Blythewood spot people should see construction on the extensive-expected widening challenge on Blythewood Road soon after the 1st of the calendar year, according to Michael Niermeier, Richland County’s director of transportation.
Niermeier told attendees at Tuesday’s Blythewood Chamber of Commerce every month conference the job has been in a holding pattern when the county negotiates correct-of-way settlements with proprietors of five parcels of land on the route. Blythewood Street will be widened to five lanes from Syrup Mill Street to Interstate 77, which include a visitors circle on Blythewood Street just east of I-77. The undertaking is currently being funded by the Penny Tax program, with and more $2.5 million shifted from Blythewood’s road advancement approach.
Building on that $21 million highway improvement task could start out subsequent September, in accordance to Niermeier. It involves enhancements to Creech Highway from McNulty to U.S. 21 built to alleviate traffic by way of downtown Blythewood.
“Improving the infrastructure in Richland County also opens the opportunity for growth,” Niermeier mentioned.
It’s significant to coordinate that perform with neighborhood planning, he extra. “We’re not just snatching applications out of the air or asking the Fantastic Thought Fairy what to do upcoming.”
That improvement includes the 1,300-acre Blythewood Business Park the county obtained for $26 million past yr. Industrial and industrial advancement is vital very long-phrase to stop household assets taxes from frequently escalating, in accordance to Jeff Ruble, director of economic development.
Ruble instructed chamber customers the county is now recruiting superior-tech firms for the park. “This is not your grandfather’s industrial park,” he stated. “You’re not going to see a bunch of aged pallets on the aspect of the highway and big smokestacks.”
Ruble said his workplace listened to residents’ problems and set codes for covenants and restrictions on what can be developed in the park.
“We’re heading to grow by building it aesthetically pleasing,” he explained. “We want it to be a spot you can be happy of.”