January 30, 2023

Dear Friends, 


Ensuring a vibrant and safe future of Ellicott City remains worthy of every dollar that we have invested. From the beginning, we knew that this plan would not be easy. We knew it was complex, but we knew it was the right thing to do and will make Ellicott City a national model for communities across the country. 


The Extended North Tunnel is the largest and most impactful flood mitigation component of the EC Safe and Sound plan, and it is nearing design completion. While the tunnel will soon be ready for construction, costs have risen due to the impacts of inflation across the nation. 


Please watch my entire update on the EC Safe and Sound Plan below or read more here.

Community Updates

Remembering Tyre Nichols


Please see my joint statement with Howard County Police Department Chief Gregory Der on the death of Tyre Nichols below:


We are disturbed, disheartened, and outraged by the inexcusable and brutal death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. Incidents like these continue to foster feelings of loss, frustration, and anger. The conduct of the officers which resulted in the death of this 29-year-old man is simply reprehensible.  


Our hearts are with the family and friends of Tyre, the entire Memphis community, and every person who was affected by the disturbing video released Friday evening. As a majority-minority county, we understand the devastating impact of this event on our residents and our community.  


Howard County is home to the Safest City in America due to our efforts, in part, to ensure community policing is at its finest. In Howard County, we have strong policies and practices that are dedicated to ensuring comprehensive officer training which follows best practices to help avoid events like these. In addition, we work hard to encourage positive community relations. In response to this heinous incident, we will continue to engage in conversations with all of our police officers, of all races and backgrounds, to promote positive dialogue within our department and our community.  


As a county that prides itself on inclusion and civility, it remains our collective responsibility to collaborate, encourage and create an open dialogue to improve our commitment to diversity and inclusion while we institute changes that enhance our quality of life for all. As a nation, we must narrow the chasm of trust that too often exists between those sworn to protect and serve us and our communities.  


Together, we will continue moving toward the best Howard County for all. We want every resident to be assured by our steadfast pledge to create a community where every person is safe and feels safe. Let us focus our outrage and anger from this event in Memphis on efforts that will make our community stronger, more united, and empowered.

Listening to YOU


We have made significant progress, together, over the last four years. However, I know that we can continue to make even more. Four years ago, we hosted several listening sessions to better understand how we can serve our community. Now, another round of listening sessions are underway.


I want to hear about the experiences, hopes, and vision that our residents want for our county. There are only two sessions left to make your voice heard.


We will be bold and brave as we continue to expand opportunity for all. We will manifest the very best future beyond even what we can imagine for Howard County, our state, our nation, and our world.


Send thoughts in advance to future@howardcountymd.gov or learn more here.

It Takes a Village



Twenty years ago, when I served on the Oakland Mills Village Board, we had the opportunity to hire Sandy Cederbaum as our Village Manager. Two decades later, she has become an integral part of our cOMmunity, and was the force in promoting this village. It was an honor to join the Oakland Mills Village Board to celebrate her legacy. 


Thank you for your countless years of going above and beyond for Oakland Mills and our entire community. Please join me in wishing her the absolute best in her retirement!

Providing For All


No priority is more important in Howard County than creating the best teaching and learning environment for all through an excellent public school system, and our community has always come together to achieve that goal. In the annual county budget, public education receives more funding than any other area, yet there are many other critical needs that demand investment, from public safety to environmental protection and sustainability, health and human services, public works, technology, and resiliency, and more. The budget process is never easy, but through cooperation and dialogue, we will achieve a result we can be proud of to ensure all our students and educators receive the best support within our means.


Read my entire response to the HCPSS proposed budget here.

Making The Right Move


The arts provide us with hope, inspiration, courage, and a place to experience what was, is, or could be, especially during extremely tough times. It also serves as a beacon of light, during the dark times, in making the impossible possible. It was a pleasure to attend the 2023 HCPSS Dance Festival, which returned in person for the first time since 2019. 


Talented students from all 12 high schools put together an empowering performance which is sure to uplift our community. Thank you Gino Molfino and all the educators who helped pull this event together. I know that our students will continue to excel in fine arts and beyond!

