Whether you love it or hate it, Columbia Association is inviting local residents to speak out on the new "Inner Arbor Plan" for the development of Symphony Woods on Thursday night. The meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at CA Headquarters in Town Center, will include a presentation of the new plan, as well as an overview of the trust that CA plans to establish to pay for the developments.

The Inner Arbor Plan features a new Arts Village, a tree canopy walkway, restaurants, a children's theater and an "iconic" sculpture, among other features. The new plan was formally announced on Friday and has received praise -- and criticism from at least one local advocate.

Local blogger Julia McCready wrote in a recent post, "I am excited about the new plan because it will create something worthy of the citizens of our community. It promotes engagement, participation, and a connection to the values we honor as Columbians." Alan Klein, of the Coalition for Downtown Columbia, said his biggest concern about the plan is secrecy involved in the planning process. But also raised concerns about what the possibility the woods may be overdeveloped .

CA officials said in a meeting announcing the new plan that the approval process for the county would continue at step 9 in the 16-step Downtown Columbia development approval process, where the old plan left off after its Final Development Plan was approved by the Howard County Planning Board over the summer.

"Why are we skipping steps?" asked Klein. "It should go through the steps that are outlined."

Patch contacted the Department of Planning and Zoning with that question on Tuesday, but has not received a response. Patch also tweeted at County Planning Board member Bill Santos about his thoughts on continuing the process from where the old plan left off.