County staff outlines timeline for comprehensive-plan public forums; first session set for May 1

Richland County's planning director told council Tuesday that the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee reviewed draft guiding principles, goals and existing-conditions analyses and that staff will present land-use scenarios to the public in a series of May forums.

Director Sunithia Williams said the advisory committee participated in exercises to model “what-if” scenarios — for example, concentrating conservation in some areas or focusing redevelopment in others — and staff will prepare scenario maps for public review. The first drop-in forum is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 1 at Adventure Children's Museum; additional sessions are scheduled May 7 at Ballentine Community Center, May 12 at North Springs Park Community Center, May 14 at Doko Manor and May 21 at Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center. Forums will be open for about two hours each, with drop-in attendance encouraged from 5 to 7 p.m.

Williams told council that the scenario work will show residents how different land-use choices could affect the county and that public feedback will help shape final recommendations that return to council. Council members asked for further details and were directed to the Community Planning and Development Department for follow-up questions.

Staff emphasized these public forums precede any formal council action on plan adoption; the forums are intended to collect public input on draft goals and land-use maps before staff returns with formal recommendations.