2013
C O L U M B I A
A S S O C I A T I O N
FISCAL YEAR May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013
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.
FY2012 was a great year for the Columbia Association (CA) and a lot of great things were accomplished. •
CA drafted an Aquatics Master Plan that made recommendations for future investments in aquatics locations and associated programs.
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CA continued its work on the project to develop Symphony Woods Park and turn it into an enhanced downtown setting for cultural events and performances, art installations and community events.
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CA submitted plans to the Howard County government for approval during FY2012 and began work on developing an Active Transportation Action Agenda in tandem with the Connecting Columbia project. The final action agenda will include recommendations that will make it easier for residents to bike and walk around Columbia.
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CA gained approval from the CA Board of Directors to build a new clubhouse at the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club.
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CA launched a new CA logo, featuring an evolved People Tree.
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In an effort to help increase the accessibility of CA facilities to all residents of Columbia, CA also introduced a new senior discount, as well as discounted daily admission to several outdoor pools this fiscal year.
CONTENTS 3 what is columbia association?
4 columbia’s governance working for you
6 columbia association annual charge
7 columbia association sharing information
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As we look toward the future of the Columbia Association and our community, there
the budget understanding the process
are plenty of new initiatives on the horizon that are worth getting excited about. At the beginning of the fiscal year, CA launched its new customer service system,
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Spectrum NG, which will allow members to manage their accounts online.
columbia association facilities and programs
CA also will be focused on building a new clubhouse at the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club,
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making plans to improve Symphony Woods Park and completing the Connecting
how to participate in ca’s facilities and programs
Columbia project. CA will continue to work on completing the dredging at Wilde Lake
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During FY2013, CA will continue to focus on providing the best facilities and
open space
programs possible for the people of Columbia. To learn more about upcoming
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initiatives and projects, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
columbia’s village community associations
and Lake Elkhorn, which are scheduled to be finished by late November.
L i k e u s o n Fa c e b o o k !
Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation
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what is columbia association? uring a speech in 1963, James W. Rouse
including lakes, parks, 167 tot lots, 93.5 miles of
said, “There really can be no other right
pathways, as well as community and neighborhood
purpose of community except to provide
centers. CA offers many programs and activities created
an environment and an opportunity to
to encourage the community to celebrate its diversity,
develop better people. The most suc-
not only in race but in age, religion, gender and eco-
D
cessful community would be that which contributed
nomic status. CA strives to ensure all of its
the most by its physical form, its institutions and its
programs and services are accessible to persons with
operations to the growth of people.” CA was created
disabilities and to all Columbia residents, regardless
two years prior to Columbia’s inception and has served
of income.
to nurture that vision and to represent the residents. In fact, CA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people living or working in Columbia and to ensure that Columbia remains an open, integrated and caring community. A nonprofit public benefit corporation, CA operates a welcome center; an art center; a teen center; an archive; a volunteer center; three full service fitness facilities; an ice rink; a SportsPark with miniature golf, batting cages and a skateboard park; two golf clubs; three tennis clubs; 23 outdoor swimming pools including two miniwaterparks; four indoor swimming pools; and a hot water therapy pool. CA also maintains more than 3,600 acres of open space as a permanent asset to the community. There are neighborhood amenities
CA
offers many programs and activities, created to encourage the community to celebrate its diversity... .
Enjoy family time at Columbia SportsPark, featuring miniature golf, batting cages and a SkatePark.
“We must hold fast to the realization that our cities are for people, and unless they work well for people they are not working well at all. We should think and plan and program, not in terms of schools, highways, streets, stores, offices or even dwelling units; but we should begin our total plan and program with the first and fundamental purpose of making a city into neighborhoods where a man, his wife and family can live and work and, above all else, grow.” JAMES ROUSE, speech for the Newark Conference on the ACTION Program for the American City, May 5, 1959
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columbia’s governance working for you olumbia’s nine villages and Town
the CA Board solicits advice from Columbia resi-
Center are organized into 10 village
dents.
