The Columbus City Council has given initial approval to a large subdivision northwest of Columbus, over the objections of neighbors. Arbor Homes submitted a plan to annex approximately 154 acres for the subdivision to be called “Abbey Place,” in the area of Indianapolis Road and Interstate 65 near the Princeton Park subdivision.

The Council voted unanimously on first reading to annex the land. The body later voted 4-3 in favor of an amended ordinance to rezone the property that will require the developer to meet certain commitments. Council members Frank Miller, Frank Jerome and Laurie Booher were the “no” votes.

The proposed development would max out at around 315 homes, but a representative for Arbor Homes says that, if approved, he expects construction to be gradual. He estimated that it would be six to seven years, at approximately 50 homes each year, before the development is complete.

Neighbors, many from the Princeton Park neighborhood, object to the project. They cited traffic in that area that they say is already problematic. With the scheduled increase in train traffic through that area, they say it is only going to get worse, even without a new housing development. Others cited worries of potential flooding and the effect a new development would have on existing property values. Other concerns expressed involved water service, fire department response times, the effect on schools and general safety.

The rezoning, as well as the development, need to be approved by the council for a second time before any work can begin.