TIF is, indeed, widely used by local governments. At the same time, it has long since been discredited as a responsible form of public expenditure. After nearly 60 years of widespread use, California recently banned the use of TIF in the state. A simple search on the internet will reveal any number of studies debunking TIF.
As this article makes clear, the "advantages" of TIF are that it disguises local government borrowing and allows pet projects to jump the queue. Local governments borrow more than they should and projects that would not survive a careful comparison with other possible projects are funded. (Does anyone think that a new library is the county's highest priority?)
TIF has also been prone to wishful thinking and overly optimistic revenue projections. Again, who really thinks that a new library will spur new development?
If you are interested in library services rather than a vanity project, you would focus on what goes on inside the library and not the building itself. Every dollar spent on ornate architecture and prime real estate is a dollar not spent on library services. If the county needs a new, bigger library, it could be located in a functional structure in dozens of locations, all of them no less convenient than the lakefront and many of them with cheaper land.
"Downtown" Columbia is unlikely to grow much in the near future because it is in a peripheral suburb with no public transportation, especially no links to either Baltimore or Washington (or even the airport). It is not a coincidence that the Silver LIne brought both Tysons and Reston considerable new development. Columbia, on the other hand, might as well be in West Virginia. No amount of county subsidy is going to rescue Howard Hughes' investment unless it includes real public transportation.
Seems like the new Cultural Arts Center would be a better "draw" for the Lakefront area than a new central library stocked with digital tools, devices, and empty meeting spaces. Maybe the prospect of lower-income artists enjoying the amenities of Lake Kittamaqundi among well-heeled residents is not attractive, or maybe the point is just to make an architectural statement and relegate lower-income residents to more-discrete locations. Re. "architectural statements", how often do residents of Howard County or neighboring areas visit the Chrysalis just to appreciate its aesthetic qualities (as promised by the developers)?
Jeremy, This post is hugely informative in a way that most people could never otherwise access. I hope I continue to benefit from your clear explanations on many more dense topics related to Columbia.
Redevelopment of the Lakefront District is long overdue. It certainly needs a new draw so that businesses will be attracted. Very excited to see that Howard Hughes awarded local architects Arium AC to help revitalize the Exhibit Center. The Exhibit Center is an early Frank Geary designed building where we first saw the Columbia movie.
Oh wow! I didn't know that the Exhibit Building was going to be revitalized. That's very exciting, indeed. I just looked up Arium AC and they look like experts in transforming interior spaces - they did the CA HQ, Jailbreak Brewing, the Tenable floors in 6000 Merriweather, among many others. I wonder what the plans are for that space? The lower level is retail (Sushi Sono and the former 3rd place), but I the use of the upper level predates me. Normally, it's the leasee who is responsible for interior fit-ins, so if Howard Hughes is paying for the update, then maybe it's for their own purposes?
Look, it’s cool that we have a world-class library system but I do not believe that one single person has EVER chosen to live here because of the libraries. In fact I find that assertion absurd. Second, we don’t want more people to live here! We are overcrowded! Our schools, hospital, roads cannot handle more people living here!!! Third, we want to keep our rating (good!) so we keep our borrowing below 10% (excellent!) except we’ve found another way to borrow and call it something else so really we’re borrowing more than 10%. Got it. Politics as usual with some ridiculous spin that a better library will bring in revenue. No. It will bring in people we can’t support and increased taxes for all. Schools, hospital, roads - we need real priorities not ways to steal more taxes from us and call it improvement.
You lost me here: "The Lakefront area has long been a challenging location for business tenants, so it’s easy to see how a world-class library can help spark economic activity and increase the profitability of nearby properties.". I rented commercial office space in downtown Columbia for many years and neither I nor any of the other tenants were the least bit concerned about "a world-class library". What concerned us was: rental costs, public safety, parking, and restaurants...not libraries.
People move to HoCo primarily for its excellent schools, relative safety, green space, and (somewhat) affordable housing not for its libraries or dense downtown. I moved to HoCo from Bethesda to get away from heavy traffic, dense unaffordable housing, and over-development. Thank goodness for Deb Jung who is trying to preserve the character of the Columbia that drew me here rather than lining developers' pockets at taxpayers' expense and destruction of what makes HoCo such a great place to live.
When I moved to the area, one of the first issues I was exposed to was the debate surrounding the potential lakefront library. This is one of the best descriptions of the funding process I've seen; thank you for that. However, I still am fuzzy on the overall motivation.
