Greetings!
Welcome to our May 2022 Newsletter!
The Council is currently in the midst of deliberating on our FY23 Capital and Operating Budget for Howard County. These budgets, which total over $2 billion, make important investments in our public school system, public safety, infrastructure, housing, and more. You can learn more about the budget process by visiting our website.
As we continue through the Spring season, 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, happy, and healthy May!
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
she/her/hers
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April Legislative Wrap-Up |
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On May 4th, the County Council convened for our May Legislative Session. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:
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CB26-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Code to include building development or other development in the process for reserving land for public facilities; and generally relating to reserving land for public facilities. This legislation was passed unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Liz Walsh.
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CB27-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to permit Age-Restricted Adult Housing conditional uses in the B-1 (Business: Local) District in certain circumstances; and generally relating to Age-Restricted Adult Housings. This legislation was passed in a 3-2 vote. Introduced by David Yungmann.
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SAO4-FY2022: AN ACT transferring $700,000 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve to the Department of Public Works for unanticipated expenses related to snow removal. This legislation was passed unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
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On May 4th, the County Council convened for our May Legislative Session. Several new pieces of legislation and resolutions were introduced, including the following:
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CR45-2022 through CR51-2022: These seven resolutions are appointing nominees to Howard County's new Police Accountability Board. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
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Budget Legislation: This month, the County Council will be considering and voting on budget legislation. There are several pieces of budget legislation that are voted on to approve the budget for Fiscal Year 2023. You can read more about the budget legislation on our website. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
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Community News, Events, and Updates |
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Savage Mill Trail Cleanup |
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Thank you to the dozens of volunteers who joined us last month for our Environmental Cleanup of the Savage Mill Trail! Our teams worked on both sides of the Little Patuxent River to clean up and collect over 10 full bags of trash from the trail, riverbed, and surrounding areas.
It was such a joy to co-host this cleanup with Upcycled. Want to participate in future cleanups? You can learn more and sign up on Upcycled's website.
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On April 30th, I joined some of our hard-working DPW and County Government staff to volunteer with Rebuilding Together Howard County and make free home repairs for a family in Jessup.
Rebuilding Together Howard County has been making free home repairs for low-income families in our community since 1992. Their efforts help to ease the stress of costly home repairs that many families experience. On National Rebuilding Day, 14 volunteer teams worked across Howard County to make home repairs for families in need.
I was so happy to participate in Rebuilding Day, and I encourage you to get involved with your time and talents! You can sign up to volunteer by visiting Rebuilding Together's website.
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Asian American and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month
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In May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month-long celebration recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. I was so glad to join community members and leaders to kick off the celebration at Merriweather Park on May 1st. You can learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, as well as find documentaries and programs, on PBS's website.
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, it is also important to reflect on the long history of discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. As a community, we must remain committed to righting these wrongs and building a more inclusive future for all our neighbors.
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Cradlerock Elementary STEM Center |
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Earlier this month, Cradlerock Elementary School celebrated the ribbon-cutting of their new Cal Ripken Foundation STEM Center!
This Center is the first Ripken STEM Education Center in Howard County, and it will offer students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with STEM curriculum, materials, and state-of-the-art resources.
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The FY23 Capital Budget includes a historic investment in our Recreation and Parks budget, including some important projects in District 3! This year, our State and County leaders are allocating over $25 million in parks funding in Howard County.
This funding includes $2.25 million in funding for Savage Park to make trail repairs and construct a pedestrian bridge to connect the Wincopin Trail and the Savage Mill Trail. This funding also includes $2 million in funding for the North Laurel Community Center to be used toward the construction of the NLCC pool. You can read more about the parks investments in the FY23 budget in this press release.
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Howard County Seeks Members
for Multimodal Transportation Board
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Howard County is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the Multimodal Transportation Board!
The Board advises the County Executive and County Administration on transportation matters, particularly involving the County’s local bus system contractor, bicycle and pedestrian issues, and Complete Streets policies.
For details on how to apply, visit this website. The DEADLINE to apply is Friday, May 13th.
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May is Bike Month in Maryland, and there are several community events coming up to celebrate and encourage bicycling in our community!
First, you can join the Howard County Office of Transportation for the third annual BikeAround Downtown event on May 14th. You can ride a course, attend the Block Party, learn about the benefits of biking, and more!
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The following week, join your neighbors for Bike to Work Week in Maryland from Monday, May 16th through Sunday, May 23rd. Howard County’s in-person Bike to Work Week event is on Friday, May 20th from 4pm - 6:30pm at Color Burst Park in Downtown Columbia.
Participating riders qualify for free t-shirts (limited to the first 1,500 riders), giveaways, and prizes, all while discovering the advantages of a cleaner, healthier and fun commuting option. You can learn more and register on Bike to Work Maryland's website.
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Shop for the foods you want at the Howard County Food Bank. All shopping trips are family-choice.
Fresh items such as milk, eggs, hygiene products, meats, produce are all on hand each time. Families who may qualify should visit the CAC website or call 410-313-6440 for more details.
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Head Start and Pre-K Opportunities
from Community Action Council
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Community Action Council (CAC) offers FREE Head Start and Pre-K programming to eligible 3- to 5-year-old children. Programs provide family engagement services, speech & language therapy, mental health consulting, hearing & vision screening, and nutritional counseling.
CAC operates four sites across Howard County. Learn more at the CAC website or call 410-313-6440.
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Vaccine Update
Howard County residents have received their COVID-19 vaccinations in record numbers. While nearly all residents have received a first and second dose of the vaccine, many eligible residents have not yet received their booster shot. The most recent data available indicates that 67% of individuals over the age of 12 have received their vaccine booster shot.
The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot are highly recommended as a proven method to counter the spread of the virus and provide protection against serious illness and death.
If you haven't received your vaccine or booster shot yet, there are many opportunities to get immunized! The Health Department is offering vaccine clinics at locations across the County, including appointments for anyone age 5 and older. You can find a full list of vaccine appointments on the Health Department's website.
COVID-19 Testing
The Howard County Health Department and our private partners are continuing to offer COVID-19 tests across Howard County on a regular basis. If you would like to get tested, please visit the Health Department's website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations. You can also request free rapid tests be mailed to you from the federal government.
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District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings |
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There are currently 2 community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3. |
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Name: Corridor Road Apartments
Address: 8911 Corridor Road, Savage, MD 20763
Meeting Date: May 19 at 6:00 PM
Meeting Location: Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel, MD 20723
Zoning: TOD
Acres: 3.92
Units: 80
Planned Use: Apartment Building
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Name: Baltimore Ave
Address: 9726 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20723
Meeting Date: May 23 at 6:00 PM
Meeting Location: North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 21072
Zoning: R-SC
Acres: 6.2172
Units: 4
Planned Use: Residential - Single Family Detached
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
410-313-2001
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Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant
410-313-2421
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Felix Facchine
District Aide
410-313-3108
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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 regular updates on county news, legislative priorities, and community initiatives! |
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