Habitat for Humanity planning new neighborhood in north Columbia

Several new homes are planned for north Columbia if Habitat for Humanity’s plan gets approved.

The non-profit housing organization will seek a rezoning of 50 acres of land off Brown Station Road, near Highway 63, for residential use. The land is owned by EMT4, LLC, whose leadership is officially asking the Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission for the rezoning.

Steve MacIntyre, with the city’s Community Development Department, said that the land is currently zoned for industrial use. He remembers at least two failed attempts to build new industry there. MacIntyre said that once Habitat for Humanity buys the land, the lot will need to be divided up for residential use.

City leaders have pushed for more affordable housing options in Columbia. ABC 17 News reported this week on the transfer of land on Lynn Street from the city to the Columbia Community Land Trust. The group will manage four new homes in central Columbia.