113 replies to this topic

[Doug L]

I just e-mailed the following to the editor of the STATE NEWSPAPER; lets see if they have the B@%%$ to print it.


"The headline on the front page of todays, Saturday, August 06, 2005, State “Columbia Proposes Rerouting Greenway” is a testament to the obvious greed of yet another area family. The Guignards know all too well that the City of Columbia could, and should, condemn through eminent domain the entire 93 acres owned by this family.

The property in question is almost useless for any purpose except a park and as it now stands is among the ugliest parcels in Columbia. These 93 acres could, and should, be a beautiful city park bordered on the east side with upscale, high density, urban neighborhood. With the new teeth the Supreme Court has given cities and counties in using eminent domain the city should start proceedings against this family immediately. The city claims that would further delay the 'negotiations' with the Guignards, however, it is obvious that the Guignards are playing a delaying game no matter what the city does. The faster Columbia initiates eminent domain against this property the faster these delays will be over.

Shame on the Guignards for their tact."

[vicupstate]

Given the current backlash against the Supreme Courts decision, justified IMO, it might not be the best time to do what you are saying.  

If the Guignards are being unreasonable, then Coble should say so and explain why he feels that way.  Of course, the Guignards have reached agreements with the cities of West Cola and Cayce.  So, you have to wonder why there is a problem on the Columbia side of the river. I'm sure Coble would not take my advise, as he always wants everyone to like him, and he almost never takes a controversy stand, no matter how much the city will suffer for it.  

These negotiations have been going on for years, the time to p*** or get off the pot was some time ago IMO.  But then, that's Columbia for you.  If Emenient Doman had been invoked two or three years ago, the matter would probably be decided by now.

[Doug L]

Vicupstate:

In your reply you said "So, you have to wonder why there is a problem on the Columbia side of the river."  I'm not sure how intimately you know the Columbia area, but there is so much prejudice in this area against the City of Columbia nothing surprises me when it emanates from outside of the city.  The Guignards, I do believe, are from Cayce.

[Spartan]

The Columbia side of the river will only continue to increase in value as downtown grows. They could be holding out for higher land values.

[vicupstate]

Spartan, on Aug 7 2005, 03:47 PM, said:

The Columbia side of the river will only continue to increase in value as downtown grows. They could be holding out for higher land values.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Having the riverwalk developed on their property, which can't be built on, would improve the value of there remaining, buildable property.  Plus they donated the property on the other side.  A conservation easement/donation would probably give them a huge tax write-off as well.  

If indeed, they are waiting for high values, then emenient domain should be invoked.  It's time for the city to draw a line in the sand.

[waccamatt]

vicupstate, on Aug 7 2005, 04:24 PM, said:

Having the riverwalk developed on their property, which can't be built on, would improve the value of there remaining, buildable property.  Plus they donated the property on the other side.  A conservation easement/donation would probably give them a huge tax write-off as well. 

If indeed, they are waiting for high values, then emenient domain should be invoked.  It's time for the city to draw a line in the sand.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree. Snatch it up already, this is ridiculous!

[krazeeboi]

The Salvation Army of Columbia has raised about $2 million to help land an $80 million grant to build a Kroc Center, which is an education, community and recreation center, on the Three Rivers Greenway.

Seems as though the community has been really generous in this effort, as the effort was only announced a month ago.

Most communities begin fund-raising after their grant has received preliminary approval. Showing the financial support of the community upfront could help the city’s chances in landing the grant.

In this regard, Columbia is ahead of Greenville in its fundraising efforts. Greenville has been awarded a Kroc Center grant, but has not yet raised its first million.

Salvation Army officials envision a 100,000-square-foot recreation and community center at a location on the Congaree River that would house programs such as boating, swimming, music, art, health care and day care. The facility would not be a shelter or feeding center for the homeless, the Salvation Army’s traditional role in Columbia.

Access entire article here.

Here's a list of programs that would move to the center if it is built.

Edited by krazeeboi, 16 August 2005 - 03:35 PM.

[Spartan]

Nice. I'm glad to know Cola is getting one of these.

[Doug L]

This sounds like something that is tailor made for the Guignard property under discussion.       

[Doug L]

PS.....

The STATE NEWSPAPER did print the e-mail that I started this thread with.

[emerging.me]

Well, it looks like the Guinyards are ready to play.  They're hooking up with USC to develop the property. This should also pave the way for the greenway and nullify the plan announced last week to reroute the greenway around the Guinyard property. Interesting story in The State.

And here's a link to a story at WIS with video of Mayor Bob talking about the deal.

More details on the new deal were announced in a news conference this afternoon. They'll have it on the news this evening.

Edited by emerging.me, 19 August 2005 - 03:25 PM.

[krazeeboi]

City officials want to extend the greenway into downtown by providing a “big loop” of hiking and biking trails that would encircle downtown and link such in-town neighborhoods as Eau Claire, Waverly and Five Points to Columbia’s three rivers — the Broad, the Congaree and the Saluda.

Advocates say extending the greenway would seal the rivers’ role as the city’s spinal cord, tying together Richland with Lexington, the Vista with the West Bank.

This is a great idea. I was surprised to see Eau Claire considered though, as I think it is some distance from the river. However, planners hope to find a route through Eau Claire from the end of the North Hook at Mountain Drive to the Bull Street Neighborhood at Palmetto Richland hospital.

[The_sandlapper]

That'a awesome! I would love to see something like that, let's hope it becomes a reality. That's exactly the type of thing the city needs to carve out a larger QOL nitch that would be unique to the Columbia area!

Edited by The_sandlapper, 22 October 2005 - 06:58 PM.

[krazeeboi]

I think the best thing about this idea is that you could actually use the trails to reach a certain destination, say, a friend's house in another neighborhood. If one wants to walk simply for excercise, that's good too, but it's even better when you can walk to and from different places.

[803metlife]

That's  great news, as this greenway ball keeps rolling I see the ideas are getting better. All this development is going to take columbia right off.  I guess the government and city planners had to come up with some better ideals since the government has been under fire lately for not having a vision for the city and not producing.  The downtown area is going to really look different in the next 15yrs, it's just too bad it didn't happen earlier.  I can't wait to actually see the city i was born and raised in finally make it!!

[Ellen]

From what I understand, the inner route would make use of Smith Branch. That's practically in my front yard. Can't wait to see more details... Of course, funding has not been secured.

[emerging.me]

A greenway update... construction on the West Columbia portion is now well underway. If you haven't been over there, check it out some time.

The next phase may be a Saluda River portion. See the map below. It appears to connect the Quail Hollow and Westover Acres/Saluda Terrace neighborhoods to the greenway near a Saluda River crossing, connecting to a path to the Riverbanks Zoo and continuing on to the confluence crossing which is planned. Awesome!

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Edited by emerging.me, 21 July 2006 - 11:55 PM.

[krazeeboi]

Great news.

[Spartan]

Isnt that in Columbia?

[Doug L]

Spartan, on Jul 22 2006, 11:25 AM, said:

Isnt that in Columbia?

YES!  All of it.