Columbia Association

CA board meeting summary 2017-04-27

Resident speakout:

Joel Hurwitz, Harper’s Choice, talking about release or not releasing closed meeting minutes. who to invite for stakeholder dinner during the incoming election year, trash recycling practice.

CA chair shared the following calendar:

  1. April 29, village election
  2. May 2nd, Announcement of Long Reach Village Redevelopment from County Government
  3. May 8th, New CA BOD orientation
  4. May 11th, new CA board meeting
  5. May 25th, new CA board meeting
  6. President Report:

Board Action:

The board discussed and voted 10 motions which will change Board Governance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sound Level at Merriweather Post is Lowered

Got a message from Stu Kohn, president of HCCA that a new law passed and sound level at Merriweather Post is lowered. To see the Bill Contents go to — http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2017RS/bills/hb/hb0677T.pdf.  The Maryland General Assembly database can be seen at http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0677&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

When I first heard this noise problem from residents at the Columbia Association board meeting two years ago, I felt sympathy for them and shared my story with them.

“When I was in college, during one semester I was really bothered by construction noise. The school was building a new dorm, around 20 meters away from my dorm. They started construction at night because they need lay the concrete at cooler summer night. The huge sound just made me not able to go to sleep at those hot summer nights. Then the students began to call school president and other officials’s home phone numbers at night continuously.  It was wonderful we had their home phone numbers such that they can understand how those noise disturbed students’ sleep. Eventually the construction plan was altered and some of them was moved to summer when the students were not at school. “

I am happy that CA board  has been supporting our residents’ concerns and eventually all efforts made the difference. Originally I thought it would be very difficult to change how Merrirweather Post was operating because a previous law was passed to give them green light on this and Merriweather stated how important to have such a higher noise level otherwise their business will not be able to run successfully. Now, a new law was passed to switch that high noise level back. In one way, we can say our elected officials are very adaptive to residents’ demands and we really thank them. In another way, we can say the law can be changed one way or another pretty easily since the law to increase the noise level should not have been passed in the first place several years ago. Many residents have been bothered long enough.

River Hill Village Election this Saturday

I am running for a second term as River Hill’s representative to Columbia Association.  Please come and vote for me.

Time:  Saturday 9:00-3:00, April 29, 2017

Location: Claret Hall of River Hill Village Center

What you need: Bring your driver license for ID purpose.

Attached please find my statement. Thanks for your support.

2017 Village Election Statement

Two housing projects around River Hill

There are two housing developments which are moving forward:

  1. application number: SDP-17-013. Two single-family model homes at the intersection of Guilford Road and Route 108, just opposed of the Donaldson funeral home. (50 total homes of 150 approved). On Page 6.
  2. application number: P-17-002. Prilimary plan submitted for the Simpson Oaks development north of Grace Drive that includes 46 single family detached( starting from 800K) and 83 single family attached. Total 129 houses. On page 7.
Attached is Columbia Planning & Development Tracker provided by Columbia Association. DevelopmentTrackerApril2017

CA board meeting summary 2017-3-23

Resident speakout

Ms. Jing Tian, president of Howard Badminton Club, requested for some Adult Court time at Columbia Gym.

Dave Li, asked for badminton time use at Columbia Gym.

Chris Alleva, talking about problems with the zoning regulation, ZRA-177. It is too open-ended. We still work hard to continue to be a planned community.

Brian England, traffic problem at the intersection of Minstrel way and Snowden River Parkway, nobody enforced the sign law. DPZ now looks like facilitator of development, not regulator any more. Most related to Guilford Industrial Park.

George, covenant enforcement problem with oakland ridge.

JD Smith, on behalf of Howard County Citizen Association, HCCS is producing a Columbia 50th Anniversary Documentary Film to celebrate Columbia’s history. Mr. Krantz in 1987 produced a 27-minute document for the 20th anniversary at https://vimeo.com/190951307. Their website is http://columbia50movie.com.

Richard Krantz, fair and balanced report for the 50th documentary.  The 20th anniversary documentary is heavily used by CA. Their crowdfunding will start soon at https://igg.me/at/columbai50movie.

