Mill Village Demolition Begins, Residents Still Fighting For History

MUST WATCH: Residents confront their city council member and express their concerns

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Demolition of the first home in the Mill Village project began Tuesday and residents are still willing to fight for their historic neighborhood.

West Columbia City Council member Tem Miles drove by the site of the first home being torn down and said the five homes being demolished will allow for an enhanced park and a parking lot for the 118 Mill Village homes left.

“The reason these homes were selected, is because of their proximity to the river walk… if you look,” Miles said, West Columbia’s City Council member.

“They have said they truly, in their hearts do not want to tear down historic homes. This has been a measured step from the beginning,” Victoria Cartier said. Cartier lives in one of the homes which will be demolished once her lease is up.

“We made every attempt possible to relocate the homes. And it just wasn’t feasible in the end. I would’ve loved to have seen the homes saved but they just couldn’t have remained in the current location,” Miles said.

In a statement, the City of West Columbia said the project will allow for easier and greater access to West Columbia’s most popular natural resource.

“The number one reason is to accommodate folks for parking to go to the river walk and the amphitheater. And that’s the crown jewel of West Columbia. Is that we need additional parking facilities for the use of the river walk,” Miles said.

“So that we can have a parking place in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Congratulations Tem Miles,” Cartier said.

Cartier said she has been approached by many members of the city asking her when she is moving out of the yellow house she calls home.

“Patrick said, and I quote, ‘I can build them cheaper and I have no interest in relocating them,'” Cartier recalled.

The project is on hold while DHEC is in discussion with the City to determine whether a permit should have been obtained prior to the demolition.

“I think it’ll be the best thing that’s happened over here in a long time,” Miles said.

Four of the five homes are vacant, but there are still residents living in this yellow home behind me. The city says they are still working on ways to purchase the property.