BizWeekly 1/28/2014
Ulman, Cummings, Other Officials Patronize The Mall in Columbia at Reopening
Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings and other Howard County officials patronized The Mall in Columbia when it reopened yesterday afternoon.
Ulman, who had lunch at the mall with friends and colleagues, also visited a designated site of a memorial commemoration to shooting victims Brianna Benlolo and Tyler Johnson, which is located at the mall’s exterior (near Starbucks and Sears).
Redevelopment Program Announced for Long Reach Village Center
Howard County Government recently took the first step in revitalizing Columbia’s Long Reach Village Center by submitting legislation to the Howard County Council that would designate the commercial portion of the center as an urban renewal area. Such designation is needed before the county can purchase the property and create more detailed plans.
“The Long Reach community has long been concerned over the decline of the village center. We’ve heard those concerns and can’t wait any longer to act,” County Executive Ken Ulman said. “Vacancies, security and maintenance are real issues, and we now have a unique opportunity to make progress.”
Ulman said the current owners of the center have offered to sell a portion of the property, and that the county is proposing a unique urban renewal project with the goal of creating a sustainable and vibrant community focal point that could serve as a model for future redevelopment in Columbia.
Ulman is asking that the planning process include an evaluation of the creation of an arts district, with the potential for new space for the Howard County Arts Council. The village center is currently home to Columbia Association’s Columbia Arts Center, and leaders of the two organizations have begun discussions on collaboration and synergies.
After urban renewal legislation is adopted, the county will begin a process to determine what happens next. It plans to utilize an architectural and engineering firm to assist in conducting a planning process that will include community outreach.
Towne Centre Laurel Announcement Expected
Developers from Greenberg Gibbons were scheduled to reveal their retail lineup and opening schedule for the new Town Centre Laurel during a Jan. 27 meeting with Laurel Mayor Craig Moe and the Laurel City Council. The announcement comes nearly 18 months after the developer broke ground for the project at the former Laurel Mall site.
When complete, the $130 million open-air complex will feature 400,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space, as well as 435 residential units. Previously-confirmed tenants include Burlington Coat Factory, Sports Authority, Old Navy, a 12-screen Regal Theatre and a 49,000-square-foot Harris Teeter grocery store.
An earlier timeline released by Greenberg Gibbons anticipated a spring 2014 opening of the first phase of retail development, followed by a second phase in late 2014 and completion of residential unites in 2016. Full details will follow in the February issue of
The Business Monthly
.
Council Pre-Files Resolution to Study Transportation Improvements
Howard County Councilmembers Calvin Ball, Mary Kay Sigaty, Jennifer Terrasa and Courtney Watson have pre-filed a resolution requesting that the Howard County Public Transportation Board evaluate the performance of its current public transportation system and determine whether enhancements should be made to current transportation services in Howard County.
Council Resolution 23-2014 requires the transportation board to study several factors and file a report to the council and the county executive regarding current service standards, route efficiencies and the ability to meet existing demand; options to increase or expand public transportation to meet short-term and long-term demand; funding sources for infrastructure and capital projects to increase peak and off peak frequency during the next five years; and other aspects of service.
Last year, almost 1 million passengers took advantage of the Howard County public transportation system. With the growth of Downtown Columbia on the horizon and the redevelopment of the Wilde Lake Village Center, there is opportunity for transportation enhancements.
“The General Plan calls on us to ‘enhance the accessibility and quality of existing and future transit services,’ and through this resolution, we are empowering the Public Transportation Board to gather the data and a diverse group of people who have a keen interest in transportation accessibility to do just that,” said Terrasa.
The resolution will be formally introduced at the council’s legislative session on Monday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m., in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m., in the same location. If needed, a work session is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24, at 4:30 p.m., also in the same location.
Howard Firm Makes Forbes List of Most Promising Companies
Columbia-based TheraPearl has been named one of America’s 100 most promising companies by Forbes magazine, checking in at No. 41 on the list. Founded in 2008, TheraPearl creates and distributes innovative hot and cold therapy products to relieve aches and pains for the neck, back, knee and other nagging injuries.
The list includes what it called “high-growth, privately held companies” with annual revenue under $250 million. The publication looked at a number of factors in developing its list, including growth in revenue and employees, the quality of a company’s investors, management team and business partnerships.
TheraPearl had $10 million in revenue in 2013 and is poised for continued growth. The company is expanding outside the U.S. thanks to a distribution deals with Boots, the British pharmacy chain. Boots is putting TheraPearl’s products in 2,500 of its stores. The company also has a deal with Bausch + Lomb for a co-branded eye mask that will be sold in Walgreens and Rite Aid stores in the U.S., as well as the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Canada and Asia.
The company is set to launch another product line: A new ankle-and-wrist wrap will begin shipping to retailers starting this spring and is currently available on the company web site. TheraPearl began with four employees, and today its staff has grown to 18, with operations in Maryland, California and Canada.
Howard County Settles Underground Storage Tank Violations at Two Facilities
Howard County has agreed to pay a $9,727 penalty to settle alleged violations of underground storage tank (UST) regulations at two facilities in Columbia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced.
