IRMO, S.C. — Back in January we told you about an Irmo father who was advocating for a closer bus stop.
He wasn't having much luck with his HOA, so he reached out to News 19.
Now, after months of back and forth between the HOA and the Cole family, there's finally a new bus stop at Carriage Lane.
Nicholas Cole, father of four, tells WLTX he never expected it to take six months, but he finally got his wish after some leg work.
After News 19's first report in January 2023, Cole explains he reached out to the South Carolina Governor's Office, who directed him to the SC Consumer Affairs Department.
"I contacted consumer affairs and they contacted the HOA and I think it was simultaneously. It was coming to a head because they didn't have a reason why they couldn't approve it, so they really couldn't string it out any longer," Cole said.
Cole also explains he went around to neighbors petitioning for the bus stop.
Cole tells News 19 he was worried about his children's safety having to walk a quarter mile after his research showed sex offenders lived in the area.
We reached out to the neighborhood HOA who said no to an interview or comment.
"Somebody from (Lexington-Richland School) District Five transportation, like the supervisor came and they just discussed where it would be put and this is where they said it would be and so this is where my kids come out every morning and get dropped off in the mornings, but there's not a sign or bench or anything," Cole said.
Lexington-Richland Five explains they are glad they could be part of the resolution.
Now the school bus stop is much closer and Cole's kids are thrilled about it.
"I'm happy that we have it here instead of way over there cause it's less tiring," Logan, Cole's son said.
"I feel a little bit safer," Levi, Cole's son said.
"Our house is just over there and our bus stop is here," Jameson, Cole's son said.
Cole says his takeaway from this experience is to never give up. He tells News 19 he loved getting to demonstrate this lesson in front of his kids too.
"Even though all the odds may seem against you, just keep pushing and do what's best. It's just a good feeling to have the kids see it all come to fruition," Cole said.
This Irmo parent explains now the school bus comes inside the neighborhood, instead of waiting outside of it.
He tells News 19 he'll pass the word along to any new families that move in.