President Report highlight

Matthew Zao, a member of the Columbia Clippers, has been named to the 2017 USA Deaflympics Team. He will compete in the Deaflympics games in Turkey in July.

County Land Development Regulations Assessment Process

Valdis Lazdins(speaker), Director and Amy Gowan, Deputy Director from the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning will speak to the Board about the county’s initiative to undertake a comprehensive review and assessment of the county’s land development.regulations.

Phase I– Development Regulation Assessment

  1. Clarion Associates will be the consultant firm.
  2. HowardCounty2030 vision is still there.
  3. Project kickoff, stakeholder and community meetings March 28-30, 2017. First one at HCC on March 28, Second one at Route 1 area, third one in western Howard County.
  4. Public draft public meetings, Winter 2018

2017 DPZ meeting schedule

Phase II — Drafting of new development regulations

The board approved the audit company.

The board approved the continuation of Minority, women owned and disabled owned business policy. 

The board talks about Strategic issue ideas for Columbia Association.  Here are some ideas:

1. Attract and retain young adults (18 to 30) to CA’s sports facilities and programs. (similar to #2)

2. Need to reach, attract, and engage young people, particularly in the teen and college age brackets, with our facilities, programs, and services. (similar to #1)

3. Continue to enhance CA’s influence in the planning and development of Columbia

4. Enhance CA’s role in commercial covenants (similar to #5 )

5. Involvement in redoing the Columbia commercial covenants. (similar to #4)

6. Downtown Columbia a. Updates on how downtown is progressing with completion of square footage. b. When we will see some affordable housing in place? c. Continued engagement in the Columbia Downtown redevelopment. d. What influence do we have on HHC as they develop plans for the Lakefront district? Important since the Lakefront has been a symbolic center of Columbia and, with issues such as the Veterans’ Memorial, it would be good to have a plan. e. Will CA want to extend electricity to the other side of the lake? f. Do we see the lakefront as the continuing community gathering place, or will that function go toward Symphony Woods as the Crescent develops? g. What type of housing will be built?

7. Continue focus on updating our village centers. Oakland Mills and Long Reach should continue to have priority.

8. CA Advisory Committees – need to find a way to incorporate them onto Board agendas, have more outreach; have Board members visit annually.

9. CA needs to decide how it will continue to aid in developing Symphony Woods.

10. Would like information on how the facility updates are going.

11. With schools starting later this year (post Labor Day), try to keep more outdoor pools open through August.

Columbia 50th birthday

Today, we kicked off the 50th birthday celebration of Columbia. My whole family joined the event in the mall. I probably will not see its centennial birthday, but my daughter and son will. This is where they grow up and this is their hometown.

I purchased a brick from Columbia Association as well, which will be put in the Lakefront area. Even I die some day , the brick will stay and the Lake Kittamaqundi will be there.

I will continue to run for the CA Council representative for another term. It is fun to be there and serve the community.

CA board working session meeting summary 2017-3-9

Resident speakout:

Ms. Pamela Brown, Owen Brown Village, on the village board with CA board chair Andy Stack, worked on the Owen Brown Village Center renovation before.  She is interested in knowing any new improvement to their village center. She is a strong proponent of village concept.

Meeting topics:

1) Kimco Presentation

  1. Scott Templin, talked about Columbia Village Center development plan. He reviewed the Columbia Market Study which was conducted by Columbia Association several years ago.
  2. Gregory Reed (Vice president development, mid-atlantic region) , daily trip for grocery store.The following six villages are owned by Kimco.
    • River Hill                (100% occupied, Retail 84%, restaurant 13%),
    • Dorsey Search       (94% occupied, Retail 80%, restaurant 14%),
    • Harpers’ Choice     (99% occupied, Retail 76%/restaurant 13%, office 2%, residential 8%),
    • Kings Contrivance(93% occupied, Retail 75%, restaurant 15%, office 3%)
    • Wilde Lake              (83% occupied, Retail 55%, restaurant 22%, office 6%). Rebuilding almost done.
    • Hickory Ridge        (% occupied, Retail %,restaurant %, office %). Rebuilding will last three years, starting probably late summer 2018 in three stages.