C
Through an ongoing Strategy Making Process,
community associations that work
for you. In April, residents in each of
the CA Board of Directors and Columbia
the 10 village associations elect
Association senior staff work together to ensure
Columbia Council representatives. In addition,
the preservation of Columbia’s future. Through this
they elect representatives to their village boards,
process, the CA Board is able to systematically
which direct the business affairs of the community
identify and address issues that are most important to the community.
associations. 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 meets to review CA policy and budget mat-
As it develops CA programs, policies and priorities, the CA Board solicits
advice from Columbia residents.
ters, develop strategic initiatives and address community issues. The pub-
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. ■ ON THE HORIZON GOVERNANCE Because CA is a corporation, albeit
lic is encouraged to attend these meetings and express
a nonprofit entity with a community
their opinions during the Resident Speak Out
service mission, the CA Board of Directors has all of
portion of the meeting. Meetings are held at CA
the legal responsibilities required of members of any
Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle. Meeting
corporate board. In recent years, residents and members
notices and agendas are posted in advance on the web site
of the CA Board have been examining the roles of
at ColumbiaAssociation.org (click on “Meetings”).
the respective bodies. The CA Board has included
CA’s chief executive officer — the CA president, Phil Nelson — ser ves as a nonvoting member of
improving governance as one of its strategic goals. Over the past several years, the CA Board has commissioned a number of task forces on governance,
tions of Columbia Association, which are carried
evaluated a number of recommendations, amended
out by a team of approximately 1,600 professionals.
the CA By-Laws to operate under Robert’s Rules of
As it develops CA programs, policies and priorities,
continued on next page
“We can’t plan effectively for the future growth of American communities unless we start at the beginning — and that beginning is people.” JAMES ROUSE, speech, “It Can Happen Here,” University of California in Berkeley, California, on September 23, 1963
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the CA Board and oversees the day-to-day opera-
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Columbia Ice Rink is open seasonally for lessons and public skating for all ages.
20122013
ca board/columbia council representatives 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. Beginning in January 2010, CA remodeled our organizational structure to enhance internal and external customer service. CA now consists of several Service Bureaus. Within this Service Bureau Model, CA team members may be asked to join a “workgroup” to share their knowledge and expertise in a particular subject area; thereby responding faster and more efficiently to resident needs and company initiatives. For more information on CA’s governance, log on to ColumbiaAssociation.org and click on “Get Informed.”
Regina Clay Wilde Lake • 443-992-8131 • Regina.Clay@CA-Board.org Tom Coale Dorsey’s Search • 443-630-0507 • Tom.Coale@CA-Board.org Edward T. Coleman Long Reach • 410-730-8637 • Ed.Coleman@CA-Board.org Michael Cornell River Hill • 301-742-2761 • Michael.Cornell@CA-Board.org Cynthia A. S. H. Coyle Harper’s Choice • 410-997-7637 • CASH.Coyle@CA-Board.org Alex Hekimian Oakland Mills • 410-730-2583 • Alex.Hekimian@CA-Board.org Gregg Schwind Hickory Ridge • 410-992-5043 • Gregg.Schwind@CA-Board.org Andrew C. Stack Owen Brown • 410-381-8897 • Andrew.Stack@CA-Board.org Suzanne Waller Town Center • 410-730-9132 • Suzanne.Waller@CA-Board.org Shari Zaret Kings Contrivance • 410-730-0802 • Shari.Zaret@CA-Board.org
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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 community contributes approximately 30 percent. CA applies the same methodology used by Howard County and the State with respect to their caps on property 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. While many amenities are provided free to all residents, the more popular, high-demand items such as fitness facilities, art classes and golf require the payment of dues and fees. Since CA resident members pay membership
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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, Before and After School Care or Columbia Art Center on a pay-as-you-go basis. For information about your annual charge, call the Annual Charge Hotline at 410-715-3058 or visit WhyIPayCA.org. ■ON THE HORIZON The CA Board has kept the annual charge rate for FY2013 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 fair market value of the property.
Columbia Art Center offers classes for all skill levels and ages. Classes are offered in a variety of art mediums such as ceramics, collage, digital arts, drawing, painting and more.
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columbia association sharing information eeping those who live and work in
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Columbia Association’s pools and aquatics activities. •
The Columbia Ice Rink page shares information about events and activities going on at the ice rink.
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The Sister Cities Facebook page provides residents with a place to learn more about CA’s international exchanges and multicultural programs.
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The Art Center posts information about upcoming events and programs happening at the Art Center on its Facebook page.
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CA staff post information about teen activities on the Columbia Teens Facebook page.
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CA YouTube channel, YouTube.com/CATVchannel;
The Volunteer Center page shares information about upcoming volunteer opportunities in the area and gives residents a space to engage and learn about volunteering.
and Public Information Guide.
