Lexington SC Real Estate Updates Feb. 26 2010

March 2nd, 2010 by craig No comments »
Lexington, SC Real Estate Updates Feb. 26, 2010
 
Traffic plan would raze two businesses - Lexington SC right-of-ways almost ready to be bought along U.S. 378.  Two businesses would be taken out under a plan to ease traffic in Lexington.  The latest version of the first phase of the plan also includes building raised medians from Park Road to West Butler Street and Reed Avenue to stop vehicles from snarling traffic with left hand turns into businesses.  Lexington icon Riley’s Drugs at West Butler Avenue and U.S. 378 and Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery across from it on Columbia Avenue would be razed under the plan.  If the Town of Lexington and the state agree to go forward, the two property owners would be paid “fair market value” and offered help in the search to relocate, state planners said last week at a public hearing.  The Riley’s building has been in Lexington 66 years, the last 43 years Bob Perry has owned the drugstore.  “The building has been a pillar of the community for 66 years.  All of a suddent they want my building,” Perry said.  Perry said the business was going to help him live out retirement and plans to relocate somewhere close so longtime customers could continue to be served. “I don’t want to quit the business but I can’t go into debt to build a new building,” Perry said.  Other businesses will lose a portion of their land, including Rush’s, Vachovia and a used car dealership, Lexington Mayor, Randy Halfacre, said.  Those takings would not be major, he said. 
 
Lexington advances to Lower State title game - Composure.  In the end, Lexington had enough of it Tuesday night to knock off Sumter 67-61 and advance to the Lower State championship game.  The Wildcats held an 18 point lead in the first half, and looked as if they would cruise to an easy victory.  But the Gamecocks would not go quietly, cutting the lead to 11 by halftime and shutting down Lexington in the third quarter and typing the game with 2:08 remaining in the period.  The Wildcats were 2 of 8 in the third period and managed just eight points, but a David Burns steal and subsequent three-pointer along with a Shaq Roland dunk, would push the lead back to five.  “Our kids had a lot of chances to get rattled and lose their focus, Lexington coach, Bailey Harris said.  “Give them credit, they stepped up and made plays.  The biggest playmaker of the game may have been senior Corey Hendren who had 16 points, but was deadly from behind the three point line.”
 
Depot museum to open in July  - The Gilbert Train Depot Planning Committee hopes the Gilbert Train Depot museum will be ready for its grand opening at the Lexington County Peach Festival on July 4.  The people who attend the opening will be treated to a walk back in time when train depots and steam locomotives were a common sight in small towns in South Carolina.
 
Grab your dancing shoes! Make it a night to remember at The Capital City Big Band concernt at the River Center at Saluda Shoals Park, located near Irmo SC,  March 16 – 7-9 p.m.  Spend the evening mingling with friends, listening to your favorite classic tunes and dancing the night away.  Tickets are $15 for singles and $25 per couple.  Ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres and non alcoholic beverages.  Tickets purchased after March 12 will be an additional $5.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the ICRC Meals on Wheels program.  Call (803)345-6181 for more information.

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Posted in Gilbert SC Real Estate, Irmo Homes, Irmo Real Estate, Lexington SC Real Estate

Lexington SC Real Estate Update 2-19-2010

February 19th, 2010 by craig No comments »
Lexington, SC Real Estate updated Feb. 19, 2010
 
 
New Shopping Center coming to Lexington 
Construction has begun at Hendrix Crossing, a 61,725-square-foot shopping center being developed in Lexington by Edens & Avant, a retail real estate company. Publix will anchor the center, which opens early February 2011.

“Publix’s decision to have a second location in Lexington validates the tremendous growth we’ve seen there in the past 10 years — a more than 50% increase in population,” said Lyle Darnall, Edens & Avant managing director.

Hendrix Crossing is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 378 and Charter Oak Road, a major artery connecting the Lake Murray neighborhoods to Interstate 20. The center will be near projected future residential growth along the Highway 378 corridor.

Planned for the center is a blend of national and regional retailers that will complement Publix, offering restaurants, convenience services and some traditional shop retail. The center is 83% pre-leased, with two outparcels and several small retail spaces currently being marketed.

