2006 Guidelines For A Better
Town Center Master Plan
I created these guidelines during the 2006 campaign,
and I still stand by them today!
I believe these ideas are important because the Town Center developers will surely request changes, variances, and waivers once they start.
June 23, 2006
1) I believe height restrictions are a necessary part of any master plan. A reasonable limit will provide a more aesthetically uniform standard.
2) I believe we should preserve Columbia's lakefront. This is a historic part of our community that should remain unchanged.
3) I believe that Symphony Woods should be placed in a protective preservation easement so that future generations can enjoy this unique part of our community.
4) I believe Merriweather Post Pavilion should be maintained as a privately owned open air facility and it should not be choked out of existence with hundreds of new homes on the Crescent property.
5) I believe all existing traffic problems, parking issues, and gridlock should be addressed and corrected before any density changes are even proposed.
6) I believe we must have an adequate, drought free, water supply to provide for our citizens before any new homes are built above the current density limits.
7) I believe that sewage treatment plant upgrades must be built prior to any density increases to avoid sewage spills and to provide for state mandated nutrient removal, necessary to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay.
8) I believe the development community should contribute significantly to the cost of public improvements prior to granting them any additional zoning privileges.
I assure you that I was the only candidate willing to adhere to these guidelines for the purpose of improving and protecting downtown Columbia.
Please Vote for Tom D`Asto!