Reading this article, the logic appears to be
(1) private business can't or won't set up shop at the lakefront location
(2) therefore, invest in a public facility to increase the area's desirability
(3) and thus, profit via higher tax base, something for schools, and low-income housing
I'm always skeptical of vague promises that include heart-tugs like "better schools" (e.g. the legalization of casinos in Maryland, and tax dollars for new stadiums about anywhere), but I'll leave that aside for now.
I feel I never found a direct answer - why specifically a library? The biggest critique I hear of the proposal is that there is a library just down the street. During the first push I remember for this proposal, there was a good amount of chatter about how bad the main library is, but I never found that convincing. Even with all the promotions trying to sell the idea, the public's preference was clearly to renovate the current library. However, for whatever reason, that never seemed to be a serious option. Now I'm hearing this legislation passed on some emergency basis?
From the outside looking in, the whole thing seems … odd. Is there some underground cabal of library lobbyists pushing for this, regardless of public sentiment? More seriously (because a library lobby actually doesn't seem such a bad thing) Is there really no other option outside of a public facility? And if not, why are we so infatuated with a new library in particular?
If these questions have been addressed elsewhere, and I just missed it, I'm happy to be pointed in the right direction.
Thanks for the article, and I'm sorry if this is truly the last one!
I think it's the practical matter that the current library central branch is inadequate to continue to serve the size of Howard County, coupled with the plan to reroute Symphony Woods Road to Little Patuxent Parkway through the current library location to improve traffic flow so it becomes a straight shot from US-29 to/from Downtown Columbia via the new on/off ramps.
Regarding why libraries, this is the type of question I find myself more frequently using AI to answer. I asked Gemini, "Why are counties and small cities building destination libraries?" and copied below is what it spat back, which I think explains the appeal very well:
-------------------
For counties and small cities, building a "destination library" has become a strategic economic development tool rather than just a public service expense. Local governments are increasingly using these modern facilities to anchor downtown revitalizations, fill gaps in local infrastructure (like broadband and workspaces), and create a "third place" for community gathering.
Here is a breakdown of why these new libraries are being built and the specific value they drive for smaller communities.
###1. The "Halo Effect" & Economic RevitalizationSmall cities use destination libraries as anchors to drive foot traffic to Main Street districts.
* **Halo Spending:** Studies consistently show that library patrons spend money at nearby businesses (coffee shops, restaurants, retailers) before or after their visit. By placing a high-traffic civic building in a development zone, the city creates a built-in customer base for nearby private businesses.
* **Return on Investment (ROI):** Economic impact studies often cite a high ROI for library funding (often between **$2.00 and $5.00 for every $1 spent**) due to the cumulative value of literacy programs, business support, and reduced need for other social services.
* **Real Estate Anchor:** In mixed-use developments, a library serves as a stable, high-quality tenant that draws people in, making the surrounding real estate more valuable and attractive to developers.
###2. Filling the "Remote Work" Infrastructure GapIn many small towns and rural counties, high-speed internet and coworking spaces are scarce. Modern libraries are being designed specifically to fill this gap for remote workers and the gig economy.
* **Co-working Features:** New libraries are built with "huddle rooms," soundproof pods for Zoom calls, and collaborative workspaces that rival paid coworking memberships—but are free for residents.
* **Small Business Incubators:** Many new facilities include **Makerspaces** (with 3D printers, laser cutters, and recording studios) and business centers that offer access to expensive market research databases, helping local entrepreneurs start businesses without high overhead.
###3. "Placemaking" and Civic PrideFor small cities competing to attract young families or retain residents, a destination library serves as a flagship amenity that signals investment in the future.
* **Architectural Statements:** These buildings are often designed by prominent architects to be visually striking, serving as a landmark that defines the community's brand and modernization.
* **The "Third Place":** As malls decline and commercial spaces become more expensive, the library remains one of the few indoor public spaces where people can exist without spending money. They function as community living rooms, offering safe spaces for teenagers, seniors, and families to socialize.
###4. Resilience and Social Safety NetNewer libraries are often built to critical infrastructure standards to serve dual purposes during emergencies—a growing concern for county governments.
* **Resilience Hubs:** New builds are frequently designed with backup power and hardened structures to serve as heating/cooling centers during extreme weather or charging hubs during power outages.
* **Social Services:** They provide discreet access to social workers, job placement programs, and telehealth services, which are often harder to access in rural or semi-rural counties.
###5. Bridging the "Digital Divide"While book lending remains core, the "destination" aspect focuses on access to technology that residents cannot afford individually.
