Columbia Association

Message from CA leadership

Dear Columbia Association Community,


Columbia Association (CA) has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and like each of you, we’ve had to adjust. Following is a summary of CA’s efforts to keep our community safe, a preview of changes in programming, and a brief discussion of the rationale for these changes. Because of our accountability to diverse stakeholders – most notably the residents and businesses who pay CA’s Annual Charge as well as members whose dues support CA facilities and programs – our decisions have been complex and difficult. 

Keeping Columbia Safe
On March 15, CA closed all its facilities and cancelled programming indefinitely. The CA board of directors and CA team members (employees) immediately began planning for reopening community venues and programs, while at the same time delivering essential services (open space maintenance) in a manner that did not endanger residents, members or team members. 


Tough Decisions
Following Governor Hogan’s Maryland Strong 3 phase plan to reopen businesses, CA has modeled numerous approaches to reopening programs and facilities, depending upon timing of reopen decisions at the state and county level. 

  • We opened two outdoor tennis clubs and golf facilities on May 13, with training for staff and clear guidelines to keep members and staff safe. Hobbit’s Glen tennis remains closed for renovations to the clay courts.
  • We regret that we will not open outdoor pools or hold summer camps in 2020. We understand that this will deeply disappoint many of our residents and members. This decision was only made after careful consideration of all options available. (please read “Rationale” below)
  •  Final preparations are underway now to safely reopen fitness clubs, the Columbia Swim Center, and the Long Reach Tennis Club when we receive approval from Howard County leadership, hopefully within the next several weeks.

Rationale for Tough Decisions
CA is a unique organization. We are a homeowners association serving more than 100,000 residents. We are also a membership organization serving nearly 60,000 members using our sports and fitness facilities and community services and programs (including summer camps, before and after school services, etc.). On February 20, the CA board approved FY 2021 (5/1/20-4/30/21) budget which included projected operating income of $80M. With the March 15 closure of all CA facilities and programming indefinitely, leadership revised operating expenses to match the new reality. CA’s projected total income will be down 30% and non-Annual Charge income will be down 56%. This loss of income led to the difficult programming decisions outlined above, as well as the decision to layoff or furlough more than 90% of our team members (with the remaining ones taking pay cuts of up to 50%) and to reduce the FY 21 capital budget by 47% from $15M to $8M.


CA will continue to adjust as the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic crisis evolves. With your continued support CA will thrive but, inevitably, it must continue to change to adapt to this new reality. Please forward your comments or questions to us at https://pardot.columbiaassociation.org/e/22832/ct-us-contact-board-directors-/6zb5n6/1510369027?h=zKz3cA0ZV3SOEpOg4ZvTGNDG1mB-FXVvp9LCQohzVEE.

Sincerely,

Andrew C. Stack, Board of Directors                       

Milton W. MatthewsChair,   President/CEO

Columbia Development Tracker 2020-02

The document is developed by Columbia Association. I used to update the community pretty often on this when I was on CA board. Tonight I took a look and found many new development changes. https://www.columbiaassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vers-2-Development-Tracker-February-2020.pdf

vers-2-Development-Tracker-February-2020Download

There are several big developments:

  1. Dorsey Overlook development has 82 units. I thought it was originally designed for 55+ community. Now it did not mention that.
  2. Columbia Downtown development asks for extra 300 units.
  3. Erickson Senior Living rezones 62.116 acres from B-2 & RC-DEO to CEF-M.
  4. Robinson Overlook moderate incoming housing (48 units) keeps moving on.
  5. River Hill Square ( River Hill Garden Center) submitted a commercial variance request to reduce the setback from a residential district from 30 feet to 0 feet.

2020 CA Scholarship Application starts

For more than 25 years, Columbia Association (CA) has been recognizing high school seniors for outstanding service to their community. Up to six $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from local high schools who have shown a history of providing community service to benefit Columbia residents and those in the Columbia area.

For details, eligibility requirements and application, go to ColumbiaAssociation.org/scholarship. Completed applications must be submitted by March 15.

