Carroll County Health Department COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 cases are at record highs across the country and in Carroll County as the Omicron variant now makes up about 95% of all cases. Because so many people are getting sick at the same time, our hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients needing care, and are struggling to help people with other urgent health issues.
We have the tools we need to prevent serious illness and death - vaccines. Get vaccinated and get boosted. Talk to your doctor if you are not sure. If you are vaccinated and boosted, talk to family and friends who are not, and tell them why you did it. Masks do work to reduce spread. Testing is also a valuable tool and resources are increasing, as the Carroll County Ag Center testing site reopens and test kit availability increases. We have the tools to help move Carroll Forward. Learn more about cases, vaccinations, testing, and more at cchd.maryland.gov/covid-19/
The CDC recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Testing is available through some healthcare providers, pharmacies, and urgent cares. Find testing resources at https://cchd.maryland.gov/covidtesting/
Vaccination Information
People can visit Maryland's vaccine site and search by zip code and vaccine type to find a vaccine near you.
Maryland also has a page dedicated to vaccination FAQs.
If you have questions about the vaccine or how to access it, talk to your doctor or call the Health Department at 410-876-4848. After hours, callers may leave a message or call 2-1-1. People with emergencies should continue to call 9-1-1.
2022 State of the County
Each of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners' five members will present during the 2022 State of the County event to be held Tuesday, February 22, 2022. The Carroll County Chamber holds the event. For more information visit the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce website or contact them at 410-848-9050 or info@CarrollCountyChamber.org.
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MD 32 (Sykesville Road) at Bennett Road/Johnsville Road
This project to widen the intersection and add new left-turn lanes is complete. MDOT SHA also installed new sidewalks and curbs, improved area drainage with new pipes and resurfaced the roadway to enhance safety and intersection operations.
MD 32 (Sykesville Road) between MD 97 (New Washington Road) and the Liberty Reservoir bridge, south of Miners Ridge Road
This roadway patching project is about 80% complete and expected to be finished by mid-January. The work requires a flagging operation on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MD 851 (Springfield Avenue) in Sykesville
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is developing a project to upgrade the aging drainage system on MD 851 (Springfield Avenue) in Sykesville later this year. The $2.5 million project is currently in the design phase. The existing storm drain between Main Street and Vantage Point Drive will be replaced and the storm drain network will be extended to Central Avenue to improve performance. Sidewalk and driveways impacted by construction will be replaced. New sidewalk, curb and gutter will be installed north of Central Avenue to improve pedestrian safety.
Carroll County is simultaneously designing a project to upgrade aging water and sewer infrastructure along MD 851. The MDOT SHA is closely coordinating with the county’s schedule and expects to start the storm drain construction in late summer or fall 2022, contingent upon the county’s project completion.
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Land and Resource
Management Updates |
Stone Manor Project
The Bureau of Resource Management is currently seeking bidders for a stormwater retrofit project named Stone Manor. The Stone Manor facility is located at the end of Millstone Court in the Stone Manor subdivision near Liberty High School. The facility will be retrofitted to address some maintenance items and to provide an increase in water quality treatment for the runoff. It is anticipated that Notice to Proceed on construction will be in February; however, weather and supply chain issues may delay the start.
Development Review Updates for District 5
Residential (not age-restricted) developments in the plan review process:
- Long Reach Farms Lot 20, Planned Commercial Center, 34 residential units over commercial
- Hoby Wolf property at Oklahoma Road, 103 residential lots
- Byron Hills at Oklahoma Road, 4 residential lots
- Yousef Estates at Oklahoma Road, 5 residential lots
- Gerstmyer Property at Snowdens Run Road, 2 residential lots
- Mineral Hill Property at Oklahoma Road, 14 residential lots
The Developments in Process GIS map layer provides information on commercial and residential projects that are currently in the review process. https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/services/gis-maps/gis-interactive-maps/
The Development Review launch page includes Technical Review Committee meeting and Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda items with links to an overview plan.
https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/development-review
The Department of Planning continues its work with the Commissioners on Comprehensive Rezoning efforts.
Residential Update
On September 21, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward proposed amendments to Chapter 155 (Development and Subdivision of Land) and Chapter 158 (Zoning) regarding residential development to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for their review. The BCC held a number of work sessions on the proposed amendments and a public hearing on November 18 to solicit input. On December 16, The BCC took final action on the amendments. Below are the amendments to Chapters 155 and 158 that received approval from the BCC on December 16. These changes to the code became effective on January 10, 2022.