* **Beyond Books:** These libraries lend items like Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, tools, specialized kitchen appliances (cake pans, dehydrators), and even seeds for gardening. This "Library of Things" model makes them indispensable to a wider demographic than just readers.
---
**Strategic Takeaway:** If you are looking at local capital improvement plans (CIPs), a new library is rarely just about books. It is usually a tactic to **centralize services**, **reduce commercial vacancy rates** nearby, and **provide modern office infrastructure** to residents who lack it.
Jeremy you made a good case on how to fund the new iconic library and the economic impact it might have on the County. But the concerns of residents go far beyond the initial costs.
• Accessibility/Location: During the surveys and public meetings held by the County the lakefront location ranked lowest of the options provided by the County contractor. One of the reasons discussed was accessibility to the areas of Columbia the Central Library serves. The current Central Library location ranked highly because it was in a location convenient to downtown and to the Merriweather District and is easily accessible from the inner Villages. The Mall location is also easily accessible and has existing parking plus it would help maintain the Mall viability. Note Anne Arundel County converted an area in Annapolis Mall for a Library Branch which is thriving. The Lakefront area has inadequate existing parking and is poorly located for walk/bikeability/public transit.
• Maintainability: Although you address the initial funding to build the library you don't address the cost of operating and maintaining an 'iconic' structure. The County cost to maintain the new library will be far higher than it would be for a conventional building design. In addition, look at the issues the County has had in even maintaining/funding existing school buildings.
• Opportunity Costs: By building the library on the prime lakefront property the County gives up the opportunity of using that land for alternative purposes, for example: an expanded park area, a community center, a convention center, etc. Hughes can use the property for commerical office building or more expensive apartments but despite what you indicated they have had difficulty renting out existing structures in Merriweather that they own. The County should buy the property as a future opportunity to enhance the lakefront for all residents. In addition, as stated previously putting a branch library in the Mall could revitalize an area that has been the central 'plaza’ for Columbia for many years.
Finally one of the main reasons residents were outraged when this was first suggested was that the community was not asked to be involved from the initiation of the project. It appeared to be a backdoor deal between Hughes and County politicians even to the extent of spending money on an elaborate design to sell the project.
Sorry Jeremy, but you did not make a financial case for the library. You made a wishful thinking case, much like someone with a vested interest, and I hope I am wrong.
Your argument is all about IF and not reality and past history. I sent you my position re financial and value in my earlier comments a few weeks ago, so I will not repeat them here.
I chose to live in Howard County because of its promise of education. Today, that promise is a moral failure. We cannot speak of excellence when the reality of Oakland Mills High School (OMHS) is an affront to human dignity.
I am not here to talk about budgets or architectural plans. I am here to talk about the human cost.
How is it possible that, in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, we allow more than 1,500 souls to breathe, study, and work daily in an environment of disease?
Lead water! It is a silent poison. We are forcing our young people to choose between thirst and toxicity. This is not negligence; it is an act of systemic cruelty against the public health of an entire school.
The classrooms at OMHS are thermal torture chambers: a refrigerator that freezes concentration and a suffocating oven that stifles learning. Mold is rampant on our ceilings, and the walls are stained green. This isn't just a structural problem; it's an affront to the dignity every human being deserves.
The most painful thing isn't the broken bricks; it's the 16-year history of ignored pleas. We've begged for change, and what we've received is indifference wrapped in bureaucracy.
Less than a month ago, we felt another blow to our integrity: the OMHS Renewal and Expansion Plan, approved for 2027, was rescinded by the Board of Education without a second thought or explanation. This sudden and arbitrary change isn't just an administrative decision; it's a moral slap in the face. To condemn Oakland Mills School to another ten years of these deplorable conditions is to ignore human suffering and the health of our students.
When one district is consistently "listened to" more than another, we're not talking about planning; we're talking about de facto discrimination. By treating OMHS as a Second-Class Priority, the Board of Education has not only failed our community, but is also violating HCPSS Policy 1010 – Non-discrimination.
Health and equality are not luxuries granted to the most vocal or wealthiest districts. They are fundamental rights!
My family, like the other 1,596 people who occupy OMHS, demands the most basic rights in a civilized community. We are not asking for a palace. We are asking for a safe, healthy, and respectful place of learning.
Look beyond the number on the spreadsheet. Look at the faces of the students drinking contaminated water. Feel the stifling cold or heat in your own heart. Put aside politics and calculations. Choose morality. Choose equality.