Travel to Sister Cities in Ghana and China

Travel to Sister Cities in Ghana and China

Would you like to visit some of Columbia’s sister cities? These two 2019 trips will allow adults and families to visit Tema, Ghana, and Liyang, China, on tours organized by travel agents who are members of our Tema and Liyang sister city committees. They are reasonably priced and offer the opportunity to travel with people from this area.
10-day trip to Tema, Ghana — August 12-23
15-day trip to Liyang, China — October 16-31
Information sessions will be held from 7-8:30pm at Columbia Association Headquarters, 6310 Hillside Court, on the following dates:
Ghana — Wednesday, May 29
China — Tuesday, June 18
https://www.columbiaassociation.org/facilities/international-exchange-multicultural-programs/international-exchanges/adult-sister-cities-opportunities/

Columbia Association: Five-Year Strategic Planning Process

Columbia Association: Five-Year Strategic Planning Process

Planning for the future

Columbia Association, under the guidance of its Board of Directors, develops a strategic plan every five years that identifies goals and initiatives and sets the direction for CA for the next five years and beyond. The current strategic plan began in fiscal year 2014 and culminates with the close of fiscal year 2019 on April 30.

We began the strategic planning process for FY2020-24 in fall 2018, hiring a consultant to help guide CA through the process of creating a new plan. His comments on CA’s FY2014-19 strategic plan are available here. We are currently in the phase of the process where a draft mission statement, vision statement, and strategic goals have been developed and are being provided to the community for feedback.

Our community has already served as an important resource during earlier stages of this process. We gathered input from a wide range of perspectives, surveying thousands of residents as well as our employees. Additionally, we held focus groups with village chairs, advisory committees, and other local stakeholders and leaders. A summary of those responses is available here.

Timeline

  • CA’s Board of Directors met with CA’s senior leadership team for strategic planning sessions on March 9 and March 30, discussing the considerable input already collected from the community and drafting the mission, vision and strategic goals.
  • Further input will be welcomed during Resident Speakout at the CA Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, April 25 and work session on Thursday, May 9. If you are unable to attend, we are also gathering input on our draft mission, vision and goals using the comment box below. Community members also may share their comments with their representative on CA’s Board of Directors.
  • It is anticipated that after further discussion by CA’s Board of Directors at the meeting and work session noted above, the board will vote on the strategic plan on Thursday, May 23.

We have crafted an initial version of the FY2020-24 strategic plan. An excerpt is below; to read the report with the overview, please click here.

 

CA board members can be reached at Board.Members@ColumbiaAssociation.org

CA considering classification as a “community benefit association”

Please provide your input to the CA board at Board.Members@columbiaassociation.org

Columbia Association’s (CA) Board of Directors is considering requesting that the Maryland General Assembly recognize CA under state law as a “community benefit association.”

The Columbia community is invited to learn more about the proposal at an information session on Tuesday, March 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road. There will also be a CA Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, February 28 and a CA Board of Directors work session on Thursday, March 14.

Since its founding in 1965, Columbia Association has been classified under Maryland Corporations Law as a private, non-stock corporation. When the state Homeowners Association Act (HOA Act) passed in 1984, CA was classified as a homeowners association as well. However, Columbia Association is very different than traditional homeowners associations. CA serves an entire community of homeowners, renters, commercial property owners, businesses and the people who work in Columbia, and provides far more services – including facilities, programs and activities – to a greater population than any other HOA.

When state lawmakers consider changes to the Maryland Homeowners Association Act, that legislation is usually in response to issues at much smaller homeowners associations – and typically will have unintended negative consequences on Columbia Association. Recognizing Columbia Association as a community benefit association would acknowledge its unique structure and the many and diverse stakeholders it serves, while protecting CA from legislation intended for more traditional HOAs. Becoming a community benefit association would change nothing about the way CA operates.

That is because this proposal also retains all protections for anyone who lives, works or owns property in Columbia. For example, CA would still be required under its bylaws and state law to provide the openness mandated by the HOA Act, such as the ability to attend and comment at open work sessions and meetings, and the ability to inspect and copy CA’s books and financial records, including salary information.

For more information about this proposal, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/CBA. To provide input on the proposal, email CBA@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Resignation from CA board

I am resigning from the Columbia Association board and the River Hill Community Association board, effective on December 1st, 2018.
It has been my honor and pleasure to serve on the CA board since 2015. I benefit tremendously from this journey and truly appreciate our CA staff, other board members and community members’ help during the time.
I will write less about the development, River Hill and Columbia, more about education related issues in Howard County. In the past, I wrote each month and the articles are listed here: https://chaowu.org/articles_in_english/
I am now starting a new journey in our school system as a newly elected board member in our Howard County Board of Education.
Together, we can continuously provide quality education to our students.

