As growth from Columbia's sprawl creeps towards Little Mountain's rural borders, town leaders want to make sure plans are in place to both accommodate the inevitable growth as well as maintain the town's integrity as a small community.

The Town of Little Mountain, with a population of about 260, was chosen as one of only five municipalities in the state to participate in the South Carolina Mayors' Institute for Community Design. While taking part in the project, along with the cities of Allendale, Westminster, Liberty and Olanta, the town will receive expert commentary relating to its future plans.

The Mayors' Institute is a product of the South Carolina Design Arts Partnership which is composed of the S.C. Arts Commission, Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development, Clemson University College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service and Main Street South Carolina.

In anticipation of future growth, Little Mountain will present its project to refine the master plan and update and revise the town's zoning, historic and architectural design overlay districts to enhance green space and the natural asset resources of the community.

Little Mountain Mayor Buddy Johnson points to the county sewer system that will soon be expanded to Little Mountain as one factor drawing in new residents. The town is also planning at least two new developments, with one earmarked for senior citizens.

“We're just trying to prepare as a community and a town government to be able to handle that growth, knowing that the citizens of the community want to retain the village character,” Johnson said. “Unless we plan for it now, it'll never happen how you want it.”

The mayor said he doesn't want to see quick fix metal and concrete block buildings go up as a response to sudden growth. The goal, he said, is to retain as much of the town's history and natural elements as possible. Plans call for more parks, an expanded sidewalk system to promote walking and more nature trails.

“We don't care about the roads that much,” Johnson said. “We want to have the pedestrian or bicycle-type infrastructure so people can walk to their neighbor or to the medical clinic.”

In November, community representatives will have the opportunity to pose challenges or questions to a panel of national experts in Charleston. To prepare for the three-day event, Clemson students have come to survey the town, pictures are being collected and compiled and Johnson is helping to put together town maps showing off Little Mountain's features he hopes to retain. He hopes to put together a master sheet that includes all town structures, as well as proposed areas for green space and trails.

The town will then follow up with the Mayors' Institute in January, and with the advice of the panel of experts, continue with its plans for the future.