Council approves rezoning for parcels tied to Friendship Development Corporation project

Columbia City Council on April 1 voted to rezone five parcels near Friendship Church from residential single-family small lot to residential mixed district, a change the church’s development arm said will support plans for affordable housing.

Reverend Anthony A. Dix, pastor of Friendship Church and CEO of Friendship Development Corporation, addressed the council during the public hearing and expressed support for the staff recommendation. "We have had lengthy discussions with staff, and we agree with the recommendations they've made thus far," Dix said, noting a historical partnership with the city that dates to projects around the church about 40 years ago.

Planning staff described the request as a staff-recommended rezoning of five parcels (the transcript lists the parcels as 1222–1230 House Street; 2502 and 2506 Yeoman; and 1225 McDuffie Avenue). The council clarified on the record that the vote covered all five parcels under the staff/planning recommendation. Councilmember Reverend McDowell moved approval and the council approved the rezoning by roll call.

What changed

- Zoning: From residential single-family small lot to residential mixed district for all five parcels listed in the staff recommendation.

Council comments and process

Council members asked for clarification on whether the motion covered all five parcels; staff and the mover confirmed the scope on the record. One speaker signed up in opposition withdrew before speaking. The motion passed with affirmative roll-call votes by the seven members present.

Next steps

The rezoning approval allows the applicant and city planning staff to proceed consistent with the residential mixed district zoning; specific development plans or permitting steps were not discussed in detail at the meeting and remain subject to subsequent reviews and approvals.