Greetings!

Welcome to our April 2022 Newsletter!

In April, we celebrate Earth Month, a time for us to focus on protecting our environment and prioritizing action on climate change. There are several environmental initiatives happening during Earth Month in Howard County.

On Saturday, April 23rd, I am co-hosting an environmental cleanup of the Savage Mill Trail with the local nonprofit, Upcycled. We will be cleaning up trash and beautifying the trail from 10am to 12pm, and you are welcome to join us! You can sign up to volunteer with us on Upcycled's website.

This month, we also celebrated progress on two major solar projects in Howard County. We joined Chaberton Energy for the groundbreaking of Friendship Solar Farm, which will bring 15,000 solar panels to our community for the generation of clean, green energy for our neighbors and local businesses. Howard County also celebrated the ribbon-cutting of our new solar array at the Circuit Courthouse. The Courthouse solar project is part of Howard County’s solar power purchase agreement, which will ultimately power over 75% of our County Government’s energy usage from solar. These projects help Howard County continue to lead the way on eliminating fossil fuels and taking action on climate change.

As we continue through the Spring season, please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback. Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy April!
Yours in service,
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
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April 21, 2022
COVID-19 Information
Vaccine Update
Howard County residents have received their COVID-19 vaccinations in record numbers. While nearly all residents have received a first and second dose of the vaccine, many eligible residents have not yet received their booster shot. The most recent data available indicates that 67% of individuals over the age of 12 have received their vaccine booster shot.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot are highly recommended as a proven method to counter the spread of the virus and provide protection against serious illness and death.

If you haven't received your vaccine or booster shot yet, there are many opportunities to get immunized! The Health Department is offering vaccine clinics at locations across the County, including appointments for anyone age 5 and older. You can find a full list of vaccine appointments on the Health Department's website.

COVID-19 Testing
The Howard County Health Department and our private partners are continuing to offer COVID-19 tests across Howard County on a regular basis. If you would like to get tested, please visit the Health Department's website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations. You can also request free rapid tests be mailed to you from the federal government.
March Legislative Wrap-Up
On April 4th, the County Council convened for our April Legislative Session. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

  • CB16-2022: AN ACT establishing an Opioid Abatement Special Revenue Fund as a special, nonlapsing revenue fund, also known as a Local Abatement Fund, as provided in the State-Subdivision Agreement between the State of Maryland and Local Governments on Proceeds relating to the Settlement of Opioids Litigation; specifying the purposes, permitted uses, and nature of the fund; and generally related to finance, taxation, and budget. This legislation passed unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB19-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Code to require that certain notice be given when residential infill construction occurs; and generally relating to notice of residential construction. This legislation was passed unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.

  • CR29-2022: A RESOLUTION approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Maryland and Patuxent LLC for property located at 6441 Freetown Road, 6333 Cedar Lane, and 6367 Cedar Lane in Columbia, Maryland, for purposes of Section 16.1103(e) of the Howard County Code. This legislation was passed unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • SAO3-FY2022: AN ACT transferring $6,560,000 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve to the Department of Housing and Community Development in order to move priority affordable housing communities forward and to further affordable housing initiatives. This legislation was passed unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB7-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to require that Moderate Income Housing Units (MIHUs) be developed in the Planned Golf Course Community (PGCC) zoning district; and generally relating to Moderate Income Housing Units. This legislation was passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by Liz Walsh.
April Legislation
On April 4th, the County Council convened for our April Legislative Session. Several new pieces of legislation and resolutions were introduced, including the following:

  • CB26-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Code to include building development or other development in the process for reserving land for public facilities; and generally relating to reserving land for public facilities. Introduced by Liz Walsh.

  • CB27-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to permit Age-Restricted Adult Housing conditional uses in the B-1 (Business: Local) District in certain circumstances; and generally relating to Age-Restricted Adult Housings. Introduced by David Yungmann.

  • SAO4-FY2022: AN ACT transferring $700,000 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve to the Department of Public Works for unanticipated expenses related to snow removal. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
Community News, Events, and Updates
Patuxent Commons Approved
Earlier this month, the Howard County Council unanimously passed CR29-2022, which approves the PILOT agreement for Patuxent Commons.

Patuxent Commons is an innovative and intergenerational housing model that will provide affordable housing units to people with disabilities, seniors, and families in Howard County. I was thrilled to have voted in favor of this incredible project.

I am so thankful to Howard County Autism Society and Mission First Housing, and to each of the parents, family members, and advocates who reached out in support of this project. I look forward to our future work to continue addressing the need for affordable and accessible housing in our community. You can read more about the vote from the Baltimore Sun.
FY23 Capital and Operating Budget
On April 1st, County Executive Ball released his FY2023 Capital Budget and presented it to the County Council for consideration. This budget includes important investments in District 3, including funding for school construction, bike & pedestrian facilities, parks, and more!

