Dear Friends, 

High School #13 in Jessup is almost complete! We got a sneak peek of the construction progress and wanted to share with you. 

This new high school, the first to open since 2005, will help address years of overcrowding and will provide capacity for nearly 1,700 students.

I had the opportunity to tour the building with Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael Martirano, and new Principal Josh Wasilewski for a behind the scenes look. 

We broke up the video tour into two parts, so you can truly see the extensive 77-acre site and all that our new school will offer. In the first video you can see the school entrance, field, cafeteria, and gym.

Currently, nearly 70% of the project has reached completion. This new school is on track to receive a LEED Silver designation, making this facility yet another Green school in Howard County. In part two, you can see the progress on the theatre, media center, and classrooms. 

Slated to open in 2023, High School #13 has received nearly $100 million in funding between County and State sources following the approval of my Capital Budget last May. We can't wait to welcome educators, students, and families to this new building for the 2023-2024 school year. 

ADA Anniversary 

Last week, we recognized 32 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law to protect the rights of all people with disabilities. This anniversary reminds us of our progress already made and our work ahead.

This act protects against discrimination on the basis of disability and ensures that every American has public accommodation, regardless of ability. In Howard County, we stand with our disabled community and will ensure everyone has access to their rights under the ADA.

Employers who recognize the importance of inclusive practices and treating employees with disabilities with dignity, fairness and respect, play a big part in our community being the best place to live, work, play, and grow for all. The Howard County Commission on Disabilities is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Employer Awards. If you know an employer in Howard County who promotes opportunities for people with disabilities, I encourage you to nominate them for an award.

Organic Farming at San Giovanni's

The Barrows family takes organic farming seriously at San Giovanni's Farm in Woodbine. This one-acre farm, established in 2017, grows vegetables, flowers, herbs, and micro greens available at farmer's markets and through their online store.

Learn more about the farm at https://www.sangiovannisfarm.com/

Diverse Contractor Outreach

We remain focused on ensuring our small, local, and minority-owned businesses are not left behind. In FY2020 the county awarded nearly $60 million in contracts to minority owned businesses alone. In FY2021, the county awarded $64 million to minority-owned and women businesses, an increase of almost 10% over FY2020. In the first three quarters of FY2022, Howard County has spent $55 million on minority-owned and women businesses. Of our total spending thus far, 27% has been spent with EBO vendors.

We continue to expand opportunities for our local businesses to access large contracts and bidding opportunities. Recently, I hosted a contractor outreach event to connect local, diverse businesses with major organizations offering large contracts and bids. The event featured over 20 prime contractors and nearly 250 local businesses. Watch this video to hear their thoughts from the event.

30th Anniversary of Dar Al Taqwa

It was a beautiful Sunday to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Dar Al Taqwa. As the largest Islamic institution in Howard County, this center has positively contributed to our community in a variety of ways.

Thank you to all those who have previously and currently serve on the board to help our community be the best to live, work, play, worship, and grow for all. Congratulations on 30 years, and I wish you ongoing success for many more!

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

To coincide with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, we released our Office of Human Trafficking Prevention's annual report and an ambitious plan for 2023, and lit the George Howard Building blue. 

Our Office of Human Trafficking Prevention is doing essential work to combat sex and labor trafficking in Howard County. The partnership of our Howard County Police Department and community organizations, coupled with recent worker outreach efforts, ensure that we have purposeful, victim-centered initiatives that we need to combat human trafficking in Howard County.

Human Rights Commission Awards

The Howard County Human Rights Commission is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Jim Henson and Jean Toomer Individual, the Dr. Murray Simon Student, and the Colette Roberts Organization awards. These awards celebrate courageous Howard County residents and organizations that serve our community through their tireless pursuit of advancing and defending human rights.

We're looking to our residents to help us identify those in our community who have gone above and beyond and deserve to be recognized by the Howard County Human Rights Commission this year. Learn more and nominate someone you know today! 

Tell HoCo!

Tell HoCo is an easy way for anyone in Howard County to report non-emergency issues while on-the-go, such as potholes, damaged street signs, graffiti, street maintenance, street light issues, damaged trees, and more.

Since its launch, Tell HoCo has received and addressed more than 62,000 issues. By working together, we can resolve the small problems before they become big ones. Submit a report.