In addition to Facebook, CA is also making use of Twitter
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 CA web site, ColumbiaAssociation.org; CA Monthly newsletter; CA Activities Guide; CA Facebook page, Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation;
CA has also set up a number of social media accounts
to engage and inform Columbia residents via social media.
to keep the community engaged and connected with
CA currently has several Twitter accounts, including
everything that CA has going on. In addition to the
@CA_intheNews, which tweets media mentions of the
main CA Facebook page, CA also has Facebook pages
Columbia Association; @Columbia_Events, which tweets
for the Columbia Archives, Columbia SportsPark,
information about CA-sponsored or supported events;
Columbia Aquatics, Columbia Ice Rink, Columbia
@Columbia_Pools, which tweets news and
Association Sister Cities/International Exchange,
information about CA’s aquatics venues; @SportsPark,
Columbia Art Center, Columbia Teens and the
which tweets about the events and programs happening
Volunteer Center Serving Howard County.
at the Columbia SportsPark; @MultiCulturalCA, which
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The Columbia Archives page provides a space for Columbia residents to learn, share and discuss Columbia history.
tweets information about CA’s international exchanges and multicultural programs; and @VolunteerHoward, which tweets information about volunteer opportunities
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The SportsPark page serves to inform and educate residents on the events and programs happening at the SportsPark. The Columbia Aquatics page posts information about news, events and programs related to
in Howard County. Curious about what’s going on with the Columbia Association? Visit bit.ly/casocialmedia to see a full listing of CA’s social media accounts.
“Urban growth is our opportunity, not our enemy. It invites us to correct the past, to build places that are productive for business and for the people who live there, places that are infused with nature and stimulating to man’s creative sense of beauty — places that are in scale with people … which will enrich life; build character and personality; promote concern, friendship, brotherhood.” JAMES ROUSE, speech to the International Council of Shopping Centers Annual Convention in Los Angeles, California, on April 19, 1966
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Columbia Association FY 2013 Approved Budget Summary of Funds, Expenditures and Annual Borrowings
where the money comes from $69,351,000 Borrowings $6,117,000 - 8.8%
Commercial Annual Charge $11,693,000 - 16.9%
Interest and Others $426,000 - 0.6% Sport and Fitness Income $25,417,000 - 36.7%
Residential Annual Charge $21,716,000 - 31.3% Community Services Programs $3,982,000 - 5.7% 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).
where the money is used $69,351,000
* Total Capital Expenditures of $9,164,000 have been increased by $2,699 due to certain unallocated non-cash adjustments. Capital Expenditures * $11,863,000 - 17.1% Sport and Fitness Programs and Facilities $25,654,000 - 35.5% Debt Repayment $6,293,000 - 9.1%
Board of Directors $997,000 - 1.4% Administrative Services $1,951,000 - 2.8% Contingencies/Other $1,909,000 - 2.8% Village Community Associations $4,366,000 - 6.3%
Open Space Management $11,150,000 - 16.1% Community Services Programs $6,168,000 - 8.9%
“I believe that the ultimate test of civilization is whether or not it contributes to the growth — improvement of mankind.” JAMES ROUSE, speech, “It Can Happen Here,” at the University of California in Berkeley, California, on September 23, 1963
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the budget understanding the process and how you can be involved ome of the most important decisions
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about how CA will raise and spend money are made during its two-year
budget process. The construction of new
facilities, the renovation of existing ones,
the provision of new programs, the modification of
existing services, the setting of rates — these decisions and many others are made by CA’s Board of Directors in adopting the budget. Before the budget is approved, there are public hearings at which village boards, advisory committees, community groups and individual residents comment on the budget and present recommendations to the CA Board. The CA Board charges the Financial Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Planning and Strategy Committee, with analyzing and reporting back on various aspects of the budget. The final budget is approved in February for implementation on May 1, which is the start of the fiscal year. A copy of the budget is available at your village office, the Maggie J. Brown Welcome Center, located at the CA headquarters building, some CA facilities and public libraries in Columbia. A summary is included at ColumbiaAssociation.org; click on “Budget.” You can learn about CA’s budgets for Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014 on CA’s “Behind the Budget” blog, budget1314.blogspot.com. The blog features CA President Phil Nelson’s Budget Planning Element document and short videos written and produced by CA team members. The site offers perspective, reason and logic behind why CA directs funds where it does. You can also view the videos on CA’s YouTube Channel, YouTube.com/CATVchannel.