TIF is, indeed, widely used by local governments. At the same time, it has long since been discredited as a responsible form of public expenditure. After nearly 60 years of widespread use, California recently banned the use of TIF in the state. A simple search on the internet will reveal any number of studies debunking TIF.
As this article makes clear, the "advantages" of TIF are that it disguises local government borrowing and allows pet projects to jump the queue. Local governments borrow more than they should and projects that would not survive a careful comparison with other possible projects are funded. (Does anyone think that a new library is the county's highest priority?)
TIF has also been prone to wishful thinking and overly optimistic revenue projections. Again, who really thinks that a new library will spur new development?
If you are interested in library services rather than a vanity project, you would focus on what goes on inside the library and not the building itself. Every dollar spent on ornate architecture and prime real estate is a dollar not spent on library services. If the county needs a new, bigger library, it could be located in a functional structure in dozens of locations, all of them no less convenient than the lakefront and many of them with cheaper land.
"Downtown" Columbia is unlikely to grow much in the near future because it is in a peripheral suburb with no public transportation, especially no links to either Baltimore or Washington (or even the airport). It is not a coincidence that the Silver LIne brought both Tysons and Reston considerable new development. Columbia, on the other hand, might as well be in West Virginia. No amount of county subsidy is going to rescue Howard Hughes' investment unless it includes real public transportation.
Seems like the new Cultural Arts Center would be a better "draw" for the Lakefront area than a new central library stocked with digital tools, devices, and empty meeting spaces. Maybe the prospect of lower-income artists enjoying the amenities of Lake Kittamaqundi among well-heeled residents is not attractive, or maybe the point is just to make an architectural statement and relegate lower-income residents to more-discrete locations. Re. "architectural statements", how often do residents of Howard County or neighboring areas visit the Chrysalis just to appreciate its aesthetic qualities (as promised by the developers)?
Howard County Hypocrisy about open green spaces & Climate. CALVIN TRUMP.
Jeremy, This post is hugely informative in a way that most people could never otherwise access. I hope I continue to benefit from your clear explanations on many more dense topics related to Columbia.
Redevelopment of the Lakefront District is long overdue. It certainly needs a new draw so that businesses will be attracted. Very excited to see that Howard Hughes awarded local architects Arium AC to help revitalize the Exhibit Center. The Exhibit Center is an early Frank Geary designed building where we first saw the Columbia movie.
Oh wow! I didn't know that the Exhibit Building was going to be revitalized. That's very exciting, indeed. I just looked up Arium AC and they look like experts in transforming interior spaces - they did the CA HQ, Jailbreak Brewing, the Tenable floors in 6000 Merriweather, among many others. I wonder what the plans are for that space? The lower level is retail (Sushi Sono and the former 3rd place), but I the use of the upper level predates me. Normally, it's the leasee who is responsible for interior fit-ins, so if Howard Hughes is paying for the update, then maybe it's for their own purposes?
Look, it’s cool that we have a world-class library system but I do not believe that one single person has EVER chosen to live here because of the libraries. In fact I find that assertion absurd. Second, we don’t want more people to live here! We are overcrowded! Our schools, hospital, roads cannot handle more people living here!!! Third, we want to keep our rating (good!) so we keep our borrowing below 10% (excellent!) except we’ve found another way to borrow and call it something else so really we’re borrowing more than 10%. Got it. Politics as usual with some ridiculous spin that a better library will bring in revenue. No. It will bring in people we can’t support and increased taxes for all. Schools, hospital, roads - we need real priorities not ways to steal more taxes from us and call it improvement.
You lost me here: "The Lakefront area has long been a challenging location for business tenants, so it’s easy to see how a world-class library can help spark economic activity and increase the profitability of nearby properties.". I rented commercial office space in downtown Columbia for many years and neither I nor any of the other tenants were the least bit concerned about "a world-class library". What concerned us was: rental costs, public safety, parking, and restaurants...not libraries.
People move to HoCo primarily for its excellent schools, relative safety, green space, and (somewhat) affordable housing not for its libraries or dense downtown. I moved to HoCo from Bethesda to get away from heavy traffic, dense unaffordable housing, and over-development. Thank goodness for Deb Jung who is trying to preserve the character of the Columbia that drew me here rather than lining developers' pockets at taxpayers' expense and destruction of what makes HoCo such a great place to live.
When I moved to the area, one of the first issues I was exposed to was the debate surrounding the potential lakefront library. This is one of the best descriptions of the funding process I've seen; thank you for that. However, I still am fuzzy on the overall motivation.