COVID-19 Update

According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s positivity rate today 11.5%, and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 26.6. Over the past month, COVID case rates and hospitalizations have stabilized. Howard County's Community Level, according to the CDC, is MEDIUM. There are currently 10 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Howard County General Hospital. We’ve sadly lost 364 of our residents to COVID-19 and we continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

Please continue to utilize the many strategies available to mitigate the impact of severe disease. When our community level is MEDIUM, residents should strongly consider wearing a high-quality mask indoors in public if they are a high risk for complications from COVID. Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms. You can order for mail free at-home test kits  and masks from HCHD. You can also pick them up around the county at libraries.

Vaccination remains the most effective strategy and now our residents 6 months and older are eligible. Staying up to date with vaccine continues to be the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Howard County is a state leader with 92% of our residents 5+ fully vaccinated. However, 35% of our eligible residents have not yet received a first booster shot. Find a vaccine near you, and give yourself the best protection against COVID-19 at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

Bain 50+ Community Craft and Yard Sale

Join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Bain 50+ Center on Monday, August 15^th for its Community Craft and Yard Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To participate in the event as a seller, simply stop by the Bain 50+ Center’s front desk to purchase your table reservation in advance (cost is $10 for Bain members and $25 for non-members and includes a table and two chairs). Please note, limited tables are available, to be sure to reserve your spot today!

The event will also feature a book signing, live music by the Bain 50+ Cetners’ very own “Drop-In Jammers” and free balloons for the kids. For more information about this event, please call 410-313-7213.

There is Still Time to Join the 2022 Cycling Season!

Cycle2Health (C2H) is a non-competitive, peer-led, bicycling club for adults of all ages and riding abilities, coordinated by DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence’s Health Promotion and Nutrition Division. Whether you are a novice or experienced cyclist, I encourage you to join this one-of-a-kind group.

C2H ride leaders schedule weekly rides varying in intensity for riders to enjoy the sport while exploring the beauty of our great and splendid county. Rides take place during the week, during daytime hours and depart from various community locations. An annual registration fee of $15 is required and weather permitting, rides will continue to November.

To register to participate, click HERE.

Lisbon Lions Food & Fun to Go

DCRS and its Office of the Local Children's Board (OLCB) are co-sponsoring the “Lisbon Lions Food & Fun to Go” this summer to increase food access for families in western Howard County. The program offers hot meals to go pre-packaged meal kits and weekend snacks, as well as fun activity for families to do at home. Program giveaways are held Thursday nights, now through August 11^th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Lisbon United Methodist Church, lcoatd at 15875 Frederick Road in Woodbine.

This program is made possible thanks to a partnership with Lisbon Elementary School, the Howard County Library System, The Roving Radish, The Grill at Lisbon and Lisbon United Methodist Church. A flier is available in English and Spanish.

Consumer Alert Regarding Home “Title Lock Insurance”

In case you missed it in last week’s newsletter, DCRS’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is sharing this important “Consumer Alert” from the Maryland Attorney General (AG) regarding "title lock insurance" and recent radio ads that warn listeners their home could be stolen right out from under them without it. The bottom line is, "title lock insurance" is NOT title insurance, nor is it actually insurance of any kind. It does not lock or insure your home title against fraud.

To learn more about this scam and how you can protect yourself and your home, click HERE to read the AG's advisory in full.

Avoiding Student Loan Repayment Scams

In case you missed it, the U.S. Department of Education has extended the student loan pause through August 31, 2022, which puts student loans and the possibility of eventual loan forgiveness for all back in the headlines. Unfortunately, student loan debt relief scammers are taking advantage of this news.

Be aware of the fact that there is currently NO federal student loan forgiveness program. Scammers may promise a loan forgiveness program — that most people won’t qualify for — or say they will wipe out your loans by disputing them. But they cannot get you into a forgiveness program you do not qualify for or wipe out your loans.

To learn how to protect yourself and for tips on how to steer clear of a student loan forgiveness scam, I encourage you to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice website.

To stay on top of and learn more about the latest scams, be sure to follow DCRS’ social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) or visit OCP’s “Scam Alert” website.

