Vacant Lot in Columbia’s Booker Washington Heights Neighborhood Embraces Change Amid Community Concerns

COLUMBIA, SC – A Vacant Lot Transforms, But Not in the Way Residents Hoped!

On a chilly November 30th, the Booker Washington Heights neighborhood witnessed a bit of a demolition drama. A pair of mobile homes, or what residents lovingly referred to as “shanty homes,” were taken down after neighborhood leaders claimed they were nothing but an eyesore. Can you imagine the scene? A stack of rubble where homes once stood, leaving many local residents pondering the future of their community!

Neighborhood Concerns Spark Action

The story begins earlier in November when sharp-eyed residents spotted those two portable homes plopped on an empty lot on Beaumont Avenue. Many felt these homes did not align with their vision for housing in the historic and predominantly Black neighborhood. Community members rallied together, voicing their concerns about the potential blight that could arise from such temporary structures turning into long-term problems.

City officials took note of the uproar from residents and neighborhood leaders. Their worries about the aesthetic decline of their community were completely valid. “We need more attainable housing — that doesn’t mean shanty homes being dropped off in areas that can’t afford to have the blight,” said City Councilman Tyler Bailey. And with that, the wheels of change started turning.

What Exactly Happened?

The developer who owned the lot had grand plans to transform those mobile units into modular homes, which are quite different from the traditional mobile homes most people think of. Modular homes consist of prefabricated sections that are built away from the site, providing more stability and a solid foundation. In fact, in 2023, around 10% of new single-family homes in South Carolina were modular, a significant number that shows the growing trend!

New Ordinance on the Horizon

Following public outcry, city leaders scrambled to reach an agreement with the developer, which led to the removal of the mobile homes. Now, in an effort to prevent anything like this from happening again, officials passed the first reading of a new ordinance on December 3rd. The crux of the ordinance? If a developer wants to place modular homes, they must be set up with that intention from the get-go, not dropped off and refurbished later!

Revitalization Plans

The city is eager to revitalize the Booker Washington Heights area, which has seen many longtime residents leave. “We want to bring density back to these areas,” Bailey asserted. The city is eyeing those over 2,000 empty lots and aiming to fill them with aesthetically pleasing homes that respect the neighborhood’s rich history.

It’s a clear message from city leaders: the community deserves better, and they are poised to take action to ensure that any new housing developments are both attractive and beneficial for residents. Bailey even mentioned the need for broader discussions surrounding zoning ordinances, especially in relationship to student housing, gentrification, and investor ownership — all hot topics in our changing urban landscape.

A Bright Future Ahead?

The future of Booker Washington Heights is looking hopeful, albeit a little rocky after the uproar over those mobile homes. As the city focuses on enhancing the community while addressing the concerns of its residents, it illuminates the importance of community voices in shaping how neighborhoods evolve. So, what’s next for the lovely residents of Columbia? Only time will tell as they closely watch the plan take shape.

As we gear up for the winter season with temperatures recently dropping, Columbia’s community spirit remains warm and ready for change. With the expectation of new projects blooming on those empty lots, the hustle and bustle of revitalization might be just around the corner!