July 13, 2020
Dear Friends,

As we work towards assessing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19, we are proud to surpass our baseline goal of testing 10% of our population. As of 9:00 a.m. today, 10.5% of our population has been tested at least once.

If you have attended any large gatherings, are working in close proximity with others, live with older adult relatives or anyone who is in a vulnerable population, are pregnant, or you have underlying health conditions, please get tested as soon as possible. Remember that you may need to get retested if you have experienced a change in your circumstance.

As our testing efforts increased in June, both our confirmed cases and positivity rate have dropped significantly which is an encouraging sign. However, the 7-day average confirmed cases number has started to slightly trend upwards, starting at a low of 16 on 6/27 and currently at 22 as of 7/11.

While our positivity rate is currently at 3.62%, lower than the Maryland’s average positivity rate of 4.63%, we must continue staying vigilant and doing what we can to bring our overall case count back down to our lowest point.

Practice physical distancing, wear a face covering when in public, and frequently wash your hands. It can save a life.

For up to date information on COVID-19 in Howard County, please visit our website here.
Community Updates
DEADLINE - July 15, Health Insurance Program

The deadline for the Maryland Health Connection special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders to enroll in private health plans is this week. It's more important now than ever that every resident is insured during this public health pandemic.

To enroll in a plan right now, please click here. Please share this with family, friends, and neighbors who may benefit from this special enrollment TODAY!
Tax Credits

This year, Tax Day is Wednesday, July 15th, and I strongly encourage our older adults who have not yet applied for some of our available credits to do so as soon as possible. These tax credits provide financial incentives to allow residents to stay in their homes while offering more affordable aging in place.

Homeowners can use the county's Credit Eligibility Calculator to explore all available tax credits and relevant information regarding the application and screening processes. The Credit Eligibility Calculator can be found here.

For more information, you can also call the Department of Finance at (410) 313-2195.
Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention

With more than 23,000 renters in the county, the need for housing payment assistance and eviction prevention is paramount. Howard County residents can now apply for assistance to pay past due rent payments to prevent eviction.

Our local non-profits will be accepting applications and providing funding assistance directly to residents to ensure that they receive the support they need to stay safely housed. As we continue to battle this virus, we must provide the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks.

For more information, please click here.
Wearing Face Coverings

When leaving home, residents should assume that someone around them may be a carrier of COVID-19 as many people are asymptomatic.

We must all do our part to keep our community safe by wearing face coverings, which can help protect others from a possible infection.

For more information, visit the CDC's website here.
Mental Health Resources

This is a difficult time for many in our community, particularly for those who are struggling with isolation, extreme sadness, or a mental health condition. We are here to help one another in our community. Additionally, we have crisis services available to ensure all our residents are healthy and thriving.

It’s okay to ask for help so we can all get through this together.
HoCo Farmers' Markets

There are currently six Farmers’ Markets now open by pick-up and walk-thru service this season. At these markets, you can find delicious farm fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, healthy products and more.

Please, continue to physically distance and wear face coverings when visiting our amazing Farmers’ Markets this season.

For more information, click here.
Heat Safety

As we reach higher temperatures this week, it’s important that all residents are taking proper precautions to stay safe. We must remember those in our community who are more vulnerable in extreme weather.

When you go outside to enjoy this beautiful weather, please continue to follow the extreme heat safety tips, along with CDC guidelines for COVID-19, to keep everyone in our community safe.

Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in air condition or shaded environments, and NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a parked car.
Moratorium on Utility Services

Governor Hogan extended his order prohibiting electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s service, or charging any residential late fees. This order will help protect the health and safety of utility employees and our residents during this catastrophic health emergency. It now remains in effect through August 1st, 2020.

For more information, read the Governor's Emergency Order here.
Take the Census!

Nearly 25% of Howard County residents have NOT yet taken their Census. We lose nearly $,18,000 in federal funding for every person who doesn’t complete the Census. This is critical funding which can help our healthcare system with vaccines, hospital beds, emergency services, and more.

This year is the first time the Census questionnaire can be completed online, making it even easier than ever for residents to respond. If you have not taken your census yet, I encourage you to do so RIGHT NOW. If you have completed your census, encourage five of your neighbors to do the same.

It takes only five minutes to complete.
Government Updates
Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS)
Friendly Connections

If you are or know a Howard County resident who is age 50+ and lives alone or is new to the area, has limited social connections, deals with chronic health issues and/or is seeking an expanded circle of friends, please let them know about our Department of Community Resources and Services' Office on Aging and Independence’s Friendly Connection "Phone a Senior" program.