Nominations Sought for 2022 Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards

The Howard County Commission on Disabilities is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Employer Awards. These awards recognize Howard County employers who, as evidenced by hiring practices, staff development, advancement possibilities and accommodation practices, value diversity and provide equal opportunities for employees with disabilities.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy or copy in a alternate format can be requested by contacting Ms. Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or emailing ealewis@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted. Completed nominations may be submitted by email to ealewis@howardcountymd.gov or mailed to: Howard County Commission on Disabilities, Attention: Erica Lewis, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD, 21046. The nomination deadline is noon, Friday, August 19, 2022.

Award winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, hosted by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and members of the Commission on Disabilities, on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Belmont Manor & Historic Park in Elkridge.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Hiring Alert

Are you interested in joining our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) team? DFRS is currently looking to hire a full-time community Risk Reduction Specialist to teach educational programs, such as CPR and bleeding control classes, throughout the county. This role will maintain and develop relationships with community members and groups as part of DFRS's efforts to educate, protect and serve the residents, members and visitors of Howard County. This is a non-uniformed (civilian) position, and the job will require work to regularly be performed in the evenings and on weekends.

To learn more about this amazing job opportunity and/or to apply, click HERE. Please note, the application closes this evening, August 1^st at 11:59 p.m.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

Never Leave a Child or Pet Alone in a Car

With summer weather underway, DFRS and Police Department (HCPD) is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of taking the necessary steps to make sure no child – or pet, is ever left in a vehicle alone. While it may seem hard to believe that a caregiver could forget a child is in the car, a majority of child hyperthermia fatalities in vehicles occur due to a change in the driver’s routine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise. When parked in direct sunlight, the inside of a car can reach up to 131° to 172°F when outside temperatures are 80° to 100°F. Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise.

REMEMBER, a child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal. Children overheat easily, and those under four are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness and death.

As for pets, pets can sustain organ damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes when left in an unattended vehicle. Beating the heat for dogs is especially tough because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

To ensure this unthinkable tragedy does not occur, DFRS and HCPD is offering up these tips:

• Place something that you’ll need at your next stop – such as a purse or briefcase – near the child safety seat. This simple act could help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it’s another parent or caregiver your spouse or partner who drops them off, have the caregiver, your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan. Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Teach children not to play in, on or around vehicles.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open. A vehicle can heat to dangerous, life-threatening levels in only 10 minutes.
• Always lock a vehicle’s doors and trunk. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children’s reach

Department of Housing and Community Development

COVID-19 Rental, Utility and Mortgage Assistance

If you or someone you know in Howard County is still facing financial struggles due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, emergency rental and utility assistance is still available to eligible households. Maximum assistance per household may be up to 18 months of rent and utility expenses. Residents that previously received assistance are eligible to apply for additional assistance. To learn more and/or for details on how to apply, click HERE. 

If you are a homeowner unable to pay your mortgage, behind on your mortgage payments or facing foreclosure, please contact our Department of Housing and Community Development at (410) 313-6318, select option 3 or email foreclosureprevention@howardcountymd.gov to learn more about available assistance.

Pop-Up Food Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and non-perishables, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center, located at 8400 Mission Road in Jessup, next Monday, August 8^th for a pop-up food pantry. Open from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., this pop-up pantry is being hosted by the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Harriet Tubman Foundation of Howard County. Registration is not required to attend.

For those interested in volunteering to help with food distribution, the Commission and Foundation ask that you please arrive by 8:30 a.m. on the 8^th.

For questions and/or more information about this event, call 443-386-0405 or 443-280-1935.

Black Business Celebration

I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and myself next Saturday, August 13^th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia for our second annual Black Business Celebration. Held in an effort to promote and amplify the importance of Black entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business enrichment and cooperative economics, this event will feature local vendors, engaging speakers, tasty food trucks and informative workshops. Open to all, to register for this free event, click HERE. If you are a small business looking to be a vendor at this event or participate in the Small Business Networking Mixer, be sure to click on the previous links to register.

Nominations Sought for 2022 Human Rights Award

The Howard County Human Rights Commission is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Jim Henson and Jean Toomer Individual, the Dr. Murray Simon Student, and the Colette Roberts Organization awards. Presented annually, these awards honor individuals and community organizations who have made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy can be requested by contacting the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) by calling 410-313-6430 or emailing hrc@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted. The nomination deadline is August 14, 2022.

