CA
2015
FISCAL YEAR May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015
PUBLIC
INFORMATION GUIDE
An information guide to your community’s offerings — an overview of CA’s budget, recreational programs, open space and more.
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The People Tree statue is located at the downtown Columbia Lakefront. On the cover: Aerial of Lake Elkhorn.
FY2014 was a great year for Columbia Association (CA) and a lot of great things were accomplished. •
CA completed “Community for a Lifetime — a Comprehensive Plan for Serving the Older Adult Community” to better understand what older adults would like to see in terms of programs and services that can serve them as they age.
CONTENTS what is columbia association?
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columbia’s governance working for you
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columbia association annual charge
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columbia association sharing information
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the budget understanding the process
•
CA finished work on the new Columbia DogPark in Harper’s Choice.
•
CA began construction on a new Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club clubhouse and turnhouse.
•
Design and engineering commenced for Haven on the Lake, a mind and body wellness retreat in downtown Columbia.
•
CA launched a newly designed ColumbiaAssociation.org website.
•
An updated strategic plan, along with a new mission statement, value and goals, was developed and approved.
•
Youth and Teen Center at the Barn hosted the fifth annual clothing drive and collected more than 12,000 items for those in need.
•
CA started the Excite Columbia residents academy and hosted two sessions to educate residents on what Columbia Association does and how the organization operates.
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columbia association facilities and programs
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As we look toward the future of Columbia Association and our community, there are plenty of new initiatives on the horizon that are worth getting excited about. CA will be focused this year on opening Haven on the Lake and the new clubhouse at the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club. During FY2015, CA will continue to focus on
how to participate in ca’s facilities and programs
providing the best facilities and programs possible for the people of Columbia. To
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new mission statement, values and goals, which took effect at the beginning of this
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open space
columbia’s village community associations
learn more about upcoming initiatives and projects, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org. At the bottom of the pages of this publication, we will be highlighting CA’s fiscal year.
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Lik e u s o n Fa c e b o o k!
Facebook.com/ColumbiaAssociation
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what is
columbia association? olumbia Association (CA) was created
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There are neighborhood amenities including lakes,
two years prior to Columbia’s inception
parks, 167 tot lots, 93.5 miles of pathways, as well as
and has served to nurture James Rouse’s
community and neighborhood centers. CA offers many
vision to provide an environment and an
programs and activities created to encourage the
opportunity to develop better people.
community to celebrate its diversity, not only in race but
CA approved a new strategic plan this year, which
in age, religion, gender and economic status. CA strives
includes a new mission statement, vision statement,
to ensure all of its programs and services are accessible
values and goals. CA’s new mission statement is
to persons with disabilities and to all Columbia
“Working every day in hundreds of ways to make
residents, regardless of income.
Columbia an even better place to live, work and play.” Our vision is “Making Columbia the community of choice—today and for generations to come.”
A couple kisses next to “The Hug,” a sculpture by Jimilu Mason that can be found at the lakefront in downtown Columbia.
A nonprofit public benefit corporation, CA operates a welcome center; an art center; a youth and teen center; an archive; a volunteer center; three full service fitness facilities; an ice rink; a SportsPark with miniature golf,
CA
offers many programs and activities, created to encourage the community to celebrate its diversity... .
batting cages and a skateboard park; two golf clubs; three tennis clubs; 23 outdoor swimming pools, including two mini-waterparks; four indoor swimming pools; and a hot water therapy pool. CA also maintains approximately 3,600 acres of open space as a permanent asset to the community.
Working every day in hundreds of ways to make Columbia an even better place to live, work and play.
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columbia’s governance working for you
olumbia’s nine villages and Town
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team of approximately 1,200 professionals.
Center are organized into 10 village
As it develops CA programs, policies and priorities,
community associations that work
the CA Board solicits advice from Columbia residents.
for you. In April, residents in each of the 10 village associations elect
Through an ongoing Strategy Making Process, the CA Board of Directors and Columbia
Columbia Council representatives. In addition,
Association senior staff work together to ensure
they elect representatives to their village boards,
the preservation of Columbia’s future. Through this
which
process, the CA Board is able to systematically
direct
the
business
affairs
of
the
identify and address issues that are
community associations.
most important to the community.
