Forest Acres City Council plans to prohibit new liquor and vape shops in a residential commercial area, responding to resident concerns about maintaining the neighborhood’s family-friendly character.

The council is considering an ordinance amendment that would ban “smoke or vape shops and sales of beer, wine and liquor” in the Covenant Crossing area after residents objected to a vacant building owner applying for a beer and wine license.

“That’s why I think the neighbors and the community feel so strongly about it,” City Administrator Shaun Greenwood said, “and that’s why council felt like we needed to do something.”

Covenant Crossing sits in a unique position as Forest Acres’ only commercial area completely surrounded by neighborhoods. The district houses family-centered businesses including Trenholm Park, Harmony School, The Therapy Place and an adult day care center.

Mayor Thomas Andrews said city leaders want to preserve Covenant Crossing’s “neighborhood feel” and “create a safe space” around Trenholm Park by encouraging family-friendly growth while limiting businesses that don’t align with that vision.

The proposed restrictions follow Forest Acres’ approval last year of a Unified Development Ordinance that overhauled zoning regulations to manage the city’s growth over the next two decades. The city of roughly 10,000 residents sits northeast of downtown Columbia.

Greenwood said the effort mirrors measures already in place for other Forest Acres districts, where certain business types are prohibited under the new zoning code.

The city’s planning commission discussed the amendment at its Jan. 20 meeting and recommended council soften the language to avoid blocking potential businesses that align with area goals but also sell alcohol. The commission also suggested allowing existing beer and wine businesses to return to the area if they temporarily relocate.

“I know that whatever the details are,” Andrews said, “there’s a focus or desire to do something for that area to create those guardrails.”

The ordinance will receive its first reading at the Feb. 10 city council meeting, with a public hearing scheduled for March.

City leaders said they have not discussed applying similar restrictions to other areas. Andrews said the council is “trying to be targeted and focused” due to Covenant Crossing’s “sensitivity” and does not plan to apply the ordinance citywide.