Dear Friends,

A centerpiece of our treasured Old Ellicott City, our historic Circuit Courthouse stands as a pillar of history in Howard County that we must preserve and breathe new life into. This past Thursday, I commemorated the start of renovations at the historic Circuit Courthouse with a celebratory ‘wall-breaking’ ceremony. The former building will be transformed into a new 80,000 square foot Center for Arts, Culture, and History; an arts and cultural hub for all.

Although no longer serving Maryland’s judiciary system, this new visionary community center will allow this historic building to gain new meaning as a mecca of the arts, a cultural hub for Howard County’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community, headquarters to our award-winning Roving Radish program and a community space that supports our budding culinary entrepreneurs. Internal demolition is slated to begin this summer 2024.

To learn more about this project, click HERE.

Talk to Us!

Do you feel like you are well-informed on what's going on in Howard County? Is our messaging reaching you? Howard County is gathering information to improve the County’s community engagement efforts and Howard County residents' well-being and quality of life.

We would love to hear from you. Please take a moment and fill out this brief survey: https://form.jotform.com/240915750703050

Still Fly

Please, join me in congratulating Dr. Chesahna Kindred on the grand opening of Kindred Hair & Skin Spa’s new location in Marriottsville.

This dermatology practice centers for both common and unique hair and skin concerns, including cosmetic, medical, and hair treatments. In addition, Kindred’s Hair & Skin Spa is the first medical assistant apprenticeship in Howard County. Due to this partnership, we were able to grow our apprenticeship program from 215 people in 2018 to 365 people in 2022.



Congratulations, and I wish your ongoing success! Learn more at www.kindredhairandskin.com

Our Diverse Cultures

It was a pleasure to host the third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods.

Howard County is a proud home to so many diverse and dynamic traditions and cultures. This celebration is a glorious glimpse of our rich and vibrant cultural diversity. From the delicious food to the exciting performances, this event could not be possible without the efforts of all the phenomenal partners, vendors. and organizers who helped make this event a success.

A special thank you to Joanna Chen, my Constituent Services Liaison, who worked so hard to help bring everyone together. Throughout May, please join me in celebrating our diverse cultures that make Howard County the best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all.

Thank you, Mom!

There is nothing in the world like the love of a mother, and Mother’s Day is a special time for all of us to celebrate the people who helped shape us into who we are.

We salute mothers in all forms, who epitomize the definition of selflessness! Hope all the mothers felt the love and appreciation yesterday!

Innovation Knows No Bounds!

Get ready to break boundaries and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit at the 2024 Innovation Summit!  

Join Howard County Economic Development Authority's new Executive Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Patty Simonton, as we explore the limitless world of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your potential and be a part of something amazing.

RSVP now to secure your spot at https://tinyurl.com/HoCo-IS-2024

Money In The Bank

Last year, we took the innovative step to create Howard County’s Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for our educators.

The first of its kind in the state of Maryland, this program will help ensure that our educators can work to pay down their student loan debt while they continue to empower our next generation of leaders.

We have committed $1.5 million in County funding to support this important program over five years. TODAY is the last day to apply for the 2024 program. To learn more and apply, please this link.

A Scouts Honor

Congratulations to this year's class of Eagle Scouts and Gold Badge recipients. We recognized for their community service projects and other work that led to them earning their Eagle and Gold Badges. These outstanding young people are already community leaders and they will no doubt have a positive impact on our Country for years to come! This is a remarkable accomplishment that is well-deserved. This honor will remain with them throughout their lives and will always signify to others that they have incredible tenacity and fortitude.

Why Do You Fight?

I had a fantastic time joining our older adults the brand new East Columbia 50+ Center for a session with Rock Steady Boxing. This is an impactful health and wellness program designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Based on a foundation of non-contact boxing, this program is an effective and enjoyable to mitigate many of the symptoms that people with PD typically experience.

As I joined in on a class, it was profound to see this program help participants build balance, strength, and most importantly confidence. It is vital that we make these kinds of resources available to our community, so that we can enable all our residents to grow and thrive. If you are interested in Rock Steady Boxing, I encourage you to reach out to our Office of Aging and Independence today!

Today...Today...TODAY!!

