D1 Stands for Choice

After Governor Hogan declined to provide immediate funding to the $3.5 million initiative funded by State legislators to train abortion providers statewide, our office introduced CR102-2022, a resolution calling on the governor to reconsider. Co-sponsored by Vice Chair Christiana Rigby and Councilwoman Deb Jung, this resolution affirms the urgency of getting people trained to give safe assistance to those who need it. We were happy to hear support from the Columbia Democratic Club, Med Students for Choice, and the state affiliate for the American College of Nurses and Midwives at our most recent public hearing.

This resolution is set to come to a vote at our next legislative session on Tuesday, July 5th at 7 PM. You can watch the session live here. If you'd like to write in support of the resolution, you can email CouncilMail@HowardCountyMD.gov.

Mitchell Greens Development Proposal -- Old Columbia Pike

This week, D1 attended a pre-submission community meeting for the Mitchell Greens property at 3956 and 3958 Old Columbia Pike in Ellicott City (the northwest side of Old Columbia Pike opposite Hunt Avenue). The developers proposed six new houses (for eight total houses) going into that area right off of Main St. in old Ellicott City. The developer will need waivers from County agencies to cut down a number of trees and put one more house than what's currently allowed on a private driveway. The developers indicated that they would be submitting a Site Development Plan within the next few weeks so that the Department of Planning & Zoning could start their review of the project.

For more than two years, our office has placed this property on a list of targeted acquisitions for the County to preserve as green space. We've talked to neighbors, consulted with elected officials, and tried to stress the importance of this land remaining preserved for the continued health of the old Ellicott City Watershed.

While fireworks can be fun, dangers still exist. Make sure to follow the above rules when you're around them!