Greetings!
Welcome to our March 2022 Newsletter!
In March, we celebrate Women's History Month. Women's History Month is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the achievements of women leaders in Howard County and across the world.
This month, the Columbia Art Center is showcasing the talents and art of Maryland artists in honor of National Women’s History Month. I encourage you to stop by the gallery to enjoy the exhibit now through March 27th. You can learn more here.
As we enter 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 March!
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
she/her/hers
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information |
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Vaccine Update
Howard County residents have continued to get 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 66% 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 been vaccinated yet, there are many opportunities to get your shot! The Howard County 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 here.
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 for COVID-19, please visit this website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations. As demand for testing has increased, the Howard County Health Department has been working to expand opportunities to get tested in Howard County. You can also request free tests be mailed to you from the federal government by visiting this website.
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February Legislative Wrap-Up |
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On March 7th, the County Council convened for our March Legislative Session. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:
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CB14-2022: AN ACT to add requirements to a forest conservation plan; and generally relating to forest conservation in the County. This legislation was passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.
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CB15-2022: AN ACT altering the appointment process for members of the Planning Board; altering the qualifications of the members of the Planning Board; and generally relating to planning and zoning. This legislation was passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Liz Walsh and David Yungmann.
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SAO3-FY2022: AN ACT transferring $6,560,000 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve to the Department of Housing and Community Development in order to move priority affordable housing communities forward and to further affordable housing initiatives. This legislation was tabled in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
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CB7-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to require that Moderate Income Housing Units (MIHUs) be developed in the Planned Golf Course Community (PGCC) zoning district; and generally relating to Moderate Income Housing Units. This legislation was amended and re-tabled pending an additional public hearing in the month of March. Introduced by Liz Walsh.
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CR16-2022: A RESOLUTION pursuant to Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code declaring that a portion of land containing a total of 1,669 square feet or 0.0383 acres owned by Howard County, Maryland located on Main Street in Ellicott City is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to convey, upon certain consideration, fee simple title to 8308 Main Street, LLC while retaining easement interests; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code; and providing that the County Executive is not bound to convey the Property if he finds that the County may have a use for the property. This legislation was passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
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CR140-2021, CR141-2021, CR142-2021, CR143-2021: Resolutions approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement for four solar power farms in Howard County. These resolutions were passed in 4-1 votes. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
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On March 7th, the County Council convened for our March Legislative Session. Several new pieces of legislation and resolutions were introduced, including the following:
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CB16-2022: AN ACT establishing an Opioid Abatement Special Revenue Fund as a special, nonlapsing revenue fund, also known as a Local Abatement Fund, as provided in the State-Subdivision Agreement between the State of Maryland and Local Governments on Proceeds relating to the Settlement of Opioids Litigation; specifying the purposes, permitted uses, and nature of the fund; and generally related to finance, taxation, and budget. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
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CB19-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Code to require that certain notice be given when residential infill construction occurs; and generally relating to notice of residential construction. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.
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CR29-2022: A RESOLUTION approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Maryland and Patuxent LLC for property located at 6441 Freetown Road, 6333 Cedar Lane, and 6367 Cedar Lane in Columbia, Maryland, for purposes of Section 16.1103(e) of the Howard County Code. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
Tabled Legislation
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CB7-2022 and CB8-2022: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to require that Moderate Income Housing Units (MIHUs) be developed in the Planned Golf Course Community (PGCC) zoning district; and generally relating to Moderate Income Housing Units. Introduced by Liz Walsh.
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CB9-2022: AN ACT to alter a duty of the Department of Planning and Zoning related to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance; requiring certain developers to meet with the School System about school capacity solutions; and generally relating to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Introduced by Deb Jung.
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SAO3-FY2022: AN ACT transferring $6,560,000 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve to the Department of Housing and Community Development in order to move priority affordable housing communities forward and to further affordable housing initiatives. This legislation was tabled in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
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Community News, Events, and Updates |
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Residential Construction Notice |
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This month, I’ve introduced CB19-2022, legislation intended to improve the residential construction process in Howard County.
Over the past year, my office has heard from numerous residents about instances where home construction has occurred on lots that had previously been subdivided but not built on. Those lots had often been empty for years and when construction finally began, residents were caught off guard, resulting in frustration both from residents and builders.
