Downtown Plan Approved

Finally, Columbia, we have a plan. The Howard County Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve new development rules for downtown that allow for up to 5,500 new homes, 20-story buildings, new streetscapes, a reimagined Symphony Woods and plenty more.

The Sun summarizes what happens next.

Even with approval of the zoning, no actual construction is expected for at least a few years, after reams of county requirements are satisfied, detailed plans approved and, most importantly, if economic conditions have improved enough to make capital available.

Gregory F. Hamm, GGP's general vice president and Columbia general manager, said the result of Monday's three-hour voting session is "fantastic. I would say by early 2012, subject to market conditions, we should be ready to break ground."