CA board meeting summaries 2018-11-8

This is an unofficial summary. 

Board Work Session

Resident speakout:

  1. Chris Alleva, missed his talk. In his written testimony, talked about CB73, which was withdrawn and could possibly come back in front of the planning board in next January (Royal Farms SDP 17-041)
  2. Brian England, missed his speech.
  3. Amy Gallagher, talked about mold issues related to the facility they rented and impacted their operation, created extra financial burden and operation hardship.
  4. Alan Klein, representing his village, talking about the mold issue and thanked CA staff.

Discussion

Howard County Phase 2 Land Development Regulations Assessment:
  1. There are 36 different zoning codes. That is one of the reasons the County Government wants to rewrite the zoning law and recude the zoning category.
  2. Out-parcels with Columbia Planning area: there are 7% ( 365 acres) for undeveloped residential parcel for future residential development.
Discussion of the Most Recent Development Tracker
Capital Projects and Open Space Updates
Four Easement Requests from Howard Count

Board Meeting

The board approved the pathway system in the Merriweather Park in Symphony Woods with condition from board final approval.

Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

 

Proactive Engagement in Land Development Needed (The Villager 2018-11)

2 Comments

Council Corner:

Proactive Engagement in Land Development Needed

 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.

The letter will be published on Nov 2018 issue of “The Villager” of River Hill Community Association.

The Patuxent Storage Facility under construction near Guilford Road at the entrance to the Patuxent Branch Trail in the Village of Kings Contrivance has recently been the focus of the Columbia Association’s (CA) board of directors and many residents. The issue is the location of the access to the storage facility. Rather than entering from Guilford Road or through adjoining CA open space, the developer chose to locate the entrance using a road which for many years has been used by the public to access the Patuxent Branch Trail. This decision resulted in many residents feeling unhappy about the developer’s choice. After numerous meetings, the county has agreed to pay at least $200K to build a new pathway connector to the Patuxent Branch Trail. This new connector will run through CA open space to replace the old, nearly 200-meter pathway that will be used by the developer to access the storage facility The CA board eventually approved a land easement so the county can build this separate and new pathway to ensure public access to the trail, pedestrian safety, and minimize the environmental impact of the project.

What was missing in this project was a quick and direct communication between stakeholders. The community needs a coordinated effort from our county council (zoning approval agency), the county government and developers.  The community needs to be informed early in the process. In some cases, the community does not necessarily oppose the development, but would like to provide input to make the development better. Columbia has been a planned community from the start and residents expect future growth to be planned with community input.

In the Village of River Hill, the association’s board of directors has been actively engaging in the process as development occurs around the village. Even on issues as small as the right turn exit by the McDonald’s, the association has coordinated with Kimco Realty several times to improve safety because some drivers make illegal left turns there. Current projects the association is reviewing and providing input on are:  the Erickson Living Continuing Care Retirement community with a capacity of more than 1200 residences; the redevelopment of the garden center as the River Hill Square commercial project, Cedar Creek (formerly the Simpson Oaks) residential development with 184 units; and most recently the Robinson Overlook 48-unit affordable housing development proposed on Grace Drive.

The board seeks to bring our residents’ concerns to the developers, zoning board, county government, and even the State Highway Administration to make sure that proper consideration is given to the impacts on traffic and safety and residents’ quality of life. The community association welcomes residents’ participation in various committees established by the village board so that we proactively engage with stakeholders as development projects arise. To find out more about the Traffic and Safety and Development Committees visit https://www.villageofriverhill.org/board/committees/.

Finally, please don’t forget to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday, November 6. It is our civic duty and a perfect opportunity to begin to engage with the development process.

Chao Wu, Ph.D.

River Hill Representative to Columbia Council and Columbia Association Board of Directors

Email: superbwu@gmail.com  Website: http://www.chaowu.org

 

 

CA 101: Learn More About Columbia Association on October 23

For any residents who are interested in knowing more about CA, here is an opportunity.
 
CA 101: Learn More About Columbia Association on October 23
CA 101 is an informative evening where you can learn about what Columbia Association is doing for you. Along with a brief orientation on the history and organization of Columbia Association, learn about CA’s open spaces, sport and fitness programs, 
community services and more.
CA 101 will be held on Tuesday, October 23 from 7-9 p.m. at CA Headquarters, 
6310 Hillside Court, off Broken Land Parkway and Stevens Forest Road.
To register, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/ca101 

Fiscal Year 2018 – Strategic Plan Progress Report of Columbia Association (The Villager 2018-09)

Fiscal Year 2018 – Strategic Plan Progress Report of Columbia Association

by Dr. Chao Wu

The article will be published on The Village, September 2018 Issue. 

