Columbus zones 136 acres as traditional neighborhood for mixed use 

 COLUMBUS — The Town of Columbus zoned 136.85 acres recently annexed as a Traditional Neighborhood District as the developer hopes to sell the property for a mix of uses.  

Columbus Town Council unanimously approved the zoning during a meeting last week.  

Columbus Town Manager Tim Barth said the planning board met in January to discuss the zoning for the property and John Montgomery, the managing partner with Route 74 Hwy. 108 LLC, requesting that the property be zoned TND.  

“Because of the mix of different uses that is contemplated for the property, the planning board agreed that TND would be appropriate and has made the recommendation to zone the property TND,” Barth told council. “This zoning will allow the mix of commercial and residential development that is eventually envisioned for this property.”  

The property is located adjacent to Hatch Mill off Highway 108 in Columbus, and includes land adjacent to the mill as well as across the roadway. The county’s property for a new law enforcement center on the other side of Hatch Mill was not included in the annexation into town limits.  

The property is currently for sale, so it is not known what development will come to the area. Montgomery has a conceptual site plan for the property, which includes naming the property “The Reserve at Fox Mountain,” and plans for senior living, a grocery store, hotel, office space, a park, fast food, townhomes, multi-family homes, a convenience store and restaurant.  

Columbus held a public hearing prior to zoning the property. The town annexed the property voluntarily during its December 2017 meeting after holding a public hearing.  

While there was no discussion last week regarding the parcel, in December, councilman Robert Williamson said the property will be a real asset for the town in that the lay of the land is conducive to a nice looking community with a great view of the mountains.  

Columbus annexed the land after receiving a petition for annexation from Hwy. 108 LLC, owned by Clary Hood and John Montgomery. The portion of the property across from Milliken has already been cleared, and the portion adjacent to the mill is being cleared now.  

By approving the annexation into town limits, Columbus will now receive both tax revenue from the property as well as water and sewer fees once connections to town services are made.