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City to fine-tune development rules
August 2, 2007
It might become more difficult for Columbia developers to demolish old homes, subdivide a lot to build multiple homes or build homes that don’t fit into the character of the surrounding neighborhood.City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to come up with a new process to address these types of concerns that often pit in-town neighbors against developers. Council members Anne Sinclair and E.W. Cromartie were absent.
Recommendations from city staff members are expected Aug. 15.
"The biggest issue of contention is a developer coming in, wanting to build a home, and the neighbors don't like it," said council member Tameika Isaac Devine, noting there have been several examples recently in north Columbia neighborhoods.
The issue heated up late last month when a 78-year-old farmhouse in the Heathwood neighborhood was demolished by developer Ben Arnold despite promises to neighbors to preserve the house.
Efforts to reach Arnold were unsuccessful Wednesday. But Arnold has said his plans changed and preservation wasn't feasible.
Arnold, who paid $2.2 million for the house and lot, sent a representative to Wednesday's council meeting who said the city was welcome to buy the 2.37 acre site. The asking price: $2.85 million.
Council did not respond to the offer.
Jackie Bartley, president of the Shandon Neighborhood Council, said her neighborhood is experiencing these types of problems, and neighbors are eager to protect the look of their neighborhood.
"I'm really invigorated and really excited by the comments of council," said Bartley, who thinks part of the solution is alerting neighbors when a permit is issued for a home to be demolished or a lot to be subdivided.
Council member Kirkman Finlay said the real issue is inconsistency on the city's part.
In some areas of Columbia, city leaders encourage high-density development and redevelopment efforts that change the character of the community, Finlay said. And in other areas, the city sends the opposite message.
"We haven't clearly defined what our vision is," Finlay said.
Reach Smith at (803) 771-8462.
The State
By GINA SMITH
gnsmith@thestate.com