The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday, July 25, starting around Sundown (or possibly earlier). Our Observatory will be open, and HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky.

This event is held rain or shine (except for severe summer thunderstorms) at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

https://howardastro.org/hal-star-parties-and-outreach/

I also reached out to Guy Guzzone (District 13 State Senator), Vanessa Atterbeary (County Executive), Jessica Nichols (District 2 County Council), Cat Carter (District 5 County Council), and Janssen Evelyn (District 4 County Council), but these are the three that responded. How and if a candidate is responsive to their constituents is always telling.

Dr. Chin responded day of and I found his answer quite substantial, Ms. Rigby's team responded day of but her answer was a little lacking, and Dr. Lam's team responded in a month.

Kevin Chin (District 1 County Council)

Thanks for reaching out!

I support Councilmember Rigby's data center moratorium to study the issue. Data centers aren't just for AI. It wouldn't even be possible to differentiate data centers that power our emails or my Electronic Medical Record in the hospital from the data centers used for AI. We all use data centers everyday, we're using it right now with the emails we're sending back and forth. We already have data centers in the county and don't even know it. Data centers are very heterogeneous, some data centers are no bigger than a garage and some are 40 acres big in Utah. 

I think are land is too valuable for large data center like that in Utah. Energy consumption is also a big issue as well so I think data centers should be bringing their own renewable energy. 

This is an interesting podcast on the issue

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-liberal-podcast/id1390384827?i=1000766767353

I don't see the presence or absence of data centers as an environmental preservation issue. And I think this comes down to green vs. grey environmentalism. This is a good video summarizing this dichotomyhttps://youtu.be/Subp8jO-GIo?is=n8k0PZoP27jl_Ci-

If a data center is built on an empty parking lot and as highlighted in The New Liberal podcast brings its own renewable energy and battery storage, that's actually a net positive for the environment. If a data center is built in a previously wooded area and has natural gas turbines like Musk's The Colossus data center then that is clearly a negative for the environment.

Kevin Chin

Christiana Rigby (District 3 County Council)

Thank you for reaching out to Councilwoman Rigby.

Regarding data centers, Councilwoman Rigby successfully spearheaded an effort this year to enact a moratorium on new data centers and create a taskforce to offer recommendations for code changes regarding these kinds of facilities. You can find the legislation and details here: https://apps.howardcountymd.gov/olis/LegislationDetail/15036/CB31-2026. You can watch her final remarks on the vote to that bill online (beginning at 1 hour and 49 minutes): https://howardcounty.granicus.com/player/clip/6746?meta_id=228961

As for the plastic recycling plant, I am uncertain which facility you’re referring to. If you mean the W.R. Grace research facility, I recommend watching her remarks on the vote of CB11-2025, which considered the W.R. Grace facility’s expansion. Her comments begin at 1 hour and 15 minutes: https://howardcounty.granicus.com/player/clip/6089?meta_id=212621

I hope this is helpful.

Kind regards,

Colette Gelwicks (hear name) she/they

Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, District 3

Clarence Lam (District 12 State Senator)

Thank you for your email. 

At a high-level, Sen. Lam has significant concerns about data center development and the WR Grace plastic recycling plant (I'm assuming that is that site you are talking about).

Regarding the WR Grace project, Sen. Lam submitted public comment in opposition while the permit was being considered. Although the permit was approved, the Maryland Department of the Environment added increased air quality testing requirements. Sen. Lam continues to support ongoing legislative efforts to limit these types of facilities in Maryland.

Regarding data centers, Sen. Lam similarly has concerns about how data center development impacts our environment and neighboring communities. A couple of years ago, Sen. Lam opposed legislative changes to make it easier for data centers to use diesel generators, and this past session supported legislation to require data centers to pay more for the power the take from the grid. Sen. Lam expects this to continue to be an ongoing legislative issue for the General Assembly and the county councils in our state.

Thank you for your interest in this important issue,

Scott

Scott Tiffin

Chief of Staff

Hey Hoco neighbors! I put together a free weekly newsletter (The ZIP) that covers 21043 road advisories, business openings, real estate, crime reports, plus some neighbor tips and local humor:

Howard County is starting construction on Cradlerock Way in Columbia around July 27

On the restaurant front:

• Vesper is officially open on Main Street
• Tony's of N.Y. in the Enchanted Forest Shopping Center is now open
• Angeli's Pizzeria on the way into Forest Green.

Also the free summer concert series is back Wednesday nights at Centennial Park if you're looking for something to do this week.

Free to read this week's issue:

https://buttondown.com/TheZIP/archive/u1f43b-a-bear-got-into-an-ellicott-city-backyard/

I stopped by tonight and get a run in and I couldn't even make it 3/4 of a mile before I had to stop. Went and lifted weights instead.

I love it there but there are some serious design issues with this place.