Last year, we took the innovative step to create Howard County’s Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for educators. The first of its kind in the state of Maryland, this program will help ensure that our educators can work to pay down their student loan debt while they continue to empower our next generation of leaders.

As your Howard County Executive, I have committed $1.5 million in County funding to support this important program over five years. Applications for the 2024 program are open through today, May 13, 2024. To learn more and apply, click HERE.

Our Healthcare Heroes

Every year, the Heroes in Health Care Celebration, with John Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, provides a great means to celebrate the amazing contributions of our medical and philanthropy heroes. This year we are reminded of how important it is to continue to support our only community hospital, as it is the backbone of our health care community. A special congratulations to the Lundy family for their commitment to philanthropy, and incredible contributions to our community. Thank you to the nurses, doctors…who are compassionate partners helping to create a healthier community for all.

Pearl Are Always Appropriate

It was an honor to join so many passionate individuals dedicated to advancing education and supporting our young people through the Pearl Foundation scholarship program. The partnership between Howard County and The Pearl Foundation exemplifies what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause. The scholarships awarded will not only help alleviate the financial burdens of higher education but will also empower our students to pursue their dreams and transform their futures.

I am deeply grateful to The Pearl Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Iota Lambda Omega Chapter, for their continued dedication to service and education. Together, we are planting seeds for a brighter tomorrow.

National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month. There are nearly 400,000 young people in foster care nationwide. Foster care can provide children with love, support, and stability during challenging times. I joined Voices for Children’s annual National Foster Care Month event where we highlighted the important role that supportive adults play in the lives of young people. This month, and throughout the year, let us show support for our families in Foster Care who are helping our young people live their best lives. Let us remind our children in foster care that they are seen, loved, and have an important place in our community.

A B C...Easy as 1 2 3

Bryant Woods Montessori has been a part of Howard County since 1969, providing quality education for children from ages 3 to 6 years old. I had the pleasure of joining them for their open house where they showcased their fantastic school to the public. I was met with a diverse, close-knit community that was welcoming and proud to be a part of Howard County. Thank you, Bryant Woods, for all the good work that you have done, and continue to do for all our children and families. Learn more about them at https://bryantwoodsmontessori.com. 

Columbia!!! It's One Heck of a Place

Columbia has been named Maryland’s “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” for 2024 by Livability. Columbia ranked highest for education, health and economy. It is with our investments and the dedication of those who work and live in Howard County, that we are able to reach such heights as a community. Let us continue to strive and set the standard of excellence.

To learn more, check out this recent FOX 5 Washington DC news story.

It’s Okay to Ask!

We know many residents are suffering in silence due to mental health challenges. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are encouraging residents to learn more, raise awareness, and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. The work to battle the stigma continues every day, but it starts with each of us. Recovery is not one and done. It is a lifelong journey that takes place one day, one step at a time. Please, remember that it's okay to ask. 

It's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to ask others who are in need. No one is alone in this fight, and help is available. Learn more about the services available at www.howardcountymd.gov/gethelp.

Celebrating Those Behind the Scenes

As we celebrated Correctional Employees Week this past week, I wanted to again extend a special thanks to the nearly 160 correctional officers and support staff at the Howard County Detention Center. They live up to the highest professional standards each day, as they care for the more than 200 inmates in their supervision. 

Thank you, to all of our correctional employees. Your diligence, dedication, commitment and courage deserve our utmost respect. Your commitment to ensuring that the incarcerated people in their care return to our community better than when they arrived is vital to our community's success and flourishment.

Allow me to reintroduce our Changemakers

Congratulations to 2024 Howard County Changemakers: Eudaimonia Project; Sacral Roots; The Community Ecology Institute and Columbia Community Care; Luminus; Ballet After Dark; and Bright Minds Foundation.

The Changemaker Challenge is a great opportunity for our local innovators, cultivators, and builders turn their dreams into reality. The innovators of today are creating the solutions of tomorrow. This year, I was thrilled to partner with the Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, Community Foundation of Howard County, and the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County to help fund and launch the 2024 Changemaker Challenge in our community. All of our 2024 changemaker finalists ignite the best in us to foster a community where everyone can thrive. Once again, congratulations to our winners and all our finalists for innovating, cultivating, and uplifting us all.

