January 29, 2024

Dear Friends,


Between Fiscal Year 2015 and Fiscal Year 2018, Howard County had a net increase of one authorized police officer. While there's always attrition and retirements that necessitate the need for more officers, our team has been proactive in securing our public safety personnel. Since 2019, we have significantly expanded our investment in public safety, increasing our force by 30 authorized officers, including our newest graduates from Howard County’s 48th class of the Howard County Police Academy. Their graduation marked a significant achievement, showcasing 28 graduates, our largest class of recruits in over three decades. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening public safety in our community as we work to increase community policing and combat crime.


The diversity of this class is a mirror to the vibrant and varied fabric of Howard County, featuring individuals fluent in languages from Spanish and Portuguese to Mandarin and Vietnamese. Their diverse backgrounds include military veterans and recent college graduates. An intensive 32-week training journey has equipped them excellently to serve our community with the highest standard of excellence.


I am immensely proud of the dedication and perseverance each graduate has shown. Their unwavering commitment to public safety is commendable. As they received their badges, it was a testament to their readiness to uphold the safety and integrity of Howard County. 


Congratulations to the academy staff for being the exemplars and all the graduates on their well-deserved achievements as they partner with us to help ensure that those who live, work, play, grow, and thrive in Howard County are safe and feel safe.
Community Updates

Game On!


Join me in welcoming GameOn Columbia to the Merriweather District!


Howard County Natives and Public School System graduates, Casey and Eli opened their third location right at home in Columbia. GameOn Bar + Arcade is a classic arcade bar with fun cocktails, vibrant graffiti wall art, and new and retro arcade games for residents of all ages to enjoy.


They were also ranked in the top 21 Best Arcades in the United States last year. Congratulations, and I wish your ongoing success!

Remember


During International Holocaust Remembrance Day over the weekend, we mourned the six million Jews and the millions of others who were savagely murdered by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Nearly 80 years later, it remains our responsibility to stand together against the fear and hatred that lingers in our community. It’s our responsibility to combat antisemitism and hate in all forms in Howard County or beyond.


Together, we can be the beacon of light and of hope for peace. Let us come together, united as one, to spread love and peace for all our family, friends, and neighbors. We can and we must embody hope and remind each other of our shared humanity.

The Last Dragon


I am delighted to be part of a community that honors and recognizes the rich cultural heritage of all its members. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with us at the Columbia Mall on February 10th, 2024, during our annual Lunar New Year celebration. This festive event promises a tapestry of performances, interactive activities for the whole family, and the chance to connect with the vital organizations that support and nurture our vibrant AAPI Community.



Join us as we embrace the traditions and contributions of our AAPI neighbors, strengthening the bonds of our vibrant and diverse county.

Thank You, Dutch!


For nearly 40 years in public service, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger has been a steadfast partner, advocate, and leader on behalf of residents in Howard County, Maryland, and the United States. Through his advocacy, Howard County was able to receive federal funding to help plant trees, support students and educators through the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support economic recovery for our small, local businesses. 


From healthcare and protecting our environment to federal support and assistance for our most vulnerable residents and flood mitigation support, my dear friend Congressman Ruppersberger has been an invaluable partner with Howard County. Please, join me in wishing him the best in his future endeavors!

Protecting Your Social Security


As we continue our work to protect the interests and security of our residents, I want to highlight an important message regarding Social Security. Please be aware that the Social Security Administration will not contact you unexpectedly to "verify" your personal information or threaten to close your account.


If you receive such calls, they are scams, and it's crucial to guard your information. Should you ever have questions about your Social Security account or benefits, please reach out directly to the official helpline at 800-772-1213.


Stay vigilant and informed. Together, we can keep our community safe from fraudulent activities.

A Sweet Escape


Columbia just got a little sweeter!


Please, join me in congratulating Sue and Rick on opening their third Sweet Cascades Chocolatier location in Howard County. Since its founding in 2004, Sweet Cascades has become a Howard County staple for sweet, tasty, weird and wacky chocolates. Congratulations on this new venture, and I wish your ongoing success. 


Learn more about Sweet Cascades at www.sweetcascadeschocolatier.com.

The PIT Crowd


I had the privilege of joining the Point in Time count, an initiative to understand the scope of homelessness in Howard County. This event, in partnership with Office of Community Partnerships and the Coalition to End Homelessness, brought us face-to-face with our neighbors experiencing both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. We aim to provide a crucial 'snapshot' of the situation in our community.


