City Council rejects rezoning for apartment complex in south Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia City Council leaders shot down a rezoning plan for a potential apartment complex on the south side of town.

The rezoning request was for 32.7 acres off Rock Quarry Road and Grindstone Parkway for a development called "The Retreat at Columbia." The project is expected to be a 194-unit multifamily development for students located 350 feet north of Gray Oak Drive in south Columbia, according to the meeting agenda.

If the rezoning were approved, the site would be accessed using a new road named "Retreat Way," connecting to Grindstone Plaza and Rock Quarry Road. Access to Rock Quarry Road is proposed as a right-turn-only lane.

The measure failed 5-1, with Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll being the lone “yes” vote and Ward 6 Councilwoman Betsy Peters not voting.

Columbia’s Planning and Zoning Commission did not have enough “yes” votes in June to recommend the complex to the council, following strong pushback from residents.

The council also gave a first read on Monday night to proposed construction improvements to the Rainbow Softball Complex at Cosmo Park, estimated to cost $750,000.