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.

The Columbia Association’s (CA) Board of Directors approved its Strategic Plan in May 2014. The plan has a five-year horizon and is used to help guide the organization’s operational and resource allocation decision-making to ensure that actions and investments are in alignment with CA’s vision, mission, values, goals and objectives. This plan was created by CA board members, CA staff and community stakeholders before I joined the CA board and is structured around five goals. Annually, CA staff prepares a report outlining the organization’s achievements in meeting these goals. Below are some highlights from the FY18 Progress Report (May 2017 – April 2018).

Goal 1: “Deliver programs and services that meet stakeholders’ expectations and enhance the quality of life in Columbia.”

CA initiated a variety of changes at the fitness clubs based on customer feedback gained through the Clarabridge survey data system, CA’s member experience management system. The personal training program partnered with School Age Services to provide fitness programming in before and aftercare programs at Columbia schools. CA introduced programs to expand tennis offerings, including Tennis Whizz for three-and four-year olds with a guardian; Play Tennis Fast for new adult players; indoor Pickleball league play; and daytime tennis leagues for players who work in the evening or at night. The International Exchange and Multicultural Programs division hosted an Intracultural Conversation on Aging with the Korean Senior Association and Columbia Community Exchange participants.

Goal 2: “Maintain and enhance Columbia’s facilities, open spaces, connectivity and environmental stewardship.”

By the end of FY 18, CA had reduced its energy use intensity by 20 percent relative to FY12. CA in coordination with Ecotine was awarded a State Highway Administration (SHA) grant for a stream restoration project that will restore one-and-a quarter miles of stream that runs from Cedar Lane Park, through Wilde Lake, to Lake Kittamaqundi. CA continued to improve its pathway system with repaving and pathway widenings. Directional signs for Kendall Ridge (19 signs) and for the Lake Elkhorn to Hopewell Pool pathway (seven signs) were designed and produced.  CA completed construction of the Long Reach Indoor Tennis Facility to address the need for cutting-edge, indoor tennis courts.

Goal 3: “Develop and communicate a shared community vision for Columbia, and advance the vision through advocacy, partnerships and alignment of CA programs and services.”

In conjunction with many community partners, CA implemented the Columbia 50th Birthday celebration and events. The celebration goals were met: generate awareness of Columbia’s history and values, serve as a catalyst for imagination and innovation in creating community, and promote the original values of Columbia in addressing the needs of people

Goal 4: “Strengthen communication and community engagement in CA.”

Sports and Fitness held three open houses to invite the public into our facilities to experience what we have to offer. Over 900 non-member guests participated. ​The CA Camps webpage was updated to make it easier for the community to learn about camp program offerings and sign-up. CA established a New Climate Change and Sustainability Advisory Committee.

Goal 5: “Demonstrate the practices of a high-performing and responsive organization.”

CA established an internal Business/Technology Steering Committee to advise CA’s President and provide leadership in strategic business/technology planning, project prioritization/management, and project approval as well as direction on long-term technology strategies for CA. The Learning and Organizational Development Division introduced and taught a new Management Essentials Course designed to improve the management skills of our CA Team Leaders. School Age Services implemented online registration and had appointments for participants to turn in their paperwork for the 2017/2018 school year. Sports and Fitness implemented a new online reservation system at Hobbit’s Glen called Golf Genius and introduced live scoring for tournaments. Sports and Fitness also introduced an online coaching and communication platform in tennis called Tenicity, which links the player, coach and parent as part of player development for competitive juniors in the program. CA additionally launched PlaySight Smart Court Pro Technology at Long Reach Tennis Club, which can call lines, the score as well as be used for coaching.

In FY18 CA accomplished its strategic goals in many additional ways. To view the entire Progress Report, visit https://www.columbiaassociation.org/about-us/strategic-plan/ or visit my website. I look forward to hearing your feedback on CA’s strategic goals and the implementation of the plan.

Chao Wu, Ph.D.

