A group of North Columbia neighbors have filed a lawsuit to appeal a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals that would bring a large (16 pump) Murphy's gas station and convenience store to the corner of North Main and Sunset Drive. And a proposed change to zoning laws would keep this predatory title loan business on the property! We strongly believe this would have a terrible impact on our neighborhood, and we oppose the proposal on the grounds that it conflicts with long-standing goals for the North Main Corridor.
The background: On February 5th the Board of Zoning Appeals approved the gas station by a vote of 3-2. The proposal would keep the existing Auto Money Title Loan business, just relocating it to another part of the property. Under current city development codes, title loan and payday lender businesses cannot be moved. But now the city is considering a text amendment that will allow these businesses to be moved as long as they are on the same property. Moving the title loan building would pave the way to build the gas station on that corner.
We must fight back against the kind of reckless, thoughtless, anti-community development that this proposed gas station/convenience store represents. If we don't resist, they will think we don't care. A City of Columbia Master Plan drafted 20 years ago envisioned the North Main Corridor as an area that is more walkable, vibrant and connected. It's impossible to see how a gas station/convenience store at one of our most important intersections complies with this plan, makes it more pedestrian friendly or in any way improves our community. If the court ultimately rules in our favor, the project approval can be voided, potentially forcing them to halt work or even demolish built structures.
We need to raise another $3,000 to meet our legal fees. If we win in court, we Please help! Every donation counts, no matter how small. All donations are tax deductible.