The Heart of Healthcare

Our nurses are the heart and soul of our health care system. They provide care and compassion when we need it most, they put the needs of others ahead of their own, and they work tirelessly so that we can go home healthy to our loved ones. As the proud husband and brother of two incredible nurses, I know firsthand the sacrifices our nurses make to ensure the wellbeing of all our residents. They go above and beyond to ensure the health and care of our individuals, and by doing so, they maintain the health and care of our community. Nurses are vital to our everyday life, and we could not thank them enough for the work they do.

If you did not have a chance this past Nurse Appreciation Week to thank a nurse, I encourage you to thank these selfless heroes who work to keep our community happy and healthy the next time you see one.

Getting Older and Wiser

It’s Older Adults Month, and a perfect time to learn more about helping our older adults grow and thrive. I invite you to join us at our Office of Aging and Independence (OAI) for our next Community Ambassador Session on aging at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive next Wednesday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m. During this session, our cohort will learn about resources and services available to make it possible for our community to age in place.

To register, click HERE. 

Doctor Who?

Establishing a long-term relationship with a Primary Care Provider (PCP) is more than just an annual check-up; it's a vital partnership for your well-being. Your PCP is a central figure in your health care, offering guidance to keep you healthy, providing treatment when you're sick, and connecting you with specialized care as needed. This relationship not only keeps you healthier but also helps in reducing overall medical costs.

Regular visits to your PCP allow for early detection of health issues, personalized health strategies, and a better understanding of your unique medical history. So, make it a point to prioritize these essential healthcare visits. Your health is invaluable, and a PCP is your best ally in protecting it.

For more information on finding a PCP or to learn more about the benefits, please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/health.

Raising Mental Health Awareness

Child Mental Health Awareness Week this past week served as a good reminder that many of our family members, friends and loved one may be suffering in silence due to mental health challenges. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let us learn more, raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. 

This past week, we lit our George Howard Building green to remind our residents and visitors of all ages, who may be suffering in silence that you are not alone. Help is available. If you're struggling, please call 988 to talk to someone today!

Gone, but Never Forgotten 

Howard County remembers our seven fallen heroes who we lost in service. No matter how many years have passed, whether we’re appreciating peace or enmeshed by conflict, we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice performing their professional duties. We remember those we have lost, knowing that their memory will never fade, but remain in the hearts of all of us. Please join me in taking a moment to remember our Fallen Heroes and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to all of our brave officers who have or continue to serve our community, keeping us safe and helping us to feel safe.

Happy Youth Apprenticeship Week!

This past week was a perfect opportunity to bring awareness to life-changing career opportunities for our young people. By doing this we can ensure that we have a talented workforce for years to come. I’m glad that our Office of Workforce Development (OWD) and Howard County Public School System are helping our community achieve this through its Youth Apprenticeship Fair. This was not only the first Youth Apprenticeship Week event of this magnitude to occur in Howard County, this was one of the first in the nation. We hosted more than 300 sophomores who are learning more about possible careers and had a fantastic time. Thank you to our OWD and school system for cultivating our next generation of leaders.

Our Inspirational Educators

In acknowledgement of this past Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to once again express my sincerest gratitude for all the incredible work that our Howard County teachers do to provide our students with the tools they need to build a bigger and brighter future. I am always deeply inspired by the dedication, creativity, and loving strength of our Howard County’s educators. Educators provide our young people with the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the classroom and in life.

Our Howard County educators demonstrate an unwavering commitment and selfless giving of themselves, their resources, and time towards the betterment of others that contributes to a world in which every child can dream big and shoot for the stars. As a parent, former educator, and lifelong learner, I understand firsthand the critical role our teachers play in guiding, supporting, nurturing and protecting our young people. By working together, we can empower all our educators and in turn our students to be the best that they can be.

Best City to Live

Columbia has once again been named the best city to live in Maryland! Located in the heart of Howard County and home to great schools, a thriving arts and cultural scene, a plethora of pristine parks, trails and lakes, and a focus on sustainability, Columbia is a community that blends nature, culture, and innovation. 

