Construction has begun and the County Council is nearing a vote on building height limits, but there still may be room for a compromise on the contentious high-rise in Columbia.
“There is a rift in the community, and it?s getting wider. We need to resolve this case,” said Richard Talkin, attorney representing the developer of the Plaza Residences, WCI Communities Inc. “We have been willing to compromise.”
During the two-day marathon public hearing this week where dozens of residents and businesses members testified for or against a 150-foot height limit in Columbia, the idea of a possible compromise resurfaced.
The council is considering two measures that would limit building heights in Columbia until a downtown master plan is developed and change the definition of projects that are pending to include those being challenged in court, which would include the planned 275-foot Plaza Residences in the limits.
The notion of a compromise isn?t new. The county administration and the developer have both said they were open to discussions, but no agreement has been reached.
“I am still hopeful and optimistic that all parties can come together for a mutually beneficial solution and compromise,” County Executive Ken Ulman said Wednesday, adding he is still “having dialogue with the parties.”
The council debate over the two bills could provide the needed motivation for all parties involved to come to a compromise, said Council Chairman Calvin Ball, D-District 2.
The measures? sponsor, Mary Kay Sigaty, D-District 4, said this may be an opportunity to try again for a deal.
“It was a public conversation that had to happen,” she said.
Joel Broida, one of the Columbia residents challenging the tower in court, said he came up with a plan that would include using floors in exiting buildings for condos and build another smaller structure that would include affordable housing.
State Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B, said she would like to see General Growth Properties to buy back the land from WCI Communities.
“There were talks about this before; Maybe they could go back and try harder,” Bobo told the council.
The developers also had a compromise in mind, which included lowering the tower and making pedestrian access improvements and contributions to workforce housing, Talkin said.
However, the developers have not heard back whether the deal is acceptable.
Still others testifying before the council said the 150 feet height limit was the compromise.
Councilwoman Courtney Watson said she would like to see Ulman make one more try at a compromise, but she was skeptical it could be settled.
“It may just be the council has to vote on this,” she said.
