New industry, new school, tense politics: 6 looks at Blythewood's growth
Blythewood is growing rapidly
New industry, a massive new school and new healthcare options are all on the way for the area. But while the growth has brought new activity, it's also brought problems, including safety concerns at events in the town north of Columbia. All of this is stoking tension between the town's leaders, who recently moved to put a referendum before voters to potentially change Blythewood's form of government.
NO. 1: INVESTORS BET INDUSTRY WILL FOLLOW SCOUT MOTORS TO COLUMBIA. WHERE WILL THEY BUILD?
With Scout Motors bringing $2 billion production facility to Richland County, developers are making moves in anticipation that more industry will follow. | Published April 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Morgan Hughes
NO. 2: GROWING SC TOWN WILL HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION TO SHAKE UP LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The town will likely vote in August to determine if some of the mayor’s powers will be stripped. | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Riley Edenbeck
NO. 3: MASSIVE SC CHARTER SCHOOL TO OPEN ON FORMER PMSC CAMPUS IN BLYTHEWOOD
A traditional-style charter school that promises a patriotic education in a moral and wholesome environment appears primed to open on the former Policy Management Systems Corp. campus in Blythewood. | Published June 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Zak Koeske
NO. 4: NEW LEXINGTON MEDICAL PARK ADDING TO GROWING HEALTH CARE OPTIONS IN SC SUBURB
Lexington Medical Center isn’t the only health care system moving into a growing part of Richland County. | Published June 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Colin Elam
NO. 5: GROWING SC TOWN CANCELED SUMMER EVENTS AFTER TEEN CRIME INCIDENTS. WHAT NOW?
Leaders in the Midlands town are discussing potential security plans for future community events as they grapple with rapid population growth. | Published June 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Riley Edenbeck
NO. 6: WHAT’S PUSHING THIS GROWING SC TOWN TO CONSIDER CHANGING ITS GOVERNMENT?
The Midlands town’s special election on July 29 could strip the mayor’s administrative powers. The town council and local residents are divided on whether it’s necessary. | Published July 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Riley Edenbeck
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.