Zoning minutia is known to cause headaches, but Columbia residents and leaders are prepared to get them at the next Columbia Downtown Focus Group meeting.
They will debate a zoning conflict that could define the way Columbia?s Town Center is sculpted: Will the 493 acres primed for development work with Columbia?s current zoning, or should the planning and zoning department start over with new zoning guidelines?
“We should take what we have and use it incrementally and slowly,” said Mary Pivar, a member of the group and Columbia resident, referring to the existing zoning which works with developers on a case-by-case basis with loose guidelines including a maximum of 2.5 units per acre. If the current zoning, known as New Town, is retained, the group said it needs to be more refined and include restrictions such as height limits for buildings and density.
The new zoning, referred to as Columbia Downtown Overlay, would address the concerns at the public-led charettes by creating a business sector and defining distances between buildings, among others.
“People were concerned that the nature of the development of downtown hasn?t met the needs of people,” said Steve Lafferty, deputy director of the department, referring to commercial and cultural amenities as well as recreational space.
However, some said the switch from the zoning used since Jim Rouse created Columbia in 1963 would be more of an overhaul than a redefinition. “Let?s not introduce more confusion and possible doubt about a positive outcome by shifting to an unknown commodity,” said Del. Liz Bobo, D-District 12B, in a letter to the focus group. The land up for redevelopment is owned by General Growth Properties, Columbia Association, and commercial and residential property owners.
What happens next
» The next Columbia Downtown Focus Group meeting will address zoning from 3 to 5:30 p.m. May 24 at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center on Twin Rivers Road.