As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive community that offers the best life to our residents and all who visit us, it is humbling to see Columbia and Howard County once again recognized for its greatness. I am so proud to be a part of a county that continues to set the highest standards for living not just in our state, but in our country.

Read more at www.howardcountymd.gov/News050624.

A Teen Mental Health Summit

On Saturday, May 18th, St. John Baptist Church is hosting its Teen Mental Health Summit, an enlightening event dedicated to supporting adolescents ages 12 to 18 through the unique challenges of their teenage years. This event is designed to provide teens with the tools and knowledge they need to not just survive, but to thrive! This summit features a lineup of nationally recognized expert speakers who will dive into crucial topics, including unraveling anxiety (learn strategies to manage and reduce anxiety) and performing under pressure (specifically tailored for student athletes, this session will help athletes excel in sports while maintaining mental balance).

The cost is $10 to participate. To register and/or learn more about this event, click HERE.

Let's Get Innovative!

Join creative, inspiring, and empowering industry leaders for our 2024 Howard County Innovation Summit! This exciting summit will include educational sessions, creative discourse, and networking opportunities for all. I encourage you join us as we innovate, envision, and transform on Tuesday, June 4th at 8:00 a.m. Together we will ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and drive transformation.

Join My Team!

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

• Community Outreach & Teen Program Supervisor-(Recreation Services Coordinator II)-Recreation & Parks - Provides coordination and supervision of afterschool programs, community outreach and summer camps. Operates within the Recreation & Parks program fund and a teamwork environment. Provide senior administrative support to the Recreation Services Manager for Community Outreach and Teen Programs section. Develops and supports partnerships serving at-risk youth. 
• Capital Projects & Construction Regulation Inspector II - Recreation & Parks, Capital Projects - Performs advanced technical level inspections and regulations work pertaining to roadway renovations and repairs as well as Capital Project improvements. Performs periodic and/or continuous field inspections to ensure compliance with specifications, plans, codes, design manual standards/details and safety practices.
• HCPD Crime Analyst Supervisor - (Administrative Analyst II) - Police, Professional Standards Bureau - An HCPD Crime Analyst is crossed trained to support Patrol, Investigations, Traffic and Statistical Analysis.
• Facility Assistant- Community Resources and Services, Aging - Oversees all functions of the reception desk operations and provides principal administrative support for a 50+ Center. Supports overall operations of the 50+ Center with member support, food service and facility maintenance. Serves as a team member for all aspects of the Center.
• Health Benefits Program Manager (Assistant HR Administrator), Office of Human Resources – Position leads and directs the daily management and administration of the benefits program to include health insurance plans for active employees and retirees, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, leave of absence management, and other ancillary benefit programs.  
• Engineering Manager I (Deputy Bureau Chief of Utilities) - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities – Manages the technical/engineering aspects of the Bureau of Utilities, as well as the support functions to include operational budgeting and accounting for the Utility Fund and purchasing for the Bureau.
• Regulation Support Technician I - Public Works/Utilities, Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant – assist in the daily operation of the Howard County Industrial Pretreatment Program.
• Senior Attorney - Employment Law and Litigation, Office of Law – Work involves handling a wide variety of complex legal issues for County Government involving labor, employment, personnel, and other matters, including representing the County in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, and advising agency administrators and legislative policymakers, decisionmakers and decision-making bodies.
• Preschool Camp Directors & Assistant Directors - Department of Recreation & Parks – Recreation & Parks is seeking active, engaging and responsible staff for preschool summer camps. Responsibilities will include supervising children and planning curriculum as well as the daily operations and administrative responsibilities of the camps.
• CAD Administrator (Technical Services Support Specialist II) – Police Department, Communications Division – Provides information technology management services for Howard County Police Department, and more.
• Therapeutic Recreation Aquatics Operator - Department of Recreation & Parks – Oversees all aspects of the swimming lesson, open swim and Water Exercise and aquatic program at the Cedar Lane Therapy Pool.
• Career Coach - Office of Workforce Development – Coordinates career exploration resources, identifies and collaborates with partners to develop career exploration activities and administers these activities in the middle and high schools. 

I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.