I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to approximately 60 staff members and volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to this important cause. The data we gathered is invaluable for service planning and resource allocation at federal, state, and local levels, helping us to better serve our homeless neighbors. 


Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing homelessness and work towards ending it for good in our community.

Lettuce EAT!


As Howard County revels in the Winter Restaurant and Craft Beverages Weeks, I had the delightful experience of visiting some of our outstanding local eateries, including Great Harvest Bread Co., Alexandra's American Fusion, and The Ale House, Columbia MD. With over 40 participating restaurants, this event is a true celebration of our county's rich and diverse culinary landscape.


I encourage everyone to take advantage of this festive occasion to explore the array of gastronomic delights our county offers. 


For more information on these fantastic establishments and other participants, please visit www.visithowardcounty.com/howard-county.

Keeping the Faith


This past Thursday, January 25th, I signed an Executive Order creating Howard County’s first-ever Interfaith Advisory Council to help combat religious intolerance and hate around our county, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. This council is not just an advisory body, it is a testament to our commitment to build bridges among faiths. It represents our collective resolve to confront intolerance, to end hate and to serve every member of our community with the dignity that they deserve. It will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for all our residents and better connecting us all.


To learn more about the Interfaith Advisory Council, click HERE.

Every 40 Seconds


As we settle into the new year, it's important to remember that reaching out and sharing your feelings remains a sign of strength and courage. Engaging in open, heartfelt conversations is a crucial step toward understanding, healing and coping with life's challenges. It's okay to not feel okay, even after the holiday season has passed. Please remember, you are never alone; support and care are always within reach.


If you find yourself in need of immediate assistance or someone to talk to, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24/7 at 988. Don't hesitate to seek the help and support you deserve.

Taking Urgent Action


As we progress through the year, it's important for Ellicott City residents to remember that urgent care centers are a readily available resource for non-emergency medical issues. These are valuable resources, especially when your regular doctor or primary care physician is not available. Urgent care facilities offer convenient care for those times when you need medical attention more quickly than a scheduled doctor's appointment can provide.


To assist, we've compiled a list of urgent care centers located within Ellicott City, ensuring you have access to care whenever you might need it. 


For additional information, please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/urgent-health-and-wellness.

There's No Place Like HOME


In Howard County, we are empowering our residents, workforce and future neighbors to realize their vision of homeownership through our expansive Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP). The SDLP program offers low-interest loans to cover the downpayment and closing costs of purchasing a home in Howard County. Over the last five years, hundreds of families have become homeowners and built equity through this program.


Applications are accepted year-round by the Department of Housing and Community Development. Your dreams of homeownership are within reach, and Howard County can help bring that vision to reality.


To learn more about the program and how to apply, please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD-SDLP.

Scouting for Leaders


It was an absolute delight to witness the energy and enthusiasm of our young leaders with Cub Scouts Pack 618. Their commitment to community service, personal development and teamwork is truly inspiring. During our time together, we discussed the importance of leadership, the value of respect for nature and the power of kindness. I was impressed by their thoughtful questions about local government and their roles as active citizens in Howard County.


To Pack 618 and its dedicated Scout leaders, your guidance and mentorship play a pivotal role in shaping these young minds. The leaders of Pack 618 exemplify the spirit of selflessness and dedication, creating a nurturing environment for our youth to thrive. Your efforts in fostering responsibility, character and civic awareness in the Scouts are commendable.


Thank you for welcoming me into your gathering and for the incredible work you do to make our community a better place. The strong foundation you're building in these young Scouts is invaluable. Keep exploring, learning and leading. The future looks bright with you at the helm.

Drift Off into a Healthier Life


A simple yet profound daily practice in Ikaria contributes significantly to their renowned longevity – the afternoon nap. This isn't just a routine for children; the entire village embraces this period of rest, underscoring the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation in their lifestyle.


Here in Howard County, we might take a page from their book. When possible, consider integrating a short nap into your daily routine. Research suggests that regular napping can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease, offering a much-needed respite for your heart and helping balance stress hormones.


Let's explore the benefits of this simple, restorative practice as appropriate. A brief pause in our day can make a substantial difference to our overall health and well-being. Let's embrace the wisdom of Ikarians and see how a slight change in routine can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.

