City council to vote on new elementary school project

The Columbia City council will make a final decision regarding preliminary plans for a new elementary school in southeast Columbia on Monday.

The $2.2 million dollar project would build a new elementary school off Columbia Gorge Parkway near Rolling Hills Road. Many residents in the Vineyards and Woodlands neighborhoods have expressed their concerns over increased traffic through their neighborhoods.

Several Vineyards residents tell ABC 17 News they’re fine with a new school being built near their homes, but they’re hesitant to see how the traffic will flow during school pick up and drop off hours.

On November 19, The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to allow a second access road to the new school rather than extending an existing subdivision street.

City officials said this will help with any increase in school traffic and ensure the safety for residents entering and exiting the neighborhoods.

The new school will replace Cedar Ridge Elementary, which is over capacity.