Oakland Mills is a neighborhood in Columbia, Maryland.  In a county that boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the nation, and one of the best school systems in the nation, Oakland Mills struggles to help its tiny village center stay alive in the midst of sometimes serious economic inequality that has given this community an inaccurate reputation as a suburban ghetto. As residents, and friends, we have worked hard to make this community vibrant and viable - and the Second Chance Saloon is one of a few businesses that have had success in our small village center. Cedar Properties has decided not to renew the Second Chance Saloon’s lease. And we are devastated.

The Oakland Mills Village Board, Calvin Ball and Ken Ulman have all written to Cedar Properties asking them to reach a lease agreement with the Second Chance. They were notified today that the Cedar Properties Board met yesterday and decided not to change their position.

As longtime residents and new friends of the Village of Oakland Mills, in Columbia, MD, we urge you to renew Second Chance's lease. It has taken them years to build their business, and they have done a great job creating a vital community meeting place, in a struggling shopping center. As I'm sure you are aware, the Second Chance was runner up for best Bar of 2012 in the whole state which brought positive press to the center, helped spotlight the center as a dining and retail destination, and drew the attention of the Howard County Executive. Losing the Second Chance would be a real blow to the community. 

The fun events (Monday Night Trivia, to give an example), their tasty and affordable food, and family friendly atmosphere, have made the Second Chance a neighborhood hang-out. However, it has grown into more than that, as word has spread and people come from other parts of Columbia to enjoy it as well. We have had birthday parties, happy hours, and even community organizing meetings in this bar. We are certain that given more time to grow the business, the Second Chance will build on that momentum, become more and more profitable.

The Second Chance isn't any bar, it is unique bar; it is the equivalent of our community's Cheers. Another bar in that same location will, no doubt, be a disappointment to our community, as it will never be able to compare to our Second Chance.

Please don't destroy the one shining star in our Village Center.