January 23, 2023

Dear Friends, 


The Lunar New Year is a celebration of energetic performances and shared history – highlighting that diversity is our strength. I was thrilled to be back in person, for the first time in three years, for our Annual Lunar New Year Celebration at the Mall in Columbia.


Thank you to our event co-sponsors, The Mall in Columbia for hosting us, and all our volunteers who made today possible. Special thank you to all the performers who are helping us celebrate Asian American culture with dance, music, and art. 


May this Year of the Rabbit be prosperous and filled with many blessings!


Find all the pictures from our celebration here.
Community Updates

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. 


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.

A Dreadful Tale



The best time to indulge in a good book, poem, or short story are on rainy, dreary-days. One of my favorite authors to read is Edgar Allen Poe, and there is no better time to celebrate his legacy than on his birthday. I was thrilled to be joined by Tonya Aikens of the Howard County Library System for a reading of the Tell-Tale Heart.


As we celebrated Edgar Allen Poe's birthday last week, tune in to this classic, dreadful tale! I encourage residents to check out his entire collection by visiting here.

An Irresistible Dish


It’s always exciting to welcome new businesses to our community. I was so happy to officially welcome Tribos Peri Peri Ellicott City to Howard County at their official grand opening and ribbon cutting. These irresistible dishes help ignite taste buds from around the world. 


Congratulations to Amreen and Waseem, and I wish you the best as you add to our amazing restaurant scene. Learn more about the restaurant here.

Congratulations Governor


It was an honor to witness the historic swearing in of my dear friend and Alpha Brother, Governor Wes Moore and our Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. As I looked into the crowds that spanned Rowe Boulevard, I was so proud to see the rich diversity of Marylanders from all backgrounds and walks of life.


I'm truly looking forward to Howard County's partnership with the Moore-Miller administration in the years ahead to ensure we leave no one behind as we make Maryland the best place to live, work, play, and grow for all.

Join the Planning Board


We are currently seeking applicants from Councilmanic District 1 interested in serving on the Planning Board. Our Planning Board performs an important role providing input and making decisions on development projects and planning matters. I encourage residents who have an interest in the future of planning and zoning in Howard County to apply before the deadline of February 10, 2023.


To learn more and apply, please click here.

Try Something Good!


Howard County is home to one of the best restaurant scenes in our region due to our diverse community and our thriving culinary scene. Howard County Winter Restaurant and Craft Beverages Weeks is currently underway!


From Fulton and Maple Lawn to Columbia and Ellicott City to Savage and Lisbon – you can find something for everyone. I encourage residents to join my team in supporting our locally owned and operated restaurants during Winter Restaurant weeks and enjoy a meal with friends, family, and neighbors. 


Find all participating restaurants here.

Report Traffic Concerns


There’s an easier way to report traffic violations in #HoCoMD!


Traffic complaints are the #1 concern expressed to the HCPD. You can now report isolated or recurring traffic violations online at HCPD.org or via email at HCPDtraffic@howardcountymd.gov.


Report an isolated incident, recurring violations, or parking violations in your neighborhood here.


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

A Clean Record


Residents who have ever been arrested in Maryland may have a criminal record, even if they were not convicted. Thankfully, the process to expunge a criminal record is fairly simple. This Saturday, January 28th, the Howard County NAACP and the Howard County Library System will be hosting an expungement clinic where residents can meet with volunteer attorneys at no cost.


To learn more and register, please click here.

Get Boosted!


Getting boosted is the best way to protect yourself and your family against severe disease, hospitalization and even death. The CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose for everyone ages 6 months and older if you are eligible. Find out if you’re eligible or schedule your shot now 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:

  • Writer and Media Relations Coordinator - Responsible for administrative support work performing tasks in support of Public Information through social media and Howard County Government websites.
  • Technical Support Specialist - Serves as the liaison for technology related issues. Works as a Service Desk Technician to provide first and second tier application support for applications used by the county employees. 
  • Director, Department of Public Works - Directs the general operation of the Department of Public Works; advising and providing information to the County Executive and the County Council on matters relating to public infrastructure, capital budget and the core services it provides. 

