A Statement of Purpose

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. Over the last two years GHCA has celebrated and highlighted the historic nature of our 250-year-old community.

The initial focus of the GHCA was the development on the Northwest Corner of Routes 216 and 108 in the heart of Highland.  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 Maryland State Highway Administration conducted traffic studies and has implemented significant changes including crosswalks, signaling and signage to promote safer conditions in the Crossroads area.

In recent years our efforts have become focused on preserving and promoting the stated purposes of the Rural Residential zoning designation (RR). We have identified the increased use of the Rural Residential/ Density Exchange Option (RR/DEO), and the outmoded list of permitted “Conditional Uses as a threat to the rural nature of our community.” GHCA is in favor of removing this option from the RR/DEO zone in which we live because it is in direct conflict with the stated purpose of the RR zone: “to allow low density residential development within a rural environment.” Additionally we propose amending the conditional use process and eliminating many of the current conditional uses. To this end GHCA continues to meet with Council Members and the County Executive on this and other issues affecting greater Highland such as stricter zoning enforcement, and preserving a safe, adequate ground water supply.

Members of the GHCA are not opposed to development; however, they 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 and membership 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 Day to promote a greater sense of community among all the residents and the businesses that serve us.

The GHCA meets as necessary on second Thursday 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.

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

Dan O’Leary, President                     Greg Phillips, First Vice President

Liz Davis, Second Vice President       Mike Fennessy, Treasurer         

Sherrie Zabriskie, Secretary          Charlotte Williams, Highland Day Chair