2) Review to changes of Board Governance System

3) Minority business enterprise policy

4) Howard County easement request-intersection of broken land parkway and cradlerock way

 

 

 

Columbia Dialogue at 50th birthday

1 Comment

Please register at ColumbiaAssociation.org/columbiadialogues .

Meetings will be held at evening time.

Columbia Association, Columbia MD

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 8, 2017
Contact: David Greisman
Phone: 410-423-4103

 

Discussions on race, class and culture seek to help make Columbia a more inclusive community

Columbia residents are being asked to take part in a series of facilitated small-group discussions on the intersections of race, class and culture — sessions that will help people find common ground and learn from fellow community members who are different from them.

“Columbia was founded on the inclusion of all people. As we celebrate Columbia’s 50th year, it is vital that we provide a space for community members to intentionally engage with and listen to others different from ourselves,” said Jane Dembner, director of planning and community affairs for Columbia Association, which has helped organize the discussions as part of Columbia’s 50th Birthday celebration. “This exploration will help keep biases in check and also make us question assumptions we make about other community members.”

The goal of ColumbiaDialogues is to create a personal and collective commitment among participants to help make the community more inclusive.

“We want participants to nurture trust, explore our differences and recommit to inclusion as the way of life here in Columbia,” Dembner said. “This is important as Columbia is ever more diverse and needs now — more than ever — to work to make sure we remain an inclusive community.”

ColumbiaDialogues is the result of a collaborative partnership of representatives of faith-based, educational and civic organizations as part of Columbia’s 50th Birthday celebration. The Howard County Public School System’s Office of Cultural Proficiency is providing the trained facilitators for these dialogues.

Each small group will reflect the diversity of the Columbia community so that they can learn from each other. Sessions will begin this spring. Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/columbiadialogues to learn how to participate. Space is limited. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 28. If interest exceeds capacity, CA may hold additional sessions in the future and/or encourage other organizations to sponsor similar sessions.

For more information, please email Jane.Dembner@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

About Columbia Association

 

Columbia Association (CA) is a nonprofit community services corporation that manages Columbia, Maryland, a planned community that is home to approximately 100,000 people and several thousand businesses. Additional information about CA is available at ColumbiaAssociation.org.

  

 

Visit CA’s Press Room

 

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Columbia Association 

6310 Hillside Court • Columbia, MD 21044

(410) 715-3000 

 

David.Greisman@ColumbiaAssociation.org

 

CA board meeting summary 2017-2-23

Resident speakout:

  1. Joel Hurewitz , speaking out against CA funding for Inner Arbor Trust.

Chairman remarks:

  1. March 9 work session, Kimco will be invited to talk about village center.
  2. March 23rd meeting, DPZ director will come and talk about the new zoning.
  3. March 19, grand take-off to celebrate 50 year anniversary.

Board meeting:

  1. The board approved annual charge rate of $0.68 of $100 and cap of 3.5 percent proposed of FY2018.
  2. The board approved the capital budget (around 17 million dollars)
  3. Inner Arbor Trust requested additional $41k dollars funding as an amendment, which was approved by 5-4. Although I don’t  like their funding request is delivered to the board, I voted for this amendment to give enough support for them and jump start their operation.  I will not support similar request from them in the future.
  4. The board voted to ask Inner Arbor Trust to have a quarterly report etc as an condition.
  5. The board approved the operating budget as amended above with 7-2. ( I voted for it)
  6. The board approved Turf Valley Resort’s $30k spending.
  7. The board approved the use of FY 15 Watershed Improvement Projects Capital Funds to Supplement Funds Approved for FY 13 Watershed Improvement Project RZ4. ( 9-1)

 

Proposed 199 ft Monopole Tower along Grace Drive at River Hill

1 Comment

From: Barb Pivec [mailto:bpivec]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 12:41 PM
To: Barb Pivec <bpivec>
Subject: Fwd: WR Grace – Proposed 199 ft Monopole Tower

RE: WR Grace – Proposed 199 ft Monopole Tower

Dear, Email Recipient the maps did not go through the 1st time resending

Over the last several years Verizon (VZ) has recognized a deficiency in its existing coverage along Route 32 and the River Hill Community Area. In order to manage this deficiency, a design was released to add a communication installation to its local network in that area.

