The Columbia Board of Aldermen agreed with the city’s Board of Adjustment that a variance should be granted to allow the construction of a new medical facility on U.S. 98.
Fast Pace Urgent Care is currently under construction at 1050 U.S. 98.
The area along U.S. 98 near the intersection of Sumrall Road is currently busy with construction with a car wash being built across the street from the Murphy USA gas station and a proposed Burger King to be constructed on adjoining land.
“This is for a variance to the setback requirements,” City Attorney Lawrence Hahn said about the clinic. “The Board of Adjustment is here tonight for the new urgent care center that is being built on some of the Griner Development property. They have already started moving some dirt around over there. It is a pretty minor easement that they want.”
Mayor Justin McKenzie said the development is taking place between Walgreens and Sonic and needs a two-foot variance to construct the building and driveway.
“It won’t impose any hardship on any of the other property owners,” Hahn said.
Shelton Ball from the Board of Adjustment said the board supported the variance.
“We need the industry,” he said. “We need it right here. It doesn’t help us if it’s over in Hattiesburg. They could go other places. I thought we needed to get on it. Let’s get it done. I think my whole group is for it.”
Ward 2 Alderman Jason Stringer made a motion to grant the variance, which was unanimously approved after being seconded by Ward 4 Alderman Mike Smith.
The Board also heard a complaint from Betty Owens of Nathan Street, who is concerned about neighboring properties.
“There is stuff growing from the neighboring properties,” she told the Board. “I thought the city was going to cut it. Nothing has been done.”
Hahn said Building Inspector Lonnie Stringer had contacted him about the situation but there was nothing the city could do at this time.
“It is not city property,” Hahn said. “It is private property. The law doesn’t allow the city to work on private property.”
More properties will be discussed at Tuesday night’s city meeting which begins at 4 p.m. at City Hall. During the second meeting of the month, Lonnie Stringer offers his report of properties in need of mowing and cleaning or demolition for the city to send letters or approve actions.
