A proposed annexation and rezoning for a new housing development on the west side of Columbus is on hold, for now. The city council heard proposals Tuesday night from Jeff Bergman, the city-county planning director, and representatives for Arbor Homes on a plan to set the groundwork for an approximately 300-home development near Princeton Parks.

The proposal includes the annexation of just over 154 acres, including adjacent road right-of-way. Just over 151 acres are the property of one owner, who requested the annexation. All of this acreage is currently zoned “Residential: Single-Family 2.” Arbor Homes, the company pursuing the development, is asking for the property to be rezoned “Residential: Single-Family 3,” which would allow them to build more homes on the property. In earlier dealings with the Columbus Plan Commission, Arbor explained that the development would consist of 312 lots. The Plan Commission ultimately voted unanimously in favor of Arbor’s request.

Tuesday night’s city council meeting drew several dozens of concerned residents, many from the Princeton Parks neighborhood. They objected strenuously to the development, expressing concerns about traffic, utilities, fire protection and the effect on schools.

Arbor representatives argued that many of the fears expressed by residents were unfounded, noting studies and communications with city departments like fire and utilities. They also noted that road improvements in the area are included in the development proposal. That did little to assuage audience members and members of city council who expressed many of the same concerns. Chief among them was fire service as train traffic in the area is slated to ramp up exponentially in the coming years.

The council ultimately voted to table both the annexation and rezoning requests in the hope of getting answers to their concerns. Both matters are scheduled to be heard again at the next council meeting on June 6th.