This FREE service connects older residents with trained (and screened) volunteers who are there to offer social support and a listening ear. To find out more and/or to enroll in this rewarding program, contact Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or email map@howardcountymd.gov today!
Department of Corrections

We understand there are questions regarding the use and operations of the County's Department of Correction's Detention Center. We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions from residents, with answers, which can be found HERE . Our Department of Corrections remains dedicated to providing a safe, secure and humane conditions at its Detention Center for all persons legally under its authority.
Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS)
Heat Safety

With summer here, HCDFRS and HCPD are also REMINDING residents to ALWAYS look before you lock. NEVER leave a child or pet alone in a car, not even for a minute. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the majority of vehicular heatstroke deaths (54 percent), happen because someone forgets a child in a car; the third leading cause is knowingly leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. 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.

The second leading cause (25 percent) of vehicular heatstroke deaths among children are when a child unknowingly gets into an unattended vehicle. Regrettably, 2020 saw its first vehicular heatstroke death in April, when a four-year-old left a home and climbed into a vehicle without his family noticing. In addition to ALWAYS looking before you lock your vehicle, be sure to ALWAYS lock your car doors and trunk when not in use.
Department of Housing and Community Development
If you are a Howard County resident in need of financial assistance to pay past due rent payments to prevent eviction, I encourage you to apply today for housing ​payment relief aid from one of the county’s participating providers. To be eligible to apply, you must be a Howard County resident, be able to provide proof of home address and supply evidence of loss of income due to COVID-related job loss, reduction in hours and/or medical illness. The maximum assistance per household is three months of housing expense. To learn more and/or to apply, visit our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) “COVID-19 Housing” Information website .

NOTE: If you are a Housing Choice Voucher Program tenant or rent a unit in a property owned by the Howard County Housing Commission, you may be eligible for rental assistance directly from the Housing Commission. To learn more, visit www.househoward.org . Additionally, if you rent a unit owned or managed by Bridges to Housing Stability, you may be eligible for rental assistance from Bridges. To learn more, visit https://bridges2hs.org/ . 
Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ)

As we continue to operate under the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting physical distancing protocols, moving forward and until further notice, our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) will be holding its public meetings virtually through WebEx videoconferencing. This will allow DPZ operations to continue and the public the ability to safely participate in these meetings. To assist the public in participating in its virtual Planning Board meetings – whether as an observer, petitioner or community member wishing to testify, DPZ has published the following guidance that offers details on how to register and provide testimony. Additionally, DPZ has developed the following technical guide to help users navigate the technical side of participation.

DPZ’s Planning Board meetings are also being livestreamed on YouTube ; a livestream link to its YouTube channel can also be found on the Planning Board webpage . This is a good option for those who only want to watch the Planning Board meeting from their computer and not participate. 

Finally, DPZ is now offering two forms of technical assistance. If you have questions or need assistance with testing the WebEx application on your computer, contact DPZ at 410-313-4373 or email planningboard@howardcountymd.gov IN ADVANCE of the Planning Board meeting. DURING Planning Board meetings, if you are having difficulty accessing the meeting through WebEx, call 410-313-4324 or email planningboard@howardcountymd.gov for assistance.
This Thursday, July 16, DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:

  • ZRA 191 – To amend the following sections of the Howard County Zoning Regulations: Section 103.0 to revise the definition of Housing Commission Housing Development to include the Howard County Government; and Section 128.0.J.2.c. to allow the Planning Board to approve up to a maximum of 12 acres of housing developments owned by the Housing Commissioned or housing developments in which the Housing Commission is the general partner or managing member, and 12 acres of housing developments owned by the Howard County Government, on non-residentially zoned land in a three-calendar year period.
  • SDP-74-022 Snowden Crossing – Approval for a Site Development Plan Redline Revision for a 2,100 square foot addition to the existing retail and restaurant building, a 300 square foot outdoor seating area, and a drive-through access land for a fast food restaurant, and approval of a setback adjustment for a dumpster, drive-through clearance bar, speaker post and menu signs.
  • Special Subject: Discussion on the Board’s Rules of Procedures – Discussion on closed session protocol specifically relating to closed session at the meeting of July 2, 2020

To register to testify at this meeting and/or to watch, visit DPZ’s Planning Board website .