Uncovering the Truth


In our continuous pursuit of justice, our Howard County Police Department is shining a light on unsolved homicide cases, hoping to unearth new leads that could provide closure to families who have lost a loved one. 


These cases, no matter how much time has passed, are not forgotten. The dedicated detectives of our department are tirelessly working to uncover the truth and bring solace to those who have endured the pain of losing a parent, sibling, or child.


We believe that our community could hold the key to unlocking some of these mysteries. We are calling upon any witnesses or individuals with information about these cases to come forward. Your knowledge, no matter how small it may seem, could be the piece that solves the puzzle.

Have Questions?


As we settle into the year, it's vital to stay connected and informed about our local community in Howard County. We are here to provide you with information about our services, upcoming events, and the support networks available to you and your family.


With the new year now well underway, it is essential for all residents of Howard County to feel empowered with the right information. Let's continue to work together towards a year of development, opportunity, and mutual success in the place we all love.


For any questions you may have, please reach out to us at ask@howardcountymd.gov. Our team is dedicated to assisting you as we navigate through the year together.

Wavin' Flag


It has been more than 50 years since the Howard County flag was adopted, a time when the county’s population was roughly 60,000 and the landscape was still largely rural. Now, with a population of more than 335,000, Howard County today is among the most racially diverse, highly-educated and highest-earning counties in the nation, and our flag should reflect that. Our flag should represent the vibrancy and incredible diversity that is Howard County. That is why I have formed a new Flag Commission.

Comprised of 19 members, the Commission has been tasked with soliciting designs for a new Howard County flag from the public beginning this spring. Preliminary selection of designs for public vote will occur this fall and by the winter of 2025, the Commission will select three finalists and publish its recommendations. The adoption of a new flag does require legislative authorization, so I will evaluate the three recommended designs and choose one to present to the County Council for its final approval. Finalists will each receive a monetary honorarium for their work.  


I encourage residents to weigh in during the Commission’s meetings throughout the process. The dates and locations of these meetings will be post on the Commission’s website at www.howardcountymd.gov/flag. For questions or comments about the flag design and selection process, please email flag@howardcountymd.gov.

Join My Team!


My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.



I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.

You Are Not A-Loan


Powered by Howard County Economic Development Authority’s (HCEDA) and part of Maryland’s Video Lottery Terminal Small, Minority and Woman-Owned Business Account initiative, the Catalyst Fund is locally managed source of capital used to finance start-ups and expanding businesses statewide whose projects will create permanent jobs and leverage private sector investment. Loan funds can be used for normal business uses such as working capital, equipment, real estate, franchise fees and inventory purchases, and loan amounts vary pending availability of funds.


If you are a growth-oriented business in the pre-banking stage and are interested in learning more about the Catalyst Fund Loan program, visit https://hceda.org/business-support/catalyst-loans/. 


Also, HCEDA is now also offering it Collateral Assistance Fund to Howard County businesses. This fund assists companies in satisfying the collateral requirement to secure a catalyst loan.
Government Updates
Department of Community Resources and Services

Partner2Prevent – A Howard County Human Trafficking Awareness Event 


I encourage all to join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Human Trafficking Prevention and Howard County’s Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council this Wednesday, January 31st for a panel discussion in honor of Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Partner2Prevent. This event will take place at The 3rd in Columbia and will highlight how Howard County will continue its anti-trafficking work and prevention throughout this new year. With light catering and an opportunity to network and learn from direct service providers, the event will begin at 6:00 p.m., with the panel discussion starting at 7:00 p.m.


Come learn how organizations and community members in Howard County can be survivor-centered and how you can join in the fight to prevent human trafficking. 


To register to participate in this event – registration is required, click HERE today.

HoCo Community Chat’s January Episode Focuses on Human Trafficking Prevention


In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, for this month’s episode of DCRS’s HoCo Community Chat podcast, Director Jackie Scott is joined by Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Manager Ashton Petta and Howard County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit (HCPD) and Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council member Lieutenant Eric Kruhm to take on the heavy topic of human trafficking. In the podcast, the three discuss what trafficking looks like today and address resources available and ways to make our community and country a safer place.  


Be sure to stay tuned on Buzzsprout or check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts, and if there is something specific you want to hear discussed, email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov. 

Medicare Mayhem


To ensure you are prepared for a confident and secure healthcare future, I encourage you to join representatives from DCRS’s Office of Consumer Protection and Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) this Friday, February 2nd for an enlightening presentation on Medicare. This event aims to empower participants with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, gain insights and clarity on navigating their healthcare options. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. and will take place at our Glenwood 50+ Center in Cooksville. To register to participate, call 410-313-5440.

