On Wednesday, September 5, Columbia City Council held a public hearing where they will consider recommendations that are designed to protect structures in historically- sensitive neighborhoods as well as rules that affect the demolition, sub- division of real estate lots, and the size and height of homes.

Photo by Anne- Kathryn Bultman Mini mansion overshadows the house next door on the left. The Columbia Council of Neighborhoods is seriously concerned about these issues and do welcome some of the recommendations that have come forth so far; however, we are also concerned by the long- range implications of some other recommendations, and we encourage City leaders to not rush into quick, easy- fit solutions that end up causing more harm to the majority of neighborhoods across our city.

First, there is a need in the City of Columbia for some sort of review process that deals with demolitions of structures. The recommendation is to post signs for 15 days on homes targeted for demolition, have a committee appointed by City Council review the plans, and cast a decision. While we support this move, we are concerned that these rules would only apply to historic neighborhoods (up to 10 to 15 of the 94 recognized neighborhoods in the City of Columbia) leaving the vast majority of the neighborhoods without such protection.

We suggest that city leaders or a task force review a demolition process that takes into account ALL neighborhoods rather than using city resources to just pass new, special protections for a few neighborhoods. Also, we suggest that more notification from the City is needed on such demolitions to neighbors who live adjacent to such demolitions, and the City can use resources in their public information or development services offices, like mail- outs, as well as the new reverse- 911 phone program to spread this information.

Secondly, the issue of in- fill development is a loaded one that can either help a neighborhood or create nightmares for it, depending on a number of variables like the land, developer and neighborhood. There have been some great in- fill projects in the past and there have been some bad ones.

Again, we would suggest that any action that is taken on the sub- division of lots is taken with ALL of Columbia's neighborhoods in mind, not just a few. There are plenty of examples where new building projects, particularly in some North Columbia neighborhoods, provided the catalyst needed to turn around historically- ignored areas.

To some, "home builder" is like nails on a chalkboard, especially if they've had previous conflicts with developments. However, the reality is the building community of Columbia is a very vital part of our City's economy. If there were no homes being built in Columbia, then we would have some very serious problems that affect individual residents in Columbia. There would be more people without jobs, which in turn would lead to higher levels of crime and gang activity that further taxes the resources of city government and our police department. I think given the choice, any neighborhood would rather see a new three- story house in their community rather than see a new gang on the sidewalks (if they're lucky enough to have sidewalks) or an increase in youth violence.

Finally, when we deal with the issue of oversized homes, or "McMansions," as they are called by some, we have to be consistent and fair to ALL neighborhoods. A lot of these homes have been welcomed by neighborhoods, and have helped increase home values in what is becoming more of a sluggish real estate market. Some neighborhoods, like Shandon, have had problems with them and argue that they don't fit the character of their neighborhood.

While we agree there should be height restrictions on homes, so we don't begin a "race for the sky," the truth of the matter is a height restriction does already exist in the City of Columbia. The sources of conflict come from the topography of the area the homes are built on. For example, if a three- story home is built on a hill that sits 10 feet higher than their neighbor, then it looks a lot worse than when that same home is built next to a home that sits at a higher elevation.

Two important trends in Columbia's neighborhoods might be helping to fuel more of the mini- mansions. One of these trends is that not a lot of homes are being built with basements. Many buyers are looking for larger houses to satisfy their storage and housing needs. The second trend, which is helping the building community, is the large number of retirees who relocate to the Columbia area (especially those from the military). Many of these retirees have saved all their life for their "dream house," and they feel they should have just as much of a right to have a "big home" as anyone else. Are we really letting our friendliness flow when we tell new residents they can have their dream home, just as long as it's not taller than their neighbors?

The Columbia Council of Neighborhoods is vitally interested in the developments on this issue and welcome reform where it's needed. However, we are also concerned by the impact any such reforms might have on affordable housing and ask city government not to back away from their commitment to keep the American Dream alive for all residents in the City of Columbia. We don't want whatever is adopted to pose more problems for our neighborhoods. We've got enough of them to deal with already.