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Columbia to Hold Public Meeting on New Development in Established Areas

Issue #797

August 19, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌦️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Stray shower/thunderstorm possible w/ high of 91, low of 69

📰 Columbia to Hold Public Meeting on New Development in Established Areas

🐕 Meet Blaze: Columbia Fire & Rescue’s New Emotional Support K-9

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia to Hold Public Meeting on New Development in Established Areas

The City of Columbia Development Services Department will host a public meeting on Monday, August 31, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall to discuss proposed infill development standards for the City’s zoning ordinance.

Infill development standards would provide guidance for new residential development on vacant or underutilized lots within established areas. Updating the zoning ordinance to include infill standards would provide an opportunity to better preserve the character of existing neighborhoods while allowing for thoughtful, case-by-case consideration of infill development proposals.

“Adding infill standards gives us an opportunity to provide clearer guidance for new development in established areas while also being mindful of the character and context of the surrounding area,” said City Planner Austin Brass. “We want to hear from residents and property owners to better understand what is important to them as we consider these potential updates.”

The public meeting will provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed approach, ask questions and share feedback with City staff. Community input will help inform the discussion surrounding potential updates to the zoning ordinance and how infill development can be thoughtfully incorporated into established areas of Columbia.

The City encourages residents, property owners, business owners and other community members to attend and provide their input.

WHAT: Public Meeting on Proposed Infill Development Standards

WHEN: Monday, August 31, 4–5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Council Chambers, Columbia City Hall, 700 N. Garden Street

For more information, contact the City of Columbia Development Services Department at 931-560-1560.

Meet Blaze: Columbia Fire & Rescue’s New Emotional Support K-9

The Columbia City Council has approved a resolution accepting a donation from Sutton Circus K-9 Academy for professional K-9 training services valued at $4,270 in support of Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Emotional Support K-9 Program.

The department’s newest Emotional Support K-9, Blaze, was donated through a partnership with the Maury County Animal Shelter and will continue the department’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of its firefighters.

Blaze joins the department following the passing of Darby, Columbia Fire & Rescue’s previous support K-9. During her time with the department, Darby provided a calming presence for firefighters and helped demonstrate the positive role a support K-9 can have in the fire station.

Firefighters routinely experience high-stress and traumatic situations as part of their service to the community. Emotional Support K-9s can provide comfort following difficult calls, help reduce stress and anxiety, improve morale, and encourage healthy conversations surrounding mental health.

Blaze will be assigned to Fire Station 3 for her daily care and will serve as a resource not only for Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel, but also for other emergency service agencies and first responders who may benefit from her support. Blaze will also participate in community outreach and public education opportunities. 

“Our firefighters are there for our community on some of life’s most difficult days,” said Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “It’s just as important that we take care of them. This program is another way we’re investing in the health and well-being of our personnel.”

Columbia Fire & Rescue thanks Sutton Circus K-9 Academy for providing Blaze’s professional training and the Maury County Animal Shelter for donating Blaze. Their generosity and partnership will help Columbia Fire & Rescue continue supporting those who serve our community every day.

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, August 19th

Thursday, August 20th

Friday, August 21st

Saturday, August 22nd

Sunday, August 23rd

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 20
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM
Patrick McCormic - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Curated Songwriters Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Friday, August 21
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Eastern Dreamers - Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Christian Chapman - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-9 PM
Yonder Grove - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Tommy Wheatley - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
The Deltaz with Opening Act Timbo - Puckett's, 8-10 PM
Covered Wagon - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 22
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Patton James & The Syncromatics - 600 N Main St, Mt Pleasant, TN, 6-9 PM
StevieRock Acoustic Duo - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Michael Rix - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
MFT - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Scotty Morton - The Boondox, 8 PM

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