Winners will be recognized at the 2022 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony on October 19th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center.

For questions and/or more information about this year’s award, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email hrc@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about the Human Rights Commission, check out the OHRE’s Commissions and Workgroups website.

Reading Human Rights: The Nickel Boys

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and the Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns.

For its August book discussion, OHRE and HCLS will discuss Colson Whitehead’s novel, The Nickel Boys. In his novel, Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys unjustly sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. To secure your seat for this event, set to take place Tuesday, August 23^rd at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’ East Columbia branch, click HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a virtual meeting via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, August 4^th, to hear the following agenda item:

• FDP-50-A-1 Village of Oakland Mills (continued from July 21, 2022) – A final development plan amendment (FDP-89-A-2). Request to amend the FDP to add a Motor Vehicle Fueling Facility (MVFF) as a permitted use and establish criteria for MVFFs in the Village Center.

To register to testify, click HERE. Please note, registration must be completed prior to 7:00 p.m. the night (August 3, 2022) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.

To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Also, this Thursday, August 4^th, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and instructions on how to join/participate in Thursday’s meeting can be found on the Commission’s website. To register to join Thursday’s meeting through your computer to view and hear the presentations, you will need to register by noon on the 4^th. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email.

Those who wish to provide oral testimony are required to sign up online by noon on August 4^th. Please follow the instructions for registering on the “Registering or Joining by Telephone” tab, where there will be an option to sign-up to testify. After you register through WebEx, please email preservation@howardcountymd.gov by noon on the 4^th with the case information that you wish to testify on. Per HPC Rule of Procedure 102.B, only those parties who registered in advance of the August 4^th meeting may participate in the proceedings by asking questions and giving testimony.

HoCo By Design Readies to Launch its Fourth Draft Theme Chapter

As I shared back in March, as part of its process to create a new General Plan, called HoCo By Design, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) HoCo By Design project team is releasing draft HoCo By Design planning theme chapters one at a time throughout this year for community review and feedback. The policies presented in each chapter are draft statements based on data, best practices and community feedback DPZ has received to date. Feedback we receive from you, our community, will further be used by DPZ to refine the draft policies.

This month, DPZ’s project team will be releasing its fourth planning theme chapter: “Supporting Economic Prosperity: Creating Opportunities for Business to Innovate and Thrive.” This chapter highlights values, policies and initiatives that continue strengthening Howard County’s position as a self-sustaining, diverse employment center for the region. Key approaches include ensuring a healthy jobs-housing balance, supporting industrial growth, creating opportunities for mixed-use activity centers, supporting modern agriculture, enhancing access to employment training and education, promoting job diversity, and supporting businesses large and small so that they can be strong and prosperous in the future.

As part of the HoCo By Design process, DPZ will host two meetings to offer participants an opportunity to learn more about the Supporting Economic Prosperity draft chapter. The first meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 2^nd from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the second meeting will be held in-person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually on Wednesday, August 3^rd from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. To register to participate in either meeting, please click HERE. Please note, as space is limited for the in-person meeting, registration is required by noon the day before the scheduled meeting date.

For more information on DPZ’s HoCo By Design’s Draft Chapter Release: Supporting Economic Prosperity, visit www.hocobydesign.com/economic-prosperity, or contact DPZ’s Community Planners Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

National Night Out

All are invited to join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) tomorrow, August 2^nd, as it once again joins forces with the National Town Watch Association to sponsor the annual National Night Out. Tomorrow evening, Howard County will be joining thousands of communities across America in support of this community-building, crime prevention campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Participating is easy. Either stop by HCPD’s kick-off party at Long Reach High School from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – featuring food, police and fire displays, DJ, games, activities and more, check out one of the neighborhood events or simply turn on your outside lights and spend at least one hour in front of your home on the evening of the 2^nd, if able, to help send a message to criminals that our communities are banding together to fight crime.

Animal Control Food Bank

Did you know HCPD's Animal Control and Adoption Center has a pet food bank available to families in need of pet food, litter and other supplies? Anyone needing assistance can attend the Animal Control Food Bank next Tuesday, August 9^th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Animal Control’s facility, located at 8576 Davis Road in Columbia, or reach out to Animal Control directly at animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov.