River Hill Representative to Columbia Council and Columbia Association Board of Directors

Email: superbwu@gmail.com  Website: http://www.chaowu.org

 

 

CA sister city signing ceremony on September 10

Columbia to Sign Sister Cities Agreement with Liyang, China on September 10
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The Sister Cities program “promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, one individual, one community at a time.” — Sister Cities International

Columbia Association will sign a Sister Cities Agreement with the Chinese city of Liyang, People’s Republic of China, on Monday, September 10 at Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road, in Columbia. The Mayor of Liyang, Huaqin Xu, will be visiting Columbia with a delegation and will sign the agreement with CA President & CEO, Milton Matthews.

The search for a Chinese sister city began four years ago when members of the approximately 8,000-member, Chinese-American community in Howard County came to CA asking to partner with a sister city in China. They discussed eight Chinese cities as possibilities and decided on Liyang, which was seeking a sister city on the East Coast of the U.S. and is located in Jiangsu Province, a leader in education, tourism, technology and finance. Columbia and Liyang also share common concerns, such as high standards for education and preservation of green spaces. Located in southern China, 150 miles west of Shanghai, it is considered a small city by Chinese standards, with a population of 889,000. It joins cities in France, Spain, Ghana and Haiti as Columbia’s fifth sister city.

The relationship between Columbia and Liyang will allow residents to meet and explore each others’ cities for the mutual benefit and understanding of both. The Columbia/Liyang sister-city program will foster global engagement and peer-to-peer exchanges at every level — cultural, educational and municipal — resulting in travel abroad programs for youth and adults, artistic  and cultural exchanges, economic development and tourism promotion.

If you are interested in attending the signing ceremony with the Mayor of Liyang, Huaqin Xu, and his delegation, please contact Laura Smit at 410-715-3162 or email Laura.Smit@columbiaassociation.org.

To learn more about Liyang — what it looks like and what it has to offer the residents of Columbia, click here.

EMAILHEADER_LyangChina575x300

2018 Transportation Overview of Columbia (The Villager 2018-08)

2 Comments

2018 Transportation Overview of Columbia

This article will be published on the August 2018 Issue of The Village of River Hill Village Association.

There has been a substantial effort to create a transportation network in Columbia to help our residents move around. In this Council Corner, I am outlining some efforts and policies which are shaping the implementation and discussion of our transportation status and outlook.

Stakeholders and Process

The County Executive (CE) takes charge of transportation implementation. Under CE’s leadership, with the help from the County Council, there are two county departments working on transportation matters: 1) Office of Transportation has the lead in planning, oversight, and bicycle, pedestrian, and transportation demand management; 2) Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering handles capital projects and the Bureau of Highways focuses on traffic engineering and highway maintenance.

There are a variety advisory and advocacy groups which help formulate transportation policy and implementation: Bicycle Advisory Group, Transit & Pedestrian Advisory Group and Multimodal Transportation board, RTA Commission and Riders Advisory Council. Stakeholder groups include Bicycle Advocates of Howard County, Association of Community Services, Transportation Advocates of Howard County, as well as resident focused groups such as the village community associations.

PlanHoward 2030 (Council Bill 26-2012)

Transportation policy is guided by PlanHoward 2030. This document (Council Bill 26-2012) was passed in 2012 by the County Council as the general plan for Howard County for land use and land conservation and multiyear development planning for transportation, public facilities, water, sewerage, parkland, housing, human services and environmental protection; and generally relating to planning, zoning and land use. Specifically, the following three policies focus on transportation:

  1. POLICY 7.3 – Prioritize and pursue cost-effective, long-term capacity improvements to the road and highway network to support future growth in accordance with place type designations.
  2. POLICY 7.4 – Enhance the accessibility and quality of existing and future transit services.
  3. POLICY 7.6 – Reduce highway congestion, energy consumption, and greenhouse gases by increasing the number of residents using alternate modes of transportation

These policies provide the guidance for transportation decisions. The county government implements many projects with the help from the advisory groups. The state and federal government are also involved if the road is a state or federal road. I recommend everyone take some time to read PlanHoward 2030. This document will provide insight on why certain projects move forward separately from the changes made by developers.

Columbia Wide Effort

In Columbia, the focus is on four transportation modes: roads, transit, bicycle and pedestrian. There will be two main nodes: downtown Columbia and Gateway.

Howard County’s transportation planning unavoidably should think about the future: aging population, more population, self-parking cars, and autonomous and semi-autonomous cars. One recent exciting development is the concept of self-parking cars. They have already come to Columbia. A local company, STEER, is working with Merriweather District and Howard Hughes Corporation. A driver can exit a car at a destination and the car parks itself in a designated parking lot.

