news digest
Hospital proposes $40M addition, renovation
Howard County General Hospital is proposing a $40 million project to build a two-story addition to the hospital and renovate existing space — moves that hospital officials say are needed for emergency care, general medical and surgical care and behavioral health services.
The 36,000-square-foot addition would be located adjacent to the existing emergency room facing Little Patuxent Parkway.
After the addition is complete, approximately 18,000 square feet of renovations would take place in existing space, according to hospital officials.
“The population of Howard County is growing, and as the need for health care services is increasing, the hospital must evolve to meet those needs,” said hospital President Steve Snelgrove in a news release.
“We have seen an increase in demand for behavioral health services. The community needs more hospital space and more resources to continue providing the high-quality health care that residents deserve. This project will do just that,” he said.
The hospital is the process of seeking Howard County Planning Board approval for the project.
Susan Case, senior director of marketing and communications for the hospital, said officials are working with county planning and zoning officials “to determine the appropriate zoning process and approvals.
“There will be a planning and zoning hearing in either late November or December to review the site preparation phase of this project,” Case said in an email. “The addition will require a new site development plan, and we will work through the county’s review process once that is complete.”
If approved, construction would span three years and take place in stages, officials said — site preparation and utility work could begin in early 2017, followed by construction of the two-story hospital addition, anticipated to be completed in late 2018, with a new emergency room entrance, triage and waiting areas.
The final stage would be renovation to existing buildings by late 2019. A new 25-bed general unit would feature private rooms and space for family members to stay overnight.
Officials said all hospital services would remain open during the construction.
Hospital officials said HCGH had the highest year-over-year increase in inpatient admissions of all hospitals in the Baltimore region last year, with 19 percent growth projected by 2024. In addition, the hospital’s adult emergency room treated a record 60,310 patients last year, a nearly 5 percent increase over the previous year, officials said.
The hospital is a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The Howard Hospital Foundation, an organization that raises funds for the hospital, is leading a capital campaign “Building Today for a Healthier Tomorrow” — to raise funds to support the construction. The project is estimated to cost approximately $40 million.
For details on the project, call 410-740-7747 or go to HCGHofTomorrow.org.
Stevens Forest, Farewell road upgrades proposed
The Howard County Department of Public Works has scheduled a meeting Wednesday, Nov. 9, to discuss potential improvements to the intersection at Stevens Forest and Farewell roads in Columbia.
The meeting will be held at 7:45 p.m. at The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place. County officials said residents can review the proposed concept plans, which include a roundabout or medians and turn lane improvements.
While there will be no formal presentation, public works staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. If residents are unable to attend the meeting but would like to review the plans, contact Buck Bohmer at 410-313-5748 or bubohmer@howardcountymd.gov. For additional information, contact Lisa Brightwell at 410-313-3440 or publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.
Government offices closed Veterans Day, Nov. 11
Howard County government offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day. The Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open on Veterans Day, while regular trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection remain scheduled. County parks, historic sites, community centers and the Robinson Nature Center will also be open.
County officials said the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall and Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Park Activity Rooms will be open only for scheduled programs, while courts, the animal shelter and 50+ centers will be closed.
The Regional Transportation Agency will operate on its regular weekday schedule, which is available by contacting 1-800-270-9553 or going to transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect.
Twin Rivers Road sidewalk work scheduled
Construction to connect the sidewalk along Twin Rivers Road in Columbia is scheduled to begin this week. During the project, county officials said approximately 650 feet of sidewalk will be installed along the north side of Twin Rivers Road between Green Mountain Circle and Governor Warfield Parkway.
Lane shifts are possible throughout construction, but flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic. The project is expected to be completed by late November.
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