Guidelines For A Better
Town Center Master Plan
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 am the only candidate willing to adhere to these guidelines for the purpose of improving and protecting downtown Columbia.
The fact that not any one of the overall plans reviewed in public meetings were in compliance with current Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances and within the limits of the current water and sewer master plan just demonstrates a lack of understanding on these issues.
I don’t think the typical Columbia resident chose to live here because they anticipated a city or city-like environment would be created in Town Center. This has become more apparent after the results of Primary Election were reviewed.
The Howard County Department of Planning & Zoning and General Growth Properties are now reportedly pulling back from the idea of such high-density development.
I urge the residents of Columbia and District 4 to NOT be fooled again by the tactics of the development community - things will return to pre-election status unless we bring a new type of leader to the County Council and the Zoning Board!
Please Vote for Tom!
