Columbia zoning board denies special-exception request for proposed convenience store at 3409–3411 Ferrell Road

The City of Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals voted to deny a special-exception request to reestablish a convenience store at 3409 and 3411 Ferrell Road, saying the application failed to satisfy several zoning findings including concerns about concentration of similar uses and impacts on the public interest.

The board denied the application after an extended public comment period in which neighborhood residents, community leaders and elected officials urged the board to reject the application because of public-safety and quality-of-life concerns. The board’s denial was based on its finding that the proposed use would contribute to a proliferation of similar businesses in the area and could adversely affect the public interest.

Why it matters: Members of Booker Washington Heights and nearby neighborhoods said they have been working with city and county agencies to revitalize the community and that adding another small convenience store would undermine those efforts. Multiple speakers said the site is close to Saint John Baptist Church, which operates a preschool and playground, and argued that a convenience store would increase littering, loitering and police calls.

Applicant and proposed conditions Alex Shishis, attorney for the applicant eSpott, said the property…