Fairway Hills Golf Club, which is open to the public, offers an 18-hole, par 70 regulation golf course; clubhouse; snackbar; pro shop; practice range and green; lessons; outing and event opportunities; and more. To learn more, go to ColumbiaGolf.net.
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columbia association facilities and programs 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 or Facebook.com/Columbia Archives for more information. ■ ON THE HORIZON COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION WATERSHED MANAGEMENT Columbia Association (CA) has developed a Columbia Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) that outlines a long-term, far-reaching strategy to protect and restore the Little and Middle Patuxent rivers and adjacent waters. The CWMP supports ongoing efforts and provides sustainable pathways to help effectively manage Columbia’s watersheds and water resources. CA has adopted the following vision statement: Protecting and restoring the waters of Columbia. In pursuing the vision, CA has identified several goals and objectives, which include: •
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, Resident 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
Reducing stormwater impacts on Columbia’s watersheds to help restore and protect the lakes, ponds and streams
Improving habitat and water quality to improve stream-based quality of life and enhance environmentally-friendly recreational opportunities for residents of and visitors to Columbia's watersheds CA has implemented and will continue to plan restoration projects (or retrofits), such as bioretention facilities. These facilities are being constructed to restore the natural drainage patterns by retaining stormwater that is currently going directly into streams through storm drains and pipes and instead letting it soak into the ground. For there to be a significant impact on water quality, individual residents and businesses must take action. Additionally, •
continued on next page
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CA
operates three fullservice fitness facilities; four indoor pools; an indoor hot water therapy pool; 23 outdoor pools, including two mini-WaterParks; two golf clubs; three outdoor tennis clubs; an indoor tennis center; an indoor ice rink; an in-line and roller skating arena; a SportsPark with miniature golf, batting cages and a SkatePark; a welcome center; an art center; a teen center; and an archive. CA also owns and leases the Columbia Horse Center. Some of CA’s best-known enrichment opportunities and services 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 “Get Informed.”
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Columbia residents are invited to attend CA’s Watershed Advisory Committee (WAC) meetings to share their comments regarding natural resources and stormwater impacts in the Columbia Watershed. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month, at 7pm at CA headquarters. It is important to understand that the CWMP is only the structure for an ongoing program of watershed management that has already begun and that will continue into the future. For more information about the plan, what CA is doing and what residents can do, please visit the Columbia Association Watershed web site at ColumbiaWatershed.org or call 410312-6336. AQUATICS MASTER PLAN Last year, CA developed an Aquatics Master Plan in an effort to ensure that CA is continuing to provide useful and beneficial aquatics services to the Columbia community. The plan documented the existing aquatics venues and programs, assessed the future needs of the community and made
recommendations for the future of Columbia’s pools. Throughout the drafting process, CA engaged community members by hosting several public meetings, focus groups and surveys. Learn more about the plan at ColumbiaAssociation.org/AquaticsMasterPlan. HOBBIT’S GLEN GOLF CLUB CLUBHOUSE The CA Board of Directors approved $5.85 million for a new Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club Clubhouse, and also approved building a new turn house for an additional $250,000. Last year, the H. Chambers Company was hired to perform the architectural and engineering services for the project. After receiving input from the community and the work team, comprised of CA staff, H. Chambers staff, members of CA’s Golf and Greens Advisory committees, and members of the community, they presented multiple options for renovating or replacing the clubhouse to the CA Board of Directors in April 2012.
Dredging at Wilde Lake began this spring and is expected to be completed by summer 2012.
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how to participate columbia association facilities and programs VIA MEMBERSHIP You can sign up for a membership in an individual facility, such as the outdoor pools, 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. 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. 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 deduction. The Membership Service Center also provides information and brochures and sells discounted tickets, gift certificates to area entertainment venues and books of passes for the out-of-area guests of members. Guests must be accompanied by the member and show proof of out-of-area residency. 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. Applications can be obtained from the Membership Service Center or Community Services offices at
GUIDELINES
for memberships, camps, before and after care and sister cities are on next page.