For those who would like to donate to the pet food bank, the easiest and safest way to help is through Animal Control’s Amazon wish list. You can also drop off donations under the front overhang of Animal Control’s facility; however, please be sure to review the Amazon wish list for needs.

Coffee with a Cop

SAVE THE DATE: HCPD’s next “Coffee with a Cop” will take place Thursday, August 18^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chick-fil-A at 4905 Executive Park Drive in Columbia. for its Coffee with a Cop. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee (or other beverage) at a time.

For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

Theft from Vehicle Prevention

Warm weather typically brings an increase in vehicle thefts and theft from vehicles. These crimes occur in a variety of neighborhoods, but thieves often target high-density residential areas, typically during the overnight to early-morning hours.

To decrease your chances of being victimized, HCPD is offering up these helpful steps:

• Always lock your vehicle. In some cases, thieves break car windows, but often, they bypass locked vehicles after checking the door handles. HCPD has seen this on home security camera videos.
• Do not leave keys or key fobs inside your vehicle or leave your vehicle running unattended at home, at a gas station or any other location.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight, or in your car at all – even for a brief time.
• Park inside your garage if you have one and close your garage doors. Thieves have entered open garages and stolen vehicles and items out of vehicles.

Make Your Home Vacation Ready

If you are heading out of town this summer (or really, anytime of year) for vacation, be sure to follow these safety tips from HCPD to make sure your residence is safe and secure while you are away. Before you leave:

• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch you home;
• Stop any mail or deliveries that you have or have a trusted neighbor get them;
• Lock your windows and doors, including the garage door; and
• Put lights on timers to give the impression that you are home.

Also, a good rule of thumb is to wait until you get home to post any photos from your vacation on social media. Posting photos while you are away simply alerts others that you and your family are not home.

For additional property specific safety tips, request a home security survey through HCPD’s Community Outreach Division. Officers perform a detailed security analysis of your home or business and provide you with a list of recommendations. To request a survey, click HERE.

Department of Public Works

Landing Road Sewer Extension Project Public Meeting

Howard County’s Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Utility Design Division will hold a public meeting next Tuesday, August 9^th at 7:30 p.m., in the Columbia/Ellicott City Room of the George Howard Building, located at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, to present plans for a sewer extension project. The proposed project includes the installation of approximately 400 linear feet sewer main along a portion of Landing Road in Elkridge, to connect the property at 5667 Landing Road to the County’s sewer system. The project is expected to begin in spring 2023.

The meeting will include a brief presentation of the project to the Public Works Board to request funding approval. The public will have the opportunity to add comments and County staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the current schematic should contact Mr. Sanjay Kulkarni with DPW’s Utility Design Division at 410-313-2040 or email skulkarni@howardcountymd.gov.

An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call DPW at 410-313-3440 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For questions or more information about Capital Project S-6698, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Public Works - Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.

Past Project Updates – Completed

Columbia

• Guilford-Oakland Mills Road Intersection Complete Streets – Complete Street improvement project at the intersection of Guilford and Oakland Mills Road, which included the installation of a new traffic signal to replace the current four way-stop and a bus pad in the northwest corner, the construction of 3,000 feet of new sidewalk, curb and gutter, and a storm drain, stormwater management, and pavement resurfacing.

Ellicott City

• Centre Park Drive/Columbia 100 Signal Activation – Newly installed traffic signal at the intersection of Centre Park Drive and Columbia 100 Parkway is now activated.

Past Project Updates - Completion Date Change

Columbia

• Snowden River Parkway Sidewalk Extension (Capital Project J-4222) – Project to install approximately 1,360 linear feet of temporary asphalt sidewalk between 9325 Snowden River Parkway and Berger Road, connecting an existing sidewalk along a portion of Snowden River Parkway. ADA ramps, a crosswalk and a pedestrian signal are also t be installed along the east leg of the Snowden River Parkway/Berger Road intersection. Originally expected to be completed by leearly May 2022, weather permitting, the project is now expected to be completed by mid-August 2022.

