Thank You Columbia!
The past 40 days have just been marvelous. It was an honor for General Growth to have been a part of Columbia's celebration of its 40th birthday and our great pleasure to have been able to open up Merriweather Post Pavilion to the public this past Sunday for Celebrate Merriweather and the free evening concert of the Young Columbians and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
GGP also wants to thank the hundreds of organizations, businesses and volunteers that participated in the birthday celebration.
There were many events and activities that paid tribute to all that is special about the place, people and experience of Columbia.
A celebration of this magnitude would never have been possible without the energies, enthusiasm and passion of the people who were involved in its planning and execution.
GGP's commitment to the community of Columbia and Howard County is strong. As the county prepares to issue its final master plan, we know so many good things are in the future for this community. We look forward to continued open dialogue with the residents and to building a wonderful place where people can come together, grow and be nourished culturally, intellectually and aesthetically.
It's been a great 40 years for a very special city. Here's to the next 30 years - to maintaining the unique characteristics upon which Columbia was built and to continuing to embrace the sense of community that has made Columbia special.
Douglas M. Godine
The writer is a vice president and general manager for General Growth Properties Inc.