City Council

Regular Meeting

Columbia, SC · January 20, 2026

Minutes

COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 CALL TO ORDER The Columbia City Council conducted a Work Session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. and the following members were present: The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., The Honorable Will Brennan, Mayor Pro-Tempore, The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, The Honorable Peter M. Brown, The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, and The Honorable Samuel P. Johnson. Also present were Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager and Ms. Erika D. Moore Hammond, City Clerk. This meeting was advertised in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. INVOCATION The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. offered the invocation. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Brown, Council voted unanimously to adopt the agenda as presented. PRESENTATIONS 1. Update on the Lourie Center - Mr. Andrew Boozer, Executive Director / Senior Resources - Received as information. Mr. Andrew Boozer, Executive Director / Senior Resources provided a two-year update on the Lourie Center, since the August 2023 merger that created a one-stop senior services hub. He reported that a $450,000 city investment leveraged over $700,000 in additional funding, fully renovated the 17,000-square-foot facility, reduced administrative costs by more than 30%, and produced a balanced budget for the first time in over a decade. He highlighted expanded programming, Medicare Advantage revenue, over 2,200 class sessions, a fully utilized gym, and a 263% increase in memberships. He added that the organization is working to close a remaining $75,000 funding gap to maintain a balanced budget in the next fiscal year. Page 1 of 4 COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 There was discussion regarding the rising senior population; Medicare data; Richland County annual funding; financial pipelines for surrounding counties; transportation partnership with The COMET; and eligibility criteria for services beginning at age 50 Ms. Sandra Berger praised the facility renovations, expanded programming, noting improved scheduling, higher attendance, and strong member response. She also highlighted a successful partnership with The Nickelodeon Theatre that led to sold- out documentary screenings and increased downtown activity. Ms. Mahi Abedin shared that the Lourie Center helped her heal and reconnect after losing her husband and provided socialization, exercise, and community. She described the Center as her happiest place and credited it with improving her mental and physical well-being. Mr. Joseph Adams shared that he joined the Lourie Center after struggling to find a gym that worked for him. He felt welcomes and supported. Through regular participation, healthier habits, and consistent exercise, he has experienced significant weight loss and major improvements in his health. 2. Redevelopment of the former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and River Drive - Mr. Justin Steinmann, Director / Planning & Development Services; Ms. Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator / Planning and Development Services; Mr. Howard Kozloff, Founder and Principal / Agora Partners; and Mr. Ben Donsky, Principal / Agora Partners – Received as information. Mr. Justin Steinmann, Director / Planning & Development Services, described the project as an opportunity to reclaim former freeway land, reconnect neighborhoods, and improve health and mobility through greenway infrastructure. On average, greenway projects in the Southeast generate a strong return on investment. For every dollar the public invests in a greenway, about eight to ten dollars of private development typically follows nearby. Homes located along a greenway also tend to be worth significantly more, with property values increasing by as much as 40 percent. Page 2 of 4 COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 Ms. Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator / Planning & Development Services explained that the City acquired 31.32 acres from SCDOT in 2022, with the project focusing on 19 acres originally condemned for I-277. She noted that a May 2025 community design workshop hosted by Councilwoman Herbert drew nearly 100 participants and produced shared priorities, including integrating the Vista Greenway, preserving open space, balancing density with neighborhood scale, and reconnecting surrounding neighborhoods. There was discussion about the recommendation of the additional football fields from the workshop. Mr. Howard Kozloff, Founder and Principal of Agora Partners discussed the importance of defining and maximizing the value of public spaces while creating strong place identity and revenue-generating opportunities for the City. He explained that the project approach is grounded in community-informed master planning, combining public workshops, multiple conceptual development options, and shared themes identified through community input. He also presented a market snapshot and construction cost benchmarks to help frame the project’s economic feasibility and development potential. There was discussion about clarifying ongoing operating costs; recommended density levels; zoning considerations; use of a development agreement or a request for qualifications; and opportunities for home ownership. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, Council voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 2: 16 p.m. for the discussion of Items 3 through 5. 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5) • Former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and River Drive • BullStreet District 4. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2) • Busted Plug Page 3 of 4 COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 5. Discussion of the employment of an employee pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(1) • Municipal Court Judges ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM City Clerk Page 4 of 4