Welcome Henna Sooq!


It’s always a beautiful day whenever new businesses open or expand in Howard County. I was so pleased to join Khadija Dawn Carryl and her entire family for the grand opening of Henna Sooq in Columbia. Since 2005, she has provided our community with henna body art and ayurvedic herbal hair care for stronger, longer, healthier hair. With this new retail space, she can now reach even more people in our community and region.


Congratulations, and I wish your ongoing success in the future! Learn more about Henna Sooq here.

Staying Safe


Howard County is home to the Safest City in America in part because of our commitment to community policing. Recently, Howard County Police Department received recognition for incorporating effective crime prevention programs as an integral part of an overall community policing initiative.


Today, I was glad to join our officers to thank them for their work in the Violent Crimes Reduction Initiative and for their dedicated efforts in Crime Prevention, including personal crime prevention programs. Our best practices and the hard work of our law enforcement community is improving Howard County’s excellent quality of life for all.

Legislative Stars in Maryland


I was honored, on behalf of the Maryland Association of Counties, to present the 2022 Legislator Awards to Delegate Luke Clippinger and Delegate Kevin Hornberger for their support of our Maryland Counties last year. As the Maryland General Assembly continues, I wish them the best in their endeavors to move Maryland forward.

PlanHoward Academy


Interested in learning about planning and development in Howard County and how you can improve your community’s future? 


The Academy is an award-winning planning course designed by the Department of Planning and Zoning that educates residents on how the planning and land development process works. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants. 


Apply to Howard County’s Spring 2023 PlanHoward Academy by February 26 here.

A Healthy Heart


Cardiovascular disease and Stroke are the leading cause of death across the globe. As we approach American Heart Month, the Heart Health Foundation and Dare to CARE are leading a statewide campaign to "Paint the Town Red" for a Heart-Healthy Maryland. This Saturday, February 4th, join Heart-Healthy Maryland for a free heart screening.


Learn more here.

Join My Team!


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

Understanding Human Trafficking


Understanding human trafficking is the first step to effectively supporting survivors. In 2022, the Howard County Office of Human Trafficking Prevention reached over 900 community members through educational trainings and outreach activities.


During Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to benefit from specific education and training. Contact our Office of #HumanTraffickingPrevention at 410-313-5967 or email, ohtp@howardcountymd.gov to request a FREE training.
Government Updates
Department of Community Resources and Services

Landlord-Tenant Law: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

 

As part of Maryland Libraries Together's Career Success Month, the Howard County Library System (HCLS) will host our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Consumer Protection for a series of virtual and in-person workshops this about tenant rights and responsibilities. Participants will learn: how to shop for a rental; get an understanding of leases, application fees and security deposits and how rent increases should be communicated; what you should do if you have a dispute with your landlord or face early termination and eviction; how to avoid rental scams; and much more.

 

The workshops will take place on:

  • [English] Today 30th at 6:00 p.m., virtual. To register, click HERE.
  • [Korean] February 6th at 6:00 p.m., virtual. To register, click HERE.
  • [Spanish] February 13th at 6:00 p.m., in-person at HCLS Central branch. To register, click HERE

 

For more information, call OCP at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay).

Resources Available to Help You Remain Independent

 

This February, DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence, Maryland Access Point and the Community Living Program will host a new program, “Resources and Devices to Help you Remain Independent,” to educated older residents about the resources available in Howard County to help them live a full and independent life. In addition to community resource information, the workshops will include hands-on demonstrations of devices, gadgets and durable medical equipment that can make activities of daily living easier as you age.

 

To register for one of these upcoming workshops, simply contact the 50+ Center below to register:

2023 Howard County Child Care Fair

 

Calling all parents, guardians and grandparents, this Saturday, February 4th, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Children and Families (OCF) will be hosting its annual Howard County Child Care Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. This annual fair provides attendees with a “one stop shop” for child care, preschool, school-age and summer programs, as well as the opportunity to connect with teachers and program directors. OCF staff will also be on hand hosting free informational sessions at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program.” While registration is not necessary to attend this free event, it is encouraged.