The first step was to evaluate any opportunities to use existing infrastructure in the area, including the water tower on the WR Grace Business Campus where other carriers have wireless installations. Inquiries and studies were performed on the water tower, and it was determined that it was not possible to utilize this existing infrastructure due to structural capacity concerns. At that time and through ongoing evaluations it was also determined that future communications upgrades, by existing carriers on the water tower, to maximize the service in the area, may be limited on this structure as well. There is strong indication that sometime in the future the property owners may remove the Water Tower.

With no other options to collocate on an existing structure in the area, a proposal is being set forth to construct a new 199’ monopole tower next to the water tower. Once constructed Verizon would locate on the structure and the existing carriers on the water tower, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint, would then move over as well.

Our company Calvert Crossland has a long term relationship with Verizon and has a pending agreement with WR Grace and Verizon to develop this necessary infrastructure. To learn more about Calvert Crossland please visit our website at www.calvertcrossland.com

The proposed communication facility will be located within the WR Grace Campus, right next to the water tower. The approximately 1,500 sq ft of disturbance to construct the tower is surrounded by buildings on three sides and a mature forest. This is an unmanned commutation facility that is intended to serve as a replacement for the existing water tower, currently being used as infrastructure for wireless carriers.

Please accept this letter as formal written Notice; in compliance with Sec. 16.128 for of Howard County, Maryland Code of Ordinances.

Please join us for a Pre-submission Community Meeting – February 16th, 2016.

The Meeting Room at River Hill

6330 Trotter Road

Clarksville, Maryland 21093.
6:00PM to 8:00PM

Informational Contacts and Project Detail

· Barb Pivec – Calvert Crossland, LLC bpivec 443-994-7505

· https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Planning-and-zoning >Quick Links – Resubmission Meetings >Search Sign Code – N09

· For Development Process in formation go to: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Zoning/Land-Development/Development-Process-and-Procedures

· Type of initial plan to be submitted: Site Development Plan (SDP) with or without redline changes

· Project Request: unmanned telecommunications tower

· Parcel Zoning Classification: Planned Employment Center (PEC)

· Parcel Use: Industrial

· Residential Units: 0

· Parcel Acres: 54.8 Acre +-

· Development Impact: approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of disturbance

· Council District: 4

· Property ID Number: 05-351251

· Tax Map: 35 Grid: 22 Parcel: 145

· Property Address: Grace Tech Park, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21044

Please find below a location map of the property presented as a web link, attachment or enclosure.

Industry and project representatives will be in attendance to discuss the details of the project and to be available for questions. A sign-in sheet will be available at the meeting for Meeting Minutes and for further notifications. If any community association, person, or organization registered with the county is unable to attend and would like to receive an emailed version of the Minutes to the aforementioned meeting please contact Barb Pivec at bpivec

Sincerely,

Barb Pivec – Partner

Calvert Crossland, LLC

https://www.google.com/maps/place/7500+Grace+Dr,+Columbia,+MD+21044/@39.1903192,-76.9053447,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b7ded084bb72b9:0x311bafb4f880f985!8m2!3d39.1903151!4d-76.903156?hl=en&authuser

Regards,

Barb Pivec – Partner

Calvert Crossland, LLC

904 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231

410-827-4132 – Office 443-994-7505 – Wireless

bpivec

2016 Year End Review (The Villager 2017-1)

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.

Inside and Outside(The Villager 2017-2)

Inside and Outside

Dr. Chao Wu

Inside Columbia Association

The Columbia Association’s (CA) Board is discussing the 2018 capital budget. As usual, the budget is separated into three categories: Capital I, Capital II and Capital III.

