Last Thursday night the Howard County Planning Board held a hearing on a proposed new trail that would connect the Town Center area of Columbia with the existing County trail that runs parallel to the Patuxent River to Savage.
The proposed trail will run along the same land as the new sewer line that was installed a couple of years ago. This trail has been identified as the number one priority in the Connecting Columbia plan developed by the Columbia Association. The Planning Board approved a feasibility study for the trail.
The land above just below Toby's Dinner Theater is where the proposed trail would start and run parallel to Route 29.
The trail would follow Route 29 down to the Brokenland overpass where it would go under Route 29.
After going under Stevens Forest Road it would follow the river down the right side of the picture above.
The trail would then follow the river along the edge of Allview down to a point where it would connect up with the existing trail to Savage. The clearing of the land to install the sewer line provides an opportunity to use this cleared land for a recreational use and provide bikers with a scenic trail to connect one side of Columbia to the other without having to cross any streets. As someone who has followed and participated in the meetings of the Connecting Columbia efforts of the Columbia Association to make Columbia more bike friendly this trail seems like a wonderful opportunity that shouldn't be missed. I will be following the process as it proceeds and let everyone know how to advocate to make this trail a reality.
P.S.
Aren't we all glad we don't live in Boston today? OK maybe not for you snow lovers out there.
I will take our rain yesterday. This is the picture I took this morning in my yard.
From the American Association of University Women:
"On March 23, AAUW Howard County will host a Practice SAT Exam for middle and high school students at Vantage House auditorium, 5400 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. The Princeton Review will administer the practice exam and lead a Scores Back Session on April 20 at Vantage House. The practice SAT is held from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and the Scores Back session is from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Total cost is $15 for this fundraiser with proceeds going to the AAUW Howard County scholarship fund. Send cash or a check made payable to AAUW Howard County to Amy Robinson, 5563 Nettlebed Court, Columbia, MD 21045. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Register at www.PrincetonReview.com/events
Contact The Princeton Review at 800- 273-8439 for questions about the test and the Scores Back session. For other questions, email AAUWHoCoMembers@gmail.com."
P.S. 2
Spring is just around the corner (unless you live in New England!) and I received this information on the Maryland Home and Garden Show:
Maryland Home & Garden Show Presents New Gardens, Pros and Shows, March 2, 3 & 8-10
New features are sprouting up at the Spring 2013 Maryland Home & Garden Show. More than 300 home improvement exhibitors – with everything from decks and patios to kitchens and baths, from cabinets and countertops to hot tubs and water proofing will join local and national experts at the two weekend show. Taking place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, and Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10, the show will introducevisitors to resources for their home and garden projects, get expert advice at seminars and shows, and purchase live blooms at the plant marketplace.
Films in Flowers
As the featured attraction, local landscapers will transform the Cow Palace at the Maryland State Fairgrounds into a Hollywood wonderland. Based on the theme “Films in Flowers,” 16 fully-landscaped gardens will depict cinema classics, including “The Great Gatsby,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Caddy Shack.” These elaborately designed gardens complete with flowers, patios, fire pits and water features will allow visitors to see first-hand what’s possible in their own outdoor spaces.
Ask the Experts!
Alongside the hundreds of local exhibitors and resources, the Show will present nationally-recognized experts offering their unique advice. During the first weekend of the Show, award-winning TV personality and columnist Dr. Lori will offer her humorous, yet honest, opinion of visitor’s attic treasures, family hand-me-downs and flea-market finds at scheduled presentations.
In appearances throughout the second show weekend, Brian Santos, known as the “Wall Wizard,” will offer his expert advice on working with wallpaper, paint and faux finishes. Visitors will learn his painting secrets, including the type of roller to use when smoothing textured walls, how to properly clean and paint old tarnished bricks and how to clean a paint brush in ten seconds or less.
Interior design professionals from the American Society of Interior Designers will also be on-site offering complimentary consultations to guide visitors in their home decorating adventures.
The Shows within the Show
Within the Maryland Home & Garden Show, special sections will offer one-of-a-kind products and displays. The Maryland Spring Craft Show will feature more than 125 craftspeople selling their unique handmade creations.
Orchid enthusiasts will not want to miss the Maryland Orchid Society Show and Sale during the second weekend of the Show, March 8-10, in Horticulture Hall. This perennial favorite will display thousands of beautiful blooms for visitors to peruse and purchase.
Also during the second weekend of the Show, the Baltimore Bonsai Club will present the Bonsai Show and Sale. Those interested in miniature gardening can participate in educational exhibits and learn how to maintain and style bonsai.
Garden Preview Party
The Maryland Home & Garden Show will host the third annual Garden Preview Party benefiting Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake on Friday, March 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. The red carpet will be rolled out for Habitat’s most frequent volunteers, and guests can enjoy live music, lite fare and an exclusive sneak peek of the Show’s 16 beautifully-designed garden displays. Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake brings people together to build decent, affordable homes that change lives, empower families and strengthen the community. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. To purchase tickets online, visitwww.habitatchesapeake.org
Show Information
The Maryland Home & Garden Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road in Timonium, will be open two weekends: Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and the following weekend: Friday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $3 for kids ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 years old. Admission to the Maryland Spring Craft Show only is $6. Free parking is available onsite and a free shuttle is available between buildings courtesy of Chesapeake Home and Living.
Ticket discounts are available online at www.mdhomeandgarden.com/
The Maryland Home & Garden Show is sponsored by M&T Bank.
For more information on the Maryland Home & Garden Show, visit www.mdhomeandgarden.com/
Last Thursday, the Planning Board reviewed the Proposed Howard County budget. The meeting was not dedicated to only the Patuxent Branch Trail, but to many proposed items in the budget. The Planning Board did not approve the feasibility study. The Planning Board made a recommendation to approve funding for the study. In addition, the Planning Board assigned a medium priority for funding of the study.
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