 
Wildcats clinch another region title - With just under five seconds to play in overtime, the chant began! Region Champs! Region Champs! Region Champs! The strong contingent of Lexington students seranaded their team as Shaq Roland headed to the free-throw line.  Roland blocked a Xen Singleton lay-up just seconds before, sealing Lexington’s second straight Class 4A Region V basketball title.  White Knoll had its chance to play spoiler late in regulation with the game tied at 45-45.  With nine seconds remaining, the Timberwolves tried to set up a shot, but a desperation heave from Julian Johnson from the corner came up empty giving the Wildcats new life.  In the overtime, senior leadership proved invaluable as Lexington seniors David Burns and Matt Jurgenson came up big.  Coach Bailey Harris gathered his team in the locker room following the game and praised them for their effort at winning the region crown, but said no one should be satisfied entering the playoffs.  “Our goal is to win the State championship. “
 
Economic summit set here for Feb. 25 - Sen. Jake Knotts says the state is facing challenging economic times, and will for some time.  To help his Lexington County constituents better understand and deal with the state’s financial future, he has arranged for Mike Shealy, the Budget Director of the Senate Finance Committee, to present a comprehensive economic and budgetary analysis to leaders and citizens of Lexington County.  “Shealy is the budget guru of the senate, Knotts said.”  “He will present his report on how we got in our current economic condition, where we are, and what it will take to get out of this mess.”  The Feb. 25 meeting will be held at 7:00p.m. at the Town of Lexington Municipal Conference Center.  Knotts told the Chronicle newspaper that this would give local government and school officials a chance to get a first hand briefing of just how many more budget cuts will likely be needed.
 
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was a celebration of Christian unity - From the opening prayer to the closing prayer for Christian Unity, it was obvious this was no ordinary prayer breakfast.  The Fourth Annual West Metro Prayer Breakfast held last week at Brookland Baptist Banquet and Conference Center was a program of “Christian Unity in Our Community and God’s World” according to event chairman Kevin Adams.  The opening prayer by Rev. John White, pastor of Congaree Presbyterian Church set the tone of peace and unity.  The Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance by the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School Color Guard, it was obvious to the 375 in attendance that just as the flag represented all peoples in the 50 states, unity and peace were the common thread.  When it was over, the common theme heard around the spacious, crowded Conference Center was, “It was too short!”  

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Posted in Lake Murray Homes, Lake Murray SC Real Estate, Lexington SC Homes, Lexington SC Real Estate

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Lexington SC Real Estate Update February 12, 2010

February 12th, 2010 by craig No comments »
Lexington, SC Real Estate Updates February 12, 2010 
 
Oktoberfest coming to Lexington - The Lexington SC FunFest is out but the Town of Lexington Oktoberfest is in. The festival board has changed the name and the theme of the September 13-18 festival, Board Chairwoman Lori Moroz said.  The name of the DooDah Parade is being changed to the Oompah Parade to complement the festival name.  A new event, A Saturday morinng  History Volksmarch through the Lexington County Museum grounds, is being planned.  The festival week will conclude this year with a dance Friday night and the Saturday Oompah Parade, Volksmarch and carnival at Lexington Town Hall and Virginia Hylton Park.
 
Town growth ‘booming’, Lexington mayor says - Growth is doing more than bringing people, jobs and businesses to the Town of Lexington.  It is also brining in revenues to help keep taxes down and provide services for citizens.  In the past five years, business license fees have increased by 81% to almost $3.5 million annually, Mayor Randy Halfacre said in his state of the town address last week.  The increase is the result of annexations along the town’s golden strip which extends along U.S. 378 to Interstate 20.  “The town is a booming place for businesses to thrive and grow,” Halfacre said. 
 
New Life for Old Hardware Store – The Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center has big plans for the former Ace Hardware store on West Main St.  Past Chamber Chairman Clyde Smith and David Perry are heading up the group planning the Business Expo on Main Thursday, May 20.  Businesses are encouraged to start making plans to participate and it will be first come, first served.  The chamber also has planned: Business at Lunch, Tuesday, Feb. 16, with coach and consultant Jerry Bellune on increasing revenues, widening your profit margin and improved your bottom line.  Annual Celebration of Excellence in Education with Lexington School District 1 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Tuesday, Feb. 23.
 