As part of the Capital Budget, we are considering several multi-million dollar projects for improvements at the following facilities: Columbia Swim Center ($2.7 million), Athletic Club ($2.5 million), Ice Rink ($2.0 million). The total budget for capital projects is $17 million. The proposed total income for FY 2018 is $72 million.

The Board is discussing a $75K grant in the 2018 operating budget for the Inner Arbor Trust (IAT). This expense was proposed by CA board chair Andy Stack. The Chrysalis will be ready by the end of March 2017 and IAT is running out of money to operate it.

Implementing a comprehensive pond management plan requires a total of $3.8 million from now on. Because such a large amount of money is required, we need to phase the repair plan over several years based on priority. Some money has been put in FY 2018 budget for high priority project. CA tried to return some ponds back to the county government for maintenance and they would not take them. This pond management needs to occur every 10 years.

The staff is proposing a dashboard to keep track how CA is doing quarterly. The dashboard will indicate how and where operational, programmatic and financial changes need to be made for organizational improvement. This will help the board and our residents understand CA better.

Outside Columbia Association

There are important things happening locally. The County Council is debating a Sanctuary Howard bill (CB9-2017) to declare “sanctuary” status in Howard County. The purpose is to shield undocumented immigrants from deportation. The bill was proposed by council members Dr. Calvin Ball (District 3) and’ Ms. Jen Terrasa (District 2). You can email councilmail@howardcountymd.gov to reach all council members to express your support or opposition to this bill. The bill is schedule on a vote on Feb. 6, 2017.

There is controversy within the Howard County Public School System, The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Foose, is suing the Board of Education (BOE) as a whole and the members individually. CA board member Reg Avery was mentioned in the report and he was also the president of Parent Teacher Association Council of Howard County (PTAC of HoCo). I am not sure how this lawsuit will unfold and hope our kids’ education will not be impacted negatively.

I am sitting on the reinstated BOE Operating Budget Review committee. The committee will provide some useful feedback to the BOE on the 2018 operating budget. This time an additional $65 million in HCPSS operating budget was proposed over last year’s last year’s approved budget.

I am looking forward to your feedback on all issues discussed here.

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.

First Boy cubs/Scout experience

This Wednesday night (2017-2-1), I attended a local boy’s scout meeting to share my experience how I immigrated here and make River Hill my new home, how I get involved in local affairs on both River Hill board, Columbia Association board , HCPSS School Operating Budget Review Committee and others, how important for people get involved and get their voices heard.

Thank you, Craig George and those wonderful kids who trusted me and asked so many questions.  I really enjoyed it.

CA’s New Membership Structure as of May 2017

The membership type and price was posted earlier  https://chaowu.org/2017/02/02/new-ca-membership-and-new-price/

Note: for new members (whether monthly or yearly), there will be an upfront one time fee to set up an account ($99 or 149$, I forget the exact number). The old several year contract ( which causes huge price jump after three years) will be discontinued.

For current member who transit to the new accounts, there will be no fee. That is the fine print. I don’t like it, but CA staff told me that was how it works everywhere and I have to take it. 

CA’s website for this information is located at : https://www.columbiaassociation.org/membership/cas-new-membership-structure/

2017-ca-new-membership-structure

River Hill Pond improvement notice

Media Contacts:

Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022

Michele Monde, Project Manager, Department of Public Works, 410-313-0844

Velvet Path stormwater quality improvements to begin

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County construction project to improve a stormwater management retention pond in the vicinity of Velvet Path and Summer Sunrise Drive in the Village of River Hill in Columbia, is expected to begin on or about Monday, February 6. This project, funded through the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee, will replace the existing pond infrastructure, stabilize the downstream outfall and provide additional water quality treatment. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late April.

Signs will be posted near the site to advise motorists and pedestrians of the construction. While the project is not expected to impact the flow of vehicular traffic, the walking path from Summer Sunrise Drive to the playground may be closed during construction hours, Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays as needed, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For questions or concerns about Capital Project D-1159, contact Lisa Brightwell, Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov