Columbia is one step closer to a redeveloped Long Reach Village Center, according to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. Ball shared the next steps in an update he gave on Dec. 9 alongside developer Columbia Concepts, LLC and representatives of the Long Reach Village Board. Their vision for the 7.71 acres is known as “Destination Long Reach” and includes townhomes, senior housing for a wide range of incomes, a senior center, community gathering spaces, a grocery store, other retail shops, safe walking and biking paths, a sustainable green design, and arts woven throughout the campus. “For the 20 years that I have had the privilege of serving Howard County, I have seen first-hand the heart and soul of Long Reach,” Ball said. “After a full decade of County ownership, the moment has come. The momentum is here, and the vision is clear. I am happy to announce that what is envisioned will lift the surrounding community and sets a new bar for what a village center can be. We will build a Long Reach Village Center that is vibrant, inclusive, and alive with possibility. It will be a place where athletics, arts, dining, and community come together in a way that honors the past and embraces the future.” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball delivers updates on Long Reach Village Center revitalization project. Dec. 9, 2025. Photo via Howard County Government Flickr page. There would be a 100,000+ square foot indoor athletic facility with volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts, and a rock-climbing wall. Plans include ample parking and bike and pedestrian facilities. Howard County purchased two parcels in 2014 to begin the Long Reach Village Center redevelopment process. There were several years of intense work that did not bear fruit, including requests for proposals, the selection process of a developer, engaging the community, Zoning Board approval, and then the development team’s abrupt withdrawal in 2019. In February 2020, Ball unveiled his “Long Reach Rising” strategy to improve the village center, but the COVID-19 pandemic took hold just one month later, putting plans on indefinite hold. When the county renewed its efforts to improve Long Reach, Columbia Concepts emerged as the sole proposal, but one with local roots and a long history of expertise. “Columbia Concepts is honored to advance the Long Reach Village Center redevelopment in partnership with Howard County and the community,” said Brian Kim, president of Columbia Concepts. “Guided by James Rouse’s vision, our plan reflects strong collaboration with county leadership, the Village Board, and residents. Destination Long Reach renews our commitment to a diverse and resilient community, delivering new housing, enhanced community and retail spaces, and walkable amenities.” The Howard County Council approved the early concept plan in February 2025. The Long Reach Village Association published its Community Response Statement to the developer’s Preliminary Development Plan Amendment as part of the Major Village Center Redevelopment Process. The next step is a Planning Board meeting, which takes place on Thursday, Dec. 18. The board will present its recommendation to the County Council sitting as the Zoning Board for review and approval. Columbia Concepts has already presented its vision after gathering input from more than a dozen community and county board meetings and advisory committees. The public is still encouraged to share their voices as the process continues. “The Long reach village board is pleased to present its community response statement and its support of the redevelopment plan,” said Nina Basu, chair of the Long Reach Village Association. “The village board has several suggestions for consideration by the zoning board and hopes to be a partner in achieving a successful village center project.” If the Zoning Board authorizes the plan and neighboring parcel owners agree, construction would begin in approximately 24 months. Rendering by Columbia Concepts. Photo via Howard County Government Flickr page. ...read more read less