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ANNUAL REPORT
Howard County Citizens Association
Bridget Mugane, President
May 11, 2009
HCCA acts on residents' issues by initiating and testifying on legislation, meeting with officials, holding listserve discussions, and working with other organizations. We also present public programs on county issues. Here are this year's highlights.
Responsible Land Use
Route 40 Masterplan
At HCCA's urging, Council Member Courtney Watson and the County Executive made drafting of the Route 40 Design Manual a high priority, and allocated funding for it. Currently a number of properties are undergoing redevelopment. The Manual can establish guidelines to improve the aesthetics of this aging commercial corridor including its architecture and landscaping, as well as addressing connectivity and traffic safety. HCCA's Angie Beltram has this portfolio
Columbia Downtown Masterplan
HCCA wants a masterplan to succeed, by ensuring it is feasible and affordable. We presented a detailed analysis of the proposed plan, and pressed for studies of fiscal impact, developer contributions, and the effects of GGP's bankruptcy. These studies are now underway. Further, HCCA pointed out limitations of the road layout; GGP has now acknowledged that a third interchange with 29 is essential to the maximum proposed density although its feasibility is not yet established.
Referendum Petition Requirements
Because no Route 40 masterplan has been enacted, HCCA supported the referendum effort to void the new law allowing development of a commercial center at Turf Valley. Due to a recent court ruling, for the first time the County Board of Elections voided signatures on referendum petitions because they did not include a middle name or initial. Senator Kasemeyer submitted an emergency state bill to remove the requirement. It did not pass, likely because there was not time for study; it will almost certainly be reintroduced next year. The matter is also being litigated in two suits, to save the referendum effort. Angie Beltram has been HCCA's hard-working representative in the referendum effort.
WCI Plaza Tower
For three years a group of residents, including HCCA's Lloyd Knowles, has fought the proposed 275-foot high rise that would far exceed the heights being considered in the masterplan for Downtown. WCI, the now-bankrupt developer, insists on going forward by challenging the 'standing' of the citizens who have persevered at their own expense through four levels of proceedings. A Court of Appeals ruling is pending. The merits have never been considered because of this technical maneuvering. HCCA will continue to work for state adoption of the federal rule that grants standing for organizations to appeal such matters.
Environment
We have presented a number of educational public programs on the environment, most recently one measuring progress on a set of state recommendations. HCCA board members Cathy Hudson and Betsy Singer have been leaders this year in establishing the Legacy Program to train seniors to help educate the public about the environment and how to preserve it.
Affordable Housing
HCCA liaison Joel Yesley has participated in the Howard County Full Spectrum Housing Coalition, aiming to promote both regulatory- and incentive-based approaches in a comprehensive county program. While GGP proposes 15% moderate income housing for Downtown, the existing residential requirement, HCCA testified in favor of 35%, divided into categories of several income groups. This recommendation is listed in the county Matrix for consideration by the Council.
Preservation of the Rural West
Triggered by a proposal for a used-car lot at a rustic intersection, the Concerned Citizens for Western Howard County was established about two years ago. It has expanded to champion preservation of the rural west, including reexamination of business zoning there and successful addition of several roads to the Scenic Roads list. Wally Carson has been HCCA's liaison to CCWHC. We have strongly supported CCWHC's proposed legislation, testifying before various government bodies, meeting with elected officials and acting as an information resource.
Internship Program
Under Brian England's leadership HCCA is starting a high-school internship program and has established ties with Oakland Mills High School. This can include training for community involvement and leadership; volunteer mentors are welcome.
Emergency Room
HCCA's Stu Kohn focused attention on the inability of the Howard County General Hospital to treat all patients at the ER in a timely fashion, and to accommodate ambulances that are turned away 25% of the time. HCCA recently founded an ad hoc committee to investigate, and then to work with care providers to find solutions.
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