tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284446320251611266.post120374235540619653..comments2024-03-22T13:31:45.213-04:00Comments on HoCo Connect: Redeveloping the Long Reach Village CenterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284446320251611266.post-54621865662611459082015-05-18T15:42:42.522-04:002015-05-18T15:42:42.522-04:00As I read your blog I was just thinking the same t...As I read your blog I was just thinking the same thing as Harry Schwarz - I agree, the proposed Nonprofit Center might be a good addition. It would bring a steady base of office uses and employees with a strong Columbia/Howard County focus. The village center is near enough to major transit and retail that workers and visitors could benefit from those amenities. Additionally, a village center is much more human-scaled and approachable than a location in one of Howard County's business parks,another plus in my view. I also think a non-profit center would be good tie-in with the existing arts facilities. I support efforts to build on the village center's existing arts focus - my daughter danced from pre-school through high school at Cindee Velle's dance studio located in Stonehouse. Stonehouse was her and my "second home" and we had a wonderful experience. I'd very much like to see the village center become more welcoming to the families and students who utilize the arts facilities and would love for participation in the local arts programs increase.<br /><br />Susan M. Smithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284446320251611266.post-47459168228264587282015-05-18T01:04:04.019-04:002015-05-18T01:04:04.019-04:00I would love to see the Nonprofit Center located h...I would love to see the Nonprofit Center located here that ACS/Citizen Services has been developing. The synergy with the Arts Center would be exciting and it make's a very strong anchor. It's also got to include services/merchants important to the community.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15008557147742654076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284446320251611266.post-19712946424169453372015-05-14T13:38:18.486-04:002015-05-14T13:38:18.486-04:00The shopping center at Centre Park is another big ...The shopping center at Centre Park is another big challenge for Long Reach, drawing away many customers from the older village center and leaving very few nearby who won't (or can't) use the other options. Even those who don't drive may walk or take the Red bus to Columbia Crossing. Long Reach is to me the most challenged of the Village Centers.<br /><br />I visited Long Reach once in the late 90's and found it to be a really nicely done focal point for the community, and felt the same on returning in the early 2000's. A couple of years ago after Safeway closed, I had to pass through there on a Saturday and it had a much more tired and run down feel. It no longer seemed like a place one wanted to go, but a place you went if you had to. Hopefully, it can find a niche for this community.Adam Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14533334951868224999noreply@blogger.com