The Columbia Council representatives serve as the corporate members of Columbia Association and elect themselves to also serve as the CA Board of Directors. The CA Board is the final authority on all matters regarding CA. The CA Board
As it develops CA programs, policies and priorities, the CA Board solicits
advice
from Columbia residents.
meets to review CA policy and budget matters, develop strategic initiatives and address community issues. The public is
If you would like to be involved with this process, please contact your Columbia Council representative or members of your village board with your concerns. Please refer to the lists of contact information on pages 5 and 17 of this guide. n ON THE HORIZON GOVERNANCE
Because CA is a corporation, albeit a nonprofit entity
encouraged to attend these meetings and express their
with a community service mission, the CA Board of
opinions during the Resident Speak Out portion of
Directors has all of the legal responsibilities required
the meeting. Meetings are held at CA Headquarters,
of members of any corporate board. In recent years,
10221 Wincopin Circle. Meeting notices and agendas
residents and members of the CA Board have been
are posted in advance on the web site at
examining the roles of the respective bodies.
ColumbiaAssociation.org (click on “Board” and then
The CA Board has included improving governance
“Meetings” at the top of the page).
as one of its strategic goals.
CA’s chief executive officer — the CA president — ser ves as a nonvoting member of the CA
Over the past few years, the CA Board has commissioned a number of task forces on governance,
Columbia Association, which are carried out by a
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Board and oversees the day-to-day operations of continued on next page
Making Columbia the community of choice — today and for generations to come.
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20142015 ca board/columbia council representatives
Tom O’Connor Dorsey’s Search 410-336-9269 tomfoc3@verizon.net
Alan Klein Harper’s Choice 410-992-3025 AlanKleinCA@gmail.com Gregg Schwind Hickory Ridge 443-831-8847 gregg.schwind@yahoo.com Brian Dunn Kings Contrivance 301-473-0077 brianjdunn@gmail.com
Russell Swatek Long Reach 410-799-1497 swatek1@yahoo.com
Reginald Avery Oakland Mills 443-545-6714 rtavery@verizon.net
Children pet a willing participant at Dog Day Afternoon, a fun annual event that Columbia Association hosts every spring for dogs and their two-legged friends.
evaluated a number of recommendations, amended the CA By-Laws to operate under Robert’s Rules of Order and transitioned to a committee-based structure. The new, streamlined committee-based structure allows more public participation at the grassroots level, as well as more in-depth examination of issues before they are brought before the entire CA Board.
Andrew C. Stack Owen Brown 410-381-8897 andy.obca@gmail.com
Michael Cornell River Hill 410-531-9340 MichaelCornell@comcast.net
Jeanne Ketley Town Center 301-596-1097 TownCenterCARep@gmail.com
Nancy McCord Wilde Lake 410-730-2309 Nancy.McCord@LongAndFoster.com
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columbia association
annual charge you have walked through the woods, fished in a lake, called your village community association for information, enjoyed an outdoor pool, attended a free summer concert on the Downtown Columbia Lakefront or voted in a village election, you have experienced some of the benefits of the CA annual charge. The CA Board of Directors has the authority to set the rate to a maximum of 75 cents per $100 of valuation assessed on 50 percent of the fair market value, as determined by the State of Maryland for real estate tax purposes. Residents contribute approximately 70 percent of the annual charge revenue, and the business The income provided by the annual charge, community contributes while significant, approximately 30 covers a little percent. CA applies the more than same methodology used by Howard County and the cost of services the State with respect to provided by CA. their caps on property
If
half
taxes, and they don’t apply those caps in calculating taxes due on a property in the year following the purchase. The income provided by the annual charge, while significant, covers a little more than half of the cost of the services provided by Columbia Association. Therefore, some of the most popular activities, along with Package Plan and facility memberships, require the payment of dues and fees. Since CA resident members pay membership dues and the annual charge, their dues are significantly lower than those paid by non-CA residents. For example, CA resident families normally pay approximately 35 to 50 percent less for a Package Plan membership or for the outdoor pools than non-CA residents. This approach creates a strong community balance. Those who use CA facilities and programs support the greatest portion of those costs, while the expense of
maintaining and operating universal amenities like community centers, pathways, tot lots and lakes is shared by all. A recent survey showed CA services are well-used and enjoyed by the community — 93 percent have used at least one of the amenities including open space, and 78 percent have become members or used the fitness and recreation facilities, camps, School Age Services or Columbia Art Center on a pay-as-you-go basis. In February 2014, the Chesapeake Group researched CA’s economic impact on the community and calculated that CA directly contributes to the local, state and larger area economies a minimum of $1.5 billion annually. This contribution includes: • The annual economic impact of CA employees on Columbia, Howard County and Maryland is estimated at $48 million. • The minimum value added or impact of CA on property values is approximately $1.1 billion. • CA’s employees, participants in activities and users of facilities directly contribute $34 million in retail goods and services. • Total annual income, real property and retail sales taxes that accrue to various levels of government attributable to CA and its activities and facilities are more than $79 million. For information about your annual charge, call the Annual Charge Hotline at 410-715-3058 or visit WhyIPayCA.org. n ON THE HORIZON The CA Board has kept the annual charge rate for FY2015 at 68 cents, almost 10 percent less than the allowable maximum. In addition, the CA Board kept the cap on increases in assessed valuation at 2.5 percent, which is one-quarter of the amount allowed by law. The amount to be paid will still be calculated based on 50 percent of the state-assessed valuation of the property.
