Columbia council rejects agreement with Opus housing

The Columbia City Council Monday night voted to repeal Ordinance number 022010, which approved a development agreement with Opus.

The Council also rejected a measure calling for a November 4 special election, which would have allowed voters to decide whether to approve or reject the development agreement with Opus.

Columbia Deputy City Manager Tony St. Romaine said the Council’s vote Monday night to repeal the development agreement means the city will not receive $450,000 to help rebuild public infrastructure.

On May 19, the Columbia City Council approved an “amended and restated development agreement” with Opus, which altered the project’s design so active living spaces would be consolidated on the ground floor along the Avenue of the Columns.

However, despite the ordinance being repealed, council members said Opus could still build, as long as they get a building permit.

St. Romaine said there is a possibility Opus will sue the city because of the repeal.