Dear Columbia Community,

Columbia has been a unique place for more than 50 years, a community unlike any other in Maryland. Columbia Association has played a distinctive role in serving the entire community.

That role is why CA's Board of Directors is considering requesting a change from the Maryland General Assembly that would classify Columbia Association as a "community benefit association" instead of a homeowners association (HOA) under Maryland state law.

You are invited to come learn more about this proposal at an information session on Tuesday, March 5 from 7-8:30pm at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road.

Columbia Association was established to serve everyone in our community - homeowners, commercial property owners, renters, business owners, institutions, and the many individuals who work in Columbia. In fulfilling its mission, CA provides far more services (including facilities, programs and activities) to many more people in a much larger area than any other HOA.

That makes Columbia Association very different than traditional HOAs. Unfortunately, those differences can lead to problems. Every year, numerous changes to the HOA Act are proposed, usually in response to an issue at a much smaller, traditional HOA. Many of these proposals would have significant, unintended negative consequences for CA.

Reclassifying Columbia Association as a community benefit association would distinguish CA from traditional HOAs and recognize CA for its role in focusing on the quality of life for the entire community in Columbia.

Nothing about CA's operations would change, though. That is because this proposal would retain all of the protections for anyone who lives, works or owns property in Columbia. CA would still be required under its bylaws and state law to provide the same openness mandated by the HOA Act, such as the ability to attend and comment at open work sessions and meetings, and the ability to inspect and copy CA's books and financial records, including salary information.

You can learn more at the March 5 information session. We have also posted Frequently Asked Questions at ColumbiaAssociation.org/CBA for those unable to attend.

Sincerely,

Milton W. Matthews
President/CEO
Columbia Association

Columbia Solar Cooperative

Are you thinking of going solar? The Columbia Solar Cooperative - a combined initiative of Columbia Association and Civic Works' Retrofit Baltimore for the Columbia Solar Cooperative - will host an information session on Thursday, February 28 from 7-8pm at the Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way. Save approximately 20% off the cost of solar panels for your home and enjoy the many benefits of going solar, including lower electricity bills and increased property value. For more information, visit retrofitbaltimore.org/rsvp-columbia.

Columbia Cleanup Day

Columbia Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, March 30, with volunteers picking up trash that has accumulated in open space throughout the community. For times and locations, please contact your local village community association.

Covenant Complaint or Concern?

All inquiries/complaints that come into the Village office are handled confidentially. Ideally, in order to properly respond to complaints, we need to have some way to contact the person making the complaint. Sometimes the issue is one where we have no authority, such as animal control, noise, rental housing, and parking. In these cases, we would refer the person with the complaint to the responsible authority, such as Police, County Rental Housing, Highways, etc. If we receive an anonymous letter with no return address or contact information, we have no way to try and help. The person who sent the letter may feel that their Village does not address their concerns. Do you have questions about the complaint process? Call us, stop by or email us!