By CHUCK ADAMSON of the Tribune’s staff
Published Tuesday, February 8, 2005

Bear Creek Village developer Andrew Guti got his property rezoned last night and received accolades from Columbia City Council members and neighbors in the process.

His proposed 18-acre subdivision in northeast Columbia has been touted as a model of environmentally friendly development. Current plans show about 80 living units clustered together, preserving larger continuous areas of green space and natural habitats.

Supporter George Davis, a neighbor, spoke in opposition to the project during a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing in December, but Davis told council members last night that he had changed his mind.

Since meeting with Guti and reviewing the plans, Davis believes the project will enhance property values and preserve natural environments.

"We have found this may be a more responsible development than anything we’ve seen in the area," Davis said. "We’ve changed our position."

The rezoning allows for a planned residential development and a small commercial area.

The development would include cottages, townhouses and studio-condos. A coffee shop, market and day-care center are proposed. The site is along a bus line, allowing people to commute to work without driving. It will have up to 10 acres of open space and trails. There will be a community garden, and a section of native prairie will be preserved.

"We think we have found a more environmentally responsible way," Guti said. "We hope this project will open the door to others in this community, to environmentally friendly development."

Guti said he hopes to break ground on the project by the end of this year.

"It’s got to be financially successful or else everyone else will look at it and say ‘See, it can’t be done,’ " Guti said today. "We think it can be."

Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman said he had predicted the development would be a huge success.
"I think this is a great development. I’m an enthusiastic supporter of it," Hindman said. "I hope other developers will watch this very, very closely."