Residents press traffic and safety concerns as commission backs townhouse PRD at former school site

The Planning Commission on Aug. 6 voted to recommend rezoning 325 McCormick Road (the former South Columbia Elementary site) from R-3 to PRD to allow a planned residential development that staff said would include roughly 107 units and amenities including pickleball courts and a play area.

Staff (Danielle) said the PRD concept shows 107 units concentrated on the center of the site with perimeter buffers and two access points that would require turn-lane work. "Traffic engineering has said that a traffic study will be required with this development," Danielle said, and staff noted a traffic study would identify whether additional turn lanes or signals are needed during the construction-plan review. Several residents raised concerns about existing traffic congestion at Old Evans and McCormick Road and the lack of sidewalks. "The increase of traffic will be heavy," one resident said, noting accidents at the Old Evans intersection and the absence of a sidewalk. Another resident emphasized the practical problem that many drivers already struggle to turn from Old Evans during peak hours.

Commissioners and staff noted the project would require a traffic study and designated turn-lane infrastructure if warranted; they recommended approval with the condition that play areas and other PRD standards be met. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final consideration on Aug. 18.