Victory for Affordable Housing in Downtown Columbia
PATH leaders at the hearing on November 19th.
On Monday, December 1, PATH celebrated the County Council’s approval of two bills that advance a new lakefront library in downtown Columbia and 320 new mixed-income apartments, including at least 160 affordable homes.
One of these new mixed-income developments would be built in the site of the current Central Branch Library, and the other one in the Merriweather district, both of which are high-opportunity areas.
For ten years, PATH has organized to support the County’s plans for more affordable housing in downtown Columbia, and is glad to see the County advancing housing opportunities for families to thrive here.
Read more in this Baltimore Banner article.
Eighteen PATH leaders showed up at the County Council hearing on November 19 to support the two bills that would enable the construction of the new affordable housing in downtown Columbia.
PATH leaders Carrie Britt and Stephen McGovern testified in support.
Carrie Britt from First Baptist Church of Guilford shared:
“My family story is not unique. I hear stories from people in my neighborhood and church community who want to remain in Howard County but are not sure they can afford it.
We’re a diverse, inclusive, equitable community that should support, encourage and provide its residents with resources and services that will make all people successful.”
Stephen McGovern from Patapsco Friends Meeting shared:
“I want [my granddaughter’s] teacher to continue to help her and the countless other children that will come through her classroom. I don’t want her to decide to move away because she can’t find a home in Howard County. I want to live in a county where amazing teachers like [my granddaughter’s] are not just service providers but my neighbors and friends.”
This plan will help fulfill the commitment the county made in the Downtown Columbia Plan to build over 900 affordable homes in this area. PATH organized for that commitment in 2016.
PATH leaders also were invited to speak at the announcement of these bills on October 23rd—read more here.
Congratulations, PATH, for making an impact on affordable housing in Howard County!