ColumbiaAssociation.org. Approval is contingent upon you providing an official IRS computer-generated transcript of your 2011 tax return. This free document is available by calling 1-800-908-9946. Please allow two weeks for continued on next page
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income
CA Headquarters (10221 Wincopin Circle) or at
“It takes a big goal, a big image, to energize people. The rational image of what can be is the biggest power generator there is and the least used.” JAMES ROUSE, speech to SEEDCO, Urban Institutions and Community Development National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 18, 1988
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arrival. If you are not sure whether you qualify, please
Earn-A-Membership Program. Under this program,
call 410-730-1801 about reduced price memberships
residents can earn their memberships by doing community
or 410-715-3175 about reduced price camps, Before
service at CA’s facilities or headquarters. The number of
and After School Care and Sister Cities programs.
hours required depends on the type of membership
EARN-A-MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
desired. For example, it would take 47 hours of commu-
This program makes CA facilities and programs more
nity service to earn an individual Package Plan member-
accessible to income-qualified Columbia families and
ship and 66 hours for a family membership,
teens.
and there is a Teen Earn-A-Membership Program, too.
If you qualify for the reduced-price memberships, you may choose to pay outright or apply for the
For more information about earning your membership or camp, please call Community Services at 410-715-3161.
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 . . . . . . . . . .$52,000 . . . . . . . . . . . .$26,700 3 . . . . . . . . . .$58,500 . . . . . . . . . . . .$32,990 4 . . . . . . . . . .$65,000 . . . . . . . . . . . .$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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $52,000. . . . $45,500 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,500. . . . $52,000 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000. . . . $58,500 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,300 . . . . $65,000
5 . . . . . . . . . .$70,200 . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,560
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,450 . . . . $70,200
6 . . . . . . . . . .$75,400 . . . . . . . . . . . .$51,840
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,650 . . . . $75,400
7 . . . . . . . . . .$80,600 . . . . . . . . . . . .$53,020
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85,900 . . . . $80,600
8 . . . . . . . . . .$85,800 . . . . . . . . . . . .$54,200
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $91,500 . . . . $85,800
Contact the Department of Social Services at 410-872-8700 to apply for DSS vouchers.
*75% off outdoor pools
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open space space for everyone olumbia’s lush green acreage is just
tennis courts, Town Center and village center plazas
one of the perks of living in Columbia,
located throughout the community.
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where nearly a quarter of the land is
Maintaining these natural and man-made amenities is
protected as open space. The open
an enormous task, requiring the expertise and dedication
space provides a place for walking,
of a diverse team from many different CA divisions, including planners, an ecologist, horticulturists, a land-
and community fairs among other uses. CA maintains
scape architect and land management and construction
more than 3,600 acres of Columbia’s open space.
specialists. This collaborative effort encompasses the
This includes approximately 93.5 miles of pedestrian
water quality of lakes and streams, pest management,
pathways, 167 tot lots, 279 footbridges, three man-
erosion control and landscape maintenance.
made lakes, 41 ponds, 34 miles of stream valleys, the
continued on next page
40-acre Symphony Woods, Wilde Lake Park, and the Lake Elkhorn Park and Pavilion. It also includes an extensive network of pedestrian underpasses and overpasses, meadows, forestland, basketball courts, public
Residents can enjoy Columbia’s beauty at Wilde Lake, one of the area’s three large man-made lakes.
“If we approach the planning and development of our … community with the conviction that we plan a rocket to the moon, we will see a new healthy beautiful America in this generation.” JAMES ROUSE, speech, “It Can Happen Here,” at the University of California in Berkeley, California, on September 23, 1963
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fishing, bird watching, biking, picnics, family reunions
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Residents can help protect the open space. If you see
their watersheds from throughout Howard County
downed or hazardous trees, vandalism or illegal dumping,
and keep it from traveling downstream to harm the
contact the open space office at 410-312-6330.
Chesapeake Bay — exemplifying our local role in the
PATHWAY MAPS
broader concern of improving the state’s waters.
Maps are available for a small fee at the Maggie J. Brown
Since 2006, the CA Board has appropriated funding for
Welcome Center (10221 Wincopin Circle, 410-730-1801)
the restoration and dredging to maintain the three lakes.
and at village community centers.
This dredging effort will provide Columbia residents with
■ 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 ensure the land is respected and its ponds and lakes are maintained as attractive community gathering posts. To maintain Columbia’s beauty and ensure the splendor of our city’s lakes, CA is currently dredging Wilde Lake, has completed dredging at Lake Kittamaqundi in Downtown Columbia and is
a cleaner, healthier and pleasant recreational feature. As the CA dredging projects continue to move forward, we will provide you with the latest dredging details and developments at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ Dredging.
The efforts of the CA Board of Directors and staff are proof of the community’s commitment to care for our environment, establishing and maintaining vital habitats for both man and nature to thrive.
preparing to dredge Lake Elkhorn in Owen Brown.