 

For more information about the Child Care Fair, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. You can also view the event flier in English and Spanish.

AARP Income Tax Preparation Coming to a 50+ Center Near You this February

 

Starting February 1st through April 13th, AARP and the IRS will be offering FREE personal Federal and Maryland income tax preparation at 50+ Centers throughout the county. Offered by appointment only, this service is available to middle- and low-income taxpayers with special emphasis on those 60 and older. Self-employment returns with more than $5,000 in expenses and complex returns are not eligible for this service. Also, please keep in mind, each appointment is for one single or joint return.

 

Appointments will be available on the following days, times and 50+ Center locations:

 

To schedule a tax prep appointment, please call 443-741-2373; do NOT call the 50+ Center directly. To your appointment, participants will need to bring the Social Security card for anyone listed on their personal return, their 2021 state and federal tax returns, all 2022 tax records and the purchase cost of investment transactions during 2022 (if any).

 

All preparers and volunteers have received IRS-approved training and are certified in tax preparation.

Office of Emergency Management

Vehicle Emergency Kit Winter Weather Ready

 

With winter here, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding motorists to make sure their vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit stocked with the following items for winter weather:

  • Jumper cables
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlights
  • Snow scraper
  • Bag of sand, road salt or kitty litter for traction
  • Snow shovel
  • Road flares
  • Extra blanket or cot

Winter Weather Alerts

 

Here is a quick winter weather alert refresher from OEM.

 

All winter weather alerts are issued by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and a:

  • "Winter Weather Advisory" means wintry weather is expected and to exercise caution.
  • "Winter Storm Watch" means snow, sleet or ice are possible and to be prepared.
  • "Winter Storm Warning" means snow, sleet or ice are expected and to take action.

 

To learn more about winter weather advisories, watches and warnings, visit the NWS’s “Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories” website today.

Department of Finance

Inaugural “Popular Annual Finance Report” Earns GFOA Award

 

This past week, I announced that our inaugural Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Popular Annual Finance Report (PAFR) had been recognized by the GFOA of the US & Canada with its “Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award”. This award solidifies our commitment to transparency and making sure our financial reports are easily accessible and readable to you, our constituents. I want to thank everyone in our fantastic Finance Department for their hard work, award-winning excellence and continued efforts to help make Howard County an innovative and efficient government.

 

A modified version of our fully Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY2021, the PAFR is a shorter and simpler version to provide the public with an overview of the County’s operations, programs and financial condition in an accessible and transparent format. The County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY2022, and its corresponding FY2022 Popular Annual Financial Report are also now both available online.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Unwanted Car

 

Help our Department of Fire and Rescue Services' (DFRS) personnel train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles by donating your unwanted car today. In addition to providing an invaluable training opportunity for our firefighters, your vehicle donation is tax deductible and even better, if you live in county (or within a reasonable distance), DFRS will tow your vehicle away for free. Simply email cardonations@howardcountymd.gov and include the location of the vehicle you'd like to donate and your contact information.

Learn How to Save a Life


When a person goes into Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), their survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was administered. When every second matters, learn how to be the difference, learn how to save a life by taking one of our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ (DFRS) free CPR courses.

 

For groups of 10 or more interested in learning CPR, submit a training class request for your group and DFRS’ community outreach team will contact you. The department can host classes in a county building or at a location of your choosing within Howard County.

 

Held monthly, DFRS’ adult CPR classes for individual members of the community are appropriate for those 12 years or older. Please note, anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Stay Off the Ice

 

While DFRS trains for this, the department is still asking parents, guardians and teachers to remind children and young people NEVER to 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. The temperature of the water below the ice is cold enough to take your breath away, which can lead to panic and drowning. The coldness can also make your arms and legs numb which means you cannot control them and cannot swim, and it can lead to hypothermia. This happens to even the strongest swimmers!

 

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. Over 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 your dog.

