This outlines some of HCCA’s positions on responsible land use.
- Development and redevelopment must be part of specific master plans such as the recently adopted Plan Howard 2030 as well as the plans for Route 1, Turf Valley, Maple Lawn, Route 40 and Columbia Downtown.
- In addition to master plans, zoning regulations play a key role in managing development. Staying abreast of zoning regulations and testifying on behalf of Howard County citizens’ interests has been a major initiative of HCCA this year. With legislation like the Community Enhanced Floating Zones (CB-36) being proposed that undermine master plans by allowing for changes in zoning outside of the normal process, it is critical that as citizens we follow and participate in the legislative process and in the public hearings which will be held on comprehensive rezoning. This is how we ensure that our interests are protected.
- This year, the HCCA has been involved in reviewing the recommendations of the Public Engagement in Land Use (PELU) task force report, making suggestions to enhance it’s effectiveness.
- Implementation of the Route 40 master plan needs to begin now.
- The Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) should be strengthened to ensure developers are fully responsible for adequate infrastructure including schools and roads (compensating for both local and downstream impact) as well as amenities.
- Independent consultants ought to do traffic studies for development applications and be paid out of a common fund of developers’ contributions.