Tell Us What You Think
Throughout the project, we'll be collecting public input to inform the updated Zoning Ordinance. We encourage you to utilize the tools below to provide your ideas and feedback on the project.
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One of the goals of the ConnectColumbia Framework Plan is to promote additional housing opportunities to accommodate retirees and young professionals. As part of the project, we'll be reviewing the Zoning standards to permit smaller lot and home sizes to encourage such developments. What are some housing types that you think are missing in Columbia? Upload a photo and tell us why!
View All Ideas9 months ago
Riverside development
The plan to develop multi-unit housing in riverside needs to be discussed with the existing home owners and residents. I do not believe this will be the best way to add affordable housing into the city.
7 months ago
Large lot family homes
The revision to zoning standards encourages small lots, which are not family friendly. As these young professionals have families and children, large lots with yards are more likely to appeal to them. The lack of diversity in housing (e.g., small lot zoning vs. rural/large lots) creates a disconnect and will result in an exodus of young professionals as they transition to future stages of life. The major influx of multi-unit developments appeals to a specific market, but the lack of options and approved neighborhoods NOT targeted to retirees will definitely be a reason we leave when we have a family.
7 months ago
Lack of Retirement Advancement Friendly Housing
Many of the multifamily developments are townhomes with stairs and/or upstairs bedrooms. While that's likely reasonable for younger retirees that are transitioning out of the workforce, this is not feasible for many retirees in advanced age, as they cannot handle stairs. It would be great some see some ground floor living and/or condo developments for seniors/retirees to avoid ongoing relocation through aging.
6 months ago
Affordable housing
The lack of affordable housing in Columbia is astounding to me. Yes, there are income based apartments, but once again for the middle class, making just above the cut off, puts families in extremely stressful positions of needing a roof over their heads with 75% of monthly income going towards rent or mortgages alone, leaving 25%, for utilities, healthcare, groceries, household needs and transportation costs (insurance;vehicle maintenance and yearly registration costs.) The facts are simple, $51,000 is the median income for families in this area, while the minimum wage is $7.25 hourly. Average costs of home sales in this area are 200K and up, while monthly rent on the low side is 1,100-1,300 monthly. Do the math. It’s simple people cannot lead a financially balanced and stable life, with these numbers. Help us.
7 months ago
Smaller Bedroom Homes
Smaller houses for retirees that are downsizing or widows/singles that are moving on to other parts of their lives. Many of the developments approved start at 3+ bedrooms which may not be retiree or single young professional friendly for transitional stages of life.
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One of the goals of the ConnectColumbia Framework Plan is to require the use of quality building materials in historic and commercial areas. What types of building materials do you think are appropriate in Columbia's historic neighborhoods? What materials do you think are inappropriate? Share a photo to help illustrate your idea!
View All Ideas9 months ago
Fit the Character and Ecofriendly
I think new houses, developments, and businesses should attempt to fit the character of the neighborhood. Particularly repurposing older buildings. The old warehouse buildings could be rebuilt in that same style and used as apartments with stores below. Multi-unit developments, chain stores, and big box stores should be saved for less historic areas of Columbia. Columbia is on its way to becoming a tourist town. I have heard more and more people coming attracted by the small businesses in downtown. These should be protected and more should be helped in the arts district and other neighborhoods within walking distance of town.New businesses should be required to be as ecofriendly as possible. We are situated on one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America. That itself is becoming a tourist attraction with more people coming to kayak, hike, and mountain bike along the Duck. Green and ecofriendly materials should be used to protect our environment.
7 months ago
Skip the Vinyl
Skip the low quality vinyl siding that deteriorates quickly in the southern heat. The warped, mildewed, and damaged siding is unappealing when you're driving down major areas. Opt for brick and higher quality materials to reflect the downtown charm.
6 months ago
Architectural review guidelines
Some of the design guidelines for the architectural review board are out of date. Some metal exterior wall panels look great and are also durable. They do not have the look of the traditional metal building.
9 months ago
Eco Friendly materials and architecture.
