Proposed project could cap 30-year plan for developing Columbia County's Ivy Falls
The last piece of undeveloped property in Columbia County's sprawling Ivy Falls Plantation neighborhood could complete a plan for the property that stretches back 30 years.
The land at 501 Oxbow Dr., just more than an acre, is at the corner of Columbia Road and Long Branch Drive, which leads into Ivy Falls and several connected subdivisions.
Owner G.B. Sharma, representing GVS Holding I LLC, has asked Columbia County to amend plans for the property that would allow more commercial and retail uses, and remove wording that allows the construction of a daycare center.
The proposed new commercial strip would be composed of eight storefronts of varying sizes facing Oxbow Drive, which becomes a cul-de-sac around which 16 townhomes are now under construction. "All areas have been developed except for the proposed site," according to Sharma's development plan.
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The zoning would match the requirements of a similar commercial strip across the road at 500 Oxbow Dr., known as the Shoppes at Ivy.
Development of the surrounding property was spurred in 1994, shortly after Columbia County extended sewer lines to land along Uchee Creek.
Columbia County planning staff has recommended to postpone hearing the request for a zoning revision. As currently proposed, the front of the building faces Oxbow Drive and the back of the building faces Columbia Road.
"This corner lot is highly visible and careful consideration will have to be given to the public views, the architectural design of all four elevations, the screening of any equipment, any required retaining walls and the overall landscaping on the site," according to the county's staff report.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Zoning change would allow completion of Columbia Road commercial strip
