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(See entire news conference on page.)

A partnership between Columbia International University and neighborhood leaders in North Columbia has reached a milestone that will transform blighted, crime-attracting properties on Monticello Road into commercially viable properties that will enhance the area’s appearance, reduce crime and attract significant economic activity.

��ο��Ƶ recently completed the last purchase of seven properties on Monticello Road from the I-20 exit along the gateway leading to the campus. Abandoned buildings have been demolished and cleanup of the sites has begun. The most recent purchase is a former club that was torn down.

At a news conference on the ��ο��Ƶ campus, said he is already talking with a business owner who has expressed interest in the properties.

“While all the details need to be worked out … we have a handshake agreement on a business venture to bring jobs to the area and to begin to clean up Monticello Road,” Smith said to the applause of community leaders who joined him at the podium.

The idea for revitalization began about a year ago when Andre T. Melvin, pastor of , ��ο��Ƶ professor and community residents began meetings to discuss concerns about vacant buildings, trash, and public safety issues along Monticello Road.

“We are so glad to see what God has done in a year’s time under the leadership of Dr. Smith and ��ο��Ƶ, and we look forward to continuing our partnership, working on economic development and impacting families in these communities,” Melvin said.��

Neighborhoods represented in the meetings included Bookert Heights, Denny Terrace, Forest Heights and Sarah Matthews/Wages Road.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has been discussing the location of additional resources to the area and has indicated that a major reduction in crime should occur with the cleanup of these properties.��

It’s not often that law enforcement gets to stand at a podium and talk about exciting things —revitalization, reclaiming communities,” said . “Public Safety is excited about what’s going on at Monticello Road because of the dramatic change that will take place because of the input and generosity of Columbia International University.” ��

Other elected representatives at the news conference endorsing ��ο��Ƶ’s plans were and .

Smith and other partnership representatives are meeting with local government officials to direct resources to Monticello Road and are seeking support for a variety of grants. is working hard to assist this area.

Two of their priorities are additional lighting along the Monticello Road corridor and additional law enforcement presence.

��ο��Ƶ is also poised to meet business and IT needs with the new��William H. Jones Global Business & IT Center��scheduled for completion this fall. One of the purposes of the Center is to provide a corporate training room for Columbia area business professionals to act as a catalyst for business development, especially along the Monticello Road corridor. It will also provide an opportunity for ��ο��Ƶ students to advance their “revitalizing” skills in business in the United States or in international missions work.

��The building alone will add a beautiful corporate touch to Monticello Road.

“We have a strong core value at CIU that we are to give back to our local community,” Smith said. “As we take Christ to the nations, we must first start here at home. As president I commit to invest locally and be a part of our community.”��

Read more coverage of the news conference in the and in . See TV coverage on and .��

Columbia International University ranks #1��among colleges and universities in South Carolina by����Excitement is growing on campus with the new $20 million����and ��ο��Ƶ’s first����program.����on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call��(800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.�� �� �� �� �� ��

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