Hi everyone. I (25F) live in Howard County and would like to prioritize meeting people in person rather than on dating apps. I wanted to crowdsource to find events other than typical speed dating and happy hours. Also, I’m looking for suggestions other than going to bars since they’re not my scene. I’m interested in both men and women in their mid to late 20s through early 30s. Thanks in advance for suggestions!

I really have no idea at this point. Feverishly researching all the candidates right now online because I am a procrastinator and need to go vote before the polls close 😆

I like how the other candidates besides Atterbeary are committed to public campaign financing. Take a close look at where she is getting some money from. You'll be surprised.

(opinions are my own, not endorsing anyone in particular).

The person with the biggest and most signs sometimes isn't always the best.

happy primarying.

https://youtu.be/FyXRJO9wVbs?is=rNBTf3JRjr01domN

Good evening and happy Father's Day, hoco! I put together a weekly neighborhood digest and wanted to share this week's rundown for anyone who finds it useful:

🚧 Triadelphia Road — storm drain replacement starts tomorrow. Closed to through traffic Mon–Fri, 9AM–4PM through mid-August. Detour goes Triadelphia → MD 144 → MD 32 → Rosemary Lane → back to Triadelphia.

🚗 Crime — Two overnight incidents in 21043 last week: tire theft on Cotoneaster Drive and a Honda CRV stolen on West Springs Drive, both June 15–16.

🎶 Free concert Friday — Patagonia Winds at Glen Mar Church, 7PM, free, no tickets needed.

🌮 Food Truck Friday — 10+ trucks at Elkridge VFD every Friday 4:30–7:30PM.

⚾ Did you know? Babe Ruth got married in Ellicott City in 1914. St. Paul's on Frederick Road.

Full issue (free, no paywall): https://buttondown.com/TheZIP/archive/u1f389-happy-fathers-day-21043/

Hi, I (25F) am looking for one more person in their 20s or 30s to join my team for the Howard County Library’s Bauder Adult Battle of the Books competition on October 26th. I’ve included the announced book list. Please send me a message if you’re interested.

Any recommendations?

https://youtu.be/uDUWsInqPd4?is=9K2nJ-PvW_b4Buqw

I have an elderly relative who is mobility limited, but he loves sitting and watching rivers. For the Patapsco, along River Road outside of OEC there used to be single-car pullouts where you could drive your car and park facing the river. These don't seem to exist or have been removed (?). Looking for something similar, shady little pullout that's facing a river in the area.

Thanks for your help.

The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday, June 20, starting around Sundown (or possibly earlier). Our Observatory will be open, and HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky.

This event is held rain or shine (except for severe summer thunderstorms) at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

The weather is looking better this weekend, and we may have a couple of Sungazers in the early evening.

https://howardastro.org/hal-star-parties-and-outreach/

Looking for some recommendations for someone to clean gutters. I have two on the second story roof that are clogged and I don't do ladders that tall anymore.

The last few times I've been to Columbia Gym in Clarksville, I see some construction equipment/trailers in an open field next to the closed up gas station.

New development? (glad we still got some farm land here)

Hi, I (25F) would like to participate in Howard County Library’s Bauder Adult Battle of the Books later this fall but would need a minimum of two to a maximum of four people to create a team. I’m looking for people in their 20s or 30s to join me. Registration opens on June 15th. I’ve included the link to the website with more information.

"Over the past few weeks, I have received questions on who I will be voting for. I am putting together this voter guide if it is helpful. My voting criterion is very strict and looks at who has spoken out against the Gaza genocide. Some may argue that this is a single-issue litmus test and they would be right. That single issue is Genocide.

The rational is straightforward. Leaders who are willing to condemn atrocities happening 6,000 miles away - when there is social and political cost to doing so - are the same leaders who will speak up when injustice arrives at our doorstep. This is what scholars call the imperial boomerang: the violence a government exports abroad eventually returns home. We are already living through that return."

"County Executive:

Liz Walsh is running for county executive. She has been on the county council for nearly eight years. During this time, she has advanced legislation that strengthens our budget and public infrastructure. Our quality of life and ninety percent of what affects us on a daily basis are determined by the actions of county government.

This is why it is important to look at her votes on key issues and her principled stances along those issues. In 2020 she introduced legislation to cancel the county detention center’s contract with ICE, which precipitated the set of events that ultimately led to its cancellation.

After apartheid Israel started committing genocide in Gaza, politicians who are otherwise quick to condemn acts of violence and who perhaps immediately condemned the acts of violence by Hamas on October 7, were nowhere to be found. The deafening silence was only eclipsed by the sounds of crying mothers and fathers holding their mutilated babies from the daily and consistent streams of videos.

