General Growth Properties likes to talk about James Rouse's "vision" as a set of vague ideals, but it was more than that. It was the set of principles on which Columbia was built, such as the balance between population and open space.

Rouse certainly got that right. In my 39 years living in Columbia, I've never heard anyone complain that we have too much open space. Does anyone believe that Columbia would be ranked one of the best places in the country to live if it weren't for our open space?

A plan to add 10 percent to Columbia's population should add 340 acres of open space to maintain our environmental balance and quality of life. The GGP plan does not add open space. It subtracts 36 acres, by building on and paving over Columbia Association open space. What does GGP offer in return? Six acres of landscaped sidewalks.

Nice try, GGP. In Columbia we don't call sidewalks "open space."

Richard Wilschke

Wilde Lake

user comments (0)