Springdale wants to turn busy road into town hub

Springdale town leaders want to turn busy Platt Springs Road into a hub where neighbors shop and socialize.

Town officials hope to attract a grocery, pharmacy, restaurants and more to settle on the 2-mile commuter thoroughfare that runs through the center of the Lexington County community of 2,800 residents.

“We want to see it become business-friendly, pedestrian-friendly and residence-friendly,” town Administrator Jeff Stilwell said. “We want our residents to be able to do everything in town instead of going elsewhere.”

That change is a top goal of Mayor Michael Bishop as part of a long-term plan to transform the community, now known primarily as a quiet bedroom suburb next to Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Cayce and West Columbia.

Residents can weigh in with their thoughts at town hall sessions set for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Town officials are working on a public-private redevelopment plan that features more landscaping and other appearance improvements along Platt Springs Road.

The plan will include suggestions “on what the market will bear and what’s lacking,” said Gregg Pinner, executive director of the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Today, 34 of 109 businesses in Springdale are on Platt Springs Road. Officials hope the road will become more desirable for businesses after its recent widening to four lanes that handle about 11,000 motorists a day.

Town leaders are looking for a blueprint to guide the face-lift. “We’re hoping to get a good game plan,” Stilwell said.