On this Month’s HoCo Community Chat Podcast

Our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) Director Jackie Scott will highlight Older Americans Month and National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day this month during her HoCo Community Chat Podcast.

In her first segment, Jackie focuses on Older Americans Month and this year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” and how DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is connecting our older adults through its Virtual 50+ Employment Expo on May 30th. Jackie is joined by Expo Partner Consultant Ann Happ, the Jewish Council on Aging and OAI’s Administrator Ofelia Ross Ott for the segment.

In her second segment, Jackie is joined by Nicole’s Fun and Learning Family Child Care owner Nicole Smith and DCRS Office of Children and Families (OCF) early childhood program specialist Marissa Hill to discuss National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day on May 10th. Together, the women discuss the importance of licensed childcare providers and how they strengthen our families. 

For DCRS’s latest podcast, be sure to stay tuned on BuzzSprout or check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts. If there is something specific you want to hear discussed, email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov.

A Child’s Mental Health Matters

Join me and DCRS’s OCF this Mental Health Awareness Month as we support the Mental Health Association of Maryland’s 2024 Children’s Mental Health Matters campaign. So far this month, we’ve lit our George Howard Building green, as well as DCRS’s lobby, to highlight the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and the positive supports essential to a child’s healthy development.

You can also learn more about local mental health resources in our area, as well as upcoming workshops, in this months’ OCF Parent Pages issue. In fact, this Thursday, May 16th, OCF is hosting a “Strengthen your Child’s Coping Skills” workshop from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. During this FREE virtual workshop, participants will learn how to help their child(ren) handle large and small life transitions, cope with overwhelming and uncomfortable emotions, and address worries, disappointment, criticism and sadness. To register for this workshop, click HERE.

In addition, next Monday, May 20th, OCF will host a “Eat, Learn, Grow For Families –Social Emotional” workshop from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., during which participants will learn more about and explore a child’s social, emotional development. The workshop will focus on the milestones and skills children, age birth to five, need to manage their emotions and build relationships with others. To register for this FREE virtual workshop, click HERE.

Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

If you are an older adult looking for employment opportunities, DCRS’ FREE virtual 50+ Employment Expo is here to help. Sponsored by OAI and held in partnership with the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington, D.C., this event will take place Thursday, May 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will provide attendees with the opportunity to:

• Network with other jobseekers via Zoom chat;
• Attend two virtual workshops relevant to your job search;
• Listen to area employers talk about their organization and openings; and
• Ask potential employers questions and get answers in chat.

Job seekers, to register to participate, click HERE today. To learn more about what other events OAI has scheduled this month in honor of Older Americans Month, click HERE.

If you are a potential employer interested in participating in our 50+ Employment Expo and have at least three job openings you are looking to fill with the right candidates, click HERE to register. 

Discover Howard County's NEW Age-Friendly Fitness Lot

On June 5th, I invite you to join me and staff from DCRS’s OAI, Age-Friendly Howard County and our Department of Recreation & Parks at 11:00 a.m., for a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening Howard County's first Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot at Centennial Park North. Featuring 10 pieces of cardio and strength training equipment, this fitness lot will enable up to 20 people age 13+ to connect with others and improve their health, while enjoying one of our ADA-accessible parks. To register to attend, click HERE. 

This new outdoor fitness lot is just another important step we are taking toward creating a healthy Howard County for all ages and abilities.

Department of County Administration

Howard County is Redesigning its Flag!

Do you have a great design idea for a new Howard County flag? If yes, click HERE to learn how you can submit up to three original designs to be considered for Howard County's new official flag. For questions, email flag@howardcountymd.gov.

The deadline to submit your design(s) is Sunday, June 30th. 

Office of Emergency Management

WATCH vs. WARNING, Knowing the Difference

With the start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season less than a month away, our Office of Emergency Management is offering up this quick little reminder on how to remember the difference between a WATCH and WARNING. 

Think of it like baking a cake. A Cake WATCH means you have all the ingredients to bake a cake, but you haven’t start making the cake yet. Whereas a Cake WARNING means the all the ingredients have made the cake. 

You can also learn more about the different weather watches and warnings by visiting the U.S. National Weather Service's website.

