Two related items in the Columbia Flier of July 31 have left me puzzled. The first item deals with the Columbia Association board's guidelines for the development of Symphony Woods as General Growth Properties moves ahead with its proposed master plan. As your paper reported, the CA guidelines include: "Restore and maintain a vibrant ecosystem" and "Limit roads or buildings in Symphony Woods to a scale that fits the Park." To me, this implies paths, kiosks, a carousel, maybe a small coffe shop, etc.

The CA board's guidelines for Symphony Woods also are in alignment with the county's vision framework for downtown Columbia. That document states that Symphony Woods needs to be preserved, tree roots need to be protected, and a sustainability plan for preserving the natural features of Symphony Woods needs to be developed. The GGP plan, on the other hand, proposes to take down 40 percent of the trees, construct three large buildings and install paved roads.

In the same issue of the Flier, I read Greg Hamm, GGP's vice president in charge of downtown redevelopment, saying that CA had "turned back calls for placing the land 'off-limits' for invovement in Town Center," and that's a good thing because an "effective collaboration" between GGP and CA is central to moving forward. From this, I infer that GGP believes that CA is in agreement with their plans for Symphony Woods. Is this true, or has Mr. Hamm grossly misinterpreted the CA board's position? I hope so.

Or, could it be possible that GGP has seen the wisdom of CA's position and is agreeing to move forward according to CA's guidelines. Wouldn't that be magnificent? In any event, by stating that any construction be on a park-like scale, CA clearly intends not to tear down 40 percent of magnificent, old-growth trees and replace them with large buildings and access roads. Let GGP build their buildings on their own land and leave our trees alone.

J.D. Smith

Harper's Choice

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