Columbiana Planning Commission recently approved the preliminary plat for an unnamed subdivision and shopping center at the intersection of highways 70 and 26.

The conditional approval was granted during a meeting last Thursday at Columbiana City Hall.

The first phase of the subdivision will include a 20-acre commercial site for small retail shops and a residential section featuring 32 lots on 8.75 acres.

The property will be developed by Bill Cleckley, owner, with Scott Skipper serving as engineer.

Among conditions of the preliminary plat approval were a final version of the preliminary plat with street names and the subdivision name, a setback variance, a Department of Transportation permit and other minor technicalities.

Those voting in favor of the conditional approval of the preliminary plat were Bill Justice, Dee McDaniel, Kathy Carter and Keith Wheeler.

Jim Strickland abstained from the vote as he was the seller of the property.

Absent was Sherry Rush who was in session with the City Council, Mayor Allan Lowe and Donnie Copeland.

Skipper said it is known that a deceleration lane will be needed coming into the Columbiana for the subdivision and that a turn lane may also be necessary heading out of Columbiana.

He also said it was felt that a four-lane entrance into the subdivision should run for 500 feet narrowing to two-lane traffic.

Columbiana administrator Hilry King said Cleckley has agreed to pay an up-front tap fee for each lot which will be used to finance a forced main sewer for the development.

He said Cleckley will be responsible for the infrastructure of the sewer which the city will take over