In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

📆 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 57

📰 Commerce Center Advances 500-Acre Development Proposal for Further Review

🎶 Exciting Lineup Revealed for 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards at Opry House

🏀 Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Faces Setback in 86-61 Defeat Against Tennessee

Upcoming Local Events

February 22nd

• Maury County Young Professionals Mixer - 5-6 PM

February 23rd

• State Eggs & Issues - 7-8 AM

• Resurrection - A Journey Tribute - 8 PM

February 24th

• Farmers Market - 8 AM-12 PM

February 27th

• Women in Business Networking Breakfast - 8-9 AM

February 29th

• Ribbon Cutting: Waxing Columbia Co. Holistic Skincare - 2-3 PM

• Rise to Freedom Music & Comedy Show w/ Carson Peters & Paul Aldrich - 6:30 PM

March 1st

• Locals Live at the Mulehouse - 7:45 PM

Commerce Center Advances 500-Acre Development Proposal for Further Review

In a 4-1 decision, the Maury County Admin Committee voted last week to advance a proposed 500-acre development to the budget committee for further evaluation.

The South Nashville Commerce Center development is planned to occupy 500 acres on the eastern side of I-65, featuring industrial, warehouse, hospitality, and retail space. The project, overseen by developer The Richmond Company, would involve the construction of 5.7 million square feet over time, connecting Jim Warren to Port Royal Road and back to Saturn Parkway.

The development journey began three years ago when GV Spring Hill LLC purchased the property, according to Phil Pastan, president of The Richmond Company. Pastan highlighted the project's potential to generate thousands of jobs through various property uses.

Over the past 24 months, the proposal received approvals from Spring Hill's planning staff, the BOMA, and IDB. Plans include creating a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) area to facilitate development by bringing utilities to the sites. Pastan emphasized the need for new infrastructure, including a bridge and road with suitable utilities, due to the current inadequacies in roads and bridges over I-65.

The proposed project aims to add 4,500 direct and indirect jobs with average wages exceeding $57,000 and $260 million in annual wages. Nearly $21 million would be allocated to schools over the next 20 years. The TIF is expected to generate $89 million in new tax revenue, with $14 million designated for debt service and a 60/40 split, allocating just under $21 million to schools for their budget. The remaining funds would be used for water, sewer, electric, and road infrastructure.

County Commission Chairman Eric Previti raised questions about the wage estimates, seeking clarification on the companies involved and the basis for the $57,000 wage figure. He expressed concerns about potential residential impacts and the influx of people seeking jobs.

District 8 Commissioner Ray Jeter expressed worry about the continuous loss of farmland in Maury County, emphasizing the role of farmers selling land to developers.

To proceed with the development, County Commission approval for the TIF is required. Pastan aims for approval by the end of the month to commence construction in late spring, with subsequent improvements to the I-65 bridge and Rutherford Creek. Pastan asserted that in this situation, growth would fund growth, presenting an opportunity for positive development.

Exciting Lineup Revealed for 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards at Opry House

The K-LOVE Fan Awards announced live on the nationwide K-LOVE radio network that Brandon Lake and Sadie Robertson Huff will host the 11th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Taking place on May 26, 2024 at Nashville’s iconic OPRY House, Coca-Cola Consolidated will once again serve as sponsor for the fan-voted awards show that concludes the biggest weekend in Christian music.

Also announced were details for some of the weekend’s events, including the Friday night kick-off concert and Sunday morning worship service. The kick-off concert will be headlined by MercyMe and also feature CAIN and Consumed by Fire.

The Sunday morning worship service will be led by Elevation Worship with more details about the weekend will be forthcoming.

Fans come from all over the country to participate in the K-LOVE Fan Awards and the preceding weekend to hear great music, meet their favorite artists, and have fun with the whole family.  Providing an experience for fans that is impossible to match anywhere else, tickets for the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend are on sale with travel packages still available here: www.klovefanawards.com.

Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Faces Setback in 86-61 Defeat Against Tennessee

Vanderbilt women's basketball faced a significant setback on Sunday with an 86-61 loss to Tennessee, marking their most substantial SEC defeat this season. Challenges included early defensive lapses, foul trouble for starters, and limited bench production. Coach Shea Ralph acknowledged the adversity, stressing the team's response importance, especially as they aim for an NCAA Tournament spot. Projections place them on the tournament bubble. Despite a recent five-game losing streak, the team rebounded with back-to-back road wins. With a midweek break, they prepare for crucial matchups against Arkansas, Missouri, and Georgia. Ralph sees the break as a valuable time for assessment and improvement before pivotal games.