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columbia association
sharing information
K
eeping those who live and work in Columbia informed about its governing structure, community services, activities and events, environmental amenities and more is an ongoing and important responsibility of Columbia Association (CA) and the CA Board of Directors. CA delivers information in a variety of ways that include the following —
CA Monthly Newsletter Inserted monthly in the Columbia Flier
CA Activities Guide Inserted three times a year in the Columbia Flier
CA Twitter Account Twitter.com/ColumbiaAssn
CA Facebook Page Facebook.com/ColumbiaAssociation
CA YouTube Channel YouTube.com/CATVchannel
Inspire Columbia Community Engagement Website InspireColumbia.com
CA has also completely redesigned the ColumbiaAssociation.org website. The new site includes a simpler way to view class schedules; consolidates the number of CA-related websites so residents can get all information in one place; improves the way events and news are listed; includes a comprehensive community calendar; offers a new transparency section with budgets, project information and master plans; and includes updated contact information for CA team members.
We create opportunities for people to come together — to share their experiences, to enhance Columbia, and to celebrate our community.
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Columbia Association FY 2015 Approved Budget ($000’s) Summary of Funds, Expenditures and Annual Borrowings
where the money comes from
$74,100
Sport and Fitness Income $26,780 36.1%
Residential Annual Charge $22,651 30.6%
Commercial Annual Charge $12,196 16.4%
Borrowings $7,706 10.4%
Community Services Programs $4,136 5.6%
Interest and Others $631 0.9%
where the money is used
$74,100
* Total Capital Expenditures of $14,810 have been increased by $558 due to certain unallocated non-cash adjustments. * The most recent financial statements and independent audit report are located at ColumbiaAssociation.org. This data representation is not in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Sport/Fitness Programs and Facilities $26,953 36.4%
Capital Expenditures* $15,368 20.7%
Open Space Management $12,280 16.6%
Community Services Programs $5,999 8.1%
Village Community Associations $4,981 6.7%
Debt Repayment $4,338 5.8%
Board of Directors: Includes administrative costs for supporting the CA Board
Administrative Services: Departmental costs related to supporting the organization
Capital Expenditures: Includes items such as construction and improvements to new and existing buildings and land, as well as costs for vehicles, equipment, etc.
Contingencies/ Administrative Other Services $1,793 $1,445 2.4% 2.0%
Board of Directors $943 1.3%
We are a loyal friend and neighbor, building relationships with community members and stakeholders.
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the budget understanding the process and how you can be involved ome of the most important decisions
residents comment on the budget and present
about how CA will raise and spend money
recommendations to the CA Board.
S
are made during its two-year budget
The final budget is approved in February for
process. The construction of new facilities,
implementation on May 1, which is the start of the
the renovation of existing ones, the
fiscal year. A copy of the budget is available at your
provision of new programs, the modification of
village office, or the Maggie J. Brown Welcome
existing services, the setting of rates — these decisions
Center, located at the Columbia Association
and many others are made by CA’s Board of Directors
Headquarters building and some CA facilities.
in adopting the budget. Before the budget is approved, there are public hearings at which village boards, advisory committees, community groups and individual
Children learn to sail at a camp hosted by Columbia Association at Lake Kittamaqundi in downtown Columbia.
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columbia association
facilities and programs
CA
MAGGIE J. BROWN WELCOME CENTER 410-715-3000 10221 Wincopin Circle Located in downtown Columbia At the Maggie J. Brown Welcome Center, find information about Columbia, CA, memberships, maps, new resident welcome packets, gift books, a video about Columbia, Columbia Cards and more.
