Merriweather Post Pavillion's Future Uncertain WJZ) COLUMBIA, Md. Mixed reaction came from Howard County residents after town planners in Columbia announced a decision to keep Merriweather Post Pavillion, but refused to commit to making major improvements at the open-air concert venue.
WJZ's Dennis Edwards was in Columbia where residents and officials from General Growth Inc.,--the company that controls Columbia's planning--met to discuss Merriweather's future.
After the meeting some residents expressed dissappointment over the failure to reach an agreement on Merriweather.
"They should be looking long term as they described in [previous] meetings," said Howard County resident Frank Martin. Instead, Martin says town planners have done little to ensure the future of the legendary concert venue.
Before the recent decision to keep Merriweather in Columbia's master plan, County Council members had expressed interest in buying the venue. That proposal has since been taken back because Council members say they think town planners understand the value of Merriweather to the community.
Now GGP says it will lease the pavillion for one year instead of 30. The company wants to wait and see Columbia's master plan before making any major improvements.
GGP says it will make some minor modifications like adding curtains for winter concerts but they will put off doing renovations that have been estimated at $19.5 million.
GGP says it wants the Columbia cornerstone to become a regional year-round concert attraction, but Columbia residents say the decision not to make the needed improvements now has them nervous.
For now residents will have to continue voicing their concerns and hope GGP will hear their message. Officials say it could take two to three years before plans are approved and the start of any major work on the pavillion begins
