Columbia, social service organization expected to end agreement over McCallister home
Ellyse Edwards
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The future of a historic Columbia property could soon change.
The Columbia City Council is expected to consider a resolution Monday that would end the city’s lease agreement with Love Columbia for the property at 200 N. Garth Ave.
In April, the city approved an agreement allowing Love Columbia to rehabilitate the former home of Dr. Lee Roy McAllister into a single-family transitional housing residence for first-time homebuyers participating in the Homeowner Residential Program.
According to a City Council memo, Love Columbia requested the lease be terminated after meeting with community stakeholders and other interested parties occurred. The memo says it was determined the intended purpose “may not be the best use for the property.”
If approved, the city plans to develop a Request for Expression of Interest to allow organizations to submit proposals for potential uses of the property. The memo says staff expect that process will begin by this winter.
City spokesman Christopher Ave wrote in a statement that the city and Love Columbia jointly decided not to move forward with the lease and public input will help guide the property’s future.
“We look forward to engaging in a robust public engagement effort to explore any available options for the property. Ultimately, our decision will be guided by public input…”
Love Columbia declined to comment on Friday.