Combatting Human Trafficking


Human trafficking is a crime that requires more than just good effort and intention to combat. In order for Howard County to be the best county for all, we cannot let our most vulnerable residents slip through the cracks.


We remain committed to protecting our residents and their families from this devastation, and holistically support survivors. To learn more about our efforts, please click here.
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] January 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

 

DCRS’ Office of Children and Families (OCF) annual Howard County Child Care Fair is set to take place Saturday, February 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. This annual fair provides parents, guardians and grandparents 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 host free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” onsite at 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m. While registration is not necessary to attend the Fair it is encouraged for this free event.

 

Vendors and exhibitors interested in participating in our 2023 Child Care Fair, are encouraged to register today to secure their spot at this year’s event. Cost is $75.00 for for-profit organizations and $50.00 for non-profit (501c3) organizations with coupon code “OCFNONPROFIT”. For questions and/or more information about participating in this year’s fair, contact Georgia Ferentinos at 410-313-1943 or email gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov.

 

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.

New Children and Families Workshops Offered for Parents

 

This January, OCF will offer the following free virtual workshops focused on “The Power of Play”, “Selecting High Quality Child Care” and “Parenting Apart: Cooperative Co-Parenting in Divorce and Beyond”.

 

As Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research.” On January 26th at 7:00 p.m., parents are invited to join OCF for its “The Power of Play” workshop to gain insight into why children should play, how play impacts a child’s development and what play should look like. To register for this workshop, click HERE.

 

At noon on January 30th, OCF will host its “Selecting High Quality Child Care” workshop focused on teaching participants how to choose a child care program that works best for their family. To register, click HERE.

OCF will wrap up January 30th with its “Parenting Apart: Cooperative Co-Parenting in Divorce and Beyond” workshop at 7:00 p.m. Geared towards individuals facing separation and divorce, this workshop addresses how to create a parenting plan to minimize conflict and promote a positive co-parenting relationship. To register, click HERE.

 

For more information about these workshops and other programs being offered by OCF this month, check out OCF’s January issue of its Parent Pages monthly publication today.

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 Fire and Rescue Services

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!

Vial of Life

 

This past summer, Nicholas Holda, a Life Rank Boy Scout from Troop 432, contacted our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) about his “Vial of Life” kit idea for his Eagle Project. Nicholas created his Vial of Life kit to help people during emergencies. The kit collects a person’s critical medical information all in one place, to then be attached to the person’s home refrigerator so first responders can easily find it during an emergency situation. To make sure your home is equipped with your own Vial of Life kit, simply print out and follow the directions on this form.

 

To date, Nicholas has assisted more than 225 people complete their Vial of Life form. He has also provided DFRS with kits so our Mobile Integrated Community Health Team can help distribute them to community members. If you need help printing or obtaining a kit, please email DFRS at outreach@hcdfrs.org today.

 

Brilliant idea and a job well done Nicholas!

Howard County Health Department

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

Applications Now Being Accepted for MIHU January Open Enrollment Period

 

Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for its 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 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. Applications are being accepted through 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, 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,” with its first workshop scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 5:00 p.m. During this three-hour virtual workshop, 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 engaging in the human or civil rights concerns they are most passionate about.

 

To register for OHRE’s first “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 today register.

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

Design Advisory Panel Meeting

 

This Wednesday, January 25th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. VIRTUALLY to hear the following items:

 

 

To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting, call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2306 232 3106 as the event access code.

 

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

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.

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.

Applicants Sought for Historic Preservation Commission

 

Our Historic Preservation Commission serves an important role in the preservation of our historic districts and historic properties throughout the county. Commission member responsibilities include reviewing applications for certificates of approval involving alterations to historic structures, making recommendations to the Howard County Council on all petitions to create or modify multiple site historic districts, and providing advice on historical resources, to name a few. If you are interested in being a member of our Historic Preservation Commission, especially if you are a resident or owner of a property in our Ellicott City and Lawyers Hill historic districts, I strongly encourage you to apply. To learn how, click HERE.