2024 Howard County Resource Guide Now Available


OAI’s annual Howard County Resource Guide contains up-to-date information about health and wellness, financial planning, legal services, housing options and more to help county residents age well and plan for their future. You can find OAI’s 2024 Howard County Resource Guide online, with hard copies soon to be available at its 50+ Centers and Howard County Library System branches.  

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Stay Off the Ice!


While our Department of Fire and Rescue Services trains for this, the department is reminding residents to NEVER venture onto frozen water as there is no such thing as safe ice (except maybe on the rink). Even if the ice appears thick from the bank, it can become thinner very quickly. 


If YOU WITNESS someone fall through the ice, keep calm and call 9-1-1. Resist the urge to run up to the edge of the hole to try and pull them out as you will most likely break through the ice creating two victims. If you can safely reach the victim from shore, extend an object, such as a branch, rope or clothing tied together, to try and pull them out – AGAIN, DO NOT GO ON THE ICE. 


If a dog or other animal ventures onto the ice, or falls through it, do NOT go to its rescue - you are likely to end up in the freezing water yourself and unable to help the animal. More than 50 percent of ice related drownings involve an attempted rescue of a dog. If walking your dog near a frozen waterway, keep it on its leash and never throw sticks or balls onto the ice for them to chase.


If YOU FALL through the ice, remain calm. Turn toward the direction you came from placing your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice and work forward by kicking your feet. Once you are lying on the ice, DO NOT stand. Instead, roll away from the hole; this spreads out your weight until you are on solid ice. Warm up and get help.


Again, stay safe this winter by staying off the ice!

Howard County Health Department

Opioid Overdose Deaths Drop Nearly 40 Percent


Howard County Health Department (HCHD) recently released its 2023 opioid overdose data summary, which shows a 39 percent decrease in fatal overdoses from 2022 with 41 down to 25 in 2023. Non-fatal overdoses also decreased by 37 percent with a five-year low of 70 in 2023. 


HCHD’s successes from 2023 that helped facilitate this decrease include:

  • Offering on-demand, virtual overdose response training opportunities to make Narcan more accessible to the public.
  • Providing in-person Narcan trainings for large groups.
  • Meeting people where they are. HCHD’s Harm Reduction team went out into the community to distribute Narcan in areas where overdoses are concentrated and provided needle exchange and safer use supplies, wound care and first aid kits, and hygiene supplies so participants can be empowered to reduce the harms associated with drug use.
  • Establishing connections with community members to provide resource referrals to traditional drug treatment, supportive housing and other needs. 
  • Developing a GIS map that looks at factors that may increase the risk of opioid use within each Howard County zip code and helps determines where HCHD outreach efforts should be focused to be most effective.
  • Forging a partnership with the Maryland Pharmacists Association to begin working on messaging and support for the 84 pharmacies in the county to decrease the burden on pharmacists in preparation for Narcan becoming available over the counter at pharmacies.


To continue the decline in overdoses and overdose deaths observed in 2023, planning is underway to develop an overdose dashboard that will include historic data and up-to-date calendar year overdose information. HCHD also plans to continue to partner with community organizations to provide lifesaving Narcan training and distribute Narcan kits, including a presence at The Mall in Columbia and at select school events.


I commend Dr. Rossman and her team for all they have done and continue to do, as partners, to address this public health issue. With the United States having the world’s highest rate of opioid-involved deaths, these latest numbers are promising and encouraging. Together, we can continue to take the necessary steps and find the right solutions to expand access to treatment and recovery services, address the needs of our affected communities and tackle the underlying causes of drug use amongst our residents.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Applications Now Being Accepted for MIHU January Open Enrollment Period 


This is your last week to submit your application for our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) January open enrollment period’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) homeownership program. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. this Wednesday, January 31st.


Held quarterly, DHCD’s MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families. To be entered for a chance to purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. Applicants with a combined annual household income of a minimum of $55,000 are eligible to apply; applicants who do not meet this minimum amount are not eligible for this program. Additionally, applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards (click HERE for more information). Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $244,300 for a new condominium to $370,000 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. More details regarding our MIHU homeownership program are available HERE or contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.

 

To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (click HERE for more information). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website for more information.