The county has a bus rapid transit plan to connect Route 29 in Howard County (six stops) from Route 40, to Montgomery County (2 stations). Route 29 has seen more traffic over the years and many of our county residents use it for daily commutes. The County government hopes the implementation of bus rapid transit will mitigate the traffic congestion problems on Route 29. In my own opinion a dedicated direct lane on Route 29 during rush hour will help mitigate the traffic problems too.

BikeHoward outlines the County’s vision to become a bicycle-friendly place where residents and visitors can bike as a means of daily transportation and healthy recreation. Right now, there is a 3-year implementation plan and the County is investing $8 million over 3 years and will provide a 48-mile connected network. This investment includes 14 miles of bike lanes, 20 miles of shared use pathway, and 14 miles of shared roadway improvements. There is a bike rental program called Howard County Bikeshare. You can join the program and rent bikes at several designated locations using a smart phone app.

There has been strong commitment from the county government and Columbia Association to provide a connected pedestrian network that safely and conveniently accommodates people of all ages and abilities. Recently Columbia Association established a trail steward program on our pathways in high-traffic areas. The stewards will educate and engage with pedestrians and encourage more people to use our pathways. With more people using the pathways, we hope to create a positive experience so that more people feel safer to use our pathways.

I believe these transportation improvements will create a better quality of life for the county’s residents.

Chao Wu, Ph.D.

River Hill Representative to Columbia Council and Columbia Association Board of Directors

Email: superbwu@gmail.com Website: http://www.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.

The above photo is the Bike Share Program in front of the County Government.

CA Board Working Session Summary 2018-07-12

This is not an official meeting minutes.

Open Space and Facility Services Update

–many ongoing/completed projects.

Discussion on annual charge rate for FY 2020

There was a discussion on the annual charge rate. The staff recommends keeping the annual charge rate at 0.68 dollar per 100 assessed dollars. I am advocating lowering the rate a little bit because I am concerned about more than 10% budget increase over four years.

Advisory Committee Report:

  1. Senior Advisory Committee: Sharonlee Vogel
  2. International Multiculture Advisory Committee: Valerie Montague
  3. Watershed Advisory Committee: Deborah Wessner
  4. Tennis Advisory Committee: Leo Bruette
  5. Art Center Advisory Committee: Doug Satteson
  6. Golf Advisory Committee: Keith Heilveil
  7. Health and Fitness Advisory Committee: Jessica Rennenkampf

Strategic Initiatives for President/CEO for Fiscal Year 2019

Milton Matthews proposed his own five strategic initiatives.

  1. Facilitate Development of and Gain Board Approval of a New Five-Year Strategic Plan for Columbia Association (CA).
  2. Open Lines of Communications and Develop a Working Relationship with Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., Primary Owner of the Oakland Mills Village Center.
  3. Implement Upgrades and other Improvements to CA’s Website, which may include the Development of a New Website.
  4. Provide the Board with an Updated Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
  5. Identify and Attend an Executive Level Professional Development Training Session, with a Focus on Growing my Knowledge to Anticipate and Execute the Requirements of Nonprofit Leadership.

Zoning 101 and Howard County Rezoning

The Columbia Association board took a three-hour zoning 101 lesson from Jeff Zyont this Saturday morning. I learned a lot.

ZONING 101 by Jeff Zyont

At the same time, Howard County is going to rewrite the zoning law. This change may have a huge impact to our county in the future. Attached is an assessment for our county’s zoning regulation.  More details could be found at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/regulationassessment.

HoCo 2018 Rezoning assessment

 

CA Board Meeting Summary 2018-06-28

Chairman’s Remarks:

oncoming meetings for Columbia Association related

July 4, 2018

Fireworks at Lakefront

5:00 PM

July 7, 2018

Chrysalis Kids: Grandsons, Jr.

10:00 AM RR

July 8, 2018

CA’s Second Sunday Swim (free access with Columbia Card)

(See Pool Schedules)

July 12, 2018

CA Board work session

7:00 PM (note time change)

July 17, 2018

Volunteering Made Easy

6:00 PM RR

July 17, 2018

Columbia Solar Cooperative information session (OM)

7:00 PM

July 17, 2018

Aquatics Advisory Committee meeting (HR – see web site)

7:00 PM

July 19, 2018

Senior Advisory Committee meeting

2:30 PM

Resident Speakout:

Brian England, on behalf of Guilford Business Group, asked CA to join them to proceed commercial covenant enforcement, instead of waiting for the county rezoning process to be finished( the timeline for the county wide rezoning process is uncertain).