Summary of Changes:
Chapter 155 includes:
- Changes to Cluster subdivision process that streamlines the process for development review submission. The determination of cluster density will now be verified by a formula, rather than a 2-plan submission process of both the conventional and cluster.
- New minimum lot size requirements
Chapter 158 includes:
- Definitions were clarified where inexact, added to accommodate new uses, modified where updates were necessary, relocated to more appropriate sections, and deleted when obsolete or unnecessary.
- Purposes of the four residential districts were revised to make them consistent with land use definitions in adopted Plans. No new districts were created.
- Principal Uses were relocated from individual districts and reformatted into a Table of Land Uses.
- Accessory Uses were relocated from individual districts to a new section applicable to all four residential districts.
- Bulk Requirements (yard and height requirements) were relocated from individual districts to a new section applicable to all four residential districts.
- Zoning Administrator variance process (adjustments to bulk and other dimensional requirements) currently has percentage limitations on what may be approved and a requirement for a public hearing.
Please go to the county’s specific website: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/carroll-county-comprehensive-rezoning/comprehensive-rezoning-residential-text/ to review the proposed text and map changes.
Summary of Map Changes:
Maps 73 and 74 were approved to allow for R-20,000 in portions of the property that were formally Industrial and Conservation. The remaining I-1 will remain as Industrial.
Map 79’s request for R-20,000 was denied.
Map changes and reports can be found here: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/carroll-county-comprehensive-rezoning/comprehensive-rezoning-residential-mapping/
For more information, please visit: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/carroll-county-comprehensive-rezoning/comprehensive-rezoning-residential-text/
South Carroll Reassessment
On December 28, 2021, Maryland SDAT published a press release with Carroll County's Assessment Area 1 reassessment for January 1, 2022.
South Carroll property owners should have received their tri-annual re-assessment notices from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Assessments are based on the fair market value of property as of 1/1/22, and will be used to determine the taxable assessment of the property for the tax year beginning 7/1/22 and for the two succeeding tax years. Nearly 99% of properties saw an increase over 3 years ago, which will be phased-in equally over the next 3 years.
What can you do to minimize the impact? First, make sure you agree with the fair market value. If you believe it is too high (based on an appraisal, a mistake in the data or on evidence of sales of similar properties), you have 45 days from the date of the notice to file an appeal (see the links below for the online form and information brochure). Also, make sure you have completed the one-time Homestead Credit application, declaring the property as your primary residence, to ensure your tax bill growth is capped (you can check your status by visiting the SDAT website: www.dat.maryland.gov). If your property taxes represent a financial hardship, consider filing for the Maryland Homeowners’ Property tax credit, the income based tax relief program intended to ensure property owners are able to afford the annual tax bill.
Online Reassessment Appeal: Use this online form to appeal your assessment notice within 45 days of the notice date. For more information on the assessment process read the online brochure.
County’s Triple A Credit Ratings Reaffirmed
Low Interest Rates on County’s Bond Sale
On November 22nd, Carroll County announced the recent reaffirmation of three triple A ratings from the three major financial rating agencies, and a subsequent low interest rate during the November 18, 2021 bond sale. New issue bonds in the amount of $22 million were sold by the county, dedicated to various infrastructure and other capital investments.
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SKYWARN® - Basics Spotter Class Offered
Carroll County Department of Public Safety is combining efforts with the Baltimore/Washington National Weather Service (NWS) to offer a virtual SKYWARN® - Basics Spotter Class, free of charge, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
SKYWARN® is a national network of volunteer severe weather spotters. The spotters are trained by local National Weather Service Forecast Offices on how to spot severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail and flooding. In some parts of the country, spotters also report snowfall and ice accumulation.
Class will be conducted in a virtual, online format. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required. To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skywarn-basics-carroll-county-md-tickets-228303520977.
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Veterans Assistance in Carroll County
The Carroll County Veterans Services Program provides guidance and assistance to Carroll County veterans, their dependents, and survivors with applying for Federal and State benefits. This assistance includes help with an application for veteran’s benefits via the system administered by the State of Maryland and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran, please contact the Veterans Services Program today at:
Phone: 410-386-3800
Email: CarrollVeterans@carrollcountymd.gov
South Carroll Dog Park
Memberships for the South Carroll Dog Park are on sale now! Memberships cost $30 for the 2022 calendar year (for up to 2 dogs) and can be purchased online at ccrecpark.org. These fees (along with donations) support operating costs and improvements to the park. Recent improvements include the purchase of a shade structure, installation of a water fountain and the completion of a landscape plan. A special thanks goes out to Mark Hayas who made a recent $4,800 donation to cover the cost of the remaining eight (8) trees in the landscape plan.
