Construction has begun on the Columbiana Crossings subdivision at the intersection of Highways 70 and 26 &045; with the first 34 houses of a 120-home subdivision scheduled for construction over the next year.

&8220;I feel like this subdivision will have a very positive impact on the city,&8221; Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe said. &8220;Columbiana has been a community where people want to come and live for some time now.&8221;

Project contractor Kerry Carter said the development will welcome both families looking to downsize their home and new families just starting out.

&8220;We&8217;re expecting young and old alike,&8221; Carter said.

The homes will run around 1500-1600 square-feet, Carter said.

&8220;Columbiana does not have the suburban hubbub of cities along the Interstate and Highway 280,&8221; he said. &8220;A lot of people are looking for this small town feel.&8221;

Carter said that the houses were estimated to run in the mid-$100,000 range but warned that building material costs and other factors could contribute to a rise in prices.

Lowe complimented Carter&8217;s company, Columbiana Crossings, LLC, for its work.

&8220;This developer has brought good plans to our community,&8221; he said. &8220;Columbiana has a need for businesses and the way you attract business starts with having rooftops.&8221;

The homes will average 3.2 family members, Lowe said, which could significantly impact local schools.

&8220;We definitely need to temper our desire for good quality homes with our ability as a city to provide services,&8221; he said. &8220;We don&8217;t want to grow too fast.&8221;