John Bailey for State Delegate

The plan approved by the County Council is a strong plan and will return vibrancy to downtown Columbia. According to the Howard County Economic Development Authority the redevelopment of downtown Columbia will create jobs and increase the tax revenue for the County.  The total construction impact over the 30 year plan is projected at $4.8 billion, compared to $438 million if redevelopment does not occur.  The difference in this number is staggering.  Annual projected revenues for Howard County with redevelopment will be $264,445,969 verse $22,818,783 if the county decides to do nothing.  Plain and simple, this means jobs, more government services that can be provided due to increased revenue, and more amenities that will be available to the citizens of Howard County.  Doing nothing is the wrong approach.  Standing in the way of positive progress is wrong.  Obstructing the changing of downtown Columbia and impeding the creation of new jobs and a huge boost to the local economy is tantamount to stealing jobs from those wanting to provide for their families.

Critics will argue that the increased development will increase traffic due to the influx of density that will arrive with the redevelopment.  Increased density is actually needed in order to alleviate some of the traffic problems and promote more regional mass transit options.  According to a story  in the Baltimore Sun (September 3, 2009, “Community group changes priority for next major transit construction”)the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance has made a recommendation to move up the building of the Yellow Line that would connect Columbia with Lutherville cutting straight through the middle of Baltimore.  In their recommendation they stated that they believe the “Yellow Line really connects residential centers with job centers.”  Without redevelopment in downtown Columbia we would not meet either of those criteria.

As we see with some of our vacant store fronts in the village centers doing nothing is not an option.  In order to attract young professionals that want to begin their careers and start a family in Columbia there needs to be a vibrant downtown.  A downtown that attracts people who want to live, work, and play all within a short walking distance.  Currently Columbia does not offer this.  Columbia is reliant on the car.  If you currently live in downtown Columbia where do you buy your milk?  Where do you go to buy a paper clip?  Is there a store within walking distance that can fill these needs?  The answer is no.  With a new downtown Columbia, a newly redeveloped Symphony Woods, and an atmosphere of excitement and optimism for our future; Columbia will once again live up to Jim Rouse’s vision of a being a special place to live and work. 

Columbia can be great, but there must be progress.  Standing still and doing nothing while longingly reflecting on the past will eventually just lead to the past becoming a distant memory as the community changes and jobs and retailers move on to a more vibrant area.  What will be left is a community of vacant storefronts, increased crime due to the lack of opportunity, and a sense of what could have been.  In our current economy turning our backs on job creation is the wrong decision.  I question the motives of those who wish to stand in the way of job creation and increased public transportation options.   Now is the right time and the plan passed by the County Council is the right plan to take Columbia into the future as a thriving community full of life and opportunity.