Many are aware of legislation over the past few months regarding Downtown Columbia development and the TIF proposed for Howard Hughes. Extra hearings were added, which was commendable, but I take issue with the fact that late amendments passed without public input as is required by law. The Howard County Charter requires bills that have “substantive” amendments be re-introduced and have a new set of public hearings. There were over 45 amendments to the downtown legislation, recently introduced after conclusion of public hearings. Council Member Terrasa attempted to get a finding of “substantive” but was outvoted 4-1. Amendments changed affordable housing issues, height limits, and the develo