Mission

The Greater Highland Crossroads Association (GHCA) was formed in March 2002. Its founding was spurred largely by increasing development pressures in our area and it continues to represent Highland and rural portions of Fulton and Clarksville on issues affecting our quality of life.

The initial focus of the GHCA was the development now underway on the Northwest Corner of Routes 216 and 108 in the heart of Highland, consisting of a restaurant, small office building, and ten office townhouses. The developers of this project are now members of GHCA, and participated in the drafting of the voluntary design guidelines adopted by the Association. GHCA has also been active on issues involving traffic, public safety, water quality, zoning and planning, historic designation and other matters deemed significant by the Membership. At the request of the Association The MD SHA recently conducted traffic studies and is planning significant changes including signaling and signage to promote safer conditions in the Crossroads area.

In 2007 our efforts became focused on residential development and the increasing use of the DEO exchange option. GHCA is in favor of removing this option from the RR/Deo zone in which we live because it is direct conflict with the stated purpose of the RR zone, i.e. “to allow low density residential development within a rural environment.” To this end GHCA has met with Council Members and the County Executive on this and a number of other issues affecting greater Highland.

The GHCA meets as necessary on second Thursdays of the month at 7:00 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at Route 216 and Hall Shop Road. Meetings are limited to one hour to encourage the widest possible attendance, with check in at 6:50.

Our newsletter is published monthly, please leave your e-mail address at our booth on Highland Day so that you will be kept up-to-date on local matters and advised of meetings. Or you may e-mail Dan O’Leary at danielol@aol.com.

Members of the GHCA are not opposed to development; however, we want to see it evolve in a way that compliments the quality of life in Highland – not compromises it. Development pressures in our area are becoming increasingly burdensome and seriously jeopardize the character of our “still countrified” area of Howard County.

Your participation is actively encouraged and appreciated. As neighbors, we can only help each other if we get to know each other. This is the principle reason GHCA has assumed the role of organizer for Highland Days to promote a greater sense of community among all the residents and the businesses that serve us.

The Officers and the Board value and appreciate your continued support,

Dan O’Leary, President

Liz Davis, Vice President

Mike Fennessy, Treasurer

Sherrie Zabriskie, Secretary

August 2007

PO Box 235 Highland MD 20777