For Northeast Richland residents, the end of the planning process for the Sandhills community is in sight.
Richland County has put the final touches on a neighborhood plan for the Sandhills area with a document ready for public review at www.renewpontiac.com. The planning area includes the Richland Northeast Industrial Park on Clemson Road, as well as historic businesses and residences at Two Notch and Spears Creek Church roads, an area commonly known as Pontiac.
The County’s ReDiscover Sandhills project team requested public feedback concerning a number of recommendations touching on community recreation, identity, housing, business development, beautification, safety and transportation in Northeast Richland. The plan also gives an overview of various demographic and socio-economic components for the Sandhills area.
“We are excited to be nearing the finish line to present the plan to the public,” said Brian Crooks, interim planning services manager for Richland County. “We appreciate the commitment the residents have had as we have dealt with various obstacles and setbacks in the process.”
On Thursday, April 22, staff with the County’s Community Planning & Development Department will go over the draft plan and take public comments during a virtual meeting, which is set for 6 p.m. on Zoom. Find meeting access information on the County’s Events page: www.richlandcountysc.gov/Home/Events.
The public can also comment on the plan at www.renewpontiac.com through April 23.
County staff used input from residents and businesses in the plan’s final draft, which will go forward to the County’s Planning Commission soon. If approved, the plan will then go to County Council for adoption.
“We are eager to begin working toward meeting the vision for rediscovering the area,” Crooks said.
Richland County began work on the Sandhills Neighborhood Plan in fall 2019, gathering input through surveys and community meetings.
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