EPA cited the county for not complying with safeguards designed to prevent, detect and control leaks of petroleum and other hazardous substances from USTs. The alleged violations involved federal and state UST regulations requiring monthly leak detection monitoring, and cathodic anti-corrosion protection.
According to EPA, a 1,000-gallon UST containing used oil, located at the Bureau of Utilities at 8250 Old Montgomery Road, was not regularly monitored for leaks for three-and-a-half years. Also, the county failed to provide cathodic protection for piping to a 2,500 gallon UST containing diesel fuel, located at Long Reach Fire Station No. 9 on 5950 Tamar Drive.
The settlement penalty reflects the Howard County’s cooperation with EPA in correcting the alleged non-compliance and resolving this matter. As part of the settlement, the county did not admit liability for the alleged violations.
Ulman Announces New Astronomy Observatory, Improvements at Alpha Ridge
Howard County Executive Ken Ulman announced improvements to Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville will include an astronomy observatory and comfort station, along with parking lot improvements. Construction will began soon, and the project is expected to be completed by early July.
The Alpha Ridge Park’s new observatory will support the Howard Astronomical League’s (HAL) public outreach efforts to provide the community with the opportunity to learn more about space and astronomical science through direct, hands-on astronomical experiences.
The observatory’s structure will feature a 15-foot diameter dome, an observing platform, the historic Watson telescope and an independent concrete pier for the telescope. In addition, one of the structure’s four walls will be used as a projection screen to showcase educational presentations and project live video images captured by the observatory’s telescope.
Maryland Live! Casino Announces the First-Ever $1M Live! Poker Classic
Maryland Live! Casino, in Anne Arundel County, has announced the $1 Million Live! Poker Classic, which is slated to be the biggest poker tournament series to be staged in The Poker Room since it opened last August. The series is composed of nine events during a 14-day span, with a guaranteed $1 million in cash prizes to be awarded.
Event dates (and prize structures) will begin with a $550 No Limit Hold’em (for $225,000 in guaranteed prize money) from March 10-13; it will conclude March 21-24 with the $3,500 Live! Classic No-Limit Hold’em Main Event Day (with $400,000 guaranteed prize money). Registration will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, on the second floor of The Poker Room at the casino.
HCGH’s Cancer Resource Center Changes Name
The Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, a service of Howard County General Hospital (HCGH), has changed its name to the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center. The new name recognizes Tina Broccolino’s contributions to the center since establishing it 15 years ago.
Broccolino established the center in 1998, including naming the center after Howard County resident Claudia Mayer, who died of cancer in 1996.
Elizabeth Rendón-Sherman, chairman of the Howard Hospital Foundation board of trustees, said, “Tina’s tenacious advocacy for the center and all those served by it has yielded tremendous philanthropic support over the past 15 years, and provided invaluable visibility for the hospital’s cancer programs through events such as the annual Fretz fundraiser, Cuts Against Cancer and Blossoms of Hope. We are delighted to permanently recognize her contributions through the center’s new name.”
The center opened with educational resources and a lending library, as well as a full-service salon staffed by volunteer stylists from local salons. The center has expanded throughout the past 15 years, providing more than 5,000 services in 2012, and now offers counseling services, support groups, exercise classes and complementary medicine.
Leadership U Invites Applicants for 2014 Program
High school sophomores who are looking for a leadership challenge and the opportunity to have an impact on their community are invited to apply to Leadership U, a leadership development and community service program sponsored by Leadership Howard County.
Open to all high school sophomores who live in Howard County, the Leadership U program empowers students to learn by doing. Students work in teams to discuss, reflect upon and develop solutions for problems that affect them and their peers in the community. They also develop mentoring relationships with adult community leaders, learn about Howard County’s government and services, and hone their presentation skills.
Students and parents are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and speak to recent graduates. The hour-long information sessions will start at 7 p.m. They will be held on the following dates at three locales.
Jan. 28: Hammond High School
Feb. 5: Central Library
Feb. 20: Miller Library
Information and applications are available in guidance offices, or online at www.leadershiphc.org. Application deadline is March 12.
Meet Artist Lupo at the Aloft BWI Hotel
The Aloft BWI hotel and the Chesapeake Arts Center are holding a Meet the Artist Reception featuring local photographer Vince Lupo on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Aloft BWI Hotel, located at 1741 W. Nursery Road, Linthicum.
The Aloft BWI hotel featured Lupo’s photos for the month of January. The artist displayed his art in the main Aloft BWI Lobby.
“The creative road is neither orderly nor routine, and these images capture what I see as the surprise, fear and joy of living. I never know what’s around the corner or where I’ll end up,” said Lupo. For more information, call 410-691-6969 or visit www.aloftbwi.com
Neuman Invites Students to Participate in Student Model Government Program
Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman has invited all 10th- and 11th-grade students to compete for the chance to be county executive, councilperson or department head for a day as part of the annual Student Model Government Program.
Entrants are required to submit a short essay describing what they hope to accomplish if given the chance to serve as public service official. More than 30 students will be selected to participate in the model government.
