One more (insert object here) in Columbia

Apparently, Columbia's a small city with major growth possibilities. Today, there were three articles about approved or possible additions to the city.

Columbia's getting that new Wal-Mart I posted about a while ago. 173,190 more square feet of commercialization. Actually, more than that, because as a stipulation for building the Wal-Mart developers agreed to build 17,000 square feet of adjoining retail space, a 15,000 square- foot building in one corner of the site, and a 14, 250 square-foot building at another. This new brick-facade Wal-Mart will be the fourth to be built in Columbia, although one is supposed to be shut down after this one is built. Yay, capitalism. Oh, well. I will say, though, that since this development is going to be built, I hope one of the other buildings turns out to be a good store, like Kohl's.

The Mid-Missouri Mavericks, a baseball team, want to build a multi-million stadium in Columbia. They will be spending the 2006 baseball season trying to raise money. By the way, that doesn't include playing baseball. That may be the stupidest decision I've ever heard. Wouldn't it be far more effective to win games and convince people to support the project and team with your talent? Ridiculous.

Shelter Insurance is also planning to build more office buildings in Columbia. They're supposed to be pretty, at least, built with brick and featuring a lot of landscaping. About 44 percent of the site is supposed to be "green." The article didn't really say how residents of the area affected felt about the development, only that Shelter worked with residents.

If tax propositions pass in the next election, Columbia will also build an ice rink and farmers' market shelter.