Estates Co. multi-million-dollar project, dubbed Brookland, can move forward.

West Columbia City Council passed an ordinance, Wednesday, to rezone the four-plus acres at State and Meeting streets from Commercial 2, to a Planned Unit Development (PUD.) The vote was approved 7-1, with only Councilman Tem Miles opposing it.

The plan is for a residential, commercial and retail project with four buildings, green spaces, restaurants, and walkways. Three of the buildings are to be 60-feet, and one can be as tall as 76-feet.

The rezoning ordinance will allow for 235 residential units with one parking space created by the developer per unit. The ordinance was amended from 200 units and 1.25 parking spaces per unit. Councilwoman Casey Hallman amended the ordinance to allow for 235 units and fewer parking spots.

“It gives the developer more flexibility,” Hallman said after the meeting. She said the developer needs to be able best serve the market, be it residential or commercial office space. Hallman’s amendment passed by a 5-3 vote.

Councilman Tommy Parler said the plan to develop the high-profile property has been a long time coming. He said it has been discussed for at least 10 years.

“We’ve seen plans come and go,” said Parler. “This is a good one.”

After the vote there were some boos from the crowd at the meeting. There was some applause that the deal had moved forward, too.

“Right now I know of at least two other major developments that are looking at West Columbia if we approve this,”  Councilman Jimmy Brooks – who voted in favor –  printed in a Facebook post before the meeting.

Parler also said he feels sure the development by Estates will attract more investors to the area.