City News | May 2021

City News May 2021

Mayor Benjamin and City of Columbia representatives Plant Flowering Plant Seeds at Corner of Main and Elmwood Streets as Symbol of Joy during COVID-19 Pandemic

Mayor Steve Benjamin, Councilman Howard Duvall and other City of Columbia representatives planted wildflower seeds at the intersection of Main Street and Elmwood Avenue during a kickoff press conference.

The planting of wildflowers began during the 2020 pandemic as a way to instill hope, happiness and renewal, during a time that was difficult for us all and still is. Due to its popularity and the overwhelming reaction from the community, additional wildflowers will be planted on River Drive across from the NOMA gardens, Farrow road at Tarragon, Devine and Crowson Road, and Bull Street.

"Last year, the abundance of beauty and sensational natural splendor of the wildflower field right at the entrance of the City brought joy and hope to not only Columbia citizens, but also visitors from around the state," said Mayor Steve Benjamin. "We are pleased to add several new vibrant sites to not only bring back, but increase the natural splendor that comes from these colorful and majestic fields."

The seeds will be for dwarf sunflowers and zinnias and can be seen throughout these locations in the upcoming months.

Mayor Steve Benjamin emphasizes the success of last year’s wildflower field and how the City is excited to expand to additional sites to spread more beauty of these wildflowers

Mayor Steven Benjamin, Councilman Howard Duvall and City representatives begin sowing seeds into the ground

Councilman Howard Duvall speaks briefly about how planting these wildflowers had such a positive response from the community last year and hopes to receive the same positivity

May is National Historic Preservation Month!

May is National Historic Preservation Month and the City’s Preservation staff has several virtual activities planned with the Planning Division to commemorate the event. Since its inception by the National Trust for Historic Preservation during the 1970s, National Historic Preservation Month has been a way to promote historic places. The City’s Planning staff is promoting a number of activities and events throughout the month of May that focus on the history and architecture of Columbia. See More.

Celebrate National Bike Month in May!

Help Us Celebrate National Bike Month in Columbia SC! With spring in the air, the City of Columbia and the League of American Bicyclists, the national organization of bicyclists, announce that May is National Bike Month, May 17-23 is Bike to Work Week and Friday, May 21 is Bike to Work Day. See More.

Owens Field Park Bicycle Pump track Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Council Members and the Parks and Recreation Department

announced and celebrated new park amenities on Tuesday, April 27 as a part of the City of Columbia Master Plan. This new Bicycle Pump Track is designed for all skill levels and includes burn turns, asphalt rollers and perimeter fencing for safety. The new improvements will accommodate more use of the park over time and will provide a positive impact for citizens of Columbia.

Councilman Will Brennan speaking at Owens Field Park Bicycle Pump track ribbon cutting ceremony. Councilman Howard Duvall was in attendance, as well as, Assistant City Manager Henry Simons, Parks and Recreation Director Randy Davis and community leaders.

City of Columbia Opens First Parklet

The City of Columbia is celebrating the addition of our first public parklet, an outdoor space placed in a parking space with public seating for all to use! The addition of this parklet is a continuation of the City’s efforts to enliven public spaces and make them more accommodating for residents, businesses, and visitors. The parklet is located on Washington Street between Main Street and Sumter Street in front of the historic Arcade Building. This parklet is the first of its kind in the City and will serve as a pilot project for additional similar public spaces in the future.

The project was made possible by a grant from the AARP Community Challenge program. Additional support has been given by One Columbia, City Center Partnership, and Southern Vistas. The art is original work by Frankie Zombie.

To learn more about this parklet and other ongoing projects, check out https://www.columbiasc.gov/planning-preservation

City Dedicates Garden in Memory of Community Leader

Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Council members and community leaders came together Saturday, May 1, to celebrate the honorary naming of the Marvin Heller Community Garden in memory of Marvin Anthony Heller. The garden, previously known as Lyon Street City Garden, is located on McDuffie Avenue.

