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Really sad to see them go, I hope something truly remarkable and worthy of the Tapps building takes its place. This is one building I truly don’t want to see become housing. I think a nice museum or something of the sorts would be just perfect. I also hope the arts center can find another building that works for them.
I agree but this is what always happens when real estate becomes more valuable, like when the art studios left the vista for places with cheaper rent. Hopefully the raps folks will find new spaces maybe in West Columbia or north Main. Re housing what are upper floors of the building currently used for? (I thought already apartments?) not sure how they’re going to repurpose ground floor and basement?
I agree but this is what always happens when real estate becomes more valuable, like when the art studios left the vista for places with cheaper rent. Hopefully the raps folks will find new spaces maybe in West Columbia or north Main. Re housing what are upper floors of the building currently used for? (I thought already apartments?) not sure how they’re going to repurpose ground floor and basement?
Yes, upper floors are residential.
The main floor and basement could be a great indoor location for Soda City vendors able to commit to more than one day a week and for a Food Hall that a lot of folks want in Columbia.
Yes, upper floors are residential.
The main floor and basement could be a great indoor location for Soda City vendors able to commit to more than one day a week and for a Food Hall that a lot of folks want in Columbia.
I predict a food hall or something to that effect with a collection of food vendors..since we don't yet have one in Columbia and it would dove tail nicely with Soda City, Main Street and also likely more affordable than a brick and mortar storefront for most food vendors
I don't think this affects Columbia's reputation per se; USC's, yes.
This whole debacle has shown just how much of a double-edged sword the state is for Columbia. On the one hand, Columbia wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for state government/USC but on the other hand, the regressive state legislature prevents the city from becoming bigger and more prosperous in several ways.
The city of Columbia is moving forward with a plan to charge business license fees to hospitals, other nonprofits and their subsidiaries who offer services that compete with for-profit businesses.
[City councilman Moe] Baddourah noted that 65 percent of property in the city is tax exempt. That is because of the preponderance of state government buildings, USC’s campus, Fort Jackson and property owned by churches, schools and charities in the city. As a result, only 35 percent of property owners foot the bill for the vast majority of city services like fire and police protection, he said.
“That’s just not fair,” Baddourah said.
Columbia City Council on Tuesday gave initial approval to the measure. The vote was 6-1, with Mayor Steve Benjamin voting no. Benjamin could not be reached for comment Thursday.
It will take a second vote for the measure, which is expected to raise $2 million to $4 million annually, to become city policy.
Under the proposal, businesses that have a 501(c) tax status from the IRS — but otherwise operate as a profitable company — would begin paying business license fees like the rest of the city’s businesses. Baddourah first made the proposal in 2015.
Charities and places of worship would remain exempt from business license fees unless they rent out space as an event venue or sell food, Baddourah said.
I closed on the sale of my house in Columbia Wednesday. I got a little more than the list price in a little bidding war. It will be owner-occupied. The buyer already lived in the general neighborhood. I did not sell it lightheartedly. It sold after only six days on the market. To me that’s anecdotal evidence that people still want to live in the city of Columbia if they can find a house the like in their price range.
The city of Columbia is moving forward with a plan to charge business license fees to hospitals, other nonprofits and their subsidiaries who offer services that compete with for-profit businesses.
[City councilman Moe] Baddourah noted that 65 percent of property in the city is tax exempt. That is because of the preponderance of state government buildings, USC’s campus, Fort Jackson and property owned by churches, schools and charities in the city. As a result, only 35 percent of property owners foot the bill for the vast majority of city services like fire and police protection, he said.
“That’s just not fair,” Baddourah said.
Columbia City Council on Tuesday gave initial approval to the measure. The vote was 6-1, with Mayor Steve Benjamin voting no. Benjamin could not be reached for comment Thursday.
It will take a second vote for the measure, which is expected to raise $2 million to $4 million annually, to become city policy.
Under the proposal, businesses that have a 501(c) tax status from the IRS — but otherwise operate as a profitable company — would begin paying business license fees like the rest of the city’s businesses. Baddourah first made the proposal in 2015.
Charities and places of worship would remain exempt from business license fees unless they rent out space as an event venue or sell food, Baddourah said.
Good News! I would like to see them tax any non-profit that doesn't provide services to the community. For instance, Oliver Gospel and Transitions are helping people. Some big church that is only open for services and bible class isn't helping anyone.
We have a church in Blythewood that has Charter Buses on the property. Why should a legit charter company have to pay taxes when they don't?
Good News! I would like to see them tax any non-profit that doesn't provide services to the community. For instance, Oliver Gospel and Transitions are helping people. Some big church that is only open for services and bible class isn't helping anyone.
I doubt you could find a big church where that is the case. Practically all of them that I'm aware of have a slew of programs geared to help folks in the community.
Quote:
We have a church in Blythewood that has Charter Buses on the property. Why should a legit charter company have to pay taxes when they don't?
They are probably church-owned and exclusively used by the church. If they have an associated bus charter company, then that should be taxed but it doesn't sound like that's the case.
This article says twice that Columbia’s Forever 21 is the only one in SC. I googled “Forever 21 Charleston,” and the one on King Street at Beaufain seems to be still in business and closing at 9 p.m. Does anyone know something I don’t know? https://www.thestate.com/news/busine...235626657.html
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