COLUMBIA ARCHIVES Where Columbia’s History is Collected and Preserved 410-715-3103 • 10227 Wincopin Circle Located in downtown Columbia in the American City building In Columbia Archives, find exhibits, photographs and other information about the planning and development of Columbia and the organizations that have helped make it special. Also find the James Rouse Manuscript Collection, which chronicles the career of Columbia’s visionary founder. Remember the Archives when cleaning out files, basements and attics — someone’s trash might be an archive treasure. Call to use the collection for research or to arrange group presentations. Residents are encouraged to drop in any time Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Visit ColumbiaArchives.org for more information. n ON THE HORIZON COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION WATERSHED MANAGEMENT CA’s watershed management program has been working hard to implement the Watershed Management Plan accepted by the CA Board of Directors in 2009. Stormwater runoff carries sediment into our streams, causes stream bank erosion and fills our lakes and ponds with the sediment. The runoff includes nitrogen and phosphorus carried off of lawns, plus pet waste from sidewalks and lawns, all of which end up in our lakes and ponds and degrade water quality. Program achievements to help address these issues include planting eight acres of trees, the construction of 10 bioretention facilities, one wetland bench in a stormwater pond and three large-scale stream restoration projects. As part of the Plan’s community engagement efforts, 107 residential rain gardens have been built through the CA Rain Garden Cost Share program and more than 500 soil samples have been analyzed for residents.
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operates three fitness facilities; four indoor pools; an indoor hot water therapy pool; 23 outdoor pools, including two mini water parks; two golf clubs; three outdoor tennis clubs; an indoor tennis center; an indoor ice rink; an in-line and roller skating arena; a sports park with a miniature golf course, batting cages and a skate park; a welcome center; an art center; a youth and teen center; and an archive. CA also owns and leases the Columbia Horse Center. This year, CA is also opening Haven on the Lake, a mind and body wellness retreat, offering healing environments, mind body movement classes, wellness experiences and more. You can learn more at HavenontheLake.org. Some of CA’s best-known services and enrichment opportunities happen beyond the walls of one specific facility. They are structured this way to increase accessibility and variety to meet the different needs of Columbia’s diverse residents. More information can be found in the CA Activities Guide, which is published three times a year and delivered to every CA resident household. Please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org to view the current CA Activities Guide; Click on “I Want To” and “Activities Guide.”
continued on next page
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Learn more about these programs by visiting CA’s webpage, ColumbiaAssociation.org/watershed. COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION ENERGY MANAGEMENT CA operations impact the environment in numerous ways through the management of our facilities and open space. CA consumes significant quantities of energy to heat and cool our facilities, heat our pools, illuminate spaces, and operate our
vehicle and equipment fleet. CA is committed to continuously working to reduce our impact on the environment and model sustainable operations for the community. Below we highlight aspects to improve the sustainability of our operations with respect to energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, watershed quality and waste management. Energy and GHG Emissions. CA is actively working to reduce the energy consumption and GHG emissions associated with its operations. Numerous upgrades have been made throughout CA’s building portfolio to reduce lighting loads, improve the efficiency of air conditioning and water heating equipment and operate our facilities so they use less energy. Advanced energy management strategies have also been deployed including solar photovoltaic systems and waste heat recovery for domestic hot water use. Reducing CA’s energy consumption by 10 percent will save approximately $250,000 in utility costs and reduce GHG emissions by 1,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) each year. Waste Management. CA actively works to manage its waste in a sustainable manner. From scrap metal recovery to plant material mulching and composting, CA is helping to reuse resources and divert materials away from landfills. These efforts help to reduce CA’s indirect GHG emissions associated with raw material production and landfill disposal. Blue recycling bins have been placed on CA property throughout the community to help foster sustainable waste management more broadly.
A blue heron makes a splash at Lake Kittamaqundi in downtown Columbia. Learn more about CA’s watershed management program to reduce stormwater runoff into Columbia’s lakes and streams by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/Watershed.
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how to participate
columbia association facilities and programs
VIA COLUMBIA CARD CA residents who don’t want to purchase a membership may use the facilities and services and “pay as you go” with a free CA Columbia Card. The Columbia Card allows residents to visit CA facilities at the discounted CA resident price. The card is reserved only for residents who live on property protected by the CA covenants.
income
HOW TO JOIN To become a member or to obtain a Columbia Card, visit the Membership Service Center at 10221 Wincopin Circle in downtown Columbia or call 410-730-1801. Remember to bring your driver’s license or imprinted personal check and birth certificates for dependent children. Membership fees may be paid by interest-free electronic checking account or credit card deduction. The Membership Service Center also provides information and brochures and sells discounted tickets, gift certificates to area entertainment venues and books of electronic passes for the out-of-area guests of members. Guests must be accompanied by the member and show proof of out-of-area residency.
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VIA MEMBERSHIP You can sign up for a membership in an individual facility, such as Supreme Sports Club, or you can sign up for one of CA’s Package Plans, which give you access to multiple facilities. Membership prices are discounted for residents who live or work on property protected by CA covenants.
continued on next page
Children practice their skating technique at Columbia Ice Rink, where skaters can participate in public sessions, lessons, hockey and more.