Don’t Miss the Energy Expo - The County of Lexington and the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission will sponsor an “Energy Expo”.  It will be on Friday, March 5 ath the Saluda Shoals Park River Center. It’s free.
 
Wildcats keep pace in region - Lexington continued to lead Region V with wins over Irmo SC and Dutch Fork.  The Wildcats battled back from a 17 point halftime deficit to shock the Yellow Jackets and heold on for a 53 – 49 win over the Silver Foxes.  We’re two up on Dutch Fork now, but we’re not champions yet.” Lexigton Head Coach Bailey Harris said.  “Richland Northeast is still out there with a shot, and as long as Irmo keeps winning, we have to keep winning.”

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Posted in Chapin Homes, Irmo Homes, Irmo Real Estate, Lexington County, Lexington SC Homes, Lexington SC Real Estate

Lexington SC Real Estate Update 2-5-2010

February 5th, 2010 by craig No comments »
Lexington SC Real Estate Update February 5, 2010
 
Lexington, SC Real Estate update Feb. 5, 2010 – Lexington SC Growth to draw more federal funds – The 2010 census could be worth big bucks to the Town of Lexington.  Town leaders expect the population to jump to 20,000 with the new census – an increase of about 5,000 people.  The new numbers could bring in an additional $6 million in federal revenuses over the next decade.  That money could help fund parks and recreation, police officers and transportation, and it’s a chance to help keep taxes low.
 
Supporters turn out to celebrate Lexington’s Main Street - A large crowd of more tha 200 people turned out to support the Friends of the Lexington Museum’s Remembering Main Street event despite the cold weather Saturday night at Lexington Town Hall.  The music was lively, the food delicious, and spirits high.  An original painting of Lexington’s Main Street circa 1950 done by local artist Tim Privett sold for $600 in an auction to raise funds for the project to restore Ellen’s Quarters on the grounds of the Fox house at the Lexington Museum in addition to a silent auction of 1940s-1960’s era memorabilia.
 
Councilman big on Boys State and Girls State -West Columbia SC City Councilman Dale Harley is on a mission – He is looking for funds to provide scholarships for local students to attend this summer’s sessions of Boys State and Girls State.  The long-time council member said he is confident the two programs are among the vest best for involving young people in public service.  Harley told the Chronicle Mayor Pat Smith of Springdale, a former Boys State participant, has committed to lobby his Council for funds to provide six scholarships.  Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce has also told Harley that she would present the scholarship idea to her Council.  Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State are a one week leadership and citizenship training program, created to further education outstanding high school students about state and local government.  The delegates are selected for the program based on the leadership skills and involvement they have shown in their respective schools and communities. 
 
Lexington Two holding 2010 registration - Registration for children who live in Lexington District Two, and who will be entering the Four Year Child Development Program, Five Year Kindergarten or the 1st Grade next year will begin on March 3, 2010 in all of the elementary schools from 7:45a.m. until 3 p.m.  Anyone currently enrolled in a program in Lexington District Two will not have to register.  Register your child at the school serving your attendance area.  Children must be four years old on or before Sept. 1 of the year entering the Child Development Program, and parents must bring the birth certificat from the Board of Vital Statistics of the State in which the child was born, as well as SC certificate of immunization from the doctor, health department or military clinic.
 
 
 

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Posted in Columbia SC Homes, Columbia SC Real Estate, Irmo Homes, Irmo Real Estate, Lake Murray Homes, Lake Murray SC Real Estate

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Lexington SC Real Estate Update 1-28-10

January 28th, 2010 by craig No comments »
Lexington, SC Real Estate Update 1-28-2010
 
Nearly all Lexington County Elementary schools pass federal test for progress in 2009.  Chapin SC High School was the only Lexington County High School and one of only 14 in the state to meet improvement standards.  Data released last week showed the number of elementary and middle schools showing adequate yearly progress under the No Child Left Behind Act had tripled.  SC education leaders say the improvement at elementary and middle school scores was largely due to the General Assembly making grade-level student performances on the new PASS test the standard for federal reporting.
 