MIHU homeownership applications are now available online and completed applications can be either submitted online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only.   

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Bystander Intervention & Cultural Awareness Training

 

Held quarterly, our our Office of Human Rights and Equity's (OHRE) Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness (BICA) certification training helps participants learn how to protect and promote the humanity of those who are being targeted or harassed in their presence because of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender or sexual orientation.  


Residents 12 and older are encouraged to join OHRE, who has partnered with Christ United Methodist Church to host this quarter’s training, this Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 p.m. at Owen Brown Interfaith Center. To secure your spot for this free training event, click HERE today.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Staying Informed About the Gateway Master Plan

 

If you missed our Department of Planning and Zoning's (DPZ) Gateway Open House this past Thursday, January 25th, you can still stay in the know and learn more about our Gateway Master Plan by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/gateway to sign up to receive updates.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

 

This Thursday, February 1st, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. For the meeting agenda and/or instructions on how to watch or participate in Thursday’s meeting, check out the Commission’s website.

Police Department

SCAM ALERT


Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is warning residents of an ongoing phone scam in which the caller identifies themselves as being from HCPD or Howard County Sheriff's Office, uses the name of a REAL officer or deputy, and demands money for missed jury duty or an arrest warrant. THIS IS A SCAM! Neither HCPD nor the Sheriff's Office will ever demand payment over the phone.


If you receive this call, HANG UP immediately, DO NOT arrange payment and DO NOT give out any personal or financial information. If you believe you may have been a victim of a telephone scam ((shared personal or financial information), call police at 410-313-2200 or file an online police report at www.howardcountymd.gov/police/file-online-report.

Too Cold for You Outside, Too Cold for Your Pets


With winter weather here to stay for a while, HCPD and its Animal Control Division are reminding residents that Howard County law requires animals housed outside must have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and an unfrozen water source at all times. Dogs may not be tethered outside when not under direct supervision; this means you must be out there with them. Please keep in mind, these requirements are the bare minimum and if it's too cold for you outside, it's probably too cold for your dog or cat.  


To report a violation, please contact Animal Control at 410-313-2780. Violations can lead to civil citations, criminal charges and/or impoundment of one's pet.


For safety tips on how to keep your pet safe during the cold winter months, such as cleaning snow and salt from their paws, legs and stomach, check out the ASPCA’s “Cold Weather Safety Tips” website.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Help Us Recognize Those Going Green


If you know of a Howard County-based business, community group, school or organization that deserves to be recognized for its efforts, projects or programs that help protect Howard County’s natural environment and preserve its resources, I encourage you to nominate them for our Bureau of Environmental Services' “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” awards.


Nomination forms are available online at www.workgreenhoward.org and must be delivered or postmarked by 5:00 p.m. next Friday, February 11th to: Meleine Yao, Recycling Coordinator, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046, or email myao@howardcountymd.gov (email preferred). 


Awards will be presented at the 17th annual Howard County GreenFest on Saturday, April 13th at Howard Community College. 


For more information, or to request a nomination form in an alternate format, contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org. For information about the Bureau’s Work Green program, visit www.workgreenhoward.org.  

Curbside Yard Trim Season Ends


As a reminder, for those that ONLY receive yard trim curbside collection, the Bureau’s yard trim collection season has come to an end. Now until the new season resumes on Monday, April 1st, residents can drop their yard trim off at the Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Wood Waste Area to recycle their yard trim or place it out with their curbside trash collection for trash pickup.


Please keep in mind, this DOES NOT APPLY to residents participating in the Bureau’s Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program, who receive year-round food scrap/yard trim collection. To see if you are in a Feed the Green Bin area, click HERE.

Special Household Hazardous Waste Days 


While the County's Bureau of Environmental Services' regular Saturday Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) schedule is on hiatus until the first Saturday of April, the 6th, the Bureau will being hosting three SPECIAL HHW collection days this winter at the Alpha Ridge Landfill. While the Bureau hosted its first SPECAL HHW event earlier this month, its second and third collection events will take place this Saturday, February 3rd and Saturday, March 2nd On these days, Howard County residents will be able to properly dispose of HHW items at the Landfill. To learn more about this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.

Stormwater Management Division

Cedar Acres Stormwater Pond Repair Project


Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting tomorrow, January 30th at 6:00 p.m., in the Belmont Room of Howard County Library System’s Elkridge branch, to discuss the Cedar Acres Stormwater Pond Repair project. 

