A second meeting on the contentious 275-foot tower in Columbia failed to reach a compromise, but some are still holding out hope that a deal can be reached.
“There?s room to be an optimist, because it?s not built yet,” said Alan Klein, spokesman for the Coalition for Columbia?s Downtown, referring to the planned Plaza Residences.
Friday?s meeting between developers and community members ended without a resolution and plans for another meeting.
“It wasn?t as productive as the first one,” said Councilwoman Jen Terrasa, D-District 3.
Talk of a compromise resurfaced as the council last month considered legislation that would limit building heights in Columbia to 150 feet. The council tabled the legislation to give high-rise opponents and supporters a chance to talk.
Despite what many called “disappointing” meetings, the door might not be closed to a consensus.
“I am hoping people have time to settle down and think about it,” Terrasa said.
She said she knows both sides want what is in the best interest of the community.
Tower opponents, who took issue with how the project was approved and not included in downtown planning, are pushing for Columbia landowner General Growth Properties Inc. to buy the land from WCI Communities Inc. This would scrap the project and include the land in a master plan.
But developers have said they would be willing to lower the building and include other pedestrian improvements.
“I think our objectives are different,” said Joel Broida, one of the appellants challenging the tower.
Doug Godine, general manager of Columbia for General Growth, said, “At this time, WCI has no intention of selling that piece of property, and we don?t have any intention of buying.”
Godine echoed the disappointments that a resolution wasn?t reached. He said the company would be willing to continue talks.