County Emergency System can save lives – Lexington County has a new system to warn residents of major disasters.  These include gas leaks, poisoned water systems or other lethal dangers.  County Emergency Services Manager Tom Collins gave a detailed explanation of the new county-wide emergency-reverse notification system last week.  The Reverse Notification System allows personnel to target warnings to only the effected areas.  The system will contact up to 10,000 cell and land line phones in minutes.  Schools and emergency personnel in neighboring counties with overlapping areas like Richland/Lexington School District 5 are also affiliated with the chiefs.  The association makes communications, information, and resources available for Lexington County emergency professionals, County Public Safety Director Bruce Rucker said.
 
Economy closes three Lexington County restaurants - The economy has hit restaurant owners hard.  Last week the owner of the New Orleans Riverfront Restaurant in West Columbia announced she was forced to close.  The restaurant had become a popular dining spot for couples, families, friends and business acquaintances since opening 13 years ago near the Congaree River and the Gervais Street bridge.  Two Lexington restaurants have closed, reportedly by the economy.  Cedar Cabin on U.S. 1 near Lexington High School and Old Mill Pizza on East Main Street have closed.  Before the economy took a nose dive, and employment hit the roof, the New Orleans restaurant would serve up to 500 diners on an average Saturday night.  Maria Kokolis-Lashway, told customers that the recession forced her to close.  She explained that the Christmas season really knocked the wind out of the popular party spot.  Lexington County’s jobless rate for December was 8.7%, the state’s lowest.  But county unemployment has had a massive impact on the restaurant industry.  Marilyn Kovach at Mayberry’s in Springdale told the Chronicle that business is down significantly.  But a heavy morning breakfast crowd of regulars is keeping them open.
 
New Lexington 1 school opening delayed til 2011 - Rocky Creek Elementary School is expected to open in 2011 with 605 students.  The newest Lexington One school will help alleviate overcrowding at Pleasant Hill and Lake Murray Elementary schools and is welcome news to Lexington SC Real Estate owners.  District trustees approved a new rezoning plan for the new school in the Lexington attendance area.  It will move about 300 students from each of the two other schools to the new Calks Ferry Road school.  The change will leave about 779 students at Pleasant Hill and 675 at Lake Murray Elementary School.  Roky Creek is the first to be built under a 2008 bond referencum.  I will house students in grades kindergarten through five.  Rocky Creek will open in January 2011. 
 
Lacrosse coming to Lexington 5 - Irmo SC lacrosse couch Jeff Troyer is excited about the new season.  Troyer is leading the Yellow Jackets into their first season of organized lacrosse.  90% of the kids out here have never picked up a lacrosse stick, Troyer said.  “We have a couple of guys that played with the Lake Murray club team last season, and those are the one’s we will be depending on.  That core group is led by Chris Troyer who was named to SC Lacrossee all-state team last season.  This is the first season the SC High School League has sanctioned lacrosse as a sport.  “It’s the fastest growing sport in the country,” Troyer said.  “It’s becoming more commercial.  The speed of the game, the contact and the skill is what attracts thses kids to the game.  Also, you don’t have to be a big guy to play.  It gives the kids that don’t want to play other spring sports an outlet.”  “It’s a cross between basketball, hockey and soccer,” Troyer said.  It’s a good blend of sports.  You run plays like in basketball but you have defenders and attackers with goalies like soccer.
 
Arts Commission considered in Chapin  - The public is invited to a meeting at Chapin Town Hall, Thursday, Feb. 4, 7:30p.m. Mayor Stan Shealy said the meeting is being held to consider the possible formation of a Chapin Arts Commission and ways to support the arts in the community.  Dr. Jim Wiseman of Newberry who was instrumental in restoring the Newberry Opera House, which led to a great reviatlization of Newberry’s downtown, will be the special guest.
 
That’s it for this week and please visit us to search for Lexington SC Homes For Sale.

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Posted in Chapin Homes, Lexington SC Homes, Lexington SC Real Estate, Lexington SC Schools

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Lexington SC Real Estate Update 1-27-2010

January 27th, 2010 by craig No comments »
Lexington SC Real Estate Update January 27, 2010. 
 