GUIDELINES
for memberships, camps, before and after care and sister cities are on the next page.
We embrace and respect diversity. We have since our beginning and will continue to — now and in the future.
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guidelines for reduced rate access Residents who live or work on property protected by CA covenants and who meet the below guidelines, which are customized based on the program or membership, may qualify for reduced rate access.
for school ages services summer camps and sister cities Family Size
Discount is 50% when gross income is less than:
Discount is 75% when gross income is less than:
2 . . . . . . . . . .$51,550 . . . . . . . . . . . .$26,700 3 . . . . . . . . . .$58,000 . . . . . . . . . . . .$32,990 4 . . . . . . . . . .$64,400 . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,270
for memberships Family Size
Discount is 40% when gross income is less than:
Discount is 50%* when gross income is less than:
1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $51,600. . . . $45,100
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,050. . . . $51,550 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64,500. . . . $58,000 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,700 . . . . $64,400
5 . . . . . . . . . .$69,600 . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,560
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $74,850 . . . . $69,600
6 . . . . . . . . . .$74,750 . . . . . . . . . . . .$51,840
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,000 . . . . $74,750
7 . . . . . . . . . .$79,900 . . . . . . . . . . . .$53,020
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85,200 . . . . $79,900
8 . . . . . . . . . .$85,050 . . . . . . . . . . . .$54,200
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,750 . . . . $85,050
Contact the Department of Social Services at 410-872-8700 to apply for DSS vouchers.
*75% off outdoor pools
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NO MATTER YOUR INCOME, THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE CA offers reduced-price access to memberships, camps, Before and After School Care, international exchange and multicultural programs for residents who live or work full-time on property protected by the CA covenants. The income guidelines listed are based on federal standards modified to create even more access.
CA Headquarters (10221 Wincopin Circle) or at
410-730-1801 about reduced-price memberships or
Applications can be obtained from the Membership
410-715-3175 about reduced-price camps, Before and
Service Center or Community Services offices at
ColumbiaAssociation.org. Approval is contingent upon you providing an official IRS computer-generated transcript of your 2013 tax return. This free document is available by calling 1-800-908-9946. Please allow two weeks for arrival. If you are not sure whether you qualify, please call
After School Care and Sister Cities programs.
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open space
space for everyone olumbia’s lush green acreage is just
overpasses, meadows, forestland, basketball courts,
one of the perks of living in Columbia,
public tennis courts, Town Center and village center
where nearly a quarter of the land is
plazas located throughout the community.
C
protected as open space. The open space provides a place for walking,
Maintaining and enhancing these natural and man-made amenities is an enormous task, requiring
fishing, bird watching, biking, picnics, family reunions
the expertise and dedication of a diverse team from
and community fairs, among many other uses. The
many different CA divisions, including planners,
Columbia Association maintains approximately
horticulturists, a landscape architect and land
3,600 acres of Columbia’s open space.
management and construction specialists.
pathways; 167 tot lots; 279 footbridges; three man-
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This includes approximately 93.5 miles of pedestrian continued on next page
made lakes; 41 ponds; 34 miles of stream valleys; the 40-acre Symphony Woods; Wilde Lake Park; and the Lake Elkhorn Park and Pavilion. It also includes an extensive network of pedestrian underpasses and
Columbia BikeAbout is an annual tour of the community that takes advantage of the extensive path system and highlights Columbia's historic and natural beauty.
We believe that having fun is essential to our success, for the community and CA team members.
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Residents can help protect the open space. If you
maintain Columbia’s beauty and ensure the splendor of
see downed or hazardous trees, vandalism or illegal
our city’s lakes, CA has recently dredged Wilde Lake,
dumping, or notice facilities that need attention,
Lake Elkhorn and Lake Kittamaqundi.
contact the open space office at 410-312-6330.
Columbia’s lakes collect sediment originating in their watersheds from throughout Howard County
PATHWAY MAPS Maps are available for a small fee at the Welcome Center (10221 Wincopin Circle in downtown
and keep it from traveling downstream to harm the Chesapeake Bay — exemplifying our local role in the broader concern of improving the state’s waters.
Columbia, 410-730-1801) and at village community The efforts of the CA Board of Directors and staff centers. CA also has a pathway map smartphone app is proof of the community’s commitment to care for available on ColumbiaAssociation.org. our environment, establishing and maintaining vital n ON THE HORIZON OP E N S PA C E M A N A G E M E N T Columbia is a place where we continually work to
habitats for both people and nature to thrive. The efforts of the CA Board of Directors and staff are proof of the community’s commitment to
ensure the land is respected and its ponds and lakes are
care for our environment, establishing and maintaining
maintained as attractive community gathering spots. To
vital habitats for both man and nature to thrive.