Agenda

Packet

Columbia City Council Meeting Agenda Agenda Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201 City Clerk’s Office: (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. • The Honorable William Brennan, Mayor Pro- Tempore • The Honorable Tina N. Herbert • The Honorable Peter M. Brown • The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey • The Honorable Samuel P. Johnson Call to Order Invocation Adoption of the Agenda Presentations 1. Update on the Lourie Center - Mr. Andrew Boozer, Executive Director /Senior Resources 2. Redevelopment of the former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and River Drive - Mr. Justin Steinmann, Director / Planning & Development Services; Ms. Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator / Planning and Development Services; Mr. Howard Kozloff, Founder and Principal / Agora Partners; and Mr. Ben Donsky, Principal / Agora Partners Executive Session 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5) • Former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and River Drive • BullStreet District 4. Discussion of the employment of an employee pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(1) • Municipal Court Judges 5. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2) • Busted Plug Page 1 of 2 Page 1 of 39 Adjournment Page 2 of 2 Page 2 of 39 Page 3 of 39 Page 4 of 39 Page 5 of 39 Creating a Stronger Senior Community Page 6 of 39 BETTER TOGETHER Est. Est. 1967 1995 Unified August 2023 Page 7 of 39 REVITALIZATION IN ACTION $450,000 Invested by the City of Columbia $700,000+ In additional funding leveraged beyond City investment 17,000 sq ft Of renovated facilities to enable programmatic growth Page 8 of 39 REVITALIZATION Page 9 of 39 PROGRAMS & CLASSES 3x More class offerings Extended Hours Lourie Nights supported by the Department of Aging Increased Access Renovated gym space available to all members New scholarship opportunities Page 10 of 39 MEMBERSHIP 263% + Increase in membership since 2023 287 City of Columbia (free) members since 2024 2,681 Community attendees at events, meetings, and voting (past six months) Page 11 of 39 Page 12 of 39 LOOKING AHEAD OUR AGING COMMUNITY IS GROWING • 65+ population in Richland County will more than double by 2040 (37,541 in 2010 → 88,710 projected) • Demand for services, connection, and wellness will continue to rise • Our work must grow intentionally to meet this need Page 13 of 39 THE LOURIE CENTER IS A PLACE FOR CONNECTION, PURPOSE, AND BELONGING • Social isolation and loneliness are growing challenges for older adults • Connection is as critical as healthcare in supporting healthy aging • Isolation impacts mental health, brain health, physical health, and quality of life Page 14 of 39 VISION: EXPANDING IMPACT ACROSS COLUMBIA • Reach more older adults with opportunities for connection • Emphasize healthy living to improve health outcomes • Position the Lourie Center as a welcoming hub Page 15 of 39 CONTINUING OUR PARTNERSHIP • Collaboration with City of Columbia departments and initiatives • Identify financial resources for sustainability • Continue to make the City of Columbia a great place to age Page 16 of 39 Thank you! Page 17 of 39 TO: Mayor and City Council members FROM: Justin Steinmann, Director of Planning and Development Services Ryan Coleman, Economic Development Director Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator CC: Teresa Wilson, City Manager Jeff Palen, CFO, ACM for Finance & Development Kent Davis, Procurement Manager II- Strategy Greg Williams, Economic Development Operations Manager Tristan Kercher, Urban Design Planner DATE: January 20, 2026 RE: River Drive at North Main, former I-277 property development update In partnership with Economic Development, Planning and Development Services have been working with two consultants to assist with the process of planning for the development of the former I-277 SCDOT right-of-way at River Drive and North Main, along the alignment of the future Vista Greenway. Toole Design led a three-day community design workshop in May 2025, with nearly 100 participants. A final report documents the three organizing concepts generated by the process, which have distinctive characteristics and some common themes. Agora Partners has assisted in defining the real estate strategy by evaluating the development potential of the site. Initially they provided a high-level real estate analysis, which provided a general framework for the design workshop to ensure the concepts were realistic. After the workshop, they used the concepts to refine the analysis to include proposed land uses, density, timeline, and a high-level financial overview. They have prepared an outline to inform the City’s future Request for Qualifications (RFQu), which is the recommended approach to solicit a development partner. The RFQ approach is recommended due to the unique complexity of this project. Several factors warrant a qualifications-based process that evaluates developer capabilities before detailed proposals: • Property size and configuration: The site’s irregular shape—a legacy of piecemeal right-of-way acquisition from the late 1970s through early 1980s— Page 18 of 39 and its proximity to both the downtown grid and historic neighborhoods creates development challenges that require demonstrated expertise. • Bisected by River Drive: The property is divided by an active thoroughfare, creating distinct development parcels that must be planned cohesively while potentially proceeding independently. • No designated zoning: As former right-of-way, the property currently takes on adjacent zoning and will require rezoning prior to development. A qualified partner must understand how to work collaboratively through this process. • Multiple development types anticipated: The three organizing concepts from the charrette contemplate a mix of uses—residential, commercial, and civic—that will likely require phased implementation and varied expertise. • Potential for multiple development teams: Given the site’s characteristics, the City may ultimately work with multiple developers or partnership structures. An