Columbia Council considers annexation for new 250-home development on 206 acres

The City of Columbia, TN Council meeting on July 9, 2025, focused on a proposed development plan for a new neighborhood consisting of 250 homes on 206 acres. This proposal aims to create a transition from the suburban density of nearby Honey Farms to a more rural character as it approaches the southern boundary near Rutherford Creek.

Key discussions highlighted the need for improved roadway connectivity in the area. Currently, Honey Farms, which has 582 homes, only has one access point. With new commercial developments like Walmart and McDonald's underway, additional access routes are deemed critical for residents. Proposed connections include Beeswax Street and a bridge to Greens Mill, with plans for traffic calming measures to limit cut-through traffic.

The proposed neighborhood would feature larger lot sizes averaging 14,300 square feet, compared to 7,800 square feet in Honey Farms and 11,500 square feet in Greens Mill. Significant open space and buffers of trees are planned to maintain distance from existing homes, with no alterations to the 100-year floodplain.

The development's alignment with the city's comprehensive plan was also discussed. Originally designated as a suburban neighborhood, the area was reclassified to rural transition in early 2024. The proposal seeks to annex the property under the CD 3 L zoning district, which is necessary for predictable growth patterns.

Additionally, the development is expected to resolve existing infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning sewer connections for Honey Farms. The annexation would facilitate gravity flow to the sewer main, alleviating current difficulties.

The meeting underscored the developer's commitment to collaborating with the city to address structural and connectivity issues in the region, emphasizing the importance of this project for the community's growth and infrastructure improvement.