Habitat for Humanity seeks city annexations for single-family subdivision

COLUMBIA — Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity plans to build 32 houses on 12 acres near Old Plank Road and Route K, but it wants the city to annex and zone the land for single-family homes first.

The land was originally targeted for development as a 33-lot single-family residential subdivision in Boone County. It had the proper zoning, and the necessary infrastructure — including streets, sewer, water and electrical lines — was installed in 2004, according to a report to the Columbia City Council from Planning and Development Director Tim Teddy. The previous owners lost the property to foreclosure before a final plan showing how the subdivision would be laid out was approved.

Habitat for Humanity plans to use the existing infrastructure, Teddy said in his report. Annexation would allow the subdivision to receive city services such as police and fire protection and infrastructure maintenance.

The Columbia City Council held a public hearing on the request during its meeting Monday night, but no one spoke about the issue. The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously delayed the matter over concerns about the durability of streets on the property.

The applicants actually asked the commission to table the matter after city staff expressed concerns about the streets, Teddy said. That issue has since been addressed, but the request will be returned to the commission for consideration at its Oct. 20 meeting. The council went ahead with the public hearing because it had already passed a resolution scheduled for Monday night.

"We've worked out an arrangement in the performance contract that will be a tighter guarantee on the performance of that street," Teddy said.

City Planner Steve MacIntyre clarified the arrangement. "If the road starts to crumble within two years or prior to 18 units being built, then the applicant will be responsible for reconstructing the street. Otherwise, the city will accept it as is."

MacIntyre predicted the annexation will glide through the commission and the council.

"The annexation isn’t an issue that’s going to get much attention from the council or the public. The zoning may, but it’s fairly non-controversial. The issue that may get some attention may have more to do with the low-income housing component. People’s reaction can be fairly mixed."

If the Planning and Zoning Commission issues a recommendation on Oct. 20, an ordinance approving the annexation and zoning would be introduced at the council's Nov. 7 meeting and would come up for a final vote on Nov. 21.