Merriweather seeks noise control
In wake of 2015 complaints, venue explores new systems to monitor sound levels
Merriweather Post Pavilion's first concert of the season is slated for the end of April, and operator Howard Hughes Corp. is exploring new sound monitoring systems to prevent a repeat of noise complaints during the 2015 Sweet Life Festival.
The Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission is working with Howard Hughes to develop a new monitoring system to improve sound control, according to the commission's executive director, Ian Kennedy.
“We're putting in controls not only to better control the sound, but also using technology to better pinpoint the direction the sound goes from the stage — from the speakers to the seating areas — to try to see what they can do to best contain it within site,” Kennedy said.
In May last year, complaints spiked when residents living as far away as Ellicott City reported hearing a performance during a Merriweather concert. Columbia residents' complaints ranged from reports of shaking windowpanes to sleepless nights — which many said was a violation of 2013 noise regulation legislation.
With the new technology, Kennedy said, operators can physically map out the direction of the sound — a level of control unavailable in previous years.
Meanwhile, Phase Two of renovations at the venue is now well underway, according to Brad Canfield, Merriweather's vice president of operations.
Renovations began in 2015 with the completion of the west plaza last summer and included a new box office, concession stands, merchandise area and restrooms. Canfield said the stage house will be ready for the venue's first show April 29 and 30, which will feature several artists in the two-day M3 Rock Festival.
Kittleman to host budget hearing Monday
County Executive Allan H. Kittleman will host a public budget hearing Monday at 7 p.m. in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City.
Residents can sign up to speak at howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony. Residents can also provide online testimony from the link.
Residents who do not wish to sign up online may sign up in person on the night of the hearing, beginning at 6 p.m. Speakers must sign up individually and may only testify once. Individual testimony is limited to three minutes; group testimony is limited to five minutes.
For more information, contact the budget office at 410-313-2077.
Howard County maintains top rating for its bonds
Howard County officials said this week the county received the highest possible bond rating from three top rating agencies for the 19th year in a row.
Howard received AAA ratings from Moody's Investor Services, Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor's. The rating enables the county to issue debt for capital projects at favorable interest rates.
In a statement, Kittleman said the rating was a “testament to the success of our strong financial management and sustainable policies.”
The rating assures large institutional buyers that the county's bonds are “a relatively low-risk, safe investment,” wrote County Council Chairman Calvin Ball.
Howard County to host Veterans Resource Fair
The Howard County Veterans and Military Families Commission will host a Veterans Resource Fair from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at the Miller branch library in Ellicott City. Participants at the free event can speak with more than 35 businesses, organizations and nonprofits providing services, support and jobs to veterans.
For information, contact Lisa Terry with the Howard County Office of Military Affairs, 410-313-0821.
Tax preparation help at Multiservice Center
Hosted by the Howard County nonprofit MakingChange, representatives are providing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at the Multiservice Center in North Laurel to help individuals and families who are struggling with their finances.
Free assistance in preparation and filing taxes will be available to most taxpayers who earned up to $54,000 in 2015. In addition to determining taxpayers' eligibility for the earned income tax credit, people can receive free direct deposit of refunds, free prepaid cards for receipts of the refund and free letters to cash refund checks at a local bank, and will have the option to purchase savings bonds.
Appointments can be scheduled at bit.ly/makingchangevita or by contacting 410-313-0220. This year's tax deadline is Monday, April 18.
Soup'r Sundae fundraiser set for Grassroots
The eighth annual Soup'r Sundae to benefit Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia.
Area restaurants will offer a variety of soups as part of the fundraiser for Grassroots, hosted by the Faith Community Partnership. Admission is $20 per adult and $5 per children under 12, and includes unlimited soup, bread and ice cream. A silent auction will also be held, in addition to music and entertainment for children.
Tickets are available at souprsundae .eventbrite.com or by contacting cathyv smith@verizon.net. Tickets will also be available at the door.
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