On February 8, 2024, The Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc. (CEZ), alongside partners and elected officials from the State, County and City, held a press conference to announce the Bluff/Atlas Road Improvement Project. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, City Council members, City Manager Teresa Wilson, Columbia Empowerment Zone board members, City of Columbia officials/staff, Richland County Council members, Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County officials/staff, State of SC Senate and Congressional Representatives, Congressman James Clyburn, Senator Darrell Jackson and community leaders attended the press conference.
The proposed development is on a corridor that has a history of disinvestment and residents’ lack of access to fresh rood and health care and is called ‘The Station at Congaree Pointe.’ The development of the site will serve as a catalyst for community activity and as a gateway to Congaree National Forest. Furthermore, the new phased development will eliminate blight, enhance the Bluff/Atlas Road area and improve a main corridor into the City of Columbia. The development will include essential services, government services, access to fresh food, health care, family health care for OBGYN, pediatrics, behavioral health, and pharmacies. There will also be access to medication, events, socialization and walking trails.
The plan might also include a community kitchen and space for food trucks.
The improvements have already started. Residents can expect to see more within the next seven months.
Check out photos from the press conference here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBdXkM
Check out the full rendering here: Bluff and Atlas Road Improvement Project Site Plan