Mr. Heller was a strong community activist dedicated to uplifting the Lyon Street community as well as neighboring communities and the City of Columbia. He was instrumental in the revitalization of Gonzales Garden, traffic calming improvements along Millwood Avenue, the creation of the Lyon Street Community Garden and opening of the Edgewood Public Library. Mr. Heller also served as President of the Lyon Street Community Association, the Richland County Sheriff's Citizens Advisory Board and the City of Columbia Community Development Citizens Advisory Board

Many spoke of Mr. Heller’s great life and accomplishments at the ceremony, including Mayor Steve Benjamin and Councilman Ed McDowell. Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and Councilmen Howard Duvall, Councilman Daniel Rickenmann and Councilman Will Brennan were all in attendance as well.

Following the remarks, City leaders gathered with family members and friends for the ribbon cutting ceremony, officially marking the naming of the Marvin Heller Community Garden.

Mayor Steve Benjamin speaking at the naming and dedication of the Marvin Heller Community Garden

Councilman Ed McDowell speaking at the naming and dedication of the Marvin Heller Community Garden

City leaders gather with family members and friends for the ribbon cutting ceremony

City of Columbia Designated a Bronze-level Walk Friendly Community

The City of Columbia has been designated as a Walk Friendly Community at the Bronze level by the Walk Friendly Communities (WFC) Program. WFC is a national recognition program developed to encourage cities and towns across the United States to develop and support walking environments with an emphasis on safety, mobility, access and comfort. See More.

City Implements “Spring Forward Amnesty Program”

The City of Columbia Municipal Court will be implementing a “Spring Forward Amnesty Program” every Friday in May. This program will allow citizens with outstanding bench warrants and other penalties to resolve their cases without being arrested or going to jail. It gives citizens an opportunity to voluntarily resolve outstanding cases in a fair and efficient manner -- a spring cleaning of sorts. See More.

City of Columbia Lobbyist Registration

According to City Code §2-301, individuals are required to complete and submit a City of Columbia Lobbyist Registration Form, if you are employed or retained, with compensation, by another person or firm to promote or oppose a matter through direct communication with city council members. See More.

The Columbia Police Department Pledges to Advance Women in Policing to Improve Public Safety, Community Outcomes, and Trust in Law Enforcement

The Columbia Police Department joins more than 35 other law enforcement agencies in signing the 30x30 Pledge – an effort to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States.

The ultimate goal of the 30x30 Initiative is to reach 30 percent of women in police recruit classes by 2030, and to ensure policing agencies are representative of the jurisdiction the agency serves. While 30x30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these principles are applicable to all demographic diversity, not just gender.

According to national statistics, women make up 12% of sworn police officers and less than 3% of police leadership in the U.S., numbers that have remained stagnant for decades. This underrepresentation of women in policing can affect community perceptions.

Research suggests that women officers:  Use less force and less excessive force  Are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits  Are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate  See better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases

In contrast, at CPD, females make up 20 % of sworn police officers.

Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook says, “The Columbia Police Department continues to make tremendous strides in hiring, retaining and promoting female police officers. We recognize the value of gender equity and helping advance women in policing, especially in leadership roles. This effort is not a trend but rather an important part of our mission and vision.” The 30x30 Initiative is affiliated with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE).

For more information in the initiative, visit www.30x30initiative.org.

Pictured with Chief Holbrook: Officer H. Parks, Master Police Officer R. Brewer, Officer N. Delpozo, Master Police Officer R. Robinson, Officer S. Allen, Lt. M. Sumter, Officer C. Lake, Officer J. Robinson, Sgt. B. Fields, Lt. C. Waggoner

Board of Zoning Appeals | Thursday, May 6, 2021

In the interest of public health and authorized by City Council Ordinance 2020-032, the City of Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a virtual meeting on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

Members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meetings may do so remotely, by

a) Watch: https://www.youtube.com/ColumbiaSCGovernment

b) E-Mail: Submit letters and statements to COCBoardMeeting@ColumbiaSC.gov leading up to and/or during the meeting.

c) Phone: Call 855-925-2801. When prompted, please enter the meeting code: 9600.

