The other day I saw a white van speeding along Little Patuxent Parkway, weaving in and out of traffic without even signaling for lane changes. "That driver acts like he thinks he owns the place," I thought to myself. Then I saw the words "General Growth Properties" on the side of the van and realized there was some truth to my observation.

General Growth Properties does in fact regard Columbia as an investment, something they own and on which they hope to make a profit. On the other hand, many of us who live here regard Columbia as a home, a place we cherish for its own sake. Our goal is not to increase its financial value, as one does with an investment, but to increase its human value as a place designed to manifest Jim Rouse's vision of a city that fosters living in peaceful and loving relationship with our neighbors.

John Rhead

Long Reach

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