SYMPHONY WOODS AND CONNECTING COLUMBIA
Columbia’s lakes collect sediment originating in
Last year, CA continued its work on the project to develop Symphony Woods Park and turn it into an
CA offers a variety of summer camps for kids with activities like canoeing.
enhanced downtown setting for cultural events and performances, art installations and community events. Learn more about the Symphony Woods Park project at ColumbiaAssociation.org/SymphonyWoodsPark. CA also began work on developing an Active Transportation Action Agenda to create a more interconnected and comprehensive bicycling and walking circulation system for health, recreational and transportation purposes. The project will result in a list of action items that will improve safe pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout Columbia, with an emphasis on CA’s pathways. Get more information at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia.
“… We have in our hands the opportunity to make our city — in our generation — the most livable, the most beautiful, and the most effective city in America.” JAMES ROUSE, speech, Memorandum to Mayor Theodore R. McKeldin in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 10, 1964
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columbia’s village community associations olumbia’s collection of neighborhoods
C
and villages combine to create a sense
of community, much like what you’d
experience if you lived in a small town.
Schools, community centers and
village centers are convenient gathering places and help define the unique character of each village. Even the street names, derived from literary and artistic sources, help to make each neighborhood special. 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 Council representative. CA passes on a portion of the annual charge money to the village associations, which use these funds to foster the growth of community. They provide programs and events like classes, fairs, holiday activities, parties, space rentals for meetings, special events, seminars and political forums; they oversee the village elections; and as covenants, are upheld.
continued on page 18
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they ensure that the architectural guidelines, also known
Each of Columbia’s nine villages and Town Center has a
COMMUNITY association,
which is an independent, incorporated, nonprofit civic association.
Families enjoy the festivities of International Day, an annual event held at Lake Kittamaqundi’s lakefront.
17
village boards from May1, 2012 April 30,2013 Dorsey’s Search
Oakland Mills
dsca@columbiavillages.org
omca@columbiavillages.org
Village Office 410-730-4005 Ellen Mackey Rob Sims Diane Turner Dan Woodruff
Village Office • 410-730-4610 Reginald Avery Jervis Dorton Brian Donoughe Phil Engelke Bill Gray Kristin Huza Margaret Mauro
•
Harper’s Choice harperschoice@columbiavillages.org
Village Office • 410-730-3888 Claire Albert Clare Brooks Stephen L. Cook Ann DeLacy Linda Kangrga Alice Kong Clarence Lam
Hickory Ridge hickoryridge@columbiavillages.org
Village Office • 410-730-7327 John Bailey Miles Coffman Linda Hitzelberger Tom Louden Michelle Wood
Kings Contrivance kingscontrivance@columbiavillages.org
Village Office • 410-381-9600 Brian Dunn Phillip Gilbert Pete Maheridis Fred Niziol Barbara Seely Marguerite Walsh
Long Reach
Owen Brown obca@columbiavillages.org
Village Office • 410-381-0202 Pearl Atkinson-Stewart Ajile Brown Wayne Eldridge Kecia Rome Katharyn Suderman
River Hill riverhill@villageofriverhill.org
Village Office • 410-531-1749 Jenny Chu Todd Harrison Kenny Kan Dengfeng Liu Zachary Marks Tony Miceli Dipper Wettstein
Town Center towncenter@columbiavillages.org
Village Office • 410-730-4744 Joel Broida Lee Richardson Helen Ruther Hugh Tousey Linda Wengel
info@longreach.org
Village Office • 410-730-8113 Nina Basu Josh Friedman Karen Hitcho William Taylor Matthew Watchinski
Wilde Lake wlca@columbiavillages.org
Village Office • 410-730-3987 Joyce Ardo Nancy McCord Linda Odum Larry Schoen Rhoda Toback
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Although Columbia Association built and owns all of the village community association buildings and neigh-
CA helped celebrate Columbia’s 45th birthday with a free community event at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront.
borhood centers, they are operated by the village community associations. particular to your village, call your village covenant Architectural Guidelines Also Known as the Covenants
advisor (see page 20). You may need to complete a Request for Exterior Alteration form. The village
The covenants of each village are contained in a legal Resident Architectural Committee will review your document that is recorded in the land records of located in the village, including commercial real estate.
continued on next page
▼
request and return the form to you with its Howard County as part of the deed to every property Since the covenants stay with the property, each owner accepts 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
The COVENANTS,
which set exterior alteration standards, have protected the aesthetic environment of our neighborhoods — and our property values.
