Testimony on Downtown Columbia Plan
Tonight is the final night of testimony before the County Council votes on the plan for downtown Columbia on February 1st. I have testified before on this issue. Here is my latest testimony:
I would like to first start off by thanking the council for all the hard work that has gone on to get to the point we are at now. For the past few years there have been many meetings, work sessions, and discussions to work out a plan that will bring to life a downtown Columbia all of Howard County can be proud of. As a member of the Hickory ridge Village Board I am especially thankful for the frequent updates and clarification provided by Ms. Sigaty and her office, this communication has been very helpful and much appreciated.
As I previously stated in earlier testimony, Downtown Columbia is the downtown for all of Howard County, not just Columbia. It needs to be more than the Mall. There is not much attracting people to visit downtown Columbia and to spend their money in the downtown area. I look forward to enjoying the added cultural attractions and recreational opportunities that will be brought into Columbia by the redevelopment. I eagerly anticipate the walkability and bikeability that will be created by the pathways and the added transportation options that are sure to arrive with new development.
As a history teacher I tend to look to the past when examining plans for the future. Commentators in the past year have been comparing the current economy to that of the Great Depression. Thankfully it has not been that bad, but there are some lessons that can be taken from this comparison. Roosevelt’s New Deal was as much about giving hope and optimism to those without jobs as it was actually building dams and roadways. People had a vested interest in seeing new developments and being part of the rebuilding process for a country that was hurting. Today parts of Columbia are hurting. We have vacant storefronts and a lakefront that is empty even on the nicest of days. Maryland’s unemployment is around 7% and we hear about how the state is looking at ways to cut county funding. Now is the time to start rebuilding, to create a Columbia that inspires our residents and gives them hope for what is to come in the future. Moving dirt around and seeing constructions signs go up will be inspiring for people. While today may be difficult, there is a plan for the future; one that includes new shops, new restaurants, new cultural activities, but more importantly new hope in a new Columbia and Howard County. This plan will create jobs and amenities that currently are not available.
I would encourage the council to vote favorably on CB-58 and CB-59 and to do so on February 1st. Delaying action or not passing this important legislation will only postpone the opportunity for future generations to enjoy a new and vibrant Columbia. I do have to question the motives of those looking to delay this process. Residents are struggling during these hard times, small businesses are having a tough time making ends meet. Now is the time to get people working and to fulfill the vision of Columbia.
Thank you for your hard work and all that you are doing to help make Howard County a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
