Year End Review (The Villager 2017-1)
The other Columbia Association (CA) board members and I attended the organization’s Year End Celebration party on Dec. 16 2016. I was pleased to learn that so many employees have longevity with the association. We are fortunate to have such dedicated service to the organization and the community.
CA will send a strong letter to our state delegation to discuss lowering the sound level at Merriweather Post Pavilion (MPP). The CA board has been hearing from residents, near and far, young and old, complaining about the excessive noise from MPP since I joined the board. I have been baffled by the notion of “the loudest few and the silent majority” to describe those that protest about the MPP noise issue. The noise may sound trivial to some, but it can be life-threatening for others. Hopefully MPP, under the new leadership team of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission, will begin to address the issue and reconcile itself with the neighbors.
CA is supporting the Horizon Foundation’s Bikeway initiative. The Horizon Foundation, Bicycling Advocates of Howard County and other community organizations are asking the county to fund a 50 mile, networked bicycle and pedestrian route. More than half of county residents, schools and parks are located within 1 mile of the proposed bikeway. 4 MARC stations (Laurel, Savage, Jessup, Dorsey) are within 2.5 miles of the bikeway. We believe the bikeway’s construction will benefit all county residents.
Finally, the unknown suspect who slashed my tire and another 50 tires on an additional 25 cars, placed graffiti, including swastikas on sidewalks, footpaths, playgrounds, mailboxes, cars, etc., and threw “Molotov Cocktails” onto a field at River Hill School was arrested by the Howard County police. I hope this young man will be penalized, get treatment, and have a chance to turn his life around. At the same time, I wish each family will take the opportunity to talk with kids about our diverse community and shared interest.
In 2017, CA will celebrate Columbia’s 50th birthday and continue to improve customer service and community outreach.
Chao Wu, Ph.D.
River Hill Representative to Columbia Council and Columbia Association Board of Directors
Email: chaowu2016@gmail.com Website: http://chaowu.org
Disclaimer: This letter only represents Dr. Chao Wu’s personal opinion. It does not represent River Hill Board of Directors nor Columbia Association’s Board.