Jessup

• Ridgelys Run Road (Capital Project W-8262) – Project to extend and expand an existing dead-end road 8490 Washington Boulevard (US 1) to become Ridgelys Run Road. A 2,000-linear-foot access roadway, the new road will lead to a future 2.5-million-gallon elevated water storage tank and the future High School 13. The project also includes a 10-foot shared-use path, stormwater management system, associated utilities and intersection improvements at US 1 and Ridgelys Run Road. Originally expected to be completed by late May 2022, weather permitting, the project is now expected to be completed by late October 2022

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Maryland State Highway Administration

As the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) continues to make progress on its intersection improvement project along MD 108 at Centennial Lane and Beaverbrook Road, SHA is set to begin the next stage its project with the shifting of travel lanes on Centennial Lane. Motorists traveling north and south on Centennial Lane are now required to use the interior lanes only. The outside lanes have been blocked off to allow crews the ability to safely work on pipe installation as part of area drainage improvements. 

Electronic signs, barrels and cones are in place to alert motorists of the traffic pattern change. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes, and asked to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

The drainage work is part of an SHA $8.2 million intersection improvement project that includes widening and adding turn lanes on MD 108 and Centennial Lane to reduce congestion and enhance safety. Work began in summer 2021 and is expected to be complete by the end of this year. 

For questions and/or more information about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Fall Activity Guide Now Available!

Heads up Howard County, Recreation & Parks' 2022 Fall Activity Guide is NOW AVAILABLE online. Residents should have found their copy in the mail already or very soon. You can also pick up a hard copy at Recreation & Parks' headquarters, located at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia. From sport, dance and cooking classes, to a plethora of seasonal events and activities to do when school's out, there is something for everyone in this Fall Guide.

Online registration for Howard County residents begins this Wednesday, August 3^rd at 6:00 p.m. (with in-person, mail-in and over-the-phone beginning the following morning on the 4^th), followed by registration for non-county residents on August 10^th at 6:00 p.m. We hope you will join us this fall!

Centennial Lake Closure

While Howard County Recreation and Parks' Centennial Park in Ellicott City remains open to the public, access to Centennial Lake is currently prohibited due to the detection of a blue-green algae bloom. Boating, fishing and all other permitted uses of the lake are suspended until further notice. Park patrons, including children and pets, should avoid contacting or consuming water from Centennial Lake. If you, someone you know or a pet has been in contact with or ingested water from Centennial Lake, you should contact your medical provider or veterinarian for guidance. For additional guidance, visit the Howard County Health Department’s website at www.howardcountymd.gov/health/community-hygiene-program.

For updates, please follow Recreation & Parks Facebook page. For questions about the closure of Centennial Lake, contact Recreation & Parks at 410-313-4700.

Public Star Party 

Join members of the Howard Astronomical League (HAL) for a Public Star Party in and around the Alpha Ridge Park Observatory at dusk (8:00 to 11:00 p.m.) this Saturday, August 6^th. Telescopic views and programming will be shared inside through the club’s telescope. Guests can mingle and ask questions while observing through members’ scopes set up outside. No registration is required to attend and pets are not allowed. In the case of inclement weather, be sure to check HAL’s website for updates before coming out.

To learn more about Recreation & Parks and HAL’s Public Star Party’s, visit HERE. 

Now Hiring!

If you are or someone you know is looking for a job, I encourage you to check out our Recreation & Parks’ current full-time job opportunities (click the link/title below for more information and to apply): 

• Recreational Licensed Childcare Supervisor (closes August 2^nd, 12:00 a.m.) 
• Community Outreach and Teen Program Coordinator (closes August 2^nd, 11:59 p.m.) 
• Sports and Adventure Services Supervisor (closes August 5^th, 11:59 p.m.)
• Park Maintenance Worker with Horticulture Section/HLMD Division (closes August 5^th, 11:59 p.m.) 
• Park Maintenance Worker at Robinson Nature Center (closes August 8^th, 11:59 p.m.)
• North Laurel Community Center Facility Manager (closes August 8^th, 11:59 p.m.)
• Parks Maintenance Worker w/ Bureau of Parks/Park Operations (multiple openings) (closes August 9^th at 11:59 p.m.) 

To view all current job opportunities within Recreation & Parks, click HERE.