Richland County is asking residents in the Timberlane Drive area about their preferences for transforming vacant properties impacted by the October 2015 flood.
That epic weather event caused unprecedented damage in the County and significantly impacted the Timberlane area. Many homes there were considered at risk of future flooding because of their proximity to Gills Creek. Through a property buyout process, the County has worked to acquire dozens of the affected properties with the aim of returning the land to a naturalized state.
Richland County previously surveyed residents in 2018 to get feedback on the best use for each buyout site. Now the County is looking to re-engage with the community on the topic.
“Many things have changed since 2018,” said Clayton Voignier, director of Richland County Community Planning and Development. “We have new staff and potentially new residents within that community with new perspectives and ideas.”
Options for the properties include trails, parks, a naturalized area, a parking lot and a stormwater project, among others.
Residents in the area can expect to receive information by mail, including a survey on land use for the buyout properties. An online version of the survey is available at http://bit.ly/39Y17Ks.
Community Planning & Development staff will also hold two virtual meetings as part of re-engagement efforts. The first meeting, set for March 18, aims to answer questions about the survey, while the second, on April 14, will discuss survey results. Both Zoom meetings are set for 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Access the first meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/94616512526. Use meeting ID: 946 1651 2526.
Access the second meeting at https://zoom.us/j/91682552380. Use meeting ID: 916 8255 2380.
“The community re-engagement is important because it allows us to connect with those new voices who might not have had a chance to provide their input and will be most affected by any physical and environmental changes to the area,” Voignier said.
Residents with questions or comments about the re-engagement process should email Sustainability Planner Meghan Sullivan at sullivan.meghan@richlandcountysc.gov.