Dennis Lane never saw the renovations taking place at his venerated Merriweather Post Pavilion. He never got to watch the new buildings rising in Downtown Columbia, a place he championed. He probably never imagined that one day a street would be named in his honor, a street that fittingly embraces Merriweather in the heart of Downtown Columbia.
The friends and family of the popular blogger, writer, businessman and bon vivant gathered this week to celebrate the naming of “Dennis Lane,” a street that will wind around the the back of the pavilion, starting at the new Merriweather Lane and ending at the future North-South Connector.
The street dedication celebration hosted by The Howard Hughes Corporation, with Vice President of Development Greg Fitchitt serving as master of ceremonies, honored Dennis Lane as a civic leader, friend, beloved partner and brother. Speakers included Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, Council Chairman Calvin Ball, County County Council member Mary Kay Sigaty, friends Tom Coale and Paul Skalny, fiancée Denise Geiger and sister Barbara “Bobbi” Sandusky.
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The 100 attendees shared stories of Dennis Lane with each other, recalling his infectious personality and individuality and celebrating the life tragically ended in May 2013. Denise Geiger noted that Dennis Lane had a “knack for gathering people.”
County Executive Allan Kittleman recalled Dennis Lane as “an equal opportunity supporter and detractor,” and the crown laughed. He was a man of “humor and great grace,” the County Executive concluded.
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
County Council Chair Calvin Ball noted that he and Dennis Lane talked often. “He would be pleased to see us making progress” on the redevelopment of Downtown Columbia.
Tom Coale said that Dennis Lane helped “make us love where we were living” and “believed that Columbia’s best days are in front of us.” And Paul Skalny encouraged everyone to live as Dennis Lane lived, loving each and every day with all its possibilities.
The street sign was unveiled to applause and cheers. Dennis Lane would have loved it.
Photo:
Dennis Lane’s sister Barbara Sandusky and fiancée Denise Geiger helped The Howard Hughes Corporation Vice President Greg Fitchitt unveil the street sign in honor of the popular local businessman.
