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Business Loop Community Improvement District Approves Renovations Plan

The Business Loop Community Improvement District board has approved a $15 million plan to renovate the 1-70 Business Loop in Columbia.

The plan looks to add more businesses, public spaces and safer sidewalks for pedestrians to the area.

The board approved the plan after nearly two years of discussion. Executive Director Carrie Gartner said the need for renovations is obvious.

“Most people who’ve seen the street says it needs a little bit of work. It is a gateway to our city,” Gartner said. “And we think it can be more attractive and economically stronger. So, we put together a plan that would hopefully do all of those and more.”

Businesses and residents formed the Community Improvement District in 2015 to work on improving the area where they lived and worked. Board member Dave Griggs also owns Flooring America on Business Loop and said the plan shows how important the renovations are to the community.

“This is truly a case of the property owners and the businesses along the loop putting our money where our mouth is in essence,” Griggs said. “Everybody stepped up, thought this was a great idea. Let’s make it happen.”

In addition to cosmetic upgrades, the proposal also looks to create a brand for the area with loop-branded street signs and posters. There will also be cosmetic improvements surrounding 1-70 nearby. Renovations are expected to take 10 years to complete.