Chris Alleva, proposed a building alteration process. The process is for building alterations without a change of use to the Architectural Committee. Demolition of a building or in some circumstances a. change in use requires an amendment of the Final Development Plan, Comprehensive Plan and the Preliminary Development Plan. Amendments to these plans are reviewed under those provisions in the commercial and industrial architectural guidelines.

Ginger Scott: talked about flood damage on the Fairway Hill Golf Court, whether CA staff informed the board about the risk or not, recommended CA reevaluate the whole golf court area.

Board Action:

  1. The board sent board resolution indemnifying CA Team Members on the 401(k) Plan Investment Committee back to CA staff for further clarification. The board has concern of “gross negligence”.
  2. The board approved an updates to the Board Reimbursement Policy.
  3. The board approved resolution allowing Residents to Speak on Any Topic at Board Work Sessions.

Board Discussion:

  1. FY 2020 Draft Budget Schedule
  2. Two Closed Meetings related to Business Transaction

Columbia Association FY 18 Annual Report( The Village 2018-07)

Columbia Association’s FY 18 Annual Report

By Chao Wu
This is a simple version of the annual report. You can find CA’s official annual report at https://www.columbiaassociation.org/about-us/policies-statements/financial-reports/columbia-association-annual-report/ shortly.
This article will be published on The Village, July 2018 issue.

During fiscal year 2018 (May 2017 to April 2018), Columbia Association (CA) accomplished many of the goals that were set by the board in 2017. This article recaps the report written by CA board chair Andy Stack.

Inside Columbia Association

I always want to make sure CA has a well-balanced budget, maintaining the fiscal health of the organization while making the necessary expenditures. During fiscal year 2018, the CA board approved the annual charge rate without any increase and maintained limited borrowing. The board has built a long-term plan by allocating $20 million yearly in capital funds for several years to help deal with overdue and necessary repairs and improvements required for CA’s facilities.

We are continuing to maintain and improve our facilities and environment. In FY18, there was a large amount of funding allocated to the Swim Center, Ice Rink, and Athletic Club. We continue to clean our lakes and ponds, reduce stream erosion with watershed improvement projects, and improve pathways and bridges.

CA opened a new indoor tennis facility in Long Reach and converted the old Tennis Bubble in Owen Brown for outdoor tennis and pickle-ball. A major renovation at the Athletic Club is currently underway.

The board and CA staff actively reviewed and discussed options for assuming responsibility for handling commercial covenants in Columbia . We reviewed and discussed potential enhancements to the Lakefront Plaza. The Board wants to ensure that our master plan takes into account Howard Hughes’ proposal for the redevelopment of the Lakefront Core area.

Within Howard County

The board worked with the developer and with Howard County on the redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center. CA presented testimony before the Planning Board and the Zoning Board in support of this crucial effort to enhance a village center.

CA participated in Howard County’s Phase 1 land use/development regulations review process. Phase 1 set the stage for Phase 2 which will focus on rewriting the actual land use regulations. This will have a major impact on the future redevelopment of Columbia. We want to make sure Columbia continues to be a planned community.

The board followed developments regarding the new Cultural Center in Downtown Columbia, the Crescent area in Downtown Columbia, the Hickory Ridge Village Center, the Lakefront Core area, and other proposed developments in and around Columbia.

Bigger Community

The board established a new Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee. The committee recruited environmental experts across the county and just held its first meeting. With their help, we want to make sure Columbia continues to be conscious about reducing energy waste and improving the environment.

CA helped to celebrate Columbia’s 50th birthday with great success. More than 85 great events were held and many community members were highly engaged. I attended many events with my family and I am glad Columbia continues to be a diverse and vibrant community.

We established a new sister city, Liyang, China for Columbia after three-year’s planning work. I believe connecting people and building friendship will provide a better vision and network for Columbia and Howard County residents.

I am looking forward to your feedback and please enjoy your summer.

Chao Wu, PhD

River Hill Representative to Columbia Council and Columbia Association Board of Directors

Email: superbwu@gmail.com Website: http://www.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.