{"id":3012,"date":"2026-07-11T09:05:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T09:05:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=3012"},"modified":"2026-07-11T09:05:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T09:05:27","slug":"plans-for-apartments-retail-in-columbia-gateway-stoke-fears-of-crime-blight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=3012","title":{"rendered":"Plans for apartments, retail in Columbia gateway stoke fears of crime, blight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two new proposals in a North Columbia neighborhood, one for mixed-income apartments and another for a \u201cretail node,\u201d have stirred public frustration. Residents say the area is oversaturated with affordable housing, and adding more without first addressing public safety and infrastructure, would stifle economic growth and only harm the corridor.<\/p>

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Residents are also skeptical about the new commercial plans, with one neighborhood leader saying the area won\u2019t attract \u201cupscale\u201d shops or restaurants until its fundamental needs are met.<\/p>

Columbia\u2019s Planning Commission Thursday OKed a zoning change needed for the retail plans, but only partially approved a request for the apartment project. The city council will make the final decision on if those plans can proceed.<\/p>

New apartments hit roadblock<\/h2>

The projects are nearly side-by-side between a neighborhood and the existing Garden Lakes Apartments complex south of Interstate 20, just below the Pepsi bottling plant.<\/p>

The new apartments would be phase two of that existing complex, adding 200 new units to the already standing 288.<\/p>

Architect Anthony Lawrence with MOTA Designs represented the project before the Planning Commission. The project includes affordable and market rate apartments. The city board OKed part of the request tied to the land\u2019s future land use, but didn\u2019t approve a zoning change needed for the apartment plans. That means unless the City Council approves the request, the apartments may not be able to advance.<\/p>

Before the vote, residents in and around the N. 21 Terrace Neighborhood lined up to speak against the apartments, raising fears that further concentrating low-income housing in 29203 would add to public safety problems and stifle economic growth.<\/p>