COLUMBIA — A request to rezone nearly an acre of land near the Rocky Creek Estates subdivision to allow for more residential development was removed from Monday’s City Council agenda by applicant Ted Littell.
Littell's request was approved by Planning and Development Department staff, but the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend its denial after public comment and discussion at its May 21 meeting.
Tim Crockett of Crockett Engineering Consultants said in a Monday night interview that the commission wants fewer homes on the property.
“We’re going to withdraw the current request and then reapply with a plan that the Planning and Zoning Commission will approve,” said Crockett, who helped Littell with his initial request and spoke on his behalf at the May commission meeting.
Littell could not be reached for comment Monday night. Fifth Ward City Councilwoman Laura Nauser said Littell withdrew his request Monday morning.
Littell requested the 0.97-acre plot to be rezoned as planned unit development (PUD-4.5) in order to build three single-family, detached homes to sell as condominium units and one single-family home for himself. Under the current single-family residential status, the property only qualifies for two or three housing units.
The commission said it was uncomfortable with the high density of development associated with Littell's proposal, which included four homes, one central driveway and enough parking to accommodate 16 cars.
Three neighbors of the property spoke at the commission meeting in opposition to the request, citing concerns of stormwater drainage, which is already a problem in the area, and the high number of proposed homes.
A letter from the Highlands Homes Association also expressed opposition to the proposal. The group wrote that it found no benefit for the city or neighborhood in a higher housing density.
The areas surrounding Littell’s property are zoned as city single-family residential and Boone County residential single family, including Rocky Creek Estates, Old Plank Road subdivision and single-family homes behind wooded areas.