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Piney Run Park News
Big Fish Contest Winner
The 2021 Big Fish Contest at Piney Run Park was won by Mr. David Neuwiller who landed a 41.5-inch striped bass weighing over 28 lbs. This year was the third time that Mr. Neuwiller has won this contest and its $1,000 prize. He collected his check from the Board of County Commissioners on December 16, 2021. It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s contest which begins on March 1, 2022, the first day of Piney Run Park’s 2022 open season.
2022 Piney Run Park Boat and Season Passes on Sale Now
Piney Run Park Season Passes are now available for the 2022 season! To receive a $10 discount, purchase your season pass online by visiting https://ccrec.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=28
Carroll County Residents: $65 (Online Discount), $75 at the park
Out-of-County Residents: $90 (Online Discount), $100 at the park
Boat Launch Pass (all boats including kayaks, sailboats, canoes, rowboats, and SUPs): $65
Additional Boat Launch Pass: $25
For more information, call the park office at 410-795-5165 or email pineyrunpark@carrollcountymd.gov.
Save the Date – Upcoming Piney Run Nature Center Events
Cabin Fever Art Show on Saturday, February 11 from 10 am – 4 pm
Spring Fever Coffee House on Friday, March 18 from 7-9 pm
For more information, please contact Piney Run Nature Center at 410-795-6043.
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Freedom Park Playground Fundraising Campaign
A generous anonymous donor has committed to match up to $200,000 in donations for additional play equipment at Freedom Park. Donations will be accepted through November of 2022 and the equipment will be ordered and installed in 2023. Help Recreation & Parks make the most of this opportunity by raising the full $200,000 which would maximize the matching donation. Progress updates will be posted on a fundraising thermometer sign at the park and donations of all sizes may be made by visiting ccrecpark.org.
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Patapsco Valley Regional Greenway Update
The Department of Recreation & Parks continues to work closely with the Department of Planning, the Town of Sykesville and Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP) on plans for a trail that would connect downtown Sykesville with Freedom Park and beyond to Patapsco Valley Park and ultimately to Baltimore. Current efforts are focused on the 30% design, including both the park section and downtown section of Sykesville to PVSP McKeldin Area trails. For more information, please visit https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/transportation/bicycle-pedestrian-master-plan/patapsco-regional-greenway/ .
Businesses and Jobs Seekers Connect Virtually
Businesses with job openings and workers seeking jobs have two ongoing opportunities to connect through the Carroll County Business/Employment Resource Center (BERC).
Businesses participate in weekly Job Club networking meetings as their schedule allows. Just click on this virtual website link to join in the Job Club / Recruitment Event on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
Additionally, BERC hosts virtual job fairs monthly to help job seekers and employers meet to discuss job opportunities and hiring qualifications. Registration is open for the first 2022 Virtual Job Fair on Tuesday, January 25, from 10 am to 11:30 am:
For Organizations: https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/84n5mx
For Job Seekers: https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/WB2zQW
Interested businesses and job seekers should contact BERC Business Consultant Scott Singleton at 410-386-2521 or email ssingleton@carrollcountymd.gov for more information.
Carroll County Farm Museum
Admission to the Carroll County Farm Museum is free January 3 through March 31, 2022. The Museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Outside buildings are open and there are scavenger hunts for children. The playground is available along with the Little Free Library. Visitors are reminded to dress for the weather.
For more information, visit carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org or call (800) 654-4645.
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In the fall, MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC announced that ABC Supply Co., Inc. signed a lease for 36,950 square feet at 1332 Londontown Boulevard, Eldersburg. ABC Supply Co., Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing in the United States and one of the nation’s largest distributors of siding, windows, and other select exterior and interior building products, tools, and related supplies. This new location nearly doubles ABC’s current footprint that is located just two miles east and will allow the group to expand operations and improve their distribution process.
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Homeowner Assistance Fund
If you are you struggling to keep up with your mortgage payments or other housing costs due to COVID-19 related financial hardships, the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to help.
The state is now accepting applications for the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund. To check eligibility and apply, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/HomeownerAssistanceFund.aspx.
Eviction Prevention Assistance Available
If you or someone you know is behind in rental payments due to COVID-19, there may be eviction prevention assistance available. Visit the county's webpage or the Human Services Programs of Carroll County page.
Carroll County Commissioners
225 N. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157
410.386.2043
www.carrollcountymd.gov
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