Reading this article, the logic appears to be
(1) private business can't or won't set up shop at the lakefront location
(2) therefore, invest in a public facility to increase the area's desirability
(3) and thus, profit via higher tax base, something for schools, and low-income housing
I'm always skeptical of vague promises that include heart-tugs like "better schools" (e.g. the legalization of casinos in Maryland, and tax dollars for new stadiums about anywhere), but I'll leave that aside for now.
I feel I never found a direct answer - why specifically a library? The biggest critique I hear of the proposal is that there is a library just down the street. During the first push I remember for this proposal, there was a good amount of chatter about how bad the main library is, but I never found that convincing. Even with all the promotions trying to sell the idea, the public's preference was clearly to renovate the current library. However, for whatever reason, that never seemed to be a serious option. Now I'm hearing this legislation passed on some emergency basis?
From the outside looking in, the whole thing seems … odd. Is there some underground cabal of library lobbyists pushing for this, regardless of public sentiment? More seriously (because a library lobby actually doesn't seem such a bad thing) Is there really no other option outside of a public facility? And if not, why are we so infatuated with a new library in particular?
If these questions have been addressed elsewhere, and I just missed it, I'm happy to be pointed in the right direction.
Thanks for the article, and I'm sorry if this is truly the last one!
I think it's the practical matter that the current library central branch is inadequate to continue to serve the size of Howard County, coupled with the plan to reroute Symphony Woods Road to Little Patuxent Parkway through the current library location to improve traffic flow so it becomes a straight shot from US-29 to/from Downtown Columbia via the new on/off ramps.
Regarding why libraries, this is the type of question I find myself more frequently using AI to answer. I asked Gemini, "Why are counties and small cities building destination libraries?" and copied below is what it spat back, which I think explains the appeal very well:
-------------------
For counties and small cities, building a "destination library" has become a strategic economic development tool rather than just a public service expense. Local governments are increasingly using these modern facilities to anchor downtown revitalizations, fill gaps in local infrastructure (like broadband and workspaces), and create a "third place" for community gathering.
Here is a breakdown of why these new libraries are being built and the specific value they drive for smaller communities.
###1. The "Halo Effect" & Economic RevitalizationSmall cities use destination libraries as anchors to drive foot traffic to Main Street districts.
* **Halo Spending:** Studies consistently show that library patrons spend money at nearby businesses (coffee shops, restaurants, retailers) before or after their visit. By placing a high-traffic civic building in a development zone, the city creates a built-in customer base for nearby private businesses.
* **Return on Investment (ROI):** Economic impact studies often cite a high ROI for library funding (often between **$2.00 and $5.00 for every $1 spent**) due to the cumulative value of literacy programs, business support, and reduced need for other social services.
* **Real Estate Anchor:** In mixed-use developments, a library serves as a stable, high-quality tenant that draws people in, making the surrounding real estate more valuable and attractive to developers.
###2. Filling the "Remote Work" Infrastructure GapIn many small towns and rural counties, high-speed internet and coworking spaces are scarce. Modern libraries are being designed specifically to fill this gap for remote workers and the gig economy.
* **Co-working Features:** New libraries are built with "huddle rooms," soundproof pods for Zoom calls, and collaborative workspaces that rival paid coworking memberships—but are free for residents.
* **Small Business Incubators:** Many new facilities include **Makerspaces** (with 3D printers, laser cutters, and recording studios) and business centers that offer access to expensive market research databases, helping local entrepreneurs start businesses without high overhead.
###3. "Placemaking" and Civic PrideFor small cities competing to attract young families or retain residents, a destination library serves as a flagship amenity that signals investment in the future.
* **Architectural Statements:** These buildings are often designed by prominent architects to be visually striking, serving as a landmark that defines the community's brand and modernization.
* **The "Third Place":** As malls decline and commercial spaces become more expensive, the library remains one of the few indoor public spaces where people can exist without spending money. They function as community living rooms, offering safe spaces for teenagers, seniors, and families to socialize.
###4. Resilience and Social Safety NetNewer libraries are often built to critical infrastructure standards to serve dual purposes during emergencies—a growing concern for county governments.
* **Resilience Hubs:** New builds are frequently designed with backup power and hardened structures to serve as heating/cooling centers during extreme weather or charging hubs during power outages.
* **Social Services:** They provide discreet access to social workers, job placement programs, and telehealth services, which are often harder to access in rural or semi-rural counties.
###5. Bridging the "Digital Divide"While book lending remains core, the "destination" aspect focuses on access to technology that residents cannot afford individually.