Wow, 2010 is here and we are almost finished with the first month of the year.  I continue to read and get some great information from the Lexington Chronicle and enjoy the publicaiton so much, I just renewed for another year.  Having said that, I will continue to get my information from that source regarding Lexington SC Real Estate and events in the area.
 
Lighting up in public could be harder in 2010 - Bobby Horton thinks he has enough votes to ban workplace smoking in West Columbia.  “We are looking at the ordinances passed by Cayce, Springdale and Lexington, and will consider what is best for our city, our residents, andour businesses,” the mayor said.  Horton predicted an ordance couldbe in place by early summer.  The first vote could be as early as February, “but we will take enough time to ensure the right wording.”  “The workplace ban must include exemptions,” said Horton, “for such things as private clubs and businesses with no employees.”
 
Lawmakers Predict – More job cuts - The numbers look grim.  Economic advisors have told state lawmakers to expect they will have $1 billion less this year to spend than was forcast last year.  That means more cuts in state services and possible layoffs.  In solid numbers, the Bureau of Economic Advisors last year forecast $6.7 billion in state taxes, fees and other revenues.  But after 6 reductions in the forecast, lawmakers had to plan a budget with less than $5.7 billion.  That led to massive cuts and layoffs of state employees, many of them Lexington County residents.
 
Local People Wanted To Count Local People - More than 1200 fderal workers will be hired in a 5 county area, including Lexington.  However, there is a catch.  These $12.75 per hour employees will only be hired for a 4 to 6 week period.  The Census Bureau officially opened its West Columbia office on Monday.  The office will serve Lexington, Saluda, Aiken and Newberry Counties. The West Columbia office is expected to interview at least 2,400 prospective new employees in order to fill the needed 1,200 workers who will attempt to contact those who do not fill out and return survey forms they receive through the mail.  The new jobs will begin in March, and most of the work will be at night or on weekends in a effort to make contact with residents who work during the day.  Earl Sasser, the West Columbia office manager said prospective employees must pass a credit check and a criminal background check, as well as a basic skills test.  The office is located at 425 Sunset Blvd. in the Capitol Square Shopping Center.
 
Remember Exit Real Estate Consultants for all of your real estate needs not only in Lexington, but Lake Murray, Irmo, Chapin, Columiba, and all areas in between!

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Lexington SC Real Estate Update 12-8-2009

December 8th, 2009 by craig No comments »
I have compiled some interesting articles from the last couples of weeks that I found in the Lexington Chronicle dealing with various topics concerning Lexington SC Real Estate and Columbia SC Real Estate. 
 
New Sewer Plant huge for Lexington County – After years of planning, ground is to be broken for a 25 million gallon per day wastewater sewer treatment plant.  The new $52.6 million facility at 539 Old State Road in Cayce is a joint effort of the City of Cayce, the Town of Lexington and Lexington County’s Joint Municipal Water and  Sewer Commission.  Cayce City Manager, John Sharpe said the state-of-the-art plant would provide long-term economic benefit to Lexington County by ensuring the continued availability of wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate future needs.
 
Lexington looks for new business, increased jobs – The Town of Lexington is in the hunt for new bussinesses and more jobs.  Town leaders hired longtime County Councilman Johnny Jeffcoat as its economic development catalyst this fall.  Jeffcoat said he has walked Main Street which has available space and met with local business owners and business prospects. 
 
200 New jobs planned – DHL facility could employ up to 400 – Lexington County could gain 200 new jobs at a new Platt Springs Road industry.  A major shipping company, DHL, plans to open a processing center near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and the Midlands Tech campus hiring 200 employees at first with plans to increase that to 400 jobs.  That should help the county’s 8% unemployment, twice the joblessness rate of two years ago.
 
Lexington County OKs $100,000 for State Museum – Lexington County Council plans to give $100,000 to the S.C. State Museum.  The money is to be used for a planetarium, observatory and 4-D theater.  A 4-D theater simulates the sensations of what you’re watching, said Tut Underwood, the museum’s public relations director.  “If it’s raining, you could feel mist,” he said.  If it’s windy, you will feel the wind blow or your seat will simulate the feel of a bumpy ride.”
 
