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Forest Acres staff report Richland Mall timeline change; residents press traffic, water and sinkhole fixes
Summary
City staff said Richland Mall site work has shifted to development and developers moved completion of the grocery store and apartments to spring 2028; residents raised petitions for speed humps on Willingham Drive, low water pressure and a sinkhole repair and were told the items would return to council.
City Administrator Shaun Greenwood told the Forest Acres City Council on May 12 that work at the Richland Mall site has moved from demolition into site development and that developers have postponed completion of a grocery store and apartments from Fall 2027 to Spring 2028.
Assistant City Administrator Kendall Adams also reported that the Forest Acres Festival drew a record crowd of roughly 6,000 people and that the Rotary Club, the festival sponsor, reported charitable fundraising proceeds. Grants staff said a $35,000 FEMA request was denied and several other grant applications remain under review; Mr. Greenwood said the city is not expected to receive state funds for FY26‑27 though a federal request is pending.
Residents used the community forum to press for localized infrastructure fixes. Staff confirmed receipt of a completed petition for speed humps on Willingham Drive and said the FAPD completed a seven‑day speed study; Mr. Greenwood and Chief Don Robinson are coordinating with SCDOT and the item was scheduled for potential action at the June 9 council meeting. Bryan Willis raised low water pressure in his neighborhood and asked Council to invite City of Columbia utilities staff; Mr. Greenwood said he had spoken to the Columbia assistant city manager for utilities and was told two repairs are on Columbia's radar and asked Mr. Willis to follow up with staff. A sinkhole at Spring Hill and Atascadero was described by staff as requiring water‑main relocation; repair work is planned to begin in about a month.
Council recorded these operational updates for future action and follow‑up.
