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 Ideasabout 1 year ago
Investing In Our City
The city should really invest it’s time and money into restoring neighborhoods and adding property value. Not on adding ‘affordable housing’. There is way more of this here still compared to other smaller cities. There are low-cost options still out there. Property value is still continuing to rise in Columbia thankfully, do not demolish this by investing the city’s money in projects that are not majority important. There are more important issues like: investing in schools and upgrading the older ones, adding landscaping, restoring buildings that need it instead of letting the character of Columbia fall apart. Make this the town people want it to be and are striving for it to be. Continue to invest in downtown and riverside.
over 1 year 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.
about 1 year ago
Keep Lines of Communication w/constituents
I have been trying for several years to get Maple Ct off of West 7th paved. The residents were not informed up front that this was a HOA that never set up dues for it's improvement before purchasing homes in The Maples. My home was built in 1988 as well as 3 others and thereafter homes were built sporadically. There are still 3 vacant lots. Currently the developer has sold all his lots and he failed to replace the fence portion he permitted the builder to tear down to get into the complex to build. Our street is no longer a private street therefore our gas tax dollars should be used to pave the street which I don't believe has been paved since 1988. I refuse for myself and the other residents to be "victims" of this travesty. Mr Campbell, the developer said we could set up our own HOA------well "that dog want hunt". What about the 26 years before I moved here? It is like getting blood out of a turnip to get funds after the fact! For the most part this is a senior community with mostly 2 bedroom brick homes. An example of pride in community is that Codes said they sent out notices to everyone to replace or repair fences or be subject to a $500 fine. Three (3) families did new fences and 2 others already had new fences. One individual took down his fence and never replaced it next door to me. The remainder of the fences are deplorable w/vines and trees growing in them. There is a city access road at the top of our street where the builder never replaced the fence that permits traffic to come and go. We respectfully request that this situation be corrected. I was advised in talking to City officials that this was allowed to happen with two developments which included The Maples and was stopped at that point due to the problems that occurred from it. I don't know who permitted what and for what reason---it doesn't matter. I need help in getting it corrected. Thank you!
about 1 year 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.
over 1 year ago
How Does Bypassing Zoning Regulations Occur
How was a 700+ resident petition to reconsider a 250 unit apartment complex in Neapolis completely ignored, and an answer given that, "It won't affect traffic," given? It currently takes 20-30 minutes to travel from Rippavilla to the south end of Carter's Creek in the afternoon, and an additional 500+ residents are not expected to make an additional impact? I would like to see an investigation into why existing ordinances for zoning were bypassed to allow the construction.
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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 Ideasover 1 year 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.
about 1 year 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.
over 1 year 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.
over 1 year 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 Ideasover 1 year 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.
over 1 year 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.
over 1 year 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.
over 1 year 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.
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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 Ideasover 1 year ago
Ecotourism
I think Columbia does not realize it could set the example for surrounding towns in the area. It has the opportunity to be a small town Chattanooga. The empty lot on Riverside should be turned into a hiking trails with a Nature Center and an outfitter where you can rent bikes to ride the Riverwalk and Downtown. It should also feature an outfitter where you can rent kayaks and be put in at the Riverwalk and float to Chickasaw. This float takes you through town. It also ends at a great Chickasaw a great county park with mountain bike trails that people travel from Nashville to use. I think a rain garden teaching kids about the water cycle would be a cool feature. I think Columbia could benefit from a climbing gym and maybe a skate park. I would love to see all the warehouses/factories on the rebuilt and turned into businesses.
about 1 year 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.
12 months ago
Signage and Zoning
Remove the temp street signs or make money from them. I do not like them, but if zoning is going to permit them, then limit there size and have a temporary permit for 14-30 days and pay $20 for it, especially the auction signs !
over 1 year ago
Consideration for Traffic Patterns and Busy Areas
There is generally a lack of consideration for traffic impacts when these large communities or developments are approved, which is a MAJOR downfall for young professionals. You'll chase off young professionals and those transitioning to family life if the commute AFTER I65 is even more unreasonable. There needs to be additional infrastructure consideration before you chase any young couples/families away from the area to move closer to work and/or out of Maury county entirely.
over 1 year ago
Require Green Space
Require green space, walking trails, and landscaping as part of all new communities by setting a minimum threshold. Many new communities feature green spaces that are purely retention ponds and nothing more. Require landscaping and trees to reflect what was destroyed for developers to clear land. Opt to require common areas with walking trails, gazebos, seating, etc. to help support community settings.