 

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

Annual Report Now Available

 

Howard County Health Department's (HCHD) 2022 Annual Report is now available online at www.howardcountymd.gov/health/reports-data. This annual report outlines HCHD's renewed purpose and examines how priorities identified in the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan have been implemented to provide significant improvements to further the health and well-being of those in Howard County.

Resource Guide Launched to Help Locate Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs

 

The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition’s (LHIC) goal is to increase access to and awareness of culturally appropriate, accessible, affordable and nutritious food to decrease food and nutrition insecurity among Howard County residents. To help achieve this goal, the LHIC has created a Howard County Food Assistance and Nutrition Education Program Resource Guide to help residents more easily locate food pantries, meal kitchens and other food assistance programs, farmers markets and nutrition programs near them. 

 

To learn more about the LHIC, visit www.hclhic.org/.

Department of Housing and Community Development

January 31st Last Day to Submit an Applications for MIHU January Open Enrollment Period

 

Tomorrow, January 31st is your last day to submit an application for our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program January open enrollment period. 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 purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $99,234 for a four-person household to as much as $130,988 for an eight-person household). Applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $254,985 for a new condominium to $384,916 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 (example: maximum $52,098 for a one-person household and $74,425 for a four-person household). 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 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. Applications are due by not later than 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, January 31st. 

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Reading Human Rights: People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present

 

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and the Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.

 

For its January book discussion – to be held virtually on tomorrow, January 31st at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Dara Horn’s compilation of essays entitled, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present. Horn’s book explores how Jewish history is exploited to comfort the living, while challenging us to confront the reasons why there might be so much fascination with Jewish deaths, and so little respect for Jewish lives unfolding in the present.

 

To secure your “seat” for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.

Unleashing the Activist Within

 

February is Black History Month and in honor of the month, OHRE has launched a new quarterly training, “Unleashing the Activist Within.” During its first workshop next Thursday, February 9th at 5:00 p.m. (to be held virtually), participants will explore the history, culture and tools of activism from 1950 to present time. Attendees will participate in activities that will break their barriers toward engagement, learn tools that promote self-care, gain insights on how to collaborate and organize for greater impact, and brainstorm approaches to substantively engage in the human or civil rights concerns they are most passionate about.

 

To register for next Thursday’s “Unleashing the Activist Within” training to learn how you can help make a positive change that protects and promotes the human rights of all in our community, click HERE.

MLK Pop-Up Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and/or non-perishable food items, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center in Jessup from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 13th for a pop-up food pantry. Hosted by the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Harriet Tubman Foundation of Howard County, this pop-up food pantry is open to all. 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 13th.

 

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

Department of Planning and Zoning

Public Comment Sought for HoCo By Design General Plan Draft

 

If you have not done so already, I strongly encourage all residents to take some time now through next Tuesday, January 31st, to review our HoCo By Design draft general plan update and provide their thoughts and comments to DPZ. This plan provides a long-term vision for how Howard County will develop and grow alongside our evolving economic, environmental, and social conditions over the next 20 years. Public input will be considered and incorporated into a final plan, which is expected to be presented to the Planning Board in the spring and then to County Council for consideration and final adoption.

 

The general plan is a requirement of state law and has been updated once each decade since 1960 to reflect the values and address the needs of the County's changing population.

Planning Board Meeting


This Thursday, February 2nd at 6:00 p.m., DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, to cover the following:



  • HoCo By Design DPZ Workshop – The Board will meet in open session to attend a workshop presented by DPZ on the County’s General Plan Update, HoCo By Design. As part of the HoCo By Design public engagement process, DPZ will present the draft plan policies and invite Planning Board questions and input. Members of the public may view the HoCo By Design Workshop; however, this, engagement activity is limited to Planning Board discussion.
  • Along with the public, the Planning Board may provide feedback on the draft plans using a comment form available through tomorrow, January 31st. This feedback will be used to finalize the plans which will be presented to the Planning Board at a public hearing this year.

 

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, February 2nd, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 pm. 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 2nd. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email.