1) (star one) *1 will allow you to listen

2) (star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice mail message that will be read into the record.

3) (star three) *3 will allow a participant to be placed in a queue, so they may speak live when prompted

As this is an ever-evolving situation, please continue to monitor www.columbiasc.gov for additional information.

Questions can be directed to Zoning by calling (803) 545-3333 or by e-mailing Zoning@ColumbiaSC.gov. For additional information, please visit our website at www.columbiasc.net/planning-boards-commissions.

Columbia Water Offers Free Events to Celebrate National Drinking Water Week

Next week’s National Drinking Water Week will offer Columbia Water customers an opportunity to learn more about the importance of water conservation and water quality through a series of free webinars. The week celebrates the work of professionals that ensure tap water is “There When You Need It.” Drinking Water Week is May 2-8 this year.

To commemorate the week, Columbia Water encourages customers to sign up for events at www.facebook.com/ColumbiaSCWater/events. Attendees can also register for the webinars at eventbrite.com. The events are free and open to the public, including.

● Protecting the Source: Conserving Water in the Midlands on Tuesday, May 4 at 2 p.m.

● Water, Wellness, & You: Water in Your Health on Wednesday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

● Ask the Water Lady: A Webinar About Drinking Water Quality Thursday, May 6 at 3 p.m.

National Drinking Water Week is observed in partnership with the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Columbia Water and partners throughout North America will observe by recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the city’s infrastructure, and the important work of water professionals “behind the scenes.”

“The work they are performing throughout the pandemic, often sacrificing time with their family, is nothing short of heroic. I am proud to be associated with them,” said American Water Works Association CEO David LaFrance.

City’s Parks and Recreation Department Online Registration is Now Open

The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce that it has begun accepting registration and payments online for activities, programs and rentals on May 3, 2021. Memberships to the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center will also be available.

A non-refundable convenience fee of 2.85% will be applied and appear on your credit card bank statement for each Card Connect transaction. The full site is now available, as we re-open our facilities to the general public. Click here to enter site.

Registration Period Has Kicked Off for City’s Youth Summer Basketball League

Registration for the city’s Youth Summer Basketball League for children 9-18 years old has now kicked off, and will end Monday, May 31, the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department announced.

Participants can retrieve and deliver a registration form online or at any local Community Center. Registration forms can be dropped off at any city recreation center or the Parks and Recreation department during operation hours.

For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-0456.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Free Community Vaccination Clinic in Columbia Able to Give Up to One Thousand Pfizer Shots Every Day

After a Wednesday kickoff to the Community Vaccination Clinic at Columbia Place Mall, FEMA, the State of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, and Richland County are seeing immediate results in their collaborative effort to deliver up to 7,000 doses per week.

Hundreds of people have already received their vaccinations at the clinic, located at 7201 Two Notch Road. The clinic will be open seven days a week for eight weeks, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ages 16 and up will receive free shots of the Pfizer vaccine via drive-thru or walk-in stations.

No appointment is necessary to get vaccinated, and no photo ID is required. Sign language and Spanish interpreters are assisting on site, as well as technology to virtually assist in interpreting any language.

There are also accommodations for those who must have their access or functional needs met to get vaccinated.

The Comet is providing free rides the fixed route buses for everyone who is going to get their vaccine. If you are age 65 or older and/or disabled, please call 803-255-7123 and make a reservation with The COMET. All others may ride fixed routes 55, 75 or 501 free if they are getting their vaccine.

Help Promote the Clinic by

Downloading and distributing or posting the flyer (English, Spanish) and/or the postcard.
Sharing the audio or video PSAs
Sharing the good news that you've been vaccinated and encouraging others to do the same! Access the banners, badges, filters, and other vaccine social media assets we have available, and then apply them to your profiles.