Columbia City Council considers several housing projects

The Columbia city council took action on three housing projects Tuesday night.

The council first delayed a vote on an apartment complex near Highway 63 and Stadium Boulevard. The Kelly Farms subdivision would include 384 one and two-bedroom apartments, totaling 524 beds. Ten single-family homes would also be built on the north end of the property, near Timberhill Road. Residents living near the area requested more time to discuss the plans with the Kelly Farms developers. The issue will be taken up at the council’s first meeting in February.

The council also voted Tuesday to approve a multi-family unit on Windsor Street near downtown Columbia. Benton-Stephens residents have said properties like this would take away the character of the neighborhood.

ABC 17 News reported earlier this month dozens of homeowners asked to rezone their single-family homes to provide some protection from multi-family developments.

Mark Stevenson, a property manager and half of the development team on Windsor, says this isn’t about making money. He’s already building a sixplex in that area and wants to make sure it is legally allowed based on the lot size.

Both Mayor Brian Treece and Councilman Karl Skala voted against it.

“There are a different set of values for the folks who are homeowners in that neighborhood than there are for the folks who want to develop that neighborhood,” Skala said.

The council also considered the Ridgemont Park Subdivision in West Columbia. In a 4 to 3 vote, the council changed plans to include a cul-de-sac.

ABC 17 News previously reported on residents’ concerns that speeding would worsen in that area if the previous plans were approved. That proposal included an extension of Ridgefield Road through the subdivision up to Ridgemont Dr.

John Jones, the developer, says he is pleased with the vote to add the cul-de-sac back.

The council will vote on the Ridgemont Park Subdivision in February.