New elementary school only one of many to come – The new Rocky Creek Elementary School in Lexington is one of five major Lexington 1 building projects.  Rocky Creek is designed to accommodate 800 students, taking pressure off Lake Murray and Pleasant Hill elementary schools.  The new schools is planned to open next August.  The other four schools planned for the district include a new K-5 elementary school with space for 800 students in the Corley Mill/US 378 area; a new Pleasant Hill Middle School to open in 2012 with space for 1000 students; a new high school with space for 2000, two gyms, an auditorium and a stadium in the Corley Mill Rd. area to open in 2013 and a new K-5 elementary school with space for 800 in the White Knoll area to open in 2014.
 
Construction continues at Farmers Market – Three large fruit and vegetable wholesalers have started construction at the new state Farmers Market on U.S. 321 in Lexington County.  Three others are ready to begin construction on their own free-standing buildings.  321 Lexington Associates, the private developer, is building a 31,000 square foot building for mid-level wholesale vendors.  The company has announced it has tenants for 70% of the facility.  Mike Severt, president of Severt and Sons Product Co., said his company will be able to increase the quantity of items they carry by working from this new location.  “This is one of the best opportunities we’ve ever had,” he said.  “Our old facility was over 50 years old.  This new facility is so modern.”  Severt said the quality of his produce will be better because of the controlled atmosphere this new facility offers, from loading to unloading.
 

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Posted in Columbia SC Homes, Columbia SC Real Estate, DHL Facility Lexington SC, Lake Murray Homes, Lake Murray SC Real Estate, Lexington SC Homes, Lexington SC Real Estate, Lexington SC Schools, Lexington SC Sewer Plant, Town Of Lexington

Lexington SC Real Estate Update 11-2-09

November 2nd, 2009 by craig No comments »
Here are some interesting stories from the most recent edition of the Lexington Chronicle. This week’s articles cover topics in a wide variety of topics and municpalities in the area.  Visit us to find all Lexington SC Real Estate and Homes.
 
 
West Columbia Mayor Says Taxpayers Got Deal With Beach Trip
West Columbia spent almost $16,000 on the August Municipal Association of South Carolina meeting. That averages $1,521.84 each for nine officials. Mayor Bobby Horton said MASC historically does a great job in planning programs to benefit municipal government leaders. Each West Columbia participant was reimbursed $75 a day. This ranged from $225 to $375 depending on how many days each attended. This covered food, parking and phone fees. MASC was paid $2,417 for programs and meetings for the eight officials. Mileage totaled $1,508.84 with each participant being reimbursed $167.66.
 
 
Irmo Voters to Decided Council Races and Sale of Alcohol on Sundays
Irmo will elect two Town Council members and vote on Sunday beer and wine sales at the polls Tuesday. If approved, convenience and grocery stores will be able to sell beer and wine for off-premised consumption on Sundays. Three candidates are vying for two seats on the five member council. Incumbents Hardy King and Bary Walker face challenger Sarah Watson. Walker has served on council since 2004. He said he wants growth and to continue providing services at little or no cost. Walker would like the town to adopt a smoking ban, increase police patrols in neighborhoods and hold more community events. King is seeking a second term on Irmo Town Council. A business owner, King would like to see a town center develop around Irmo Park and better code enforcement. Sarah Watson wants to see the town continue to grow in the right direction. To do that, she said Irmo needs to seek economic development and protect residents by controlling growth and preserving the town’s zero tax base.
 
County Invests $1 million in Pelion Airport Improvements
Lexington County has spent slightly over $1 million on improvements since it bought the Pelion airport. But only about $64,00 in county funds were used. The county is upgrading the small, rural airport it bought from the town of Pelion in 2004 so it can be used by larger planes and small jets. The county will discuss plans for the airport at a retreat next week. Johnny Jeffcoat, a member of the county’s airport commitee, had expressed concern about spending money on the rural airport. But, he learned earlier this month that most of the funds used for recent improvements have been state and federal dollars. The airport generates some money from fuel sales and hanger rentals. County leaders hope longer runways will attract more business, increasing traffic and revenues.
 