Repurposing and using available green-centric building materials is an opportunity for a small town like us to set an example and work towards a more sustainable community. Buildings that feature and compliment trees, green space and community gardens. Green roofs and rainwater collection as well as energy reducing windows and machinery.
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One of the goals of the ConnectColumbia Framework Plan is to review and revise the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that context-responsive infill regulations will adequately protect existing neighborhoods from redevelopment pressures that are not in keeping with the scale and form of adjacent buildings. Show us an example of an infill project that you think does (or doesn't!) fit in its surroundings. Explain why! We'll use these examples to provide revised standards for infill development.
View All Ideas9 months ago
No condo/apartment/townhouse development in the Riverside neighborhood.
If infill is supposed to be fitting to the surrounding area then approving the building of condos, apartments, or townhouses in Riverside (around the intersection of Moore Dr. and Riverside Dr.) is absolutely going against that. This plan should not be approved for this neighborhood, single family homes that fit with the character of the existing homes around it would be a great use of the land.
9 months ago
Multi-Unit Developments
I am against the multi unit development in Riverside. It does not match the character of the neighborhood. I would love to see this area kept as green space because of the many adult/large trees. It would be a great expansion to the riverwalk to add hiking and biking trails here. I The property is situated directly above the River and next to some great local restaurants. It would be great to make them feel more connected to Downtown and the Riverwalk. It is also next to the CPWS station and you could educate visitors and residents on power and water systems.Most importantly I do not think the multi-unit development fits the historical Riverside neighborhood or any of the historic parts of Columbia. West 7th, Riverside, downtown and the arts district should be protected from being turned into Condos.
9 months ago
The new multi-family housing in riverside
I do not want a multi-unit development in riverside! I worry about packing in to many people into a small lot in the riverside neighborhood. I worry the developers and the city will not keep with the unique and historic architecture of this are and they will try to cram as many units as possible into that space.
9 months ago
Riverside should remain single-family homes
Riverside is a neighborhood made up of single-family homes and has been for a long time. This is an historic area that will not benefit from the addition of condos or apartments. Traffic will be affected and the charm of our old neighborhood will suffer. Please, please find another place to build these. They do not make sense in Riverside. Thank you.
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Got a big idea about zoning in Columbia? Share it here! You can even add an image to help illustrate your thoughts.
View All Ideas4 months ago
Have the police enforce the fire zones
Have the police enforce the fire zones in front of pizza hut and papa johns. You have to pull toward the income traffic to get around them
9 months ago
Business Incubators
Jackson, TN has a wonderful idea where they've constructed small retail spaces with limited leases to allow for small startups in the retail industry to try their hand at opening a store. Ordinances or city funding to allow a shopping complex or outdoor mall to exist like this could be a wonderful opportunity for folks that may want to try their dream without investing heavily. This also helps contribute to a diverse marketplace in product and business ownership.
6 months ago
Traffic light on trotwood/pleasant drive
We really need a light at trotwood and pleasant drive. It’s getting increasingly hard to leave our neighborhood because of how busy the road has gotten. Also, I see a lot of people walking down trotwood. It would be nice if there were sidewalks for the pedestrians, so they don’t get hit by people that constantly drive illegally on the shoulder to go around cars they are too impatient to wait on. I’m always worried someone will be injured.
6 months ago
Amusement and Fun
I think Columbia needs to become another leader when it comes to the mid south. That said, many people are tired of having to drive hours to go to a water park. It gets super hot here in Tennessee as we all know. Why not repurpose some land and let's get them tourist dollars and build more jobs? Nothing is stopping us from getting our own water park. We definitely have space for it. So let's use it. No I'm not kidding! It'll boost the economy, it'll give our kids something to do during the summertime. And it'll bring people from all over. It's about time we extend our horizons.
7 months ago
Additional Local Restaurants and Shops
Reduce approval for chain restaurants - I think we have enough chicken! It'd be great to have more local restaurants and shopping near these developed areas, as downtown Columbia is heavily populated with government and law offices.
