A Desirable Community

August 8, 2022

Dear Friends,

Columbia was named as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live!

It is a true honor for Columbia to be ranked highly by Livability as one of our nation's most desirable communities – and this recognition is a testament to our continued investments in the environment, education, public safety and more that create a desirable quality of life. We’ve always known how special Columbia is, and it’s wonderful to see Howard County receive attention as one of the best places to live.

Read more here.

Expanding Route 32

So happy to be able to announce with Governor Larry Hogan and Secretary Ports today that the MD 32 safety and relief congestion project is complete!

This important project improves safety and accessibility for tens of thousands of motorists, including those coming and going to Fort Meade, one of the economic engines of our region. I'm also pleased that this project was completed in an environmentally responsible manner - including planting 14,000 trees - prioritizing Howard County’s transportation needs and supporting our residents and businesses.

This project is just one example of our ongoing collaboration with the State to provide reliable and accessible infrastructure in Howard County. We're working together to advance the MD 32 alternate bike route, keeping Ellicott City Safe and Sound, and improve pedestrian safety on Route 1.

The Fair is Back!

It was a honor to walk in the Howard County Fair opening parade with my daughter and visit the many amazing booths and stalls. A very big thank you to our Howard County Fair Association for bringing this family-fun to our community year after year.

The fair is open all week through Saturday, August 13th - be sure to stop by to enjoy the great food, rides, and fun.

Learning on the Road

I had a great time joining our Howard County Library System to unveil its new mobile classroom, the STEAM Machine, that will make science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education available to students throughout Howard County.

This will bring interactive learning and real-world problem solving to so many of our young residents who might not otherwise have access to our libraries. Thank you to Tonya Aikens and the entire library team for always bringing innovative solutions to our community.

Happy Birthday Columbia!

It was wonderful to be at the Lakefront to celebrate Columbia’s 55th birthday!

Fifty-five years ago, James Rouse had a vision of creating a better place for all – to live, grow, and thrive in a garden for the growing of people.

This year, Columbia was recognized as the “Safest City in America” for the fourth year in a row, and the second Happiest City in America for 2022. Thank you to the Columbia Association and all who came out to celebrate our incredible community.

Addressing Food Insecurity

The Roving Radish program has been providing meals kits sourced from local farms at an affordable price to our community for years. When the COVID-19 pandemic created more food insecurity for our residents, Roving Radish stepped in to help.

In 2021, we distributed 12,146 (43% subsidized) Roving Radish Meal kits, the largest yearly amount in the programs history after we expanded the Roving Radish in 2019 to include a Marketplace in Long Reach Village Center to increase affordable food access. Our Roving Radish team has also been busy preparing grab and go meals for our seniors, and distributing meals kits with our Lisbon Food and Fun program.

Check out our interview with Roving Radish Manager, James Zoller to learn more, and visit us online here.

Empowering Our Next Generation of Leaders

It was great talking with some of our rising high school juniors from around Howard County during Leadership U Government Day.

Leadership U empowers our high school students to learn about our local government and help solve community challenges. Our next generation of leaders asked engaging and thoughtful questions about how local government works.

From historic investments in our classrooms to ensure the success and well-being of our students to creating bold solutions backed by science to combat climate change, like our transformational Solar Power Purchase Agreement, our discussion was empowering and inspirational.

I’m excited to see our students continue to pave their pathways to success. Thank you to Leadership Howard County and Tim Payne, the new CEO and President, for their ongoing partnership to create ready and successful students.

Improving Centennial Park

Amazing improvements are coming to Centennial Park South! Check out the newly renovated boat house, paths, and other accessibility improvements to our oldest and largest regional park.

We'll be cutting the ribbon on these new additions on August 22, stay tuned for more.

COVID-19 Update

According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s positivity rate as of Friday, August 5th, 12.41%, and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 27.9. During the past month, COVID case rates, test positivity, and new hospitalization admissions due to COVID have fluctuated and are trending up. Howard County's Community Level, according to the CDC, is HIGH. There are currently 12 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 HIGH, all residents should strongly consider wearing a high-quality mask indoors in public, especially those at high risk for complications from COVID. Have a plan for rapid testing if needed. If high risk, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed. You can order for mail free at-home test kits 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

Novavax was recently authorized by the CDC as another vaccine to protect against the COVID-19 virus. Novavax is recommended for those 18 and up who have not previously been vaccinated. Novavax is a protein-based vaccine (similar to current hepatitis B or HPV vaccines). The vaccine is given in two doses, three to eight weeks apart. There is currently no authorization for a booster dose of Novavax. For more detailed information visit the CDC Novavax Vaccine page. The Howard County Health Department will offer Novoavax clinics beginning on August 10, 2022. Find out more at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

Government Updates

Department of Community Resources and Services

August Issue of The 50+ Connection Now Available

While hard at work on its September issue, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) The 50+ Connection newsletter for the month of August is now available online. Published monthly as a two-page insert in the Howard County Beacon, this newsletter provides valuable information regarding programs, services and events of interest to older adults. You can find the current and past issues on OAI’s “Publications & Reports” website or join OAI’s email subscriber list to receive the current issue each month straight to your inbox. Subscribe today to ensure you are among the first to hear about upcoming OAI special events and informative programs.

