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The Doldrums



Every once in a while I hit a wall when it comes to writing a blog seven days a week. Apparently right now is one of those times. Perhaps it has something to do with largely self-isolating since March. It’s hard to say. 

I completed a County survey about possible uses for the old Columbia Flier building and it just make me sad. As you proceed through the questions you realize that none of them involve saving the building itself. Perhaps that is the most realistic outcome. It still feels like a community loss to me that we aren’t able to give that iconic building new life. People have been telling me for years that “it’s a teardown” so this is no surprise. 

I still hate it.

A recommended read this morning is this post from Howard County Progress Report:

Housing is a Human Right

Most people I know agree with those words in the abstract but when it comes to implementing them near where they live their support often evaporates. This is not purely a Howard County phenomenon. But it dominates many local arguments about land use and equity. 

I see no signs of need abating. I see no signs of the arguments abating, either. I’m tired of the ongoing impasse. I’d like to see Howard County doing something better.

Have you ordered your ballot for November’s election? You have to request one. Here’s a link to learn more. 

State Board of Elections 

In a blast from the past, today I received an answer to a question I asked on Facebook in 2012. I had asked the folks from Mumbles & Squeaks Toy Shoppe if Howard County had a reputable doll hospital. It felt almost other worldly to read a response today, since Mumbles & Squeaks closed in 2013 and its owners retired to Florida.

I wonder if I’ll ever receive Facebook messages from a long-departed Flier building. Who knows?




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