In an effort to clean- up the multitude of newsstands and free publications at Trenholm Plaza, executives at Edens & Avant have eliminated all publications from the sidewalks of the shopping

center. This includes The

Columb i a Star and Free

Times among others.

This is a puzzling move to some in that in a recent press release, the company stated the redeveloped Trenholm Plaza would evoke a community feel reminiscent of when it first opened nearly 50 years ago.

Lyle Darnall, VPDevelopment for Edens & Avant stated, "We had in mind a redevelopment that would return Trenholm Plaza to a central point of interaction and enjoyment for the neighborhood - something more than just a shopping destination.

"Shopping areas also should be places to get together with friends and family, whether that's dining outdoors, relaxing in the open areas, or meeting for a glass of wine."

Unfortunately, this new community feel will not include community newspapers. All stands have been removed or plan to be removed except for an enclosed box of big media located between the Fresh Market and the Original Pancake House. Those remaining

stands include The State,

owned by the California- based McClatchey Company; The Post &

Courier, out of Charleston,

The New York Times,

and The Wall Street Journal.

Fortunately, the classic, locally- owned neighborhood deli, Hooligans, located in Trenholm Plaza still carries a variety of actual community newspapers, including

The Columbia Star.

For more information, please contact Lyle Darnall at 744-7533.