October, 2024 Edition

Dear District 5 Residents,

Welcome to our latest District 5 Download. Our newsletter features information on legislation impacting our county, upcoming Council meetings, local development projects and your local government.

This edition also highlights Question A that you will find on your ballot. The County Council is creating an Inspector General function to provide independent oversight, investigate allegations of fraud and abuse, and improve government accountability. Approval of Question A will allow us to maximize the IG’s independence through the creation a citizens’ oversight board rather than having the IG report directly to the County Council or County Executive. I fully support this amendment to our county’s charter and believe the ability to have the IG’s office separate from the branches of county government will create the highest level of independence possible. Please email or call my office if you have any questions about Question A as you consider your vote.

Please share our newsletter and encourage others to sign up so they can stay informed of what is happening around the community and in county government. Be sure to like the District Five Facebook Page to keep current on news and announcements.

District 5 Pre-submission Meetings

Woodbine Overlook

Project: 16 Residential Commercial Units, two 8-unit buildings with residential above commercial

Meeting Date: October 18, 2024, 6:00 pm

Meeting Location: Gary Arthur Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Glenwood

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Selby Property Subdivision

Project: Residential Subdivision

Meeting Date: October 21, 2024, 6:00 pm

Meeting Location: Glenwood United Methodist Church, 13900 Burntwoods Road, Glenelg

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Siperko/Troxel Property

Project: Outdoor Athletic Use - Go Kart Track

Meeting Date:  October 24, 2024; 6:00 pm

Meeting Location: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 12700 Hall Shop Road, Highland

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Price Conditional Use

Project: Landscape and Refuse Business

Meeitng Date: October 26, 2024; 12:00 pm

Meeting Location: Glenwood Library - Pindell Room, 2350 MD 97, Glenwood

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Clarksville Commons

Project: Mixed Use, 36,825 square foot commercial space and 72 residential attached units

Meeting Date: November 12, 2024, 6:00 pm

Meeting Location: Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville

There may be additional meetings scheduled that are not included on this list. We recommend that you sign up to receive notifications directly of pre-submission meetings in your area or county wide using DPZ Notify. Following any pre-submission meeting (or for general interest in other projects), we also recommend that you visit DPZ’s Development Plans Search regularly and check the “Upcoming Meetings” tab.

Question A is an amendment to the Howard County Charter that authorizes the County Council to create an Inspector General separate from the operational control of both the Executive and Legislative branches of County Government. If Question A is approved by the voters, the next step will be crafting the full framework of the office including qualifications, authority, budget control, hiring/removal and other aspects of the office. The County Council hopes to have this legislation filed within the next several weeks, after which it will go through the normal legislative process including a public hearing.

I believe the IG position and the independent structure made possible through Question A will be positive for our county. The government grows more complex every day, and many processes/policies have been around for decades. Compliance can be inconsistent because over time people gradually start doing it their own way or just stop paying attention. There are also lots of long-time entrenched relationships that can impact how government operates. These factors impact everything from the policies that affect our lives here in Howard County to the way the government spends our tax dollars. Having this independent IG in place will lead to a more accountable government and better-informed public.

Please call my office with any questions or concerns that you may have as you consider your vote on Question A.

As the sole authority for reviewing sediment and erosion control plans and small pond designs for all developments in the area, HSCD plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable land use. The team's specialists and engineers actively collaborate with Howard County’s weekly Subdivision Review Committee alongside various state and county agencies, ensuring that conservation is at the forefront of development planning.

HSCD also provides personalized support to homeowners, community associations, and county departments facing natural resource challenges. With access to a network of state and federal expertise, HSCD is uniquely positioned to address diverse environmental issues.

Additionally, this team proudly sponsors the Howard County Envirothon, a nationally recognized competition that engages students in teamwork and problem-solving around environmental issues. This event inspires our youth to explore their surroundings and understand their impact on the environment, while fostering a community of environmental stewards committed to sustainable practices.

The Community Ecology Institute (CEI) got its start when Executive Director, Chiara D'Amore, purchased a 6.4-acre organic farm in her hometown of Columbia, Maryland. The group has protected the property from housing development and has restored the farm using regenerative agriculture practices. It has become a hub for intergenerational education through the many programs offered by CEI to allow for hands-on experiences that connect people to nature.

Following the success at Freetown Farm, and with the support of the State of Maryland and Howard County, CEI purchased the Green Farmacy Garden in Fulton, Maryland in December 2022. This is a unique teaching garden based on the work Dr. James A. Duke, a world-renowned ethnobotanist and author of bestselling book, The Green Pharmacy. He curated more than 300 plant species traditionally used and/or researched for their medicinal properties which are maintained and organized in four terraced garden beds at this location.

CEI is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and fostering community engagement through innovative, nature-based education at both of these locations in Howard County. Through carefully designed hands-on programs and collaborative initiatives, CEI creates vibrant spaces where diverse voices come together to learn, grow, and thrive.

Visit CEI's website to learn more about the various programs offered at its farms. You can also learn more about CEI’s upcoming fundraiser on October 17 at this link on their website. 

Witnessing Traffic Issues?

The Traffic Enforcement Section of HCPD has an online reporting for traffic complaints?

This tool is for non-emergency issues, complaints and/or requests for new or increased traffic enforcement.

We have received numerous complaints about the new light on eastbound 97 to turn on to Route 70. HCPD has requested that all complaints be logged at this portal so that requests for enforcement can be tracked and prioritized.

No account is necessary to complete the submission online.  

The one-day training teaches hands-on techniques to help maintain control on the road. The cost for the session is $95 and scholarships are available. Register online here.

Road Enhancement Update

For all updates on major state roadways projects, check the Maryland State Highways Administration website. For county projects in District 5, check our website.

It's fall festival time at our farms. Be sure to check out the links on the Visit Howard County website to find out where to plan your next family adventure! You can also click the image below to flip through the virtual version of the most recent edition of Farm & Flavor.

Want to learn more about agriculture in Howard County? Visit the Farm Bureau website for news or to become a member.

Want To Be More 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.

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: Paul Thompson, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

The Visit Howard County Tourism website is a resource for more ideas around the county!