Like any human should, she reacted to these atrocities and spoke up. This led to constant criticisms, threats, intimidation and smears. A few weeks later, she introduced the ceasefire resolution. A leader who stands up for what is right, especially when it is difficult, can be counted on to do what is right any other time. Furthermore, a leader who speaks up for the children of the vulnerable 6,000 miles away can be counted on to speak up for our children in our own community.

"
https://open.substack.com/pub/hiruy/p/howard-county-democratic-primary?r=yjvtg&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

This is what we need to change in #HoCo. The current Administration and Dept of Planning and Zoning seem to regularly BLOCK what citizens and small business owners want and need, while at the same time look at what they do allow, and approve, or change laws for, ignore violations for, and refuse to enforce the law with. I'm talking big donors, wealthy land owners, and big business, no matter the extreme negative impact on citizens.

Look at who is DEEP inside these donor's pockets and ask yourself whose side is she really on.

Howard front-runner Atterbeary takes thousands in donations from W.R. Grace

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/06/05/howard-frontrunner-atterbeary-takes-thousands-in-donations-from-w-r-grace/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSQBUtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeSQvcO0GMTYHSG3SUXRempZ4GnusLlKGqfmjXhwIbKOMxGSj9GVQchlbuv6k_aem_IrUEX8uM8lDeCu0xL3_StQ

(other news article on Grace Plastics and HoCo favoritism... https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/howard-county-columbia-wr-grace-co-Q4QSNTCLFBHBHESA6ZJLXM67PM/ )

And then there's this: "Before a single wall has gone up at The Source, a new community center planned in Columbia, $12 million in public money has been spent. Now members of the nonprofit developing the project have maxed out donations to Vanessa Atterbeary"

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/05/22/howard-county-source-atterbeary-columbia-project/

It seems the Board Members of The Source have no intention of answering questions about anything any time soon either: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/06/04/howard-nonprofit-cancels-another-meeting-fueling-transparency-concerns/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSQBgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE4dI7UJPX8_YVRHBEE7aE6Sdlaxa9Kuq93EMtCmOgWOAOcx8tsCxjpL1Pjc_aem_-VUls9ojQSu5rWiCkbe1fg

We have also heard that the owners of Manor Hill Brewery are donors to Atterbeary and seem eager to see her elected. Gee. I wonder why?? Maybe because they are protected by DPZ and want this 'above-the-law' protection to continue. This article mentions that 6 violations were ordered to be filed in Dec 2025. Instead, TWENTY violations were actually issued ***but**** NOT enforced by the county, to include ongoing illegal alcohol sales, and these violations continue to this day.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/11/26/violations-manor-hill-brewing/

If you think I'm exaggerating, read the public Decision & Order for details.

https://cc.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/BA%20821D%20Dr.%20Sara%20Via%2C%20et%20al%20D%26O.pdf

A small excerpt of the findings:

"Even viewing DPZs testimony and letter dated May 28, 2025 in their most favorable light, the failure to comply with the findings of fact and conclusions of law in BA-794D and BA-806D requires a finding that DPZs actions in this case are arbitrary, capricious and legally erroneous.

The following legal determinations made by in BA 806D are hereby affirmed:

1.a. Alcohol sales and consumption on the Subject Property are authorized only under the Farm Brewery Permit, absent additional liquor licenses. As such,any time alcohol is sold or consumed on the Subject Property, such alcohol sales or consumption must satisfy all of the limitations applicable to the Farm Brewery Permit. The sale or consumption of alcohol on the Subject Property outside the parameters approved for the Farm Brewery Permit is a violation of the HCZR and therefore unlawful.

b. The Barn is not a legitimate farm building, the Barn violates the HCZR because it exceeds the accessory structure limit, and the Barn is therefore unlawful.

c. Private events are not permitted under the Agritourism Enterprise permit.
..........
1. A Notice of Violation for the sale and consumption of alcohol on the Subject Property as that violates the current Farm Brewery Permit because the Farm Brewery Permit does not permit any visitation. Any future sale or consumption of alcohol in association with any of the Special Farm Permits on the Subject Property will constitute a violation of the HCZR and the Farm Brewery permit unless or until the Property Owner obtains additional authorization to sell alcohol.

(etc, etc, etc)"

Any other business illegally selling alcohol would face serious trouble, but, you know how it is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

This needs to change.

Posting this too, to get feedback 😆 please give your thoughts if you have time

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/05/22/howard-county-ice-elkridge/

Howard’s detention center ban won’t apply to proposed ICE facility, county says

The reversal could clear the way for the project to proceed

Looking for recommendations for a reputable auto body shop for some damage on the side of my car. I already got a quote from Caliber Collision, but I’d like to compare a few other places before deciding.

I’m paying out of pocket (not going through insurance), so I’m looking for somewhere that does high-quality work at a fair price. A warranty/guarantee on the repair is important to me, and I’d love recommendations from people who have personally had good experiences.

Bonus points if they’re communicative, honest about pricing/timelines, and good with paint matching. Thanks!