This tot lot at Lake Elkhorn is one of 167 that Columbia Association maintains throughout the community for families to enjoy.
We are committed to striving for excellence while fulfilling the needs of the community and CA team members.
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columbia’s
village community associations olumbia’s collection of neighborhoods
Columbia Council representative. CA passes on a portion
and villages combine to create a sense
of the annual charge money to the village associations,
of community, much like what you’d
which use these funds to foster the growth of community.
experience if you lived in a small town.
They provide programs and events like classes, fairs,
Schools, community centers and village
holiday activities, parties, space rentals for meetings, special
C
events, seminars and political forums; they oversee the
the unique character of each village. Even the street
village elections; and they ensure that the architectural
names, derived from literary and artistic sources, help
guidelines, also known as covenants, are upheld.
to make each neighborhood special.
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centers are convenient gathering places and help define
continued on page 18
Each of Columbia’s nine villages and Town Center has a community association, which is an independent, incorporated, nonprofit civic association. Each association elects its own Board of Directors and a
Columbia Art Center’s umbrella exhibit was part of a recent celebration of Columbia's birthday. CA hosts the party each year at the lakefront in downtown Columbia.
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village boards from May1, 2014 April 30,2015 dsca@columbiavillages.org
manager@oaklandmills.org
Dorsey’s Search
Oakland Mills
Village Office 410-730-4005 Derek Carey Ellen Mackey Rob Sims Diane Turner Dan Woodruff
Village Office • 410-730-4610 Jervis Dorton Jonathan Edelson William McCormack Liz Smull Virginia Thomas Paul Verchinski Tawania Williams Kay Wisniewski
•
manager@harperschoice.org
Harper’s Choice
Village Office • 410-730-0770 Stephen Cook Ann DeLacy Robert Fontaine Linda Kangrga Alicia Kong Clarence Lam Robin Procida
info@hickoryridgevillage.org
obvillageboard@googlegroups.com
Owen Brown
Village Office • 410-381-0202 Pearl Atkinson-Stewart Wayne Eldridge Sean Hammer Jason Milner Kecia Rome
riverhill@villageofriverhill.org
Hickory Ridge
River Hill
Village Office 410-730-7327 Miles Coffman Linda Hitzelberger Jerry Lioi Tom Louden Michelle Wood
Village Office • 410-531-1749 Choith Atlani Melissa Bradshaw Kathy Chavers Kenny Kan Esti Schabelman Dipper Wettstein Liyan Zhang
•
kingscontrivance@columbiavillages.org
Kings Contrivance
Village Office • 410-381-9600 Ronald Kolb Fred Niziol Art Perraud Barbara Seely Shari Zaret info@longreach.org
Long Reach
Village Office • 410-730-8113 Nina Basu Ed Coleman Josh Friedman Karen Hitcho William Taylor
villagemanager@columbiatowncenter.org
Town Center
Village Office • 410-730-4744 Joel Broida Lynn Foehrkolb Lee Richardson Helen Ruther Linda Wengel wlca@wildelake.org
Wilde Lake
Village Office • 410-730-3987 Jeff Friedhoffer Kevin McAliley Linda Odum Norma Rose Rhoda Toback
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Although Columbia Association built and owns all of the village community association buildings and
CA’s World Languages Café, a monthly event hosted at Wegmans, is free and offers participants the chance to speak a language through conversing with fellow speakers.
neighborhood centers, they are operated by the village community associations. Architectural Guidelines Also Known as the Covenants The covenants of each village are contained in a legal
adviser (see page 20). You may need to complete a Request for Exterior Alteration form. The village Resident Architectural Committee will review your
document that is recorded in the land records of Howard
request and return the form to you with its
County as part of the deed to every property located in
decision and any qualifying remarks. Be sure to tell
the village, including commercial real estate. Since the
your covenant adviser if you live in a townhouse or
them as a stipulation of the transfer of ownership. The covenants, which set exterior alteration standards, have protected the aesthetic environment of our neighborhoods — and our property values. Here are some frequently asked questions: What is the process for making changes or exterior alterations to my property? To find out about the architectural requirements particular to your village, call your village covenant
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covenants stay with the property, each owner accepts continued on next page
The Covenants, which set exterior alteration standards, have protected the aesthetic environment of our neighborhoods — and our property values.
Deliver programs and services that meet stakeholders’ expectations and enhance the quality of life in Columbia.
19
condo. You may also need to get your townhouse/ condo association’s architectural approval.
