P&Z recommends approval for rezoning of daycare

COLUMBIA — Academy Daycare sits near the intersection of Providence and East Green Meadows Road, on the undeveloped southeast corner.This property, however, is slated to become part of Columbia’s business expansion.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a development plan for this property at its meeting Thursday night. The plan for the approximately six-acre plot includes possible retail stores, restaurants and offices, as well as a roundabout entrance from East Green Meadows Road to accommodate increased traffic.

Planning Director Tim Teddy explained that city traffic engineers recommended a roundabout instead of a stoplight, because traffic flow will not be high enough for a stoplight and the entrance’s close proximity to Providence makes left turns difficult. In addition to the main entrance off East Green Meadows, the plan includes six driveways onto the site.

Property owner Steve Wendling addressed additional concerns of the commission and the future of the day care facility.

“I plan on owning the building for twenty years,” he said.

Members of the commission commended Wendling on his landscaping plans and efforts to save the existing trees on the property. Wendling said he and the developers are trying to plan around the trees instead of chopping them down.

“I have every interest of maintaining a very well landscaped area,” he said.