Figure 7-27 also illustrates possible locations for new non-employment based village development. Some of these locations are on the sites of depopulated villages in Lower Richland. These include Wateree, Acton, Kingville, and Congaree. Others are located on the sites of villages that lack spatial organization, governance, and a sense of center. These are Gadsden, Horrel Hill, Weston, and Crossroads Community. (From Lower Richland Strategic Development Plan: 1. Development Opportunities and Constraints, Robert Bainbridge, et. al., February, 1994.) Others do not derive their viability from historical circumstances but offer two fundamental criteria: they are located at the crossing of two rural roads and are on high ground.

Crossroads are the natural sites for new towns in Richland County. After all, the most visible points along an interconnected system of two-lane roadways are intersections. Intersection clusters generally start out as just a few independent businesses attempting to draw upon daily passersby, but could eventually develop into significant town centers as more and more businesses are drawn to the location to tap into the benefits of retail agglomeration. As this happens, it is essential that a desirable transportation framework is created and retained, as described in the general transportation discussion of “new towns.”

The non-employment-based new town sketch illustrates the typical case of a town developing at a two-lane rural crossroads. The overall objective of this arrangement is, as with other town center types, to organize outlying development (which is likely to be primarily residential) into a pattern that allows people to walk to neighborhood shops and restaurants for basic everyday needs. Additionally, small town centers serve as ideal locations for bus stops. In this manner, the town and country framework can contribute to an overall more efficient pattern of transit service throughout the region.

The strategies and principles for this village type are similar to those of the employment based rural village type previously discussed. The difference lies in not having an existing or proposed employment center with which to connect, the possible lack of public facilities, and the lack of existing water or sewers. (See previous discussion). For villages in unserved areas, it will be necessary to extend existing systems or to create village-scaled community systems. A variety of innovative techniques are worth investigating here including spray irrigation in areas where soils percolate rapidly, or wetland-based systems where soils percolate slowly. The latter option is discussed in the report entitled “Poised for Growth: Lower Richland Strategic Development Plan – 3 Economic Development and Infrastructure Project Options” by Robert Bainbridge, June 1994. 

7.3.3.1 Non-Employment Based Village Demonstration Project

Examples of the non-employment-based villages are illustrated for the area along the Monticello Road corridor from the County Line south to just above I-20. See Figure 7-30. Figure 7-28 is a concept diagram that illustrates how this type of village should be organized. 

The village core is located at the rural crossroads affording maximum exposure to commercial uses. Surrounding residential neighborhoods are linked to the core area by the street grid network. The preservation area outside the village forms the village edge and affords villagers access to nature. It is comprised of preserved riparian corridors and other preserved open space. 

The areas outside the village/preservation area are shown as preserved areas. It is intended that these areas remain in large lots either preserved or down zoned in order to help maintain the existing rural character. 

Gateways mark entrances to the village. Figure 7-31 offers a view of the village core area. It depicts residential and mixed-use development organized around a public space such as a village green.