Golfers stand on a green at Hobbit's Glen Golf Club, where a new clubhouse is expected to open by early 2015.
Do I need architectural committee approval for a home-based business? Yes, and in some villages in-home businesses must
covenants through covenant advisers and residential
be approved every year.
architectural committees. The covenant adviser
Do the architectural guidelines ever change?
answers questions and handles the day-to-day
Every village reviews and revises its guidelines
requirements of the approval process. Residents who
periodically after inviting community input. A copy of the
do not maintain their property or who make
current guidelines is available at your village association.
unapproved exterior alterations or operate an
When I buy a house, am I responsible for the previous
unauthorized home-based business may be cited for
owner’s covenant violations?
covenant violations.
Yes. Make sure that you receive a Certificate of
Villages make every effort to resolve violations
Compliance from your builder or seller during the
constructively. When this is not possible, the village
settlement process. This certificate, issued by the
architectural committee may request that CA join with
village architectural committee, assures that the
it in bringing legal action against the property owner.
home has met the committee’s standards.
Very few violations require court action. When it has
Who administers the covenants?
been necessary to go to court, the covenants have
The village community associations administer the
consistently been upheld.
Demonstrate the practices of a high-performing and responsive organization.
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covenant advisers Dorsey’s Search • 410-730-4005 Ingrid Hatz and Nancy Meredith IHatz@ColumbiaVillages.org NMeredith@ColumbiaVillages.org Harper’s Choice • 410-730-0770 Debbie Nix Covenants@HarpersChoice.org Hickory Ridge • 410-730-7327 Anne Kulesza and Carole MacPhee Anne@HickoryRidgeVillage.org Carole@HickoryRidgeVillage.org Kings Contrivance • 410-381-9600 Laura Parrish KCCovenants@ColumbiaVillages.org
COMMUNITY CENTERS The community centers, which are located in every village, differ in size and amenities. However, all are accessible to persons with disabilities, have kitchens and are available for meetings, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthdays and other gatherings. Please call for rental information and other details. DORSEY’S SEARCH 410-730-4005 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City, 21042 DorseysSearch.ColumbiaVillages.org Facebook.com/DorseysSearch Manager: Jackie Felker jfelker@columbiavillages.org NEIGHBORHOODS Dorsey Hall and Fairway Hills The village association is located in 5,000-square-foot Linden Hall. NEWSLETTER
Long Reach • 410-730-8113 Darlene Brown and Maryann Cohea DarleneBrown@LongReach.org
• The Dorsey’s Search Scroll
for applications
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,549
MaryannCohea@LongReach.org for covenant complaints or letters of compliance
Oakland Mills • 410-730-4610 Debbie Bach Covenants@OaklandMills.org Owen Brown • 410-381-0202 Gordon Mac Phee Covenants@OwenBrownVillage.org River Hill • 410-531-1749 Evamarie Lambright Covenants@VillageofRiverHill.org Town Center • 410-730-4744 Patricia Loeber TCVillage@ColumbiaTownCenter.org Wilde Lake • 410-730-3987 Carl McKinney Covenants@WildeLake.org
• Published 11 times per year • Distributed door-to-door
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,081 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report and Village Manager
Students attend a ceramics class at Columbia Art Center, which hosts exhibits, events, classes and camps and is located in the Long Reach Village Center.
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HARPER’S CHOICE 410-730-0770 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia, 21044 HarpersChoice.org and KahlerHall.org Facebook.com/KahlerHall Manager: Steve Ingley manager@harperschoice.org NEIGHBORHOODS Longfellow, Swansfield and Hobbit’s Glen The village community association is located in Kahler Hall. The main Ballroom holds 220, the Social Room holds 120 and the Meeting Room holds 30. NEWSLETTER • Harper’s Choice Voice • Mailed to homes on a quarterly basis • Weekly e-newsletter DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,102 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,074 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,105
KINGS CONTRIVANCE 410-381-9600 7251 Eden Brook Drive, Columbia, 21046 KingsContrivanceCommunityAssociation.org Facebook.com/KingsContrivance Manager: Beverley Meyers kingscontrivance@columbiavillages.org NEIGHBORHOODS Macgill’s Common, Huntington and Dickinson The village community association is located in 4,300square-foot Amherst House. NEWSLETTER • Crown Prints • In Columbia Flier biweekly DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,543 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,572 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,025 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,281 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
HICKORY RIDGE 410-730-7327 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia, 21044 HickoryRidgeVillage.org Facebook.com/HickoryRidgeVillage Manager: Jessamine Duvall jduvall@hickoryridgevillage.org NEIGHBORHOODS: Hawthorn, Clary’s Forest and Clemens Crossing The village community association is located at The Hawthorn Center, which accommodates about 100 people. NEWSLETTER • The Log • In Columbia Flier biweekly DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,647 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,244 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,875
LONG REACH 410-730-8113 8775 Cloudleap Court, Columbia, 21045 LongReach.org Facebook.com/LongReachVillage Administrator: Sarah Uphouse sarahuphouse@longreach.org NEIGHBORHOODS Jeffers Hill, Kendall Ridge, Locust Park and Phelps Luck The village community association is located at Stonehouse. NEWSLETTER • Reach Out • Delivered every six weeks DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,722 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,196 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,067 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,985 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,766 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Maintain and enhance Columbia’s facilities, open spaces, connectivity and environmental stewardship.