Dog Park Plan On Hold
Lexington town leaders have shelved proposed dog park plans. They are concerned about the cost and finding land. Other issues include staffing, liability and cost of fencing and equipping it. Currently, dogs are allowed in town parks as long as they are leasedand their owners clean up after them. Several dog parks already exist in the area. The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission operates a park at Saluda Shoals off Bush river Road. That park is closest to Lexington.
 
Riverbanks Zoo Seeks $40 Million Expansion
Riverbanks Zoo, located in Columbia SC is laying the groundwork for the largest expansion in its 35-year history. The $40 million plan calls for expanding the zoo entrance, replacing its most popular sea lion exhibit, adding Asian animal compound and constructing a children’s garden at the botanical gardens site. The expansion plan, if approved will increase taxes by $4 per year on a home assessed at $100,000. The zoo has not expanded its facilities since 1997. The enlarged entrance and children’s garden will cost about $4 million each and replacing the popular sea lion exhibit is expected to cost $10 million. Adding an Asian compound with oranguntans, leapords and kimodo dragons, will cost about $15 million.

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Posted in Columbia SC Homes, Columbia SC Real Estate, Irmo Homes, Irmo Real Estate, Lexington County, Pelion Airport, West Columbia Real Estate

Lexington SC Real Estate Update 10-25-09

October 25th, 2009 by craig No comments »
Here is some great information for the week ending 12-23-09 for Lexington SC Real Estate.  As usual, my post comes from scouring the great content of the Lexington Chronicle !  Look for me to post at least every other week to keep you informed on the local events going on in Lexington, Lake Murray, Irmo, Chapin, and other Columbia SC cities.
 
County Wants Mass Transit
Imagine this. You leave your home tomorrow morning. You walk a half block to where a van waits to carry you to the train station. At the station you have a choice. You go east to Columbia if you commute. Or you go to the airport to fly to your destination. Or you can choose to take the train west to Batesburg -Leesville or Newberry. Or just ride the van to town or one of the shopping centers. That’s what Lexington County officals envision as your choices in the future. How far in the future? No one’s figured that out yet. But they will. The county estimates our population over the next 20 years will rise from 255,000 residents to 400,000. If even half of 400,00 try to drive to work or shop, imagine what traffic will be like in 2030. 
 
West Metro Chamber of Commerce will hold its second annual Glo-Ball Tournament November 5 at Charwood Country Club in Pine Ridge. Registration and food are on tap from 5 to 5:45 p.m., with a shotgun start at about 6:15 p.m. Two man teams cost $45 per person, which includes nine holes of golf, cart, food, and drink, and two glo-balls. Register at www.westmetrochamber.sc/content.globall/ or call 803-794-6504.
 
 
Two Running in West Columbia
Two candidates are running for election in West Columbia’s District 5Planning commision member Liz Deas is challenging Council man Boyd Jones in a low key race. The West Columbia election will be Tuesday, Novemner 3. The Jones-Deas race is the only West Columbia district involving a challenge. More than one of the community members the Chronicle talked with say that Jones is compaigning for reelection 24-hours a day. Jones told the Chronicle he wants to continue to represent District 5 because “there is still much that needs to be done and I am willing and able to do it.” Candidate Liz Deas cites a need to help bing organized activities for the young people of District 5. Deas has been campaigning since early June for Jones’ District 5 council seat.
 
 
Water Plant to Spur B-L and Saluda Development
Batesburg-Leesvile and Saluda County are negotiating a multi-million dollar deal to open development in western Lexington County. The town will give final reading to the pkan at a special meeting called tonight. The Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority plans to approve it Monday. Under the agreement Batesburg-Leesville will pay half the $15-18 million cost of the water plant and get half its capacity. Phase 1 would treat 4-6 million gallons of water a day. B-L would get half. A federal permit allows the Saluda authority to operated the plant and draw up to 15 million gallons of water a day from Lake Murray. B-L would have to pay $7 to $9 million for water lines from the lake to thier plan. Under the plan, Saluda County would buy around 1.5 million gallons of swere capacity from B-L.  Gilbert, which has been plagued by radon contamination in their water system, wants to hook onto the regional system and has signed a letter of intent.

