P & Z recommends annexing ABC Laboratories property

COLUMBIA — Columbia’s Planning and Zoning Commission moved one step closer Thursday night to annexing property owned by ABC Laboratories as part of Columbia. The commission voted to recommend approval of the pharmaceutical company’s property annexation to the Columbia City Council.

The annexation, which was initiated by the city rather than ABC, is part of Columbia’s effort to create more industrial property.

The property, located north of Interstate 70 near the Rangeline Road interchange east of Columbia, would have mixed zoning, specific for commercial and industrial use. Additionally, 36 acres of the Interstate 70 right-of-way would also be annexed to connect the ABC property with the city.

The commission voiced approval for increased industrial property for the city, citing a lack of zoned property for such use. ABC has no current plans for developing new buildings on the annexed property. A spokesperson for ABC did say that they would like to reserve the opportunity to potentially use this land in the future.

Construction for another ABC facility at Discovery Ridge Research Park, south of Columbia, is near completion. Two out of ABC’s four business groups will be moving to the new facility.