MChairman Citara Manis and members of the Planning Board:

The League of Women Voters of Howard County supports a Design Advisory Panel to provide recommendations on proposed plans for development or redevelopment.

The proposed legislation is silent regarding the public's involvement in the Design Advisory Panel process. However, a five-page draft document of Design Advisory Panel Procedures was reviewed and it does include language regarding the public's involvement. The League recommends that the proposed Legislation Section 16.1506 Rules of Procedure be amended to include public postings of properties subject to Design Advisory Panel Reviews, open meetings of the Panel and the acceptance of public testimony.

The first three purposes of the Design Advisory Panel are appropriate. The League suggests the fourth purpose "to enhance property values" should be deleted.

Section 16.145 b.(3) (1). , 16.1501 (A) and 16.156(B)(1). Parcels located in the U.S. Route 1 Corridor zoned CE, CAC or TOD or adjoining the Route 1 Right-of-Way. Clearly parcels that front on Rt.1 right-of-way should be subject to the Design Advisory Panel. Parcels not along the frontage of Rt. 1 or fronting a primary road should be exempt. The emphasis of design review should be Route 1 road frontage and key intersection parcels. Parcels adjacent to existing residential development should also receive design review to assure substantial buffering.

Section 16.1500 (B) (2) delete "and to enhance property values".

Section 16.1501 (C) and (D) propose a time frame after passage of a plan for downtown Columbia and a Route 40 manual of 30 days. Legislation usually takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Section 16.1504 (A). Design Review for any structure or site improvements constructed, altered or remodeled. This is very broad language. The League suggests language that limits. Not all modifications, alterations or remodeling improvements have to be reviewed by the Design Advisory Panel. Maybe the limit should be tied to square footage or only apply to façade improvements or additions.

Section 16.1504 (B) (3) Colors. Should the Design Advisory Panel be commenting on colors?

Thank you for your consideration.

Grace Kubofcik
Co-president