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General Planning
Q. What is the Downtown Columbia Plan?
A. In December 2007, the County issued “Downtown Columbia: A Community Vision,†a comprehensive vision for Downtown Columbia. The Vision Statement described the vision for a revitalized Downtown and established a framework for achieving that vision. Pursuant to the County framework, the Downtown Columbia Plan is an amendment to the County’s General Plan. It sets forth a framework and guiding principles for the revitalization of Downtown Columbia over the next 20 to 30 years. Development plans for Downtown projects in the years ahead will include details for that project such as neighborhood design guidelines; environmental restoration; public amenities; and infrastructure. These development plans must adhere to the framework and guiding principles of the Downtown Columbia Plan as required by the accompanying zoning regulation amendment (ZRA).
Q. Why were both a Downtown Columbia Plan and a Zoning Regulation Amendment submitted at the same time?
A. The County framework called upon GGP, as a major landowner Downtown, to prepare and propose both a General Plan Amendment describing the vision, and a Zoning Regulation Amendment for its implementation. Appendix A to the County’s Vision Statement describes the master plan and zoning approach that is being utilized. Included in the approach described by the County’s Vision Statement is the introduction to the public of the General Plan Amendment and Zoning Regulation Amendment at the same time so the relationship between the two documents would be clearly understood.
Q. Will County Council approval of the Downtown Columbia Plan and ZRA end opportunities for public involvement?
A. No, far from it. The Downtown Columbia Plan will set forth a framework and guiding principles for the next 20-30 years. Each specific development plan for downtown projects in the years ahead will also be open to public discussion, review and approval through the County process. Downtown will be redeveloped in phases, with each part carefully reviewed to ensure that the goals set forth in the plan are achieved.
Q. What if I have comments on what I see or don’t see in the text of the proposed Downtown Columbia Plan or ZRA that I would like to be included in those documents?
A. There is a process for submitting testimony to the County Council relative to the Downtown Columbia Plan and ZRA. This is the best and most efficient means of articulating your suggestions and recommendations relative to the Downtown Columbia Plan and ZRA. It will ensure that the County Council and any other interested parties have access to your suggestions.
Q. What if I have a question on something in the text of the proposed Downtown Columbia Plan or ZRA?
A. The process for submitting testimony to the County Council relative to the Downtown Columbia Plan and ZRA can also be used to ask questions about the two documents. Using the public hearing process will ensure that the County Council and any other interested party has access to your questions. Others may have the same or similar questions Councilmembers may wish to explore, and the answers provided will available to all via the public process.
Q. Where do I go to see the actual text of the legislation relative to the Downtown Columbia Plan that have been introduced by the County Council CB 58 and CB 59?
A. You may go to the County Council web site http://www.co.ho.md.us/countycouncil/cc_homepage.htm and click on Legislation"
Q. What if I want to testify, provide comments, suggestions or recommendations to this legislation?
A. You can sign up to provide testimony in person or in writing. Either way, go to the County Council web site http://www.co.ho.md.us/countycouncil/cc_homepage.htm and click on Testify
