Reminder: There will be NO curbside collection on Monday, September 2nd. Curbside collections for recycling and trash will slide and be collected one day later this week. Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed on Labor Day.

Information on the County's Slide Schedule can be found here.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a community meeting on Thursday, September 26th at 7:00 pm at the Miller Branch Library to discuss the Valley Mede and Chatham stormwater management and flood mitigation projects that are in various stages of planning or construction. DPW representatives will be available to answer questions and provide an update on how the $4.2M approved in this year's budget is being used to move projects forward.

In July, DPW held a meeting to discuss the Greenway Drive drainage improvement project. This project includes new inlets, new storm drain pipes, and repairs to the outfall channel to increase the efficiency of drainage. A start date has not yet been set, but is expected to begin this fiscal year.

If you are unable to attend the September 26th meeting, you can contact Christine Lowe ([email protected]) with DPW's Stormwater Management Division, for more information on these capital projects.

This month I filed legislation (CB-41-2019) to establish a Community Zoning Case Navigator, a new position to help parties affected by a zoning case navigate and more effectively participate in the process. The County’s zoning and land use approvals involve four different authorities with varying rules, including quasi-judicial procedures, as well as several different approval processes depending on the nature of the petition. These complicated rules and processes have created confusion and made it difficult for small property owners and other affected parties to effectively participate in decisions that impact them.

The Navigator will provide impartial guidance to affected parties such as explaining the approval process a petition is likely to follow, helping parties prepare for the various hearings, meeting with community groups and facilitating interaction with county agencies. The Navigator will not provide legal representation to any party or participate in any hearings. My goal is to create a more balanced process and encourage full participation by all affected parties.

This month the Council will be discussing altering the school facilities surcharge. CB-42-2019 would increase the surcharge to $6.80 per square foot for new residential construction. I look forward to gathering more information on how the fee amount is being calculated, what level of new school capacity that will support, how the capacity ties to projected enrollment increases and the overall fiscal impact to the county. CB-42 will have a public hearing on September 16th at 7:00 pm.

This is the 10th year the Valley Mede Community has hosted the Cypressmede Race! This year the run will support Voices for Children, a local non-profit that advocates in court to ensure each child has a safe and permanent home. This run will take place on Monday, September 2nd at 3100 Fawnwood Drive in Ellicott City.

For more information and to register, click here!

The Howard County Police Foundation will hold its 28th annual Howard County Police Pace 5k and 1-mile walk on September 8th at Centennial Park. The 5k race will begin at 8:30 am. This race helps the department fund for scholarships, training, equipment, and special needs.

To register online visit: www.policepace.com

Come out to the Howard County Fairgrounds on September 21st for the 42nd annual Korean Festival! This festival allows everyone to experience unique cultural connections through food, music, craft, dance performances, and much more.

Visit koreamd.org/en/ to learn more!

From September 23rd to October 8th, the Farm-City Celebration provides fun-filled activities that help bridge the gap between city and farm life. Across the county, residents can visit local farms, public libraries, and farmers markets to learn more about Howard County's farming community. For more information on this 16 day celebration, click here!

Mark your calendars for the Lisbon's Annual Crab Feast on Saturday, September 28th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. First come, first serve all you can eat crabs.

Call 443-289-5992 to purchase tickets! Funds will help support their new fire building.

For more information click here!

Howard County's Walk to End Alzheimer's will be held on September 28th at Centennial Park. All funds raised further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Registration starts at 9:00 am and the walk will begin at 10:30 am. For event information and to register online, click here.

Farmers Markets are open at various locations around the county. The 2019 Farmers' Market Schedule can be found here!

The annual Howard County Autism Society's One Step Closer Walk and 5k Run will be on Saturday, October 5th from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at Centennial Park. This event helps build autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in the community. Proceeds will go towards individuals with autism and their families.

To sign up to register, volunteer or sponsor click here!

Join the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department for Food Truck Tuesdays every Tuesday from 4-8 pm. Featuring over 12 Food Trucks offering both savory and sweet options. Bring the whole family and your friends and enjoy!

The 2019 Hops & Harvest Festival will be held at Symphony Woods on October 5th - mark your calendars!

You can purchase a ticket using this link.