This bill aims to improve this process by requiring builders of infill residential development up to 10 units to provide notice to neighboring residents explaining when construction is happening and who they may contact with questions or concerns. I hope that this measure will improve the process by enhancing communication between both parties as construction occurs.
The County Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 21st at 7:00pm. If you would like to register to submit verbal testimony on this bill, you may do so here. If you prefer to submit written testimony on a bill or resolution, you may do so by sending your comments to the Council via email at CouncilMail@howardcountymd.gov.
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HoCo By Design: Dynamic Neighborhoods |
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As part of Howard County's ongoing General Plan process, the HoCo By Design project team will release draft planning theme chapters for community review and feedback throughout the year.
The policies presented in each chapter are draft statements based on data, best practices, and community feedback received to date. Community feedback will be used to further refine the draft policies.
The first planning theme chapter is Dynamic Neighborhoods: Maintaining and Supporting Vibrant Living for a More Equitable Future. This chapter contains draft housing policies to address the needs of current and future residents and create more equitable neighborhoods for all.
If you would like to attend an in-person, hybrid, or virtual public meeting to learn more about this chapter of HoCo By Design, please visit this website to register! You can read the chapter here.
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HCPSS Simulated Congressional Hearing:
Call for Volunteers!
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The Simulated Congressional Hearing (SCH) is the culminating activity for fifth grade social studies in the Howard County Public School System. Throughout the year, students study four units of instruction: The American Revolution, Building a New Nation, Challenges of a New Nation and We the People.
The SCH is an authentic, performance-based assessment where students demonstrate their understanding of the founding of U.S. Constitution and the impact of its creation. You can learn more about Howard County's SCH program here.
Each year, community members may volunteer to serve as judges in Howard County's 5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearings. I will be volunteering at several District 3 schools this year, and I invite you to join me! You can sign up to serve as a SCH judge here.
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GreenFest is Howard County's largest celebration of Earth Day. The event aims to connect residents with the resources that local businesses, non-profits and government provide to help anyone be a good steward to the environment.
This year's GreenFest will be held on Saturday, April 9th from 10am to 3pm at Howard Community College! Please stop by to learn more about our community's environmental efforts and organizations. Learn more here!
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High School #13 Redistricting Process |
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Construction of High School #13 is well-underway, and Howard County's newest high school is expected to welcome its first students in the Fall of 2023!
With High School #13 coming online soon, the Board of Education directed HCPSS staff to initiate the boundary review process outlined in Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas. This review will include boundary modifications to establish an attendance area for New High School #13 and make related adjustments. You can find more details and information about this process here.
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Snowden River Parkway Update |
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Last week, Howard County announced that construction will begin to install sidewalk along one side of Snowden River Parkway. As part of this project, a crosswalk and pedestrian signal will be installed at the Snowden River Pkwy and Berger Road intersection. This improvement will also provide better access to the bus stop on Snowden and a safe connection to Lincoln Tech.
Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by early May 2022. You can learn more about the project here. If you would like to review detailed plans for this improvement, please send me an email at crigby@howardcountymd.gov!
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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 www.CAC-HC.org 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 www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440.
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Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention |
Howard County Government is offering Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants to Howard County residents who need assistance paying their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19.
Residents may apply for rental and mortgage assistance from:
Maximum housing assistance per household is up to 15 months of past due rent and utility bills and up to 12 months of mortgage assistance. Residents that previously received housing assistance ARE eligible to apply for additional assistance. You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.
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Howard County Government has dedicated additional funding to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) for energy/utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are in imminent danger of utility cut-off and need assistance paying your utility bills, you can apply for assistance from the Community Action Council by visiting here or by calling 410-313-6440.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit |
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The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.
Households can apply in three ways:
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Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
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Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
- Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
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Virtual Assistance Portal |
Howard County Government has launched a Virtual Assistance Portal to help connect residents with disaster and emergency resources, including housing assistance, food assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance, and more.
You can visit the portal and learn more about the resources available here.
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You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits from the State of Maryland here.
You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance from Howard County's Office of Workforce Development here.
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Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a group of community organizations focused on collecting and deploying resources during a local disaster.
If you are able to donate, are in need of grocery/medicine delivery, or are in need of resources, please visit COAD's website here to learn more about their services.
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District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings |
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There are currently no community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3. |
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
crigby@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2001
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Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant
cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2421
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Felix Facchine
District Aide
ffacchine@howardcountymd.gov
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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