Senior Day at the Howard County Fair

Tomorrow, August 9^th is Senior Day at the 76^th annual Howard County Fair, which runs from August 6^th through August 13^th at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. All adults age 62+ will receive free all-day admission to the Fair on the 9^th. While you are at the Fair, be sure to stop by the Main Exhibition Hall to visit our Howard County Government booth, where you will find information, resources and giveaways.

Bain 50+ Community Craft and Yard Sale

Join DCRS’s Bain 50+ Center next 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+ Center’s 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

This Thursday, August 11^th is the LAST “Lisbon Lions Food & Fun to Go” of the summer. Co-sponsored by DCRS and its Office of the Local Children's Board (OLCB) are co-sponsoring the 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 thAugust 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.

Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Annual Report Released

Recently, I announced release of DCRS’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention’s (OHTP) 2021-2022 Annual Report and 2022-2023 Plan. The annual report highlights the key efforts led by OHTP n in 2021 and 2022, including securing new competitive federal funding that expanded the capacity of Howard County Police Department to proactively investigate trafficking cases and bringing TurnAround on board as the new direct service provider for trafficking victims. OHTP also facilitated training for hundreds of County first responders, piloted targeted passive and direct outreach initiatives, and initiated the first trafficking vulnerabilities assessment of the county. Over the next year, OHTP will continue its rights-based outreach efforts and conduct a comprehensive vulnerabilities assessment for trafficking to guide future partnership and resource strategies.

For more information about OHTP and/or to view the report, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/human-trafficking-prevention.

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, next 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.

Family Institute Workshops

The Howard County Family Institute is an education, information and community outreach program of DCRS’ Office of Children and Families. As families enjoy this last month of summer, The Family Institute will host a series of virtual workshops in August to help prepare for a smooth transition into the fall. Here is the schedule of upcoming workshops:

· Wednesday, August 17^th, 7:00 p.m. – Brain Builders: Infant Years: Optimizing Your Infant’s Early Brain Development from Birth to 18 Months

o Participants will gain an understanding of an infant’s developing brain and how simple daily interactions and activities are learning moments that support brain connections. Click HERE to register.

· Thursday, August 18^th, 7:00 p.m. – Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors

o Geared towards parents of children age two to eight, participants will learn how to help prevent a child’s tantrums from happening and what to do when they do occur. Click HERE to register.

· Monday, August 22, 7:00 p.m. – Preparing for Child Care: Planning for this Big Transition

o Participants will learn strategies on how to prepare one’s child for this new stage and to help with a positive transition. Click HERE to register.

· Tuesday, August 23^rd, 7:00 p.m. – Brain Builders: Optimizing Your Toddler’s Early Brain Development

o Participants will explore the ingredients for building a strong foundation of social and emotional skills during a toddler’s first three years. Click HERE to register.

· Wednesday, August 24^th, 12:00 p.m. – Preparing for Child Care: Planning for this Big Transition

o Participants will learn strategies on how to prepare one’s child for this new stage and to help with a positive transition. Click HERE to register.

· Thursday, August 25^th, 7:00 p.m. – Managing Your Family’s Schedules and Stress Levels

o Get a handle on your fall schedule with tips, strategies and resources to manage one’s family’s activities and responsibilities. Click HERE to register.

· Wednesday, August 31, 12:00 p.m. – Discipline and Communication in the Elementary Years

o Managing a child’s school schedule and dealing learning frustrations can be difficult for the whole family. Participants will learn how to proactively prevent meltdowns by preparing their home and routine to encourage a child’s success. Click HERE to register.

For a full description of each workshop, visit The Family Institute website or contact the Office of Children and Families if you have questions via email at children@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Emergency Management

Youth Preparedness Month

As emergencies and disasters can happen at any time and anywhere, it is important to take into account every member of your family, even the younger members, when planning your family's disaster response and recovery efforts. This month, during Youth Preparedness Month, our Office of Emergency Management will be sharing helpful information of how to ensure all members of your family are prepared on its Facebook and Twitter social media pages. You can also find information, resources and games to help teach your kids about disaster awareness on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at www.ready.gov/kids.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

Never Leave a Child or Pet Alone in a Car

The County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Police Department (HCPD) continue to remind 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.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

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.

Women’s Equality Day Luncheon

All are invited to join OHRE from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26^th at DCRS’ Bain 50+ Center for an afternoon luncheon celebrating National Women’s Equality Day. On August 26^th, 1920, the 19^th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to United States citizens on the basis of sex, was adopted. In commemoration of this historical moment, August 26^th was deemed Women’s Equality Day.

OHRE’s luncheon on the 26^th will feature remarks from the OHRE Administrator Yolanda F. Sonnier and other community and government women leaders. To reserve your ticket today for this event, click HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Design Advisory Panel Meeting

This Wednesday, August 10^th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. VIRTUALLY to hear the following items:

Review of Plan No. 22-16 Binder Lane Apartments, 6718 Binder Lane, Elkridge
Review of Plan No. 22-17 Friendly Inn ARAH Development, 11074 Frederick Road, Ellicott City

To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting, call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2305 773 6008 as the event access code.