 

The proposed project is located near 8328 Granville Road in Jessup and will include the replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life span. The project will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.


The informal meeting will include an overview of the existing design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. 


Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Utilities

Tips on How to Keep Pipes from Freezing as Temperatures Dip


With winter underway and below freezing temperatures already making themselves known, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities is offering residents tips on how to keep pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. These tips are especially important for water pipes located in a crawlspace or on an outside wall, or garage, attic or any other unheated building, which are subject to sub-freezing temperatures. 


If your pipes do freeze, the Bureau recommends opening the cold-water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure. Then, use a gentle heat source, such as a light bulb or hair dryer, to thaw the pipe. DO NOT use an open flame.  


To learn more, click HERE.

Public Works Construction Report

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.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Registration for Recreation & Parks’ Summer Camp Guide Begins this Week


Howard County residents don’t forget! Online registration for our Department of Recreation & Parks' 2024 Summer Camp Guide opens this Wednesday, January 31st at 6:00 p.m., with all other registration methods (i.e., over-the-phone, mail-in and in-person) beginning this Thursday, February 1st morning. From art, chess, Lego, magic and sports camps, there is something to keep your child’s mind and body active during the summer months.


For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins for you next Wednesday, February 7th at 6:00 p.m. and all other methods the following day. 

Putting Your Best Foot Forward at the Family Sneaker Ball 


Recreation & Parks has taken the traditional family dance and kicked it up a notch with its Family Sneaker Ball. This fun, family-friendly event that is sure to knock your socks off will take place this Saturday, February 3rd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at North Laurel Community Center. Come dressed in semi-formal attire and be sure to bring your dancing shoes, or sneakers, to dance the night away. 

 

Geared towards children ages three to 12, the cost to participate for one child and one adult is $25 for center members and $15 for each additional participant. For non-center members, the cost for one child and one adult is $35 and again, $15 for each additional participant. 


To learn more or to register to participate, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/family-sneaker-ball. 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 


Come celebrate the power and passion of girls and women in sports at Recreation & Parks’ inaugural National Girls and Women in Sports Day this Sunday, February 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our North Laurel Community Center. Part of a national movement celebrating the achievements and contributions of girls and women in sports, this event will feature a multi-sport clinic from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where participants can try their hand at a variety of sports, followed by a watch party event from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., featuring an inspiring sports movie that is sure to leave you feeling empowered. 


To learn more about this FREE event, visit www.hcrpsports.org/ngwsd. 

Office of Transportation

Shared Electric Scooter Permit Process


If you missed last Tuesday's (January 23rd) Multimodal Transportation Board virtual meeting, which included a discussion about changes that have been made since our initial shared electric scooters in Downtown Columbia and the surrounding area pilot period, I encourage you to check out Transportation’s “Bikeshare & Shared Electric Scooters” webpage to learn more.

Transportation Open House


I invite you to join Transportation tomorrow, January 30th (inclement weather date is February 6th) for its new Transportation Open House. Set to take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub in Columbia, this expanded event incorporates our Active Transportation and Transportation Priorities Open Houses and includes additional topics areas of transportation safety, Complete Streets, transit and regional planning, and roadway maintenance and operations. This open house event will also provide attendees with the opportunity to comment on the County's overall transportation priorities, approaches to solving common transportation challenges and specific projects.


Additionally, representatives from DPW’s Transportation & Special Projects Division will be on hand with information on the following projects: 

  • Snowden River Parkway Sidewalk (MD 108 to Tamar Drive); 
  • Northfield Road Sidewalk Phases 2,4 (Southfield Road to Columbia Road); 
  • Deep Run Community Pathway (Deep Run Parkway to Mayfield Woods Middle School); 
  • Old Annapolis Road Sidewalk (Font Hill Drive to Old Willow Way); 
  • Frederick Road Sidewalk (Howard County Library System Miller branch to Underoak Drive); 
  • 6th Street North Sidewalk (Meredith Avenue to Decatur Road); 
  • Old Montgomery Road Sidewalk (MD 108 to Brightfield Road); 
  • Whiskey Bottom Road Sidewalk Segment B (Harmony Lane to All Saints Road); 
  • US 1 Sidewalk (Laurel Park Entrance to North Laurel Road);
  • Patuxent Branch Trail Improvements; and 
  • South Entrance Trail.


To learn more about our Transportation Open House, click HERE.
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