Columbia Considers 240-Unit Apartment Complex Amid Traffic Concerns

Nearby residents worry about added congestion along Rolling Hills and Richland roads.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A proposed 240-unit apartment complex called "The Vantage" in Columbia, Missouri has sparked concerns from nearby residents about increased traffic in the area. The development would convert land previously designated for commercial use into housing, with four apartment buildings and various amenities. While city staff support the project as aligning with goals for diverse housing options, some residents argue the infrastructure is not yet in place to handle the additional traffic the new apartments would bring.

Why it matters

This project highlights the ongoing tension between the need for more housing and the potential impacts on existing infrastructure. As Columbia aims to address a shortage of multi-family rental units, the city must balance development with mitigating traffic concerns raised by the local community.

The details

The Vantage would be built on 50.8 acres south of the Richland Road and Rolling Hills Road intersection, with two buildings west of Rolling Hills Road and two to the east. To help address impacts, the developer would provide a trail easement, convey land for a future park, dedicate right-of-way, and contribute funds for a planned roundabout. A traffic study found the project would not create conflicts with planned road improvements, but nearby residents argue the scope of the study did not fully account for the project's effects on already congested intersections.

  • The Vantage development plan and Statement of Intent would require final plat approval before any construction begins.
  • Planned road improvements in the area, including widening Rolling Hills Road and upgrading the Richland-St. Charles-Grace intersection, are projected for 2031.

The players

Tori-Ben Farms LLC

The developer of the proposed 240-unit "The Vantage" apartment complex.

John Ogan

A spokesman for the City of Columbia.

Patrick Zenner

The Community Development manager for the City of Columbia.

Gail Houseworth

A resident of the Brooks Subdivision who voiced concerns about the project's impact on traffic.

Dale Halley

A resident of the Brooks Subdivision and retired engineer who argued infrastructure should be built before housing development.

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What they’re saying

“When you're adding 240 more dwelling units to two sides of an intersection, you can expect that that's going to get a lot worse. The scope of their study, it doesn't go into the streets that evolve out from that, where I personally know that there is a good deal of backed-up traffic during peak hours.”

— Gail Houseworth, Brooks Subdivision resident (abc17news.com)

“We're fine with the development. The new housing is needed, for sure. But the problem the city has is they're not building the streets prior to building the houses. And I know that there's council members that appreciate that and they expressed their appreciation. So we just really want to see the infrastructure put in first. And then you can build the houses so that people can get to and from them.”

— Dale Halley, Brooks Subdivision resident and retired engineer (abc17news.com)

“I think when you start to add all of that existing and planned background traffic, that's what triggers the need for the roundabout of Rolling Hills and Richland because the intersection that presently exists there fails and basically becomes gridlock. So the roundabout is meant to address the issue of the gridlock. The expansion of the carrying capacity of Rolling Hills is going to take probably a number of years, beyond the installation of roundabout, to reach a point that warrants putting in the rest of the lanes that were originally accommodated for.”

— Patrick Zenner, Community Development manager, City of Columbia (abc17news.com)

What’s next

The development plan and Statement of Intent for The Vantage would require final plat approval before any construction can begin, ensuring infrastructure and access meet city standards.

The takeaway

This proposed apartment complex highlights the ongoing challenge cities face in balancing new housing development with the need to proactively address impacts on existing infrastructure. As Columbia aims to meet its housing needs, it must work to mitigate traffic concerns raised by the local community and ensure any new projects align with the city's long-term planning efforts.