The future of downtown development, and Repeal 6214

Columbia’s city clerk has until Tuesday evening to decide whether the petition known as Repeal 6214 has enough signatures and is valid - and whether the city can continue with its plans, approved last March, with the developer the Opus Group. If you’ve been following this story, you know that this is about another student housing complex planned for downtown Columbia. Those in favor of the plan - including the mayor and a majority of city council members - say increasing the housing opportunities and investment downtown is a good thing. Opponents of the plan say the deal doesn’t do enough to address infrastructure needs or the livability of Columbia’s downtown communities - and they’ve gathered more than 3,000 signatures from Columbia citizens who agree with them.