Process of Long Reach Village Center Redevelopment Begins

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County Executive Allan Kittleman has scheduled a series of meetings to find out what Columbia residents would like to see for the future of the Long Reach Village Center.

“Before making decisions or drawing up plans, we will offer multiple opportunities for residents to talk about their wants and needs to make the Long Reach Village Center a successful, thriving place,” Kittleman said. “We’re excited about starting the process and working with the community.”

• Long Reach Village Center Enters Next Phase, Under County Ownership

Howard County purchased most of the Village Center property in October 2014 and acquired the vacant Safeway store in February (as was required in the initial contract). The goal is to revitalize the 40-year-old shopping center, which has been without an anchor store for almost two years, according to a statement from Howard County.

The County Council required Howard County officials to devise a strategy for redevelopment, and after that is drawn up, a request for proposals will go out for developers to purchase the property and carry out the plan.

Four meetings have been set up for community members to help shape the revitalization: Thursday, April 30 (with presentation about market dynamics of the village center); Thursday, May 28 (discussion on “what do we have and what can we be?”); Thursday, June 11 (presentation of conceptual architectural plans); and Thursday, September 17 (final concept plans presented).

All meetings will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at Stonehouse in the Long Reach Village Center.

What do you want for the Long Reach Village Center? Tell us in the comments!

“The four community meetings the county is sponsoring on the redevelopment are a wonderful opportunity for residents to provide ideas and direction for the new center,” Long Reach Village Board Chair Karen Hitcho said. “Resident participation in this process is key to achieving our goal of a village center that is once again a vibrant hub of our community.”

For more information, visit the Long Reach Village Center redevelopment page on the county’s website. According to the page, the community engagement process will end in October.

• County Looking to Purchase Long Reach Village Center
• Howard County’s Long Reach Development Plans ‘Unique’
• Long Reach, Plagued with Crime and Business Closings, is Poised for Makeover

Screenshot from HowardCountyGov/YouTube.