Applications and essays are due by Jan. 29; students selected also will participate in a mock county council hearing that will take place on March 17. For more information, call Ashley Ricker of the Office of Community and Constituent Services at 410-222-1241.
French Restaurant Opens on Columbia Lakefront With Charity Events
Restaurateurs Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf have opened Petit Louis Bistro in Columbia on Lake Kittamaqundi. The classic French bistro will celebrate its opening with multiple dining events to benefit four Howard County charities: Bridges to Housing Stability, Columbia Festival of the Arts, Domestic Violence Center of Howard County (HopeWorks) and The Howard County Conservancy.
There will be two charity luncheon dates on Jan. 29 and 31 ($30 per person), as well as four charity dinner dates on Jan. 28, 29, 30 and 31 ($50 per person). Included in the price is one appetizer, a main course, dessert and a complimentary glass of either the red or white Cuvee de Louis. All proceeds raised from the events will be donated directly to the charity of the diner’s choice. Reservations are being accepted at the restaurant. Call 410-964-9999 for availability.
Petit Louis Bistro in Columbia will officially open to the public in early February. It has a lively, yet casual and comfortable, setting modeled after a Belle-Époque Parisian bistro.
MIA Announces Consumer Info Opportunities in Howard County
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) will offer a variety of consumer materials on all types of insurance products from annuities to title insurance and health, auto and homeowners insurance today and tomorrow to answer consumer questions at the following locations.
● Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Columbia Workforce Center, 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia
● Jan. 29, 12:30-2 p.m. at the Howard Community College (HCC) Resource Fair, HCC’s Burrill Galleria, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
A schedule of agency outreach activities and consumer materials are available at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us, as well as by request and at various community events.
Celebrate Dennis Lane’s Birthday at Clyde’s on Wednesday Evening
Friends of Dennis Lane will be uniting at Clyde’s on the Columbia Lakefront this Wednesday, Jan. 29, to celebrate his birthday with a special Happy Hour. The event will begin at 5 p.m., and all attendees are encouraged to get their red (Dennis’s favorite color) on and join the celebration.
To donate to the Dennis Lane Memorial Fund, in his honor, at the Community Foundation of Howard County, visit www.cfhoco.org/give/donate/foundation (use this web link page only and include “Dennis Lane Memorial Fund” in the honorarium line).
To donate to the Dennis Lane ’77 One Acts Fund at John Carroll University, visit http://johncarrolluniversity.wufoo.com/forms/give-to-jcu (use this web link page only and include “Dennis Lane ’77 One Acts Fund” in the designation box.
America’s Got Talent’ Auditions Set for Baltimore Convention Center
“America’s Got Talent” is headed to Baltimore this Thursday, Jan. 30, to hold auditions for the ninth season of the NBC-TV series at the Baltimore Convention Center. Those interested in participating can register at www.agtauditions.com
Howard Housing Fair Set for April
The 2014 Come Home to Howard County Housing Fair will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event has everything that attendees want to know about renting or buying a home in Howard County, and attracts attendees from throughout Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; Pennsylvania; and other states nationwide.
Last year the event featured 55 exhibitors, 26 education sessions, children’s entertainment, bus tours to communities in Ellicott City and Elkridge, a housing lottery for two homes priced below market and prize giveaways. For more information, visit www.howardcountyhousing.com/housing-fair
From MarylandReporter.com …
Rascovar column: O’Malley’s boring valedictory:
There’s a reason the legislative response was tepid to the State of the State address. They’d heard nearly every bit of O’Malley’s speech before. There was nothing new in his formal remarks, no surprises, no informal, heartfelt ad libs. Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/category/news/#ixzz2rZJxxh7Y
Analysis: From the back corner, a solid speech that was mostly true:
From my usual corner at the back of the House of Delegates chamber, Martin O’Malley’s eighth and final State of the State address seemed one of his better efforts. Think what you might of O’Malley’s accomplishments over the last seven years – the real subject of the whole speech – the gov is an effective communicator, except when he reaches too far for the lofty rhetoric of his beloved Irish poets. Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/category/news/#ixzz2rZKCevkD
Md. elections board confronts its top administrator for ruling on fundraising without its knowledge or consent:
Maryland elections board members held the state elections director and her staff accountable at the first public board meeting since she ruled on a controversial fundraising law without the board’s knowledge or consent. One said they “got blindsided.” Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/category/news/#ixzz2rZKKekKo
Audit: Assessments & Taxation Dept. doesn’t inspect property to assess values as often as required; doesn’t audit personal property tax returns or credits:
The state Assessments and Taxation Department hasn’t performed regular physical inspections of individual properties to support property assessments as required by state law for “many years,” legislative auditors found. The department also did not audit or review business personal property tax returns or homeowner tax credits, according to an audit report released last month. Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/category/news/#ixzz2rZKhhwlt
MarylandReporter.com is a news site for government and politics in Maryland that is published and edited by Len Lazarick. For more information or to sign up for the daily e-news, go to www.marylandreporter.com.