You can learn more about the capital budget in our FY23 Capital Budget newsletter.

On April 18th, County Executive Ball released his FY2023 Operating Budget, which includes investments in the Howard County Public School System, community services, environmental efforts, and other county priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. You can read more about the proposed Operating Budget in the County Executive's press release.
HCPSS Simulated Congressional Hearing:
Call for Volunteers!
The Simulated Congressional Hearing (SCH) is the culminating activity for fifth grade social studies in the Howard County Public School System. Throughout the year, students study four units of instruction: The American Revolution, Building a New Nation, Challenges of a New Nation and We the People.

The SCH is an authentic, performance-based assessment where students demonstrate their understanding of the founding of U.S. Constitution and the impact of its creation.

Each year, community members may volunteer to serve as judges in Howard County's 5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearings. I will be volunteering at several District 3 schools this year, and I invite you to join me! You can sign up to serve as a SCH judge using this online form.
Howard County to Acquire Camp Ilchester
As a former Scout and the parent of a current Scout, I am very glad that the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland has agreed to sell the Camp Ilchester property to Howard County Government to be preserved as parkland and open space.

This camp holds a special place in the hearts of so many Howard County residents, and I am excited that future residents and families will be able to continue enjoying it for many years to come. I appreciate County Executive Ball and our State Delegation for their work on this acquisition to expand green space in Howard County, and I look forward to voting in favor of this funding in the budget. You can learn more about the agreement in this press release.

If you would like to email the County Council to share your support for this acquisition funding, you may do so by emailing us at [email protected].
Complete Streets Funding
The FY23 Capital Budget includes a historic investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Howard County. Over $8 million in funding has been proposed to advance Complete Streets initiatives across Howard County.

Some District 3 priority projects include construction funding for the Dobbin Road Pathway, a sidewalk study on Old Scaggsville Road, design funding for the Robert Fulton Drive pathway project, funding for Laurel Complete Streets improvements, and more!

I am deeply appreciative of County Executive Ball’s leadership in making bicycle and pedestrian funding a top priority in Howard County’s FY2023 Capital Budget. You can read more in this press release.

If you would like to email the County Council to share your support for this bike and pedestrian funding, you may do so by emailing us at [email protected].
Battle of the Books: Call for Volunteers
The Howard County Library System seeks community volunteers for Battle of the Books!

Battle of the Books (BOB) is an annual academic competition where knowledge, costumes, and fun all count. This year, for the first time, BOB is at Merriweather Post Pavilion! It will be a huge celebration of reading – a book-themed competition and party for over 1,000 kids!

Battle of the Books is scheduled for Friday, April 29th. Volunteer shifts starting at 4 pm, and service opportunities are available for high school students with a supervising adult. You can see volunteer options and register using the Library System's sign-up form.
Howard County Food Bank
Shop for the foods YOU want at the Howard County Food Bank. All shopping trips are family-choice.

Fresh items such as milk, eggs, hygiene products, meats, produce are all on hand each time. Families who may qualify should visit www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440 for more details.
Head Start and Pre-K Opportunities
from Community Action Council
Community Action Council (CAC) offers FREE Head Start and Pre-K programming to eligible 3- to 5-year-old children. Programs provide family engagement services, speech & language therapy, mental health consulting, hearing & vision screening, and nutritional counseling.

CAC operates four sites across Howard County. Learn more at www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440. 
COVID-19 Resources
For more information on Howard County's Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention efforts, please visit the Department of Housing's website.

For more information on energy and utility assistance, please visit the Community Action Council's website.

For information on emergency broadband assistance, please visit the Affordable Connectivity Program website.

For information on unemployment benefits from the State of Maryland, please visit the State's Unemployment website.
District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings
There are currently 2 community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3.
Name: Life Storage
Address: 8255 Washington Blvd, Jessup, MD 20794
Meeting Date: May 11 at 6:00 PM
Meeting Location: Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel, MD 20723
Zoning: CE-CLI
Acres: 14.47
Units: 1
Planned Use: Storage Facility
Name: 7320 Oakland Mills Road Subdivision
Address: 7320 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21045
Meeting Date: April 25 at 6:00 PM
Meeting Location: Savage Volunteer Fire Company, 8521 Corridor Road, Savage, MD 20763
Zoning: R-12
Acres: 0.78
Units: 2
Planned Use: Residential
Want to Get in Touch?
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3

410-313-2001
Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant

410-313-2421
Felix Facchine
District Aide

410-313-3108
Please feel free to contact us by email or phone. Plus, you can stay up-to-date with Christiana by following us on social media, where we post regular updates on county news, legislative priorities, and community initiatives!