RFQ allows evaluation of how teams might collaborate or operate across different portions of the site. • Greenway integration: Development must incorporate the Vista Greenway extension as a central amenity, requiring experience with public-private coordination on multimodal infrastructure. • High community interest: Nearly 100 participants engaged in the May 2025 design workshop. A qualified developer must demonstrate capacity for meaningful community engagement and responsiveness to neighborhood input throughout the development process. Some additional contextual considerations regarding the project/site: • City of Columbia Engineering team has designed the Vista Greenway from Park Street all the way to Bull Street at Colonial Drive. They are currently working to get the required easements for the section to connect the existing greenway (which currently terminates at Elmwood viaduct) to Park Street. • Richland County’s 2024 Penny Sales tax referendum includes funding for several sections of greenways, including the Vista Greenway from Elmwood avenue to the Bull Street District • Having funding for the “shovel-ready” section is not only critical for connectivity for north Columbia neighborhoods, Bull Street, and Downtown, as it also intersects with the newly installed River Drive bicycle lanes, and will be a critical piece of the development scenario for this property. • The SCDOT will be replacing the River Drive railroad bridge, immediately adjacent to this property; anticipated construction in 2027 (public meeting was held summer 2023). Page 19 of 39 Agora Partners City Council Work Session January 20, 2026 GREENWAY-ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, Columbia, SC • Purpose o Identify development opportunities near Columbia Vista Greenway o Generate revenue, foster development, enhance public amenities o Support entrepreneurial planning and city-building goals • Strategy Overview o Leverage City-owned parcels o Use long-term ground leases/P3s o Create sustained funding and neighborhood revitalization • Site Characteristics – Why This Project Is Unique o ~12 acres of irregular parcels from piecemeal 1970s–80s ROW acquisition o Bisected by River Drive (active thoroughfare) o No designated zoning – inherits adjacent, requires rezoning o Vista Greenway integration required as central amenity o Adjacent to SCDOT railroad bridge replacement (construction 2027) o Proximity to Bull Street District and downtown grid o Topography challenges and community sensitivity to development • Market Snapshot o Strong rental demand ($1,340–$1,500/month) o Vacancy ~7–10% o Workforce, USC, and urban infill driving housing absorption • Community-Informed Conceptual Master Plan o Toole Design three-day community workshop (May 2025, ~100 participants) o Three options with different ideas, but common approach o Engagement with Greenway, walkable, density, activation • Development-Greenway Synergy o Development and greenway mutually reinforce success o Atlanta BeltLine, Charlotte greenways as comparable models o Activated greenway edges create value for residential and retail • Residential Types o High: 5–6 stories, Type III (80–95 units/acre) o Medium: 3–4 stories (20–50 units/acre) o Low: Townhomes/small lots o Target users: students, professionals, downsizers • Recommended Density o ~80 units/acre o Higher density boosts land value, walkability, and supports small-scale retail Page 20 of 39 Agora Partners City Council Work Session January 20, 2026 • Construction Costs o ~$200k hard cost per unit o 20% soft costs + 10% contingency o ~$260k per unit total • Comparable Project o Bennet at Bull Street o Average rent ~$2.72/sf o Demonstrates market appetite for walkable mixed-use Page 21 of 39 River Drive at North Main (former I-277 right-of-way) Property Development City Council work session January 20, 2026 Page 22 of 39 North Main I-277 Page 23 of 39 Page 24 of 39 Page 25 of 39 Page 26 of 39 Page 27 of 39 Vista Greenway Real Estate Strategy COUNCIL PRESENTATION JANUARY 20, 2026 Page 28 of 39 Key OPPORTUNITIES • Catalyze housing + activation using the Vista Greenway • City-owned land as development lever • Ground leases build revenue + control 2 Page 29 of 39 Key GOALS • Identify development opportunities near Columbia Vista Greenway • Generate revenue + foster investment • Support entrepreneurial planning and city -building goals 3 Page 30 of 39 STRATEGY OVERVIEW • Leverage City-owned parcels • Use long-term ground leases / P3s • Create sustained funding + revitalization 4 Page 31 of 39 SITE CHARACTERISTICS – WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE? • +/- 12acres of irregular parcels, ROW assembly • Bisected by River Drive (active corridor) • Requires rezoning (inherits adjacent uses) • Integrated Greenway amenity • Adjacent SCDOT bridge replacement (2027) • Near Bull Street + downtown grid • Topo + community sensitivity 5 Page 32 of 39 Toole Design MARKET SNAPSHOT • Strong rental demand ($1,340 –$1,500/month) • Vacancy7–10% • Workforce, USC, infill market drivers 6 Page 33 of 39 COMMUNITY-INFORMED MASTER PLANNING • Toole Design -3day workshop (~100 participants, May 2025) • Three conceptual options • Common themes: density, walkability, activation Toole Design 7 Page 34 of 39 DEVELOPMENT + GREENWAY SYNERGY • Development and Greenway mutually reinforce experience • Comparable lessons:BeltLine, Charlotte, Dallasgreenways • Activated edges increase residential + retail value Atlanta Charlotte Dallas 8 Page 35 of 39 RESIDENTIAL PRODUCT TYPES • Target users: students, professionals, 5 units/acre downsizers 15 units/acre • Low-scale: townhomes + cottage lots • Mid: 3–4 stories (20– 50 units/acre) 25 units/acre • High: 5–6 stories (80–95 units/acre ) 100 units/acre 9 Page 36 of 39 RECOMMENDED DENSITY • Target80 units/acre • Supports walkability + local retail • Maximizes land value capture for City 10 Page 37 of 39 CONSTRUCTION COST BENCHMARK Hard cost ≈ $200k/unit Soft + contingency ≈ $60k/unit Total ≈ $260k/unit 11 Page 38 of 39 COMPARABLE PROJECT • Bennet at Bull Street • Avg rent ≈ $2.72/sf • Confirms market appetite for walkable mixed-use 12 Page 39 of 39