He do the funky scratching...

There are so many head-scratchers in this week’s Flier that I think I’ve done permanent damage to my scalp.

First, as you know, the Planning Board voted against the proposed height limits for Town Center. As I said, I don’t think this vote changes the debate or the likely course of events in anyway (it may, however, change the retrospective written years from now, but who’s talking about years from now?).

What we know now is that some people don’t like the board’s decision, as evidenced by three letters to the editor. One of the head-scratching letters purports to know facts about the Tower and WCI (the developer) that only someone on the “inside” would likely know – for instance, buyers backing out of contracts because of delays, nervous lenders and a determination of the profitability of a different building configuration.

Are these statements – worded as authoritatively as they are – based on anything more than conjecture?

Also worthy of a “Wha?” are some of the quotes from our council members, who will soon be forced to take a decision on the height limits. Note the “Wha?” is a funny “Wha?” and not a critical “Wha?” I find it hard to believe they don’t know all of the details of the situation and also that they haven’t made up their minds yet. They just don’t want to tell us anything, which is fine. I like surprises.

At least the Flier’s editors weigh in with some good sense.

Also, the story about the green building legislation had a funny juxtaposition: council members expressed concern for the bill’s implications for the business community, while builders are all for it. I also haven’t heard any big complaints from citizens about it.

This unlikely convergence, naturally, makes me think of Ghostbusters:

Dr. Peter Venkman: This city is headed for a disaster of biblical proportions.
Mayor: What do you mean, "biblical"?
Dr Ray Stantz: What he means is Old Testament, Mr. Mayor, real wrath-of-God type stuff.
Dr. Peter Venkman: Exactly.
Dr Ray Stantz: Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies. Rivers and seas boiling.
Dr. Egon Spengler: Forty years of darkness. Earthquakes, volcanoes...
Winston Zeddemore: The dead rising from the grave.
Dr. Peter Venkman: Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria.

Indeed.

Speaking of green, the dates for the environmental commission dialogue sessions have changed. Here are the correct ones:

Thursday, June 21, 7 pm @ Glenwood
Saturday, June 23, 10 am @ Elkridge
Monday, June 25, 7 pm @ East Columbia
Thursday, June 28, 7 pm @ Miller
Monday, July 2, 7 pm @ Central