Coble delivers State of the City

"We made solid progress toward achieving our vision," Mayor Robert Coble said in his State of the City Address, Wednesday night.

Problems involving affordable housing, global warming and domestic violence were touched on, but Coble said he thinks the highest priority problem is that of the gangs in Columbia. South Carolina has seen a rise in gang violence.

"The most effective responses to gang and youth violence are comprehensive," Coble said.

Such a comprehensive plan to involve the entire community in combating gangs would require the help of religious organizations, schools, community organizations and community leaders, Coble said.

Coble also spoke about Columbia's achievements in 2006. He said the Innovista research district is under construction and that the downtown area "has had an explosion of new residential development."

Columbia emerged as a leader in the world of alternate energy sources, Coble said, and was awarded one of four fuel cell buses as part of a competitive federal program.

As far as the redevelopment of Columbia in 2006, Coble said attractions such as EdVenture and the Columbia Museum of Art fared very well. Coble also said the Harden Street construction is wrapping up and will help boost the economy of the Five Points area.

Crime is at a historic low, Coble said. Crime diminished 9 percent overall.

Coble explained that, thanks to changes made in 2006, the process for developments moves much faster, and the Code Enforcement Task Force was appointed to find ways to address issues involving neighborhoods.

In 2007, Columbia will host the National Hydrogen Association Convention, and the plans for the Fuel Cell District are going to be used. Incentives will be used to attract fuel cell businesses to the district, Coble said.

USC President Andrew Sorensen also spoke about USC's involvement in the fuel cell initiative. Sorensen said that USC's main contribution to the endeavor would be scientific talent.

Sorensen also discussed other plans at USC that coincide with those of the mayor and City Council, such as Healthy Carolina.

The Bull Street neighborhood will undergo redevelopment in 2007, and the master plan calls for everything from apartments to retail space, Coble said.

Coble also explained the role the arts will have in boosting Columbia's economy in 2007.

The Columbia Festival of the Arts will be held in late April and early May, and sometime during the year a new Columbia Arts Hall of Fame will be built.

Located in the downtown area, Coble said, 14 acres of land will be redeveloped into the Garden District. The goal of the garden is to promote heritage tourism, and to "encourage people to park and walk."

Coble noted that 2007 will not be without its challenges, but said he has plans to combat these challenges.

An essential part of the economic growth of Columbia will be in the retention of businesses, so the city will form a core group of business leaders to ensure that companies stay in Columbia.

Coble described the ongoing homelessness problem for many people in Columbia, and said the city will be following the example of other cities by establishing the Housing First pilot program.

Coble closed his address by calling four high school students from Dreher and Columbia High Schools to the podium. He pointed out the outstanding achievements of each of the students, and said, "They are the reason that we must redevelop every part of town."

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