Keeping Up with Christiana!
Greetings!

Welcome to our March Newsletter! This month marks one year since the coronavirus pandemic reached our state and county. As we reflect on the past year and its many challenges, I remain optimistic for the future. Slowly but surely, vaccine distribution is increasing in Howard County. To date, roughly 24% of Howard County residents have received a first dose of vaccine. However, we know that vaccine supply is still very limited, which is limiting appointment availability for many residents seeking a vaccine.

At the federal level, President Biden recently signed the American Rescue Plan into law. This important relief effort allocates direct funding for vaccine distribution, as well as over $63 million in funding for Howard County Government, which will strengthen our ability to support residents and businesses that are continuing to be impacted by the pandemic.

If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and have not yet received an appointment, I encourage you to read the Health Department's weekly vaccine update, which is posted on the Health Department website. The letter includes information on vaccine clinics from the Howard County Health Department, as well as how to make appointments at state mass-vax sites and pharmacies.

All Howard County residents can also signal their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine by pre-registering with the Howard County Health Department here. If you have any specific questions related to the vaccine distribution or availability, please email me at [email protected].

As we continue into 2021, please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback. Wishing you a safe and healthy March!
Yours in service,
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
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March 16, 2021
COVID-19 Update
To date, there have been over 16,500 recorded cases of COVID-19 in Howard County, and 223 of our Howard County neighbors have lost their lives to this disease. Fortunately, Howard County's positivity rate and new case rate have decreased over the last month. Our community transmission numbers are heading in the right direction, and I encourage everyone to continue doing their part to limit the spread of coronavirus in Howard County.

I strongly encourage you to continue adhering to the Howard County Health Department's safety guidance by limiting interactions with non-household members, wearing a mask in all public settings, and practicing physical distancing. For information on COVID-19 testing locations and availability, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website.
February Legislative Wrap-Up
On March 1st, the County Council convened for our March Legislative Session to hold a vote on February legislation. The County Council took action on the following legislation:

  • CB13-2021: the Plastics Reduction Act. This legislation will reduce disposable plastic consumption and waste in our environment and landfills by reducing single use plastic straws and plastic food ware in Howard County. This is a small step, but it is an important one that our local jurisdiction can take to reduce plastic waste, fight climate change, and promote clean waterways and wildlife. I'm pleased to report that this legislation passed in a 4-1 vote. You can read more about the legislation here and here. Introduced by Christiana Rigby, Opel Jones, and Liz Walsh.

  • CB8-2021: legislation amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow all CAC (Corridor Activity Center) zoned properties to reduce the required commercial square footage below 20 square feet per dwelling unit if the Department of Planning and Zoning finds based on a market study submitted by the developer that the reduction is necessary for the financial viability of the project; and generally relating to the CAC zoning district. I supported an amendment from Councilmember Jung to require that commercial square footage is substituted by open space or amenity areas that benefit the community. This solution provides an opportunity for Route One enhancements through additional open space or amenity areas when additional commercial square footage is not financially feasible or consistent with our vision for Route One. This legislation passed in a 3-2 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of Blue Stream, LLC.
March 2021 Legislation
On February 1st, the County Council held its February Legislative Session to introduce new legislation. I have included information on current legislation of interest below:

  • CB17-2021: legislation relating to solar energy in Howard County, including to allow rooftop commercial and accessory ground mount solar collectors in all zoning districts; to allow commercial ground-mount solar collector facilities in certain zoning districts; to limit the size of commercial ground-mount solar collector facilities on certain parcels that are in the Agricultural Land Preservation Program; and generally relating to the Howard County Zoning Regulations. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
  • CB20-2021: legislation requiring that certain single-user restrooms in Howard County be made available to all individuals regardless of gender; requiring that certain single-user restrooms use gender-inclusive signage to identify the restroom. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.

  • CB21-2021: legislation amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to add certain uses permitted as a matter of right in HO (Historic: Office) zoning districts. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of Kimberly Kepnes.

  • CB22-2021: legislation requiring the developer of a TOD (Transit Oriented Development) District site to provide the required moderate income housing units on the TOD site. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Christiana Rigby. Co-sponsored by Liz Walsh and Deb Jung.

  • CB23-2021: legislation amending the eligibility requirements for a property tax credit for seniors and retired military personnel in accordance with Chapter 332, Acts of the General Assembly of 2019; and generally relating to property tax credits. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Opel Jones and Deb Jung. Co-sponsored by Christiana Rigby, Liz Walsh, and David Yungmann.