“To harness these new attitudes to the forces already in motion and to the resources that already exist among us, will generate a new creative trust that will not only produce new communities, but will release among the people in them, the potential for the noblest civilization the world has ever known.” JAMES ROUSE, speech, “It Can Happen Here,” at the University of California in Berkeley, California, on September 23, 1963
19
decision and any qualifying remarks. Be sure to tell your covenant adviser if you live in a townhouse or
Joan Lovelace, Head Professional and General Manager of CA’s Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club, offers first-rate golf advice to amateur players.
condo. You may also need to get your townhouse/condo association’s architectural approval. Do I need architectural committee approval for a home-based business? Yes, and in some villages in-home businesses must
Who administers the covenants? The village community associations administer the covenants through covenant advisors and residential
be approved every year.
architectural committees. The covenant advisor answers
Do the architectural guidelines ever change?
questions and handles the day-to-day requirements of
Every village reviews and revises its guidelines
the approval process. Residents who do not maintain
periodically after inviting community input. A copy
their property or who make unapproved exterior
of the current guidelines is available at your village
alterations or operate an unauthorized home-based
association.
business may be cited for covenant violations.
When I buy a house, am I responsible for the previous owner’s covenant violations?
Villages make every effort to resolve violations constructively. When this is not possible, the village archi-
Yes. Make sure that you receive a Certificate of
tectural committee may request that CA join with it
Compliance from your builder or seller during the
in bringing legal action against the property owner.
settlement process. This certificate, issued by the
Very few violations require court action. When it has
village architectural committee, assures that the
been necessary to go to court, the covenants have
home has met the committee’s standards.
consistently been upheld.
“There are no dramatic innovations in Columbia, really nothing that hasn’t been done somewhere before. Its plan simply pulls together … an environment in which a man and his family are dignified and their institutions afforded a decent opportunity to respond to their changing needs.” JAMES ROUSE, speech for the Newark Conference on the ACTION Program for the American City, in Newark, New Jersey, on December 9, 1965
20
COMMUNITY CENTERS The community centers, which are located in every village, differ in size and amenities. However, all are
covenant advisors
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 Search
410-730-4005
•
IHatz@ColumbiaVillages.org NMeredith@ColumbiaVillages.org
DORSEY’S SEARCH 410-730-4005 facebook.com/DorseysSearch
Harper’s Choice
NEIGHBORHOODS Dorsey Hall and Fairway Hills
Ingrid Hatz and Nancy Meredith
•
410-730-3888
Debbie Nix
The village association is located in 5,000-square-foot
HCCovenants@ColumbiaVillages.org
Linden Hall, 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City,
Hickory Ridge
21042. Manager: Jackie Felker
•
410-730-7327
Carole MacPhee and Anne Kulesza
Carole@HickoryRidgeVillage.org
NEWSLETTER
for covenant complaints or letters of compliance
• The Dorsey’s Search Scroll
Anne@HickoryRidgeVillage.org
• Published 11 times per year
for applications
• Distributed door-to-door
Kings Contrivance
•
410-381-9600
Stephanie Moore
KingsContrivance@ColumbiaVillages.org Long Reach
•
410-730-8113
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,549
Darlene Brown and Maryann Cohea
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,081
DarleneBrown@LongReach.org
Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report and Village Manager
for applications
MaryannCohea@LongReach.org for covenant complaints or letters of compliance
Oakland Mills
•
410-730-4610
Debbie Bach
OMCACov@ColumbiaVillages.org Owen Brown
410-381-0202
•
Gordon Mac Phee
OBCovenants@ColumbiaVillages.org River Hill
•
410-531-1749
Evamarie Lambright
Covenants@VillageofRiverHill.org Town Center
•
410-730-4744
Patricia Loeber
TCVillage@ColumbiaVillages.org Wilde Lake
•
410-730-3987
Carl McKinney
WLCovenantAdvisor@ColumbiaVillages.org
CA is committed to providing quality swimming lessons for members and residents. Private and group lessons are available.
