NEWS
By Don Markus | October 15, 2009
The revival of Columbia's stagnant downtown by a Dallas-based developer is still in its formative stage, but the 30-year "smart growth" plan could generate more than $300 million annually in state and county tax revenue, according to the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Richard Story, CEO of the Economic Development Authority, disclosed that figure to the County Council on Wednesday night, one night after the developer, General Growth Properties, provided little in the way of details about its plan.
NEWS
February 8, 2009
Article on car lot missed key point Larry Carson's article Feb. 1 on the effort of Concerned Citizens of Western Howard County to block development of a used car lot in Daisy missed one important point our community organization has been making about the need for rezoning in the county's rural west. That point is that if rezoning had been done by the county when it should have been done, we would not be fighting a proposal to build a used car lot in a rural community where the General Plan in 1990 and 2000 said such large-scale commercial development is impractical and undesirable outside of five designated rural growth areas, of which Daisy is not one. The problem was created by the failure in the 2003-04 comprehensive rezoning process to follow policy set in the 2000 General Plan that was adopted to protect the rural character and resources of the county's largest remaining area of agricultural preservation, rural conservation and rural residential land - nearly 70,000 acres.
NEWS
By LARRY CARSON | March 30, 2008
Though an annual report shows that new home construction in Howard County dropped precipitously last year, land-use issues remain a pressing concern among politicians and activists. To be sure, complaints about land-use policy have been somewhat subdued in this period between elections. But the housing slump detailed in the annual county report hasn't completely quieted the conversation. "We have big changes [coming] in Columbia," said Mary Kay Sigaty, a Democrat who represents West Columbia on the County Council.
NEWS
March 16, 2008
Planning process needs total overhaul In the editorial "Controlling growth" (March 13), The Sun states that "the current planning process is clearly broken." I strongly agree with that position. Here in Howard County, we have a beautifully written general plan, as is required by the state. The county executive and the County Council are responsible for implementing the plan through the comprehensive zoning amendment process, in which the status of all properties and regulations is up for revision.
NEWS
BY A SUN REPORTER | March 10, 2006
In an ironic conclusion to months of contentious debate, the two chief protagonists were not around to hear the verdict as the Planning Board unanimously approved a plan to expand the luxury development of Turf Valley in western Ellicott City. The outcome was widely anticipated after opponents struggled to present relevant evidence of why the expansion should be stopped during hearings that stretched over six months. The board members Tuesday night refrained from responding to those who demeaned their integrity and challenged their competence during the hearings.
NEWS
BY A SUN STAFF WRITER | September 18, 2005
Nothing is ever treated as routine when it comes to Turf Valley. The next evidence of that is likely to come in November when a challenge is made contesting the Planning Board's right to consider the latest expansion proposal of the luxury development. Until now, the board's authority has gone unquestioned. It has spent much of the past 18 months on plans - and criticisms of them - to enlarge the project in western Howard County. But opponents are turning their attention to the board itself, says Marc Norman, co-chairman of a coalition fighting expansion of the development.
NEWS
BY A SUN STAFF WRITER | July 13, 2005
A central question has emerged in the fight over proposed zoning changes that would further restrict development in western Howard County: Are farmers being protected or punished? Not surprisingly, the two sides on the issue have starkly different answers on the proposals that could affect the future of land worth millions of dollars in potential development. The key proposals, announced last week by the county, would restrict cluster subdivisions in that part of the county to one unit per 10 acres from one unit per 4.25 acres; prohibit the selling of building rights on land zoned rural conservation; and reduce over three years to 150 from 250 the number of homes permitted on rural conservation property.
NEWS
July 10, 2005
Volunteer Maryland coordinator sought for Neighbor Ride Neighbor Ride has been approved for a 2005-2006 partnership with Volunteer Maryland, a program of the governor's office that develops volunteer service and learning programs to meet critical needs in the state. Neighbor Ride, which matches volunteer drivers with seniors who need transportation to medical appointments, social outings, volunteer and paid work, religious services and other destinations, will receive the services of a Volunteer Maryland coordinator.
NEWS
July 3, 2005
Relay for Life raises $300,000 to fight cancer Howard County's annual Relay For Life, held June 10 and 11 at Hammond High School in Columbia, raised $300,000 for the American Cancer Society. Money was raised throughout the year by 95 participating teams, through corporate sponsorships, donations for luminaria and a Kids' Walk. Last year's event raised $265,000. Some 200 cancer survivors and their guests participated in the Survivors' Reception. After opening ceremonies, survivors walked their traditional lap around the track; then team members began circling the track, and at least one member from each team continued walking through the night.
NEWS
BY A SUN STAFF WRITER | May 8, 2005
Five years after adopting its blueprint for the future, Howard County has made significant progress in implementing many of its goals but seems to be losing the battle on others, particularly in housing prices, according to a report to be presented this week to the Planning Board. The draft report monitors the status of the 10-year General Plan, adopted in 2000. The General Plan establishes policies and steps to address a myriad of issues, including orderly growth and development, environmental protection and the delivery of county services.