Panel OKs new CVS at busy downtown intersection

The Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission approved a proposal to build a CVS at Broadway and Providence Road 6-3.

But the commissioners proposed four amendments to the project.

They want to move the location of the drive-through further south and make two changes to the turns in and out of the site.

They also want to make changes to lighting and landscaping that would better shield nearby Flat Branch Park from the light.

Project engineers said these amendments will be considered, but they are not sure if CVS will be willing to make some of those changes to the design.

There has been a lot of public opposition to the proposal.

Two residents who went before the commission said they were against it.

One said it would take away from the natural vegetation that Flat Branch Park provides.

Another resident said he is concerned about the traffic problems the store could cause.

The three commissioners who were opposed said they also had concerns about traffic and said the structure does not belong in that area. They said it does not fit the desired look for downtown.

One commissioner said he wants to stay as close as possible to the plan that has already been created for the expansion of downtown.