Ellicott City flood: ‘We will rebuild’
Kittleman and Weinstein promise ‘transformative vision’ of historic district
Kittleman and Weinstein promise ‘transformative vision’ of historic district Baltimore Sun Staff Howard County Executive Allan H.
Kittleman and County Councilman Jon Weinstein said Thursday the county “unequivocally” will rebuild Ellicott City following the devastating May 27 flood.
In a joint statement, Kittleman, a Republican, and Weinstein, a Democrat who represents the historic district on the County Council, said “we will not abandon our historic town. We will rebuild – differently this time, as experience tells us we must proceed with a transformative vision.”
Rainfall of more than 7 inches on May 27 triggered flooding from the Tiber and Hudson tributaries, causing cars and debris to flow down Main Street in a river of muddy water, and triggering destruction at homes and businesses — as well as the death of National Guard Sgt. Eddison Hermond.
The incident came two years after a similar, devastating flood on July 30, 2016. In the statement, Kittleman and Weinstein said that in the wake of that event, the county “has spent $10.5 million on Ellicott City flood mitigation and secured another $3.5 million from state and federal sources” for projects, some that have been completed and others “in the pipeline.”
While the statement did not include cost estimates or a timeline for decisions on reconstruction, the officials pledged to work with residents and business owners on a plan, and said “the May 27 flood has dramatically changed the conversation.”
“Residents and business owners are suggesting options they were not ready to consider after the 2016 flood. We will build on their ideas, use information we have gathered and the science of our hydrology and hydraulic study, and work with stakeholders to move boldly ahead,” the two said.
“We promise to make smart choices, look for financially responsible strategies and pursue every option available to secure funding.”
New landlord-tenant regulations approved Landlords and tenants in Howard County face changes in the way they interact after the County Council passed new landlordtenant regulations on Monday. Legislation introduced by Democratic council chairwoman Mary Kay Sigaty includes stipulations for landlords such as giving tenants 24 hours’ notice before entering an apartment.
The changes also give the Office of Consumer Protection the power to investigate tenant complaints or initiate its own investigations and compel landlords to provide relevant documents.
Howard County has about 30,000 rental households, according to the 2014 Howard County Housing Survey, the most recent year for which data was available.
The legislation will allow tenants to terminate a lease with 60 days’ notice if they face an involuntary move for their job of more than100 miles. That portion of the bill, originally introduced with a 30-day notice and a 25-mile move, had drawn criticism from some real estate groups and council members, in particular Republican Greg Fox, who worried the early termination clause could put too much financial burden on landlords.
The final bill gives a possible exemption from the clause to landlords whose property includes no more than three units, if it is mutually agreed upon between the landlord and the tenant.
The amendment, Sigaty said, helps provide a “safeguard” for landlords who only own a few properties.
The increased mileage amendment is in line with recommended changes from the Maryland Multi-Housing Association to increase the distance to 100 miles. Sigaty agreed with the change, noting that given Howard County’s proximity to employment hubs including Baltimore, Washington, and Annapolis, a 25-mile drive for a new job could be common.
Alicyn DelZoppo, a real estate agent with Northrop Realty in Clarksville and a past president of the Howard County Association of Realtors, said she worked with Sigaty on amendments and is satisfied with the final version of the bill.
— Kate Magill, Baltimore Sun Media Group
Kittleman and County Councilman Jon Weinstein said Thursday the county “unequivocally” will rebuild Ellicott City following the devastating May 27 flood.
In a joint statement, Kittleman, a Republican, and Weinstein, a Democrat who represents the historic district on the County Council, said “we will not abandon our historic town. We will rebuild – differently this time, as experience tells us we must proceed with a transformative vision.”
Rainfall of more than 7 inches on May 27 triggered flooding from the Tiber and Hudson tributaries, causing cars and debris to flow down Main Street in a river of muddy water, and triggering destruction at homes and businesses — as well as the death of National Guard Sgt. Eddison Hermond.
The incident came two years after a similar, devastating flood on July 30, 2016. In the statement, Kittleman and Weinstein said that in the wake of that event, the county “has spent $10.5 million on Ellicott City flood mitigation and secured another $3.5 million from state and federal sources” for projects, some that have been completed and others “in the pipeline.”
While the statement did not include cost estimates or a timeline for decisions on reconstruction, the officials pledged to work with residents and business owners on a plan, and said “the May 27 flood has dramatically changed the conversation.”
“Residents and business owners are suggesting options they were not ready to consider after the 2016 flood. We will build on their ideas, use information we have gathered and the science of our hydrology and hydraulic study, and work with stakeholders to move boldly ahead,” the two said.
“We promise to make smart choices, look for financially responsible strategies and pursue every option available to secure funding.”
New landlord-tenant regulations approved Landlords and tenants in Howard County face changes in the way they interact after the County Council passed new landlordtenant regulations on Monday. Legislation introduced by Democratic council chairwoman Mary Kay Sigaty includes stipulations for landlords such as giving tenants 24 hours’ notice before entering an apartment.
The changes also give the Office of Consumer Protection the power to investigate tenant complaints or initiate its own investigations and compel landlords to provide relevant documents.
Howard County has about 30,000 rental households, according to the 2014 Howard County Housing Survey, the most recent year for which data was available.
The legislation will allow tenants to terminate a lease with 60 days’ notice if they face an involuntary move for their job of more than100 miles. That portion of the bill, originally introduced with a 30-day notice and a 25-mile move, had drawn criticism from some real estate groups and council members, in particular Republican Greg Fox, who worried the early termination clause could put too much financial burden on landlords.
The final bill gives a possible exemption from the clause to landlords whose property includes no more than three units, if it is mutually agreed upon between the landlord and the tenant.
The amendment, Sigaty said, helps provide a “safeguard” for landlords who only own a few properties.
The increased mileage amendment is in line with recommended changes from the Maryland Multi-Housing Association to increase the distance to 100 miles. Sigaty agreed with the change, noting that given Howard County’s proximity to employment hubs including Baltimore, Washington, and Annapolis, a 25-mile drive for a new job could be common.
Alicyn DelZoppo, a real estate agent with Northrop Realty in Clarksville and a past president of the Howard County Association of Realtors, said she worked with Sigaty on amendments and is satisfied with the final version of the bill.
— Kate Magill, Baltimore Sun Media Group
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