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OAKLAND MILLS 410-730-4610 5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, 21045 OaklandMills.org Facebook.com/OMVillage Manager: Sandy Cederbaum manager@OaklandMills.org
OWEN BROWN 410-381-0202 OwenBrownVillage.org Facebook.com/OwenBrownVillage 6800 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, 21045 Manager: Craig Barton manager@owenbrownvillage.org
NEIGHBORHOODS Thunder Hill, Talbott Springs and Stevens Forest The village community association is located in The Other Barn, a renovated dairy barn that accommodates 220 people for social events and meetings. Adjacent to The Other Barn is a flower-filled courtyard.
NEIGHBORHOODS Dasher Green, Elkhorn and Hopewell The village community association is located in the Owen Brown Community Center, which offers five rooms.
NEWSLETTER • The Grist: In Columbia Flier twice a month and mailed quarterly • OM eNews and Revitalization Weekly: E-mailed weekly
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,396 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,797 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 876
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,717 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,174
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,069
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,416
Pilates at Supreme Sports Club is just one of the many classes offered at Columbia Association’s fitness facilities.
Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
NEWSLETTER • The OBserver • Home-delivered 10 times per year
Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Strengthen communication and community engagement in CA.
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Tennis is one of the most popular sports in Columbia, and CA offers a variety of programs to suit every interest and competitive level. There are nine indoor courts at the Columbia Athletic Club and Owen Brown Tennis Club. Additionally, there are 24 outdoor courts at Wilde Lake Tennis Club, Owen Brown Tennis Club and the Racquet Club at Hobbit’s Glen.
RIVER HILL 410-531-1749 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, 21029 VillageOfRiverHill.org Facebook.com/RiverHillCommunityAssociation Manager: Susan Smith manager@villageofriverhill.org
TOWN CENTER 410-730-4744 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, 21044 ColumbiaTownCenter.org Facebook.com/TownCenterCommunityAssociation Manager: Patricia Laidig villagemanager@columbiatowncenter.org
NEIGHBORHOODS: Pheasant Ridge and Pointer’s Run The village community association is located at Claret Hall, which is a 5,000-square-foot facility with two meeting rooms and an adjoining patio and garden.
NEIGHBORHOODS Vantage Point, Banneker, Amesbury Hill, Creighton’s Run, Lakefront and Warfield Triangle The village community association is located at Historic Oakland, which accommodates up to 200 guests and is an ideal venue for meetings, conferences and weddings.
NEWSLETTER • The Villager • Delivered door-to-door each month
NEWSLETTER • The Center Fold • Mailed monthly
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,649 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,542
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,096
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,047
Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Develop and communicate a shared community vision for Columbia, and advance the vision through advocacy, partnerships, and alignment of CA programs and services.
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WILDE LAKE 410-730-3987 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, 21044 WildeLake.org Facebook.com/WildeLakeVillage Manager: Kristin Shulder wlca@wildelake.org NEIGHBORHOODS Bryant Woods, Faulkner Ridge and Running Brook The village community association is located at Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Green. Slayton House, Columbia’s first community center, has two meeting rooms; a dance studio; a ballroom with a stage and set construction room; and an art gallery. The theater has a retractable movie screen and raked seating, which can accommodate 220 for a theater performance or 120 for a reception. Outside is a plaza, a children’s play area and a sculpture commissioned by CA in 1968 by Pierre du Fayet titled “Family.” NEWSLETTER • The Wilde Lake • In Columbia Flier once a month DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 684 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,494 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,618 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
The community centers, which are located in every village, differ in size and
amenities. Top right: Women stretch during a class at Columbia Athletic Club. CA offers a variety of fitness programs for mature adults. Bottom right: At Supreme Sports Club, members can enjoy an eight-lane lap and recreational pool and a children’s wading pool with an interactive play feature.
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