CA Board Meeting October 22, 2020
Columbia Association Board of Directors Meeting
October 22, 2020 (Click here for the agenda and meeting packet.)
NANCY’S NOTES
Resident Speakout
Gunther Gottfeld called in in support of the outdoor pools. He has lived here for 50 years and wants the outdoor pools, regardless of cost. He wants the community to have input into the plans for the outdoor pools for next summer.
Alex Heikimian called in to make the point that CA needs to keep its budget meetings open to the public.
Two others were signed up but did not make it to the speak out.
Board Discussion: Status Report on the Fiscal Year 2021 Operating Budget
Golf in Columbia is having its best year in many years. It appears that the pandemic has made some people happy they can at least play golf. Other facilities are not faring as well. This is not surprising. About a third to a half of members have not returned.
Board Discussion: Howard County Housing Opportunities Task Force
The housing opportunities task force will assist in creating a master plan that will recommend policy changes, ways to create housing and establish metrics. The recommendations will be applied to neighborhoods. The committee will look at housing supply, lack of affordable housing and look at diversity being hindered. Senior housing and size of housing is a concern.
Affordable housing – whether the priority is to create as many as possible – or on integration – blending into the larger community. This may not create enough units for the county’s needs.
Maybe there should be more “by right” development which means it is approved because it meets all the criteria for development. Should there be less requirements to allow affordable housing on properties? Should there be an affordable housing overlay throughout the county?
An overlay means there could be different zoning standards for affordable housing use. This zone may have different standards that would apply. There was a good deal of conversation about the issue of affordability and a full range of housing.
There will be a community meeting on Nov. 2, 2020 about affordable housing.
The Vivian Bailey Park was opened today honoring Mrs. Vivian Bailey. Very few people were invited. The Board just learned about it today as the Chair, Andy Stack announced that he and Milton were among the few invited guests.
The weather has been beautiful this week. I hope you have all been able to get out and enjoy the last days of summer. Fall is certainly here. Thanksgiving is coming on fast. You may have a smaller celebration, but we still have much to be thankful for.
Warmly,
Nancy McCord