21
HARPER’S CHOICE 410-730-3888 facebook.com/KahlerHall
KINGS CONTRIVANCE 410-381-9600 bit.ly/KingsContrivance
NEIGHBORHOODS Longfellow, Swansfield and Hobbit’s Glen The village community association is located in Kahler Hall, which offers five rooms, at 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia, 21044. Manager: Wendy Tzuker
NEIGHBORHOODS Macgill’s Common, Huntington and Dickinson The village community association is located in 4,300square-foot Amherst House, 7251 Eden Brook Drive, Columbia, 21046. Manager: Anne Brinker
NEWSLETTER • Harper’s Choice Voice • In the Columbia Flier bi-weekly • Occasionally mailed to homes
NEWSLETTER • Crown Prints • Inserted in Columbia Flier bi-monthly
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,102 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,074 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,105 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,281
DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,543 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,572 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,025 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
HICKORY RIDGE 410-730-7327 facebook.com/HickoryRidgeVillage NEIGHBORHOODS: Hawthorn, Clary’s Forest and Clemens Crossing The village community association is located at The Hawthorn Center, which accommodates about 100 people, at 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia, 21044. Manager: Jessamine Duvall NEWSLETTER • The Log • In the Columbia Flier bi-weekly DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,647 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,244 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,875 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,766 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
LONG REACH 410-730-8113 NEIGHBORHOODS Jeffers Hill, Kendall Ridge, Locust Park and Phelps Luck The village community association is located at Stonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Court, Columbia, 21045. Administrator: Sarah Uphouse 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
22
OAKLAND MILLS 410-730-4610 or 301-596-5237 facebook.com/OMVillage NEIGHBORHOODS Thunder Hill, Talbott Springs and Stevens Forest The village community association is located in The Other Barn, renovated in 2008, which accommodates 220 people in the Loft and 65 people in the Smithy/ Tack Rooms. Adjacent to The Other Barn is a flowerfilled courtyard. The Other Barn is located at 5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, 21045. Manager: Sandy Cederbaum 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,717 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,174 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,416 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
OWEN BROWN 410-381-0202, facebook.com/OwenBrownVillage NEIGHBORHOODS Dasher Green, Elkhorn and Hopewell The village community association is located in the Owen Brown Community Center, which offers five rooms, at 6800 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, 21045. Manager: Nancy Thomas NEWSLETTER • The OBserver • Home-delivered nine times per year DWELLING UNITS Single Family Detached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,396 Townhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,797 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 876 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,069 Source: HRD Dwelling Unit Report
Below: Since 1977, CA has offered summer exchange programs for Howard County high school students to experience Spanish or French culture. The International Exchange Program allows students to travel to Cergy-Pontoise, France, or Tres Cantos, Spain, where they live with host families for two weeks. Upon returning to the United States, students host their French or Spanish student counterparts for another two weeks.
“We must believe, because it is true, that people are affected by their environment … by space and scale, by color and texture, by nature and beauty, that they can be uplifted, made comfortable, made important.” JAMES ROUSE, from a speech made on April 8, 1965 called “Great Cities for a Great Society” in Chicago, Illinois.
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CA members practice their tennis skills at Columbia Athletic Club’s indoor tennis courts.
RIVER HILL 410-531-1749 facebook.com/RiverHillCommunityAssociation
TOWN CENTER 410-730-4744 facebook.com/TownCenterCommunityAssociation
NEIGHBORHOODS: Pheasant Ridge and Pointer’s Run The village community association is located at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, 21029. Claret Hall 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, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, 21044. Historic Oakland accommodates up to 200 guests and is an ideal venue for meetings, conferences and weddings.
Manager: Susan Smith
Manager: Patricia Laidig
NEWSLETTER • 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
• The Villager
“The road to humanizing the urban environment may be neither long nor difficult, if we will set out upon it — but it begins with people and proceeds from their needs and their yearnings.”. JAMES ROUSE, speech for the Newark Conference on the ACTION Program for the American City, in Newark, New Jersey, on December 9, 1965
24
WILDE LAKE facebook.com/WildeLakeVillage 410-730-3987 NEIGHBORHOODS Bryant Woods, Faulkner Ridge and Running Brook The village community association is located at Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Green, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, 21044. 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.” Manager: Kristin Shulder NEWSLETTER • The Wilde Lake • In Columbia Flier twice 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.
At top: Columbia Association provides a wide range of group fitness classes at all three CA fitness facilities. At bottom: Supreme Sports Club features a 12,000square-foot arena for basketball and volleyball.
Connect with
Columbia Association It’s easier than ever to find us!
ColumbiaAssociation.org Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation Issuu.com/CA-ColumbiaAssociation Twitter.com/CA_intheNews and Twitter.com/Columbia_Events YouTube.com/CATVchannel