 

Please note, the deadline to apply is Friday, January 27th at 5:00 p.m.

Members Sought for County’s Design Advisory Panel

 

Thoughtful design is a cornerstone of our quality of life here in Howard County. Established in 2008 to encourage excellence in building architecture and site design, our Design Advisory Panel is composed of seven members representing landscape architects, designers, professional engineers and urban planners. Panel members are responsible for reviewing a variety of projects, including proposed subdivisions, site development plans, conditional use applications and design guidelines. If you are an architect, landscape architect or urban planner are interested in preserving and enhancing our community, I encourage you to apply today to be a part of our Design Advisory Panel.

 

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 27th at 5:00 p.m.

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.

Too Cold for You Outside, Too Cold for Your Pets

 

Our Police Department 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 Howard County 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

Current Curbside Yard Trim Season Comes to an End

 

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

 

This HOWEVER does not apply to residents who 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.

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

Many Mile Mews Stormwater Pond Repair Project Public Meeting

 

This Wednesday, January 25th, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m., in the Lucille Clifton Rooms A/B at Howard County Library System’s East Columbia branch, to present plans for its Many Mile Mews stormwater pond repair project. The project will include the replacement of the pond’s riser and spillway pipe, creation of a shallow wetland within the pond to provide water quality treatment, and stabilization of inflow channels and pond outfall with rock structures. Access to the construction site will be between 9475 and 9485 White Spring Way and areas disturbed during construction will be replanted. Construction is projected to start in late summer 2023 and weather permitting, is expected to take eight months to complete.

 

This informational meeting will include an overview of the project followed by an open discussion. County staff and representatives from 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 Ms. Michele Monde of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-0844 or email mmonde@howardcountymd.gov. 

Guilford Pond Principal Spillway Replacement Project

 

Next Monday, January 30th, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting at 7:00 p.m., 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.

Bureau of Utilities

Tips on How to Keep Pipes from Freezing as Temperatures Dip

 

With winter officially underway and below freezing temperatures in our future forecasts, our Department of Public Works’ 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, on an outside wall, 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.

Department of 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

Summer Camp Guide Now Online

 

Our Department of Recreation and Parks' 2023 Summer Camp Guide is now available online!

 

Online registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, February 1st at 6:00 p.m., with all other methods (over-the-phone, mail-in and in-person) for County residents beginning the next day. 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. on 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.

Family Sneaker Ball 

 

Our team over in Recreation & Parks is taking the traditional family dance and kicking it up a notch with its first-ever Family Sneaker Ball, set to take place Saturday, February 4th at our North Laurel Community Center. Come dressed in semi-formal attire, but make sure to bring those dancing shoes (or sneakers) and dance the night away at this family-friendly event that is sure to knock your socks off. With spots filling up fast, be sure to register HERE today to secure your families spot. Inclement weather date is February 11th.

Office of Transportation

Transit Development Plan: Final Public Meeting

 

We are currently updating our Transit Development Plan (TDP), a short-term plan to guide transit system development and funding requests. The TDP process reviews and assesses current transit services, identifies unmet transit needs and develops a recommended plan for improvements (with phased implementation), including capital and operating budget projections, in the short‐range future, typically a five‐year horizon. Once completed, the TDP will serve as a guide for our local transit system, providing a roadmap for implementing service improvements, and/or potential expansion during the five‐year period.

 

Opportunities for the public to provide comment include three surveys (fixed-route, paratransit, and community) and multiple public meetings. Transportation will hosts its final TDP public meeting this Thursday, January 26th at 6:00 p.m. in the Hammond Room at the County’s North Laurel Community Center (RTA Route 503). For more information on the process, including public meeting information and the surveys, please visit Transportation’s “Howard County Transit Development Plan” website.
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