Applicants Sought from Councilmanic District 1 for County’s Planning Board

 

If you or someone you know who lives in Councilmanic District 1 and has an interest in the future of planning and zoning in Howard County, I encourage you to apply today for the County’s Planning Board. Board member responsibilities include providing recommendations to the County Executive, County Council and Zoning Board on matters relating to planning and zoning, including capital programs, capital budget, Zoning Map Amendments and more. For details on eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 10th.

Applications Now Being Accepted for PlanHoward Academy

 

DPZ is now accepting applications for its 2023 Spring PlanHoward Academy. Taught by professional planners and attorneys, this award-winning planning course provides residents with a thought provoking, interactive curriculum focused on the underpinnings of land development in Howard County. During this free, five-week course, residents will learn about the land use plans, policies and procedures that help shape and grow our county. The course includes in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises and take-home materials.

 

DPZ’s 2023 Spring Academy will take place on Tuesdays from April 18th through May 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Howard Community College. Howard County residents with an interest in planning and improving their community’s future are encouraged to apply. Due by Sunday, February 26th, the application is available online or a paper application can be obtained by stopping by DPZ’s first floor service counter in the George Howard Building at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants. 

 

For questions and/or more information about our PlanHoward Academy, contact Victoria Olivier at 410-313-2350 or email volivier@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

Police Launch Online Form for Traffic Complaints

 

The safety of our drivers and passengers on local roadways will always be a priority of Howard County Police Department (HCPD). With traffic complaints the number one concern expressed to HCPD, the department has launched a new online report form to offer residents the ability to easily report isolated or recurring traffic complaints to HCPD. Examples of isolated or recurring traffic complaints residents can report include unsafe passing/lane changes, stop sign violations, traffic light violations, cell phone usage and tailgating. Once received, each report will be reviewed by an HCPD Traffic Enforcement Section officer to determine the next steps. For questions about this online form, email HCPDTraffic@howardcountymd.gov.

 

Of course, if you witness a flagrant traffic violation in real time, call 911.

 

Please keep in mind, for issues related to signage, roadway design and traffic signals on County-maintained (named) roadways, you'll want to contact the County's Department of Public Works' Traffic Engineering Division at 410-313-2430 or email traffic@howardcountymd.gov. For these issues on numbered roadway, such as US 1, MD 175, etc., please contact the Maryland State Highway Administration at for further assistance.

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

Current Curbside Yard Trim Season Has Ended

 

As a reminder, for those that ONLY receive yard trim curbside collection, the Bureau’s yard trim collection season has come to an end, with its new season scheduled to resume Monday, April 3rd.

 

Please NOE, this does not apply to residents who are participating in the Bureau’s Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program. Residents in this program area receive year-round food scrap/yard trim collection. To see if you are in a Feed the Green Bin area, click HERE.

Nominees Sought for “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” Awards

 

Howard County businesses, community groups and organizations, our Bureau of Environmental Services is now accepting applications for its “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” awards program. This annual awards program recognizes businesses for their recycling and waste reduction efforts during the previous calendar year (2022) and recognizes community group and organizations who have demonstrated efforts, projects or programs that help protect Howard County’s natural environment and preserve its resources.

 

Nomination forms are available online at www.workgreenhoward.org and are by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 24th. Nominations can either be delivered or postmarked to: Alan Wilcom, Recycling Division, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046, or emailed to awilcom@howardcountymd.gov (please note, email is preferred).

Vendors Sought for Howard County’s 16th Annual GreenFest

 

Back for its 16th year, vendor and sponsorship applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s annual GreenFest – set to take place Saturday, April 15th at Howard Community College in Columbia. Last year’s event drew hundreds of attendees and featured native plant vendors, compost bin give-a-ways and document shredding.

 

GreenFest is open to all vendors and exhibitors that highlight environmentally conscious products, services, activities and opportunities for community involvement; however, preference will be given to local businesses and organizations that promote environmentally friendly goods and services. Please note, there will be a limit of 50 indoor vendors/exhibitors for the event.