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Posted in Chapin Homes, Columbia SC Homes, Irmo Homes, Lake Murray Homes, Lexington County, Lexington SC Real Estate, Saluda County, West Columbia Real Estate, West Metro Chamber of Commerce

October 22nd, 2009 by craig No comments »
In my weekly search for interesting articles about Lexington SC Real Estate, I came across these topics relating to the areas in and around Lexington SC including Lake Murray and Irmo.  As usual these are courtesy of the Lexington Chronicle !  It really is a great local paper that strives to keep residents of Greater Columbia SC up to date on local events, especially those in Lexington County.  
 
More Taking Advantage of Lexington’s Drug Card
Lexington residents have saved $4,400 with a free drug card. Using the card has saved residents an average of 20% on prescription drug costs. The program has been gaining popularity with citizens since it began in April. The card is available to anyone who does not have insurance or has no drug plan. The plan has helped people who have lost their job or been dropped from their insurance plan. It covers all prescription costs, including some for pets. The free drug card is available at town Hall, the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Rileys Drugs, Long’s Drugs and Medicine Marts on Columbia Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.
 
 Despite Tainted Samples, Lexington Says Water Safe to Drink.
Lexington water is safe to drink despite the presence of contaminants found in test samples of the water supply in August. Coliform bacteria was found in two of 16 water test samples in the Lexington water distribution system, according to letters sent out with bills to town water customers. Coliform bacteria are generally not harmful and occur naturally in the environment. They can be caused by plant materials, which was the case at the site of one of the contaminated test sites. Once shrubbery was trimmed and removed from the sample area, it was retested and came back clear. The coliform bacteria were not harmful and did not pose a health problem for water customers. The system was disinfected and subsequent tests were free from bacteria. The town conducts weekly sample tests on its water system.  

Gaston Leaders Seek to Rebuild Police Force
Nearly two years after closing its police department, Gaston town leaders are ready to begin rebuilding its police force. Town Council is working on plans to hire at least one town police officer by the end of the year. The new position would be for a chief at a salary of about $40,000 per year. In addition to personnel, the town needs funding for equipment and a vehicle. The old department had two full-time and six part-time officers. One of the old police cars was kept. Once funding is identified for new law enforcement expenses, the town will advertise the job and accept resumes. Town Council members are in support of the plan to add a new police officer. The town had hoped to reinstate the whole department using federal grants available through stimulus funds this year. But Gaston’s application for federal dollars was rejected this summer.  
Tire Amnesty Day Nets Big Haul
Lexington County collected more than 16,000 old tires as part of a trial amnesty program this year. Nearly 8,800 tires were collected in April and 7,355 this month when the county waived its $1.50 disposal fee for a one-day period. The program was proposed to help rid the county of abandoned tires being left along roadsides. Now, county leaders will have to decide whether the program works well enough to keep it in place permanently. The county lost more than $23,000 in tire disposal fees by holding the fee-free day. Another $12,500 was spent to run the program in April. Cost figures have not been calculated for the October amnesty day. It is too early to tell if the amnesty program will help solve the problem but with the number of tires collected it should be working. It will be up to Council to decide whether to look for other ways to clean up old tires.  
 
Landscapers Growing Green to Help Students
The greater Columbia Landscape Association has just pesented four checks totaling $4,800 to students from the Midlands who are seeking higher education degrees in the horticulture profession. The four scholarship recipients this year are Marc Edward Medaujgh, a lanscape architecture student at Clemson; Sean Franklin O’Neal, a student Golf Course Management at USC Aiken; Nathaniel Douglas Price, studying Horticulture at Spartanburg Community College; and Daniel Broom a Turfgrass Management major at Clemson. Since its inception, the Association has been dedicated to member development and giving back to the community. A board member of the organization, said the group’s project interests range from Camp Barstow, Ronald mcDonald house, Dickerson Center for Children, and Habitat for Humanity. Other projects include the parking entrance to Riverbanks Botanical Gardens, a halfway house for young people, an individual’s yard makeover, and the Veterans Memorial at Batesburg-Leesville.  
 

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