Community remains divided on Howard’s vision for Columbia

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Howard County’s final framework for downtown Columbia offers more emphasis in areas such as transit and open space, but the debate continues on how much detail the county should provide the Columbia landowner.

“We felt it was important to leave it as it was intended to be — a framework that would provide the flexibility to allow the property owner to be creative in their proposal,” said Kimberley Flowers, deputy director of the planning and zoning department.

The landowner, General Growth Properties Inc., is expected to announce this month a series of public meetings leading to the release of a detailed plan for downtown.

County Executive Ken Ulman recently released the final vision for downtown, intended to guide development during the next 30 years.

The final plan, “Downtown Columbia: A Community Vision,” includes a public square to encourage free speech and additional open space and walkways.

County officials also included a chart mapping out the steps for proposing zoning changes and a master plan, including legislative and public review.

“Overall, we incorporated, where appropriate, the concerns, issues and comments raised during our outreach sessions in the fall,” Flowers said.

But community members remain divided on how much detail the county should include.

Columbia Association Board Chairwoman Barbara Russell said the document still leaves too much up to the developer, and the framework should have included more in road infrastructure, development density and zoning.

“There are a lot of nice things in the plan, but they are not directives to do anything,” Russell said. “They are suggestions for GGP to consider.”

Alan Klein, spokesman for advocacy group Coalition for Columbia’s Downtown, said he also was concerned that General Growth’s plans won’t align with the county’s framework.

Another advocacy group, Bring Back the Vision, was less concerned with the vagueness.

“Once General Growth presents their plan, the entire legislative process begins, and everyone will have ample opportunity to comment,” group spokeswoman Emily Lincoln said.

On the Net

To view a copy of Howard’s “Downtown Columbia: A Community Vision,” visit howardcountymd.gov/DPZ/Community/downtowncolumbia.htm.

smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com

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