D1 November Update

In the last month of our first term, D1 continues to take action to protect our green space, whether it's through public testimony or staying alert for development updates. Read below to learn more about action you can take and D1 community events.

Any questions about things going on at the Council level or in your community? Don't hesitate to reach out via email to [email protected] or phone at (410) 313-2001.

Liz Walsh Council Member pic with sig.png

Board of Appeals to Hear Proposed Age-Restricted Development at Browns Motel

This proposed project would bring 120 senior apartments to the edge of D1, right off Route 40 and northeast of Valley Lane in Ellicott City. Based on plans submitted by the developer to the Department of Planning & Zoning, this proposal would need two excusals from minimum distances from public roads to continue in its current form. But the Hearing Examiner denied those excusals in July. Now, the developer's coming to the Board of Appeals on Tuesday, November 29th at 6:30 PM to argue once again why they should get them.

That Board of Appeals meeting will be a de novo hearing, which means that the case will start from the beginning and new testimony will be allowed. D1 will be there in opposition. If you're interested in joining us, sign up for the hybrid hearing at the Board of Appeals' website here (sign-up link will be posted tomorrow). Because this is a quasi-judicial hearing, there's no written testimony allowed. The only way to speak out is to attend.

Public Meeting to Consider Changes to Zoning Board Rules

A public meeting with two consultants recently hired by the Zoning Board to propose changes to their Rules of Procedure will be held on Thursday, November 17th at 10 AM in the Banneker Room at the George Howard Building. This is the first step to creating a draft of the rules for the Zoning Board to consider.

These changes were initiated by the passage of CB77-2021, which allows the Hearing Examiner to hear the facts in Zoning Board cases before presenting them for an eventual vote by the Board. There'll be more opportunities for public input on the rules, but this meeting will help shape how the public interacts with zoning cases in the Zoning Board's new term. A draft of the proposed changes is available here before the meeting.

Upcoming D1 Community Meetings

Wednesday, November 16th at 6 PM — Montgomery Patel Property (4 single-family lots at 6904 & 6908 Montgomery Road in Elkridge)

The meeting will be held at the Elkridge Library. This development wants to subdivide 2.4 acres less than a mile away from Patapsco Valley State Park.

Monday, November 21st at 7 PM — Stonehouse Drive Outfall Stabilization Plan

The meeting will be held at the Miller Branch. Staff members from the Stormwater Management Division will explain plans to repair an eroded slope and construct additional stormwater drainage pipes.

Thursday, December 1st at 7 PM — Planning Board Meeting for Proposed Taylor Highlands Setback Request

In early August, our D1 office sent out a call to action about this developer attempting to build 74 townhouses and 178 apartments in the hills above old Ellicott City. Now, the developer wants to excuse himself from a requirement to leave intact a 100'-wide buffer between new development and County-designated scenic road College Avenue. D1 will be testifying in opposition.

If you're interested in joining us, you can sign up to testify against the development on the Planning Board's website. We'll publicize the link on social media when it comes out.

Food Truck Fridays end this Friday! The Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department will host food trucks and fun for the community from 4:30-7:30 PM. For more details on which trucks are available for food, visit this link.

EC250's sponsoring a brand-new original musical premiering in early December at Howard Community College as part of Ellicott City's 250th anniversary. It's not every day that you can hear new music that's family-friendly; educational; and, most important of all, entertaining! D1 will be in attendance on opening night on Friday, December 8th at 8 PM.

Join us by purchasing tickets here! Be warned: There are only six performances, so there's not much time to book and watch a new piece of OEC history. Groups of 10 or more get special pricing.

Every year, Homewood's Holiday Sale lets Homewood students use second quarter grades to purchase gifts for their loved ones.

With 97 students, more gifts are needed. Look here for Homewood's Amazon wishlist and support if you're able.

Land Preservation Program Now Accepting Interest Forms

Since D1 took office in 2018, land preservation has been a top priority. That's why we're happy to hear that the County's partnership with the Conservancy to create a pilot program for preserving environmentally-sensitive areas is underway. Any non-profits interested in permanently protecting green space they own should fill out an interest form ASAP! For more information, click here.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Elkridge Furnace Inn

If you're looking for a great blend of local-grown food that's healthy for you and Thanksgiving staples, the Elkridge Furnace Inn is a one-stop shop. Order your Thanksgiving dinner online by clicking here and selecting a pick-up time on Wednesday, November 23rd from 12-5 PM.

If you want a chance to burn off those Thanksgiving calories, join owners Dan and Donna Wecker for a walk around the entire historic area, from the 1944 tavern to the 1810 manor and 1830 brick house. It's all part of why D1 Elkridge is wonderful. Tickets are $5 for Sunday, November 27th at 3:30 PM. Purchase them here.

Books and Brews at Backwater Books, Opening Soon

Thanks to The Baltimore Banner for profiling the soon-to-be open eatery owned and operated by current old Ellicott City residents Allison and Matthew Krist! D1 hopes that, wherever possible, outdoor dining at local businesses like Backwater Books can support the economic recovery of our area while also promoting the health and well-being of Howard County residents.

Our office sponsored CR43-2021 during the County's public health state of emergency to encourage increased outdoor dining options through these "Shared Streets." You may see us soon on Backwater's outdoor patio while poring over a great read.

Backwater's combination of bookstore and bar is a great fit for our town and the former home of the Howard County Times. Once open, you can find them at 8156 Main Street.