 

Each exhibit space includes a five-foot table and two chairs. Cost to all vendors is $35 per table, with an additional $10 late fee charged to those who apply after Friday, February 24th. Sponsorship opportunities for $100 are also available. Cost includes two tables and special mention in the GreenFest brochure and on the GreenFest website. 

 

To learn more about this year’ event and/or to apply, visit www.hcgreenfest.org; applications must be submitted electronically. 

Stormwater Management Division

Guilford Pond Principal Spillway Replacement Project

 

This evening, January 30th at 7:00 p.m., DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting in the Hockley Room at Howard County Library System’s Elkridge branch to present plans for a Guilford stormwater pond repair project. The project will include the replacement of the pond’s principal spillway located under Guilford Road near 10560 Guilford Road that discharges into Pickett’s Branch near MD 32. The project is estimated to begin in the summer of 2023 and be completed in the summer/fall of 2024.

 

This informational meeting will include a brief presentation with exhibit boards. DPW staff and the design engineer will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. Those unable to attend the meeting and would like to view the exhibits and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Brian Cleary of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6455 or email bcleary@howardcountymd.gov.

Sewells Orchard Pond Repair Project Public Meeting

 

DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 p.m., at our Department of Recreation and Parks headquarters, located at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, to review the proposed Sewells Orchard Pond repair project and discuss new options and concepts that will reduce environmental impacts during the work, including updates made since the October 2022 public meeting.

 

The proposed project will include the removal and replacement of the old metal outlet spillway with a new concrete outlet structure that will have a longer service life than metal. It will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

 

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 more details about this meeting, click HERE.

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.

 

Ellicott City

  • Sylvan Lane Slope Repair (Capital Project J-4154-6) – Project to improve eroding stream banks along the Sucker Branch near 3505 Sylvan Lane. The project will include the installation of a 250 linear foot retaining wall to stabilize the steep slopes along Sylvan Lane and 270 linear feet of roadway in the project area will be reconstructed to improve the stability of the roadway. During constructions hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the end of Sylvan Lane, starting at 3511 Sylvan Lane, will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late July 2023.

 

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

Summer Camp Guide Now Online

 

Don’t forget! Online registration for Howard County residents begins this Wednesday, February 1st at 6:00 p.m. for Department of Recreation and Parks' 2023 Summer Camp Guide. For county residents, all other methods of registration (over-the-phone, mail-in and in-person) will begin this Thursday, February 2nd 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 on February 8th at 6:00 p.m. and all other methods the following day.

Camp Fair is Back 

 

Speaking of camps, Recreation & Parks’ Camp Fair is back! Join Recreation & Parks from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. next Saturday, February 11th at its North Laurel Community Center to learn more about its amazing camps, while enjoying a variety of camp activities. While geared towards children aged two to 14, the whole family is invited to this FREE family, fun event. Attendees will also receive $5 off their next camp registration fee! To learn more about this year’s Camp Fair, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/camp-fair.

Abrakadoodle Art Twoosy Doodlers 

 

Recreation & Parks has many great programs for parents and young children to enjoy together; a great example is Abrakadoodle Art Twoosy Doodlers. Designed specifically for children aged 20 months to three years old and an adult to do together, participants will experiment with art materials while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, readiness skills, confidence, ability to play with others and imaginative thinking. This six-week program runs 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays from February 11th to March 18th at the County’s North Laurel Community Center. Cost: $105. To sign up to participate with your little one(s), click HERE. 

Family Sneaker Ball 

 

Just a few spots remain for Recreation & Parks’ first-ever Family Sneaker Ball. Set to take place this Saturday, February 4th at 5:30 p.m. at our North Laurel Community Center, Recreation & Parks is taking the traditional family dance and kicking it up a notch. Attendees are invited to come dressed in their favorite semi-formal attire, but make sure to bring those dancing shoes (or sneakers) to dance the night away at this family-friendly event. To register o secure your families spot, click HERE today. Inclement weather date is February 11th.
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