Columbia City Council rejects Ashford Place development

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council on Tuesday rejected the development of new triplexes known as Ashford Place, following intense pushback from residents.

“No” votes consisted of Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll, Ward 2 Councilwoman Vera Elwood and Ward 6 Councilwoman Betsy Peters. “Yes” votes consisted of Ward 3 Councilwoman Jacque Sample, Ward 4 Councilman Nick Foster and Ward 5 Councilman Don Waterman.

Troy Miller Properties asked the City of Columbia to approve plans for triplexes resulting in 77 buildings on more than 24 acres off East Broadway near the Brooks subdivision at Sagemoor Drive and Hoylake Drive.

The first construction phase of “Ashford Place” would have included 23 buildings; the second phase would have been 36 buildings; and the third phase would have included 18 residential buildings and improvements to Sagemoor Street and El Chaparral Avenue, previous reporting shows.

Issues from residents have ranged from traffic increases, safety concerns and property value decreasing. Several people reiterated those concerns, mostly focusing on traffic safety, during the public comment portion.

Previous reporting shows the city had plans of extending El Chaparral Avenue and is considering traffic-calming measures on Hoylake Drive. Columbia officials also pointed to a 2017 traffic study, saying the project would have no significant impact on the area.