The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization and to enhance property values. You can use DPZ’s DAP interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov.

Comments Sought for Fourth HoCo By Design Draft Theme Chapter

As part of its HoCo By Design development process, DPZ is seeking public feedback on the policies and implementing actions of 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.

To share your feedback, I encourage you to complete DPZ’s “Supporting Economic Prosperity Comment Form”, available now through 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, August 23^rd. All responses are optional, so feel free to answer as few or as many questions as you like as we appreciate any and all feedback.

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.

Ellicott City Sustainable Community Renewal Application

In 2012, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development designated Ellicott City a Sustainable Community. This designation offers a comprehensive package of resources that support holistic strategies for community development, revitalization and sustainability, including access to grant funding.

Ellicott City’s Sustainable Community designation is up for renewal and we need your help. As part of its draft application, DPZ has incorporated the recommendations laid out in its Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan. The goals, desired outcomes and policies of this Master Plan will serve as the foundation for Ellicott City’s Sustainable Communities renewal application.

To assist DPZ with this renewal application, we are asking for the public’s help. Between now and next Wednesday, August 17^th, we are asking community members to please review DPZ’s Ellicott City Sustainable Communities Plan renewal application and submit any comments you might have to volivier@howardcountymd.gov. It is our hope that the renewal application accurately reflects the Master Plan and Ellicott City today.

Police Department

Coffee with a Cop

SAVE THE DATE: HCPD’s next “Coffee with a Cop” will take place next 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.

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 tomorrow, 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.

Jessup

Guilford Elevated Water Tank Construction (Capital Project W-8262) – Project to construct a 2.5-million-gallon elevated water storage tank near 8490 Chase Ridge Road. The new tank will stabilize pressures in the County’s 400 water pressure zone, as well as meet the future water needs of the area. The project will also include the installation of an approximately 450 linear feet of 16-inch water main, a driveway, stormwater management and drainage piping, and associated site improvements. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-July 2024.

Past Project Updates – Completed

Columbia

Hyla Brook Road Drainage (Capital Project D-1124-40) – Project to improve a failed storm drain system near 10102 and 10106 Hyla Brook Road and included the installation of a larger, reinforced concrete pipe to tie in with an existing inlet.

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

Centennial Lane Traffic Shift as Part of State’s MD 108 Intersection Improvement Project

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.

State MD 103 Widening Project Begins

Additionally, last week SHA began work to widen MD 103 between US 29 and Long Gate Parkway in Ellicott City, in an effort to improve safety and capacity along MD 103 near Long Gate Shopping Center.

As part of this State project, SHA will construct a third travel lane on MD 103 for motorists wishing to access northbound US 29. The new dedicated northbound US 29 lane will separate exiting traffic from westbound MD 103 prior to the traffic signal at Old Columbia Pike. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes will also be added. The project also includes a painted median on MD 103 to improve visibility and safety for motorists crossing the busy roadway or making left turns from side streets. Finally, additional improvements include replacement of curb, gutter and drainage pipes, reconstruction of traffic signals and landscaping, and stormwater management.

There will be single-lane and shoulder closures on MD 103 during work hours, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to limit traffic disruptions during construction. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete in summer 2023.

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. 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.

For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303 or visit its website.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Registration for Fall Activity Guide Now Open

Howard County residents, online, walk-in, phone (410-313-7275) and mail-in registration for our Department of Recreation and Parks' 2022 Fall Activity Guide is now open for you. Online registration for non-Howard County residents begins at 6:00 p.m. this Wednesday, August 10^th, with walk-in, phone and mail-in registration opening Thursday, August 11^th morning.

To view the Fall Activity Guide and/or for more information about registration, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.

New Date for Free Concert at Centennial Park South

Originally set to take place July 27^th, Recreation & Parks’ free Sunset Serenades summer concert at Centennial Park South featuring Howard County native Damon Foreman & Blue Funk will be held this Wednesday, August 10^th at 7:00 p.m. Damon runs an award-winning music school in Glenwood and has performed in past summer concerts and at Wine in the Woods. To learn more about this concert series, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summerconcerts.

Rockburn Open Car Show

Come celebrate the beauty of classic, antique, hot rods and modified cars at Recreation & Parks’ annual Rockburn Open Car Show, outside this Saturday, August 13^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rockburn Branch Park – West. Open to the public and admission is free, attendees will find great enjoyment in viewing the cars on display, ranging from classics, antiques, hot rods and modified, 1999 and older cars. Food will be available for purchase. For details about entering your car, being a flea market vendor and more, click HERE.

Newest Community Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Class Announced

Congratulations to Judy DeJong, Tim Krause, Eric McLamb, the late Vernon Seibert, Don Van Deusen and the late Laura Wetherald, the six newest inductees of Howard County Recreation and Parks' Community Sports Hall of Fame. Each year, the Community Sports Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals for their commitment or notable contribution to community sports in Howard County. To this year's inductee class, we thank you for all you do and have done for the youth and community sports in Howard County. To learn about this class, click 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):

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.