Howard County Council Vote on 5/5/08
The County Council is considering the creation of a design panel, five professionals, to review projects to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
There is some concern that requiring development to be reviewed would further hamper a cumbersome planning process. A board member of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Gregory Lowe is quoted as saying "We want to make sure the process is implemented in a way that it doesn't become more drawn out"
I agree with Mr Lowe, the process should not be drawn out, either at the front end or especially at the back end, when mistakes or differences are found to late. Mistakes do draw out the process. I am reminded of a book written be Norm Abram ( of T.V. Fame)
"Measure Twice, Cut Once: Lessons from a Master Carpenter.
Put another way, plan once, review the plans, then proceed.
I also agree that the planning director be assigned the responsibly to reject the panel's recommendations or require the developer to adopt the recommendations.
This gives the planning director the opportunity to leave a paper trail as to their conclusions, and the opportunity for the developer to sign off on their agreement to accept the recommendations.
One last thing, Mr Talkin, a lawyer who represents several county developers, said the original plan was for the panel to be voluntary, and he thought this concept should be revisited by the county. I agree with Mr. Talkin. It should be revisited by the county, so that it is rejected in a clear and objective manner. A panel of professionals, individuals who do their job well and get paid for doing their job, is the correct way to go with the design panel.
I think Mr Talkin would agree with this, since he is a paid professional, and would appreciate the value of employing , experienced, and well trained. individuals for the job.
There is some concern that requiring development to be reviewed would further hamper a cumbersome planning process. A board member of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Gregory Lowe is quoted as saying "We want to make sure the process is implemented in a way that it doesn't become more drawn out"
I agree with Mr Lowe, the process should not be drawn out, either at the front end or especially at the back end, when mistakes or differences are found to late. Mistakes do draw out the process. I am reminded of a book written be Norm Abram ( of T.V. Fame)
"Measure Twice, Cut Once: Lessons from a Master Carpenter.
Put another way, plan once, review the plans, then proceed.
I also agree that the planning director be assigned the responsibly to reject the panel's recommendations or require the developer to adopt the recommendations.
This gives the planning director the opportunity to leave a paper trail as to their conclusions, and the opportunity for the developer to sign off on their agreement to accept the recommendations.
One last thing, Mr Talkin, a lawyer who represents several county developers, said the original plan was for the panel to be voluntary, and he thought this concept should be revisited by the county. I agree with Mr. Talkin. It should be revisited by the county, so that it is rejected in a clear and objective manner. A panel of professionals, individuals who do their job well and get paid for doing their job, is the correct way to go with the design panel.
I think Mr Talkin would agree with this, since he is a paid professional, and would appreciate the value of employing , experienced, and well trained. individuals for the job.
Labels: development
posted by jim adams | 7:24 AM
3 Comments:
Did anyone go to the GGP meeting last night?
There were 450 people at the meeting. The draft of the Master plan was presented. It is not on their web site as of the morning of 4/29/08, but they plan on putting it on the site soon. There are 3 meetings in May in reference to the plan, May 6 - Enviroment, May 7 - Traffic, May 8 - Cultural aspects.
All 3 will start at 7:00 p.m. at the Spears Center
For more information go to
www.columbiatowncenter.info
I disagree. As long as a project is built and approved in accordance with existing zoning laws, there is no need for a design panel to make sure the new construction "fits in" with existing construction. That is far too subjective and unnecessary.
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