The county's Fiscal Year 2023 budget was officially adopted on May 25. While I was grateful for things, including the funding needed to advance Valley Mede flood mitigation and expanded agribusiness investment, I voted against the budget. I believe instead of growing spending by over 8 percent and gifting millions to dozens of well-connected groups, we should have accelerated school projects (such as the new school in Turf Valley), built reserves and returned some of that money back to our taxpayers. I fear the excessive spending in this budget created structural budget obligations that will be difficult to sustain in the future, especially if the economy slows in the next few years.
Over the next several months, the process of creating a new land use General Plan will continue. Please take advantage of the community meetings and other opportunities to provide your input and opinions (see HoCo By Design section below). Our office hopes to file several new bills, advance long-awaited agritourism opportunities and begin the work of our commercial growth work group between now and the fall. Zoning will be quiet as the Council and Zoning Board are not permitted to consider zoning legislation or cases until after the November elections since all five of us are pursuing reelection.
I hope that you will share our newsletter and will encourage others to sign up so they can stay apprised of what is happening around the community and in county government. Be sure to like the District 5 Facebook Page for current news and announcements.
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David Yungmann
Howard County Council, District 5
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Very little new legislation was introduced during the spring budget process, but some new bills have been filed for this month.
The County Council website lists current legislation that has been introduced, as well as any prefiled legislation. Click the link below for more details.
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HoCo By Design Update
As new chapters are released, community meetings and online surveys will be offered to collect opinions and feedback, which is critical during this process. You can register to receive updates as they are released on the HoCo By Design website and choosing the "Register" option in the top right corner.
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Upcoming Pre-submission Meetings
Project: Larsens High Point; 1242 Long Corner Rd., Mt. Airy
Date/Time: July 12 at 6:00 pm
Location: Lisbon Fire Company; 16104 Frederick Rd., Woodbine
Purpose: Landscape Contractors
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Since 2004, Neighbor Ride and its volunteers have been providing the "wheels" that help local seniors remain active, independent, and connected to the community - typically providing more than 17,000 trips annually.
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The organization is experiencing a steep rise in requests from local seniors for rides to medical appointments, shopping, social outings and other activities and is in critical need of additional volunteer drivers. Please consider volunteering to provide a ride or two a month. It's fun, flexible, and so easy to do! Call or email Neighbor Ride to learn more.
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The Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) shapes the growth and future of Howard County by facilitating the development of safe, healthy, equitable, connected, and sustained communities, while respecting individual rights and protecting the County's natural environment, historical integrity and character. The agency's responsibilities include the review of private development projects for compliance with the County’s Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development regulations, enforcement of those regulations, administration of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, and long-range community planning including the General Plan rewrite and comprehensive rezoning.
DPZ staff serve as Executive Secretary to assist several citizen volunteer boards, including the Planning Board, Cemetery Preservation Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Design Advisory Panel. These boards hear certain zoning and development requests and provide recommendations to the Council, Department of Planning and Zoning and the Zoning Board, for their consideration. The Planning Board, a five-member board, serves in an advisory role in major zoning actions such as amendments to both the zoning regulations and zoning maps.
This agency is the place to start when you have questions about new projects or are considering development or a new use on your property. You may call our office for assistance, but the planners on the DPZ staff are often better equipped to get you what you need much more quickly. We often consult with them when working on complex planning issues or questions requiring land records research.
The DPZ Planner of the Day can be reached directly at 410-313-2350.
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The Route 32 project is nearly complete! The two new travel lanes are expected to be completed and open within the next month. |
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The planned replacement of the bridge deck on MD 94 (Woodbine Road) over I-70 in Lisbon is underway. The above link to the project will provide additional details as this project progresses.
For all updates on major state roadways projects, check the Maryland State Highways Administration website. For county projects in District 5, check our website.
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Agriculture Corner
Howard County farms are in prime growing season. Many of our local farms have farm markets at their locations, as well as pick-your-own events for the family. Check out the Farm Connect website for a complete listing of Howard County farms and links to their websites for more information.
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Want to learn more about agriculture in Howard County? Visit the Farm Bureau website for news or to become a member.
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Looking To Get Involved
In Howard County?
Howard County Boards and Commissions play an important role in fostering citizen involvement in our government. Opportunities cover a wide variety of topics ranging from the environment, fire and rescue services and cable, just to name a few.
A listing of the different boards and commissions can be found on the County website. Many of the appointed positions are highly competitive, so getting involved with and attending meetings for those in which you have interest is recommended.
Interested residents should send a resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Board to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kim Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
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Food Truck Tuesdays
Are Back
The food trucks are back in town and ready for another great season. Check their Facebook page for more details and a listing of trucks scheduled for each week.
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Get Your Roving Radish Meal Kits
Meal kits are comprised of locally and regionally grown foods straight from the farm to your table. They are available to anyone who works, plays or lives in Howard County and are offered at a discounted price to those in need. Check out the weekly menus here.
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Looking For Events in Howard County?
Ellicott City is celebrating 250 years. Check out what has been planned.
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