Department of Finance

Aging in Place Tax Credit

Aging in Place tax credit applications are now open! To be eligible for this tax credit, applicants must at least 65 years old and at least 30 years, as of June 30th preceding the tax year, residing in a dwelling with an assessed property value up to $650,000.

The number of years qualifying individuals may receive the credit is eight years. The credit will automatically renew unless the homeowner is no longer eligible. The deadline to apply will be June 30, 2024.

Learn more about our tax credits at www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits. 

Senior Tax Credit

The Senior Tax Credit, a credit of 25% of the county property tax, is available to residents aged 65 and older with a combined household income of $102,200 or less and net assets under $500,000, not including the value of their home. 

Applicants with income less than $60,000 are required to apply for the State of Maryland Homeowner Property Tax Credit.

Trash, Bay, Watershed Protection Fee Hardship Tax Credit

Homeowners with limited income may qualify for a 60 percent credit against the Trash Fee and Watershed Protection Fee and an exemption from the State Bay Fee.

A family of four may qualify with income up to $78,000 for tax year 2024. Renters may also qualify for an exemption from the State Bay Fee.

The deadline to apply for this tax credit is June 30, 2024. Seniors who receive the Senior tax credit will receive the hardship credit.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Applications Now Being Accepted for Trainee Class 39

Want to become a firefighter or know someone who does? Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is currently accepting applications for its Trainee Class 39. The job application can be found on the County's Careers website and will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. this Friday, May 17th. 

To learn more about DFRS's recruitment/application process and employment qualifications, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/fire-and-rescue-services/recruitment.

Health Department

Answer the Howard Health Survey Call

Every two years, Howard County Health Department (HCHD) and partners from the Horizon Foundation, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and the Columbia Association, conduct a health assessment survey to better understand the health needs of Howard County residents. This confidential and brief survey, conducted by an independent research firm, helps identify critical health issues to help improve the health of the county. If you see 443-853-9600 or Howard Health Survey on your caller ID now through June, please answer the call!

In the meantime, to view previous Health Survey reports, visit HCHD’s "Reports & Data" website. 

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Hate Has No Place: Reporting Hate Crimes and Hate Bias Incidents

I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) this Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 p.m. at DCRS’s East Columbia 50+ Center, for a public forum on hate crimes and hate bias incidents (HBIs). Featuring a panel of subject matter experts, this event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about reporting hate crimes and HBIs, as well as learn how these reports are investigated by law enforcement.

To be a part of this important event, click HERE to register. For questions and/or more information about this event, please email ohre@howardcountymd.gov. 

Department of Planning and Zoning

Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board

Tomorrow, May 14th, the Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board will hold a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 10:00 a.m. For meeting details, click HERE.

Planning Board Meeting

DPZ’s Planning Board, will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, May 16th to hear the following agenda item:

• ZRA 208 – Demirel Plaza, LLC – An amendment to the Office Transition (OT) zoning district (Section 117.3.C) to permit commercial schools as a matter of right.

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (May 15, 2024) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

A five-member board made up of Howard County residents, 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 certain 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.

EV Charger Checklist

To assist electric vehicle owners with the install of an vehicle charger in a dedicated homeowners association parking spot, DPZ has put together this checklist, outlining the items you’ll need to submit your EV charger approval submission.  

For questions and/or more information, contact DPZ’s Development Engineering Division via email at ded@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Highways

Caution, WET PAINT! 

Every spring and summer, as weather permits, the County's Department of Public Works (DPW) refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.

As DPW gets ready to launch its 2023 painting season this month, the department is reminding motorists to show caution and patience when they come upon a paint truck convoy driving slowly in the roadway. To avoid wet paint:

• NEVER pass the paint truck or trail vehicle;
• NEVER change lanes behind the striping truck or trail vehicles;
• DO NOT swerve back and forth to see around the paint truck or trail vehicle; and 
• If parked, wait five minutes before driving on the painted areas.

If you have questions and/or for more information, please contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Utilities

Residential Water Meter’s Replacement Program

With 16,000 meters left to be replaced, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities continues its residential water meter replacement program as existing water meters in the system approach the end of their useful life. It is vital these meters replaced to ensure accurate and timely water usage data. .