  • CB24-2021: legislation prohibit action on certain zoning applications while a new General Plan is in process; requiring a specified report related to disclosure of certain contributions and business relationships in compliance with the Maryland Public Ethics Law; and generally relating to Zoning matters. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Liz Walsh. Co-sponsored by Deb Jung.

  • CR43-2021: a resolution encouraging the County Executive to implement a “Shared Streets Program” to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and the safe use of outdoor space during the State of Emergency due to COVID-19; and generally relating to implementing the “Shared Streets Program”. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Liz Walsh.
Community Initiatives and Events
Howard County - General Plan Update
Once each decade, Howard County updates its general plan, a long-range, visionary document that guides land use, growth, and development decisions. From now through the end of 2021, the county’s Department of Planning and Zoning is leading a community outreach effort to create a new general plan, called HoCo By Design.

The HoCo By Design project team will be hosting a series of virtual meetings and an online interactive map focused on receiving input from YOU on 4 different scenarios for the future of the county.

If would like to join us for a virtual meeting to learn more about concepts for future growth, engage in a dialogue about the key issues, and provide feedback, please register for only one of the meetings listed on the scenario planning page.

The StoryMap, which will be released in the week of March 15, is a portal to an immersive map-based experience where you can learn about the different scenarios and then provide feedback via survey questions.
Community Action Council - Services
We are a community, and one in four residents in our community are struggling to make ends meet. If you are wondering where to get help, or how to help your neighbors, go to www.cac-hc.org to learn about the Community Action Council of Howard County.

CAC offers four main programs and services to help improve economic security and strengthen our community: food assistance, housing assistance, utility assistance, and early childhood education. We’re here for you, get support or get involved now. 410-313-6440.
Yard Trim Collection Resumes March 29
Curbside yard trim collection will resume on March 29, 2021! Yard trim collection includes bamboo, brush/weeds (except Japanese Stiltgrass), grass, hedge clippings/light brush, leaves, and small limbs or branches less than 4" in diameter and 4' in length.

Certain areas of Howard County receive year-round curbside food scrap and yard trim collection through our Feed The Green Bin program.

You can find out if you're in a Green Bin collection area and sign up today. If you don't have Green Bin service, you can signal your interest in receiving composting service in your neighborhood here!
COVID-19 Resources
Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention
Starting last week, Howard County Government is offering another round of Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants to Howard County residents who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19.

Residents may apply for rental and mortgage assistance from:

Maximum assistance per household is 12 months of housing and utility expenses. Residents that previously received housing assistance ARE eligible to apply for additional assistance. You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.
Food and Utility Assistance
Howard County Government has dedicated additional funding to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) for energy/utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in imminent danger of utility cut-off and need assistance paying your utility bills, you can apply for assistance from the Community Action Council here.

CAC also provides food assistance to Howard County families in need. You can find more information and fill out an application for food assistance here.
Virtual Assistance Portal
Howard County Government has launched a Virtual Assistance Portal to help connect residents with disaster and emergency resources, including housing assistance, food assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance, and more.

You can visit the portal and learn more about the resources available here.
Unemployment Services
If you or a family member lost a job or experienced reduced income due to COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment insurance from the state of Maryland.

You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits here. You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance here.
Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a group of community organizations focused on collecting and deploying resources during a local disaster.

If you are able to donate, are in need of grocery/medicine delivery, or are in need of resources, please visit COAD's website here to learn more about their services.
District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings
There are currently two pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3.
Name: Whiskey Bottom South - Stream Restoration
Council District: 3
Acres: 9.03
Planned Use: Stream Restoration project
Number of Units: n/a
Zoning: R-A-15
Meeting Date: March 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Meeting Location: Zoom

Name: Glen Oaks Place
Council District: 3
Acres: 2.48
Planned Use: Construct one apartment unit
Number of Units: 1
Zoning: R-SA-8
Meeting Date: March 23, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Meeting Location: Zoom
Want to Get in Touch?
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3

410-313-2001
Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant

410-313-2421
Felix Facchine
District Aide

410-313-3108
Please feel free to contact us by email or phone. Plus, you can stay up-to-date with Christiana by following us on social media, where we post daily updates on events, county news, legislative priorities, and Christiana's activity! Don't miss out on any District 3 news!