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 .
DPZ has also launched its planning process for our next General Plan, “HoCo By Design.” The General Plan is the comprehensive long-range plan for all of Howard County and establishes policies on how and where the County will develop and grow in response to evolving economic, environmental and social conditions. While General Plans are updated approximately once every 10 years (the last update, PlanHoward 2030, was adopted in 2012), in response to community concerns about current land use regulations, the County has accelerated the update. "HoCo By Design" is currently scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2021.

To learn more about the "HoCo By Design" planning process, project status, opportunities for involvement and/or to share what makes Howard County a special place for you, visit  www.hocobydesign.com  today.
Department of Public Works - Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects have been announced.

Ellicott City
  • BGE Gas Main Relocation – Project to relocate a gas main in the 8600 block of Main Street in order to accommodate additional utility work and to make way for the future construction of the 8600 Main Street Culvert, part of the County’s EC Safe and Sound plan. Temporary lane closures can be expected during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the total project is expected to take three to four weeks to complete.

To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit  https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6 . 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  website  and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.
Department of Recreation and Parks (HCRP)
As our Department of Recreation & Parks continues to gradually reopen its amenities across the county, visitors are reminded to please remember to take precautions and help us prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering when possible and avoiding large gatherings.

For the latest information on what Recreation & Parks’ facilities, amenities and programs are open, as well as additional Recreation & Parks announcements, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap or following the Department on Facebook or Twitter .
Recreation & Parks’ OUTDOOR camps are now underway and INDOOR camps (and childcare services) are set to being next week. All our summer camps were reorganized to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines around COVID-19, this includes reducing group sizes and implementing new safety procedures. As a result, Recreation and Parks will be offering a limited selection of outdoor and indoor camps this summer. For a full list of available indoor and outdoor camps, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap . 
Community Centers and Indoor Facilities begin to open

The Gary J. Arthur , North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex and Robinson Nature Center are now OPEN to the public. This includes the community centers’ gymnasiums and exercise rooms, and the pool at the Roger Carter Community Center. HOWEVER, while open, facility hours are limited to evenings and weekends as each facility is being used for camps and childcare during the weekdays. NOTE, the Robinson Nature Center is ONLY open on the weekends, with a reduced $2.00 admission rate. Guidelines on each facilities use can be found on the its respective website. Also, the Patapsco Female Institute (PFI) and Firehouse Museum are NOW OPEN Saturday and Sunday’s from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day and the  Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum  has REOPENED, with operating hours: Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday’s through Sunday’s from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
High School Senior Send-Off

For many of our student athletes, celebrating their final high school sport’s season is a milestone moment. To give our high school class of 2020 baseball players a chance to play one more time and celebrate all their great accomplishments over the years, our Department of Recreation & Parks has put together a “High School Baseball Senior Night Baseball Games” event. Tomorrow, July 14th, I will join Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme at Blandair Park’s East Area to kick-off the first of two-evenings of these Senior Night Baseball Games. I am pleased we are apply to provide our players, their families and coaches this opportunity to play high school baseball one last time in a safe manner. 
Office of Transportation
In anticipation of 2020 Bike to Work Day – set to take place virtually this September, our Office of Transportation has partnered with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to launch “Love to Ride” Howard County! Riding a bike has tremendous benefits for individuals, workplaces and communities and “Love to Ride” provides the tools and support you need to start riding or ride more often. “Love to Ride” offers a single platform where riders can keep track their riding, find answers and resources to help them ride more confidently, win prizes for riding and to encourage family, friends and coworkers to ride too. This month, “Love to Ride” highlights how to explore and celebrate the great spots you come across while out on a ride. To learn more about “Love to Ride” and how to participate, visit www.lovetoride.net/centralmd . You can also find helpful tips about biking safely during the COVID-19 era at www.ride-healthy.com . 
During the County’s current road resurfacing effort , Howard County is proposing to implement the recommendations of BikeHoward , the Howard County Bicycle Master Plan, for bike lanes on North Ridge Road ( meeting notes and presentation ) and Marshalee Drive ( meeting notes and presentation ). If you were unable to join Transportation for either presentation, this week is your last week to submit comments to Transportation via email to transportation@howardcountymd.gov about either project. Comments regarding North Ridge Road proposed bike lanes are due by tomorrow, July 14th and comments regarding Marshalee Drive proposed bike lanes by this Wednesday, July 15th.