assistant County Administrator Lori Thomas shared that construction of the family services center is expected to be completed by late 2026.

Earlier, the council’s administration and finance committee approved a mobile waste shredder. This machine can shred large items like mattresses, helping reduce landfill waste and litter along the roadside. District 11 Councilwoman Chakisse Newton expressed hope that the new shredder will help prevent people from dumping mattresses on the side of the road, reminding residents that they can schedule a pickup for such items.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Meets US Officials US officials Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan

Later in the evening, the council held a public hearing on zoning issues. Although several major decisions were deferred to future meetings, a few smaller projects were approved, including plans for a daycare at a local church and a renovation of an old motel on Garner Lane.

The biggest topic of discussion was a proposed rezoning of 10 acres near Bluff Road in Lower Richland. Local resident Rory Washington spoke against the rezoning, asking the council to protect the neighborhood from disruptions. Councilwoman Cheryl English, who represents District 10, agreed with the concerns and recommended rejecting the proposal. Ultimately, the council voted to reject the rezoning request.