To complete the water meter replacement program quickly and efficiently, the County has contracted with Vanguard Utility Service. Residents will receive notification in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood with instructions on how to schedule an appointment. 

To learn more, click HERE. For questions or concerns, contact the Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900.

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

• Edgar Road Water Pumping Station Improvements (Capital Project S-6600) – Phase I of a Howard County project to make electrical and communication improvements to the Water Pumping Station at 4901 Edgar Road. The upgrades will improve redundancy and better usage of pumping station’s power feeders, as well as add new and modernize existing communication capabilities with the operations center at the County’s Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plan. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic in the area and weather permitting, to be completed by late June.

Woodbine

• Scottswood Court Pond Repair (Capital Project D-1177) – Project to repair an existing stormwater management pond located at 15036 Scottswood Court. The pond's existing infrastructure will be replaced, its water level lowered by approximately one foot and its embankment raised by roughly one foot. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic in the area and weather permitting, to be completed by late January 2025.

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.

Maryland State Highway Administration

Southbound I-95 Bridge Maintenance Project

As a reminder, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun work to clean and paint the bridge on Guilford Road over southbound I-95 in Columbia. Crews will work overnight hours Sunday through Thursday and while the work is being accomplished, a protective shielding will be in place underneath the bridge that will lower the clearance on southbound I-95 from 16 feet to 14 feet, six inches. There will also be occasional single-lane and shoulder closures and the State's Maryland SafeZones Automated Speed Enforcement system will be utilized to enforce the speed limit of 65 miles per hour. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be complete in June.  

To learn more about this project, click HERE. For questions, contact SHA.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Wine in the Woods this Weekend

This weekend, May 18th and 19th, is our Department of for Recreation & Parks’ 2024 Wine in the Woods. Returning to Symphony Woods in Columbia and celebrating its 30th year, I invite you to come enjoy the charm and character of this annual wine festival that has aged to perfection. To purchase your tickets and for a complete list of musical performers, food truck vendors and artisans/crafters booked for this two-day festival, visit www.wineinthewoods.com. 

PLEASE REMEMBER, our Department of Recreation & Parks is the ONLY one selling tickets. Please DO NOT be scammed by fake third-party vendors claiming to sell tickets. 

Sensory-Friendly Sunday at Robinson 

Families with kids, teens and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities, I invite you to explore Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center this Sunday, May 19th, from 10:30 a.m. to noon (before it opens to the public), during its pollinator-themed Sensory-Friendly Sunday. Come enjoy self-paced activities including sensory bins, scavenger hunts, crafts, games, a planetarium film and more. 

General admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children; children under 3 years and Robinson Nature Center members are free. To learn more about this month’s Sensory-Friendly Sunday and/or to register (pre-registration is encouraged), click HERE.  

HoCo HaHa’s Circus/Magic Variety Show

Get ready to be amazed and entertained at Recreation & Parks’ new circus and magic variety show featuring a variety of artists (jugglers, magicians, and circus performers) and clean, family entertainment! Be sure to purchase your tickets today so you don’t miss out on this magical, circus-tacular event next Saturday, May 25th at 7:00 p.m. at its Harriet Tubman Cultural Center.

Department of Technology and Communication Services

We Want to Hear from You

As we continue to work towards ensuring our website, www.howardcountymd.gov, is easy to navigate and user-friendly, we'd love to hear from you on what upgrades you think need to be made to improve our site. To share your thoughts, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/survey. We thank you in advance for your feedback.

Office of Transportation

May is Bike Month

May is Bike Month and this week, our Office of Transportation is again joining the Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s region-wide Bike to Work Central Maryland Week celebration (May 13th to May 19th), by hosting an in-person Bike FROM Work Day event this Friday, May 17th. The party runs from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Color Burst Park, features shirts, swag, prizes and more and celebrates cycling as a healthy, green and FUN commute mode. To register for this year’s Bike FROM Work Day event, click HERE.

Of course, participants can ride any time during the week to anywhere and pick up their event shirt at any participating bike shop or at our pit stop (the registration location for the pitstop is 6000 Merriweather Drive in Columbia) on the 17th.