* **Beyond Books:** These libraries lend items like Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, tools, specialized kitchen appliances (cake pans, dehydrators), and even seeds for gardening. This "Library of Things" model makes them indispensable to a wider demographic than just readers.
---
**Strategic Takeaway:** If you are looking at local capital improvement plans (CIPs), a new library is rarely just about books. It is usually a tactic to **centralize services**, **reduce commercial vacancy rates** nearby, and **provide modern office infrastructure** to residents who lack it.
Jeremy you made a good case on how to fund the new iconic library and the economic impact it might have on the County. But the concerns of residents go far beyond the initial costs.
• Accessibility/Location: During the surveys and public meetings held by the County the lakefront location ranked lowest of the options provided by the County contractor. One of the reasons discussed was accessibility to the areas of Columbia the Central Library serves. The current Central Library location ranked highly because it was in a location convenient to downtown and to the Merriweather District and is easily accessible from the inner Villages. The Mall location is also easily accessible and has existing parking plus it would help maintain the Mall viability. Note Anne Arundel County converted an area in Annapolis Mall for a Library Branch which is thriving. The Lakefront area has inadequate existing parking and is poorly located for walk/bikeability/public transit.
• Maintainability: Although you address the initial funding to build the library you don't address the cost of operating and maintaining an 'iconic' structure. The County cost to maintain the new library will be far higher than it would be for a conventional building design. In addition, look at the issues the County has had in even maintaining/funding existing school buildings.
• Opportunity Costs: By building the library on the prime lakefront property the County gives up the opportunity of using that land for alternative purposes, for example: an expanded park area, a community center, a convention center, etc. Hughes can use the property for commerical office building or more expensive apartments but despite what you indicated they have had difficulty renting out existing structures in Merriweather that they own. The County should buy the property as a future opportunity to enhance the lakefront for all residents. In addition, as stated previously putting a branch library in the Mall could revitalize an area that has been the central 'plaza’ for Columbia for many years.
Finally one of the main reasons residents were outraged when this was first suggested was that the community was not asked to be involved from the initiation of the project. It appeared to be a backdoor deal between Hughes and County politicians even to the extent of spending money on an elaborate design to sell the project.
Sorry Jeremy, but you did not make a financial case for the library. You made a wishful thinking case, much like someone with a vested interest, and I hope I am wrong.
Your argument is all about IF and not reality and past history. I sent you my position re financial and value in my earlier comments a few weeks ago, so I will not repeat them here.
I chose to live in Howard County because of its promise of education. Today, that promise is a moral failure. We cannot speak of excellence when the reality of Oakland Mills High School (OMHS) is an affront to human dignity.
I am not here to talk about budgets or architectural plans. I am here to talk about the human cost.
How is it possible that, in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, we allow more than 1,500 souls to breathe, study, and work daily in an environment of disease?
Lead water! It is a silent poison. We are forcing our young people to choose between thirst and toxicity. This is not negligence; it is an act of systemic cruelty against the public health of an entire school.
The classrooms at OMHS are thermal torture chambers: a refrigerator that freezes concentration and a suffocating oven that stifles learning. Mold is rampant on our ceilings, and the walls are stained green. This isn't just a structural problem; it's an affront to the dignity every human being deserves.
The most painful thing isn't the broken bricks; it's the 16-year history of ignored pleas. We've begged for change, and what we've received is indifference wrapped in bureaucracy.
Less than a month ago, we felt another blow to our integrity: the OMHS Renewal and Expansion Plan, approved for 2027, was rescinded by the Board of Education without a second thought or explanation. This sudden and arbitrary change isn't just an administrative decision; it's a moral slap in the face. To condemn Oakland Mills School to another ten years of these deplorable conditions is to ignore human suffering and the health of our students.
When one district is consistently "listened to" more than another, we're not talking about planning; we're talking about de facto discrimination. By treating OMHS as a Second-Class Priority, the Board of Education has not only failed our community, but is also violating HCPSS Policy 1010 – Non-discrimination.
Health and equality are not luxuries granted to the most vocal or wealthiest districts. They are fundamental rights!
My family, like the other 1,596 people who occupy OMHS, demands the most basic rights in a civilized community. We are not asking for a palace. We are asking for a safe, healthy, and respectful place of learning.
Look beyond the number on the spreadsheet. Look at the faces of the students drinking contaminated water. Feel the stifling cold or heat in your own heart. Put aside politics and calculations. Choose morality. Choose equality.
I ask respect, equality, and dignity for all.