North Laurel/Savage
- Angela Latham Kozlowski
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
Local news covering the North Laurel, Savage, and Scaggsville areas
HoCo Updates Neighboring Community on Status of Route 1 Housing Plan
Approximately eight acres of property along Route 1 from Whiskey Bottom Road northward could be the future site of condominiums and an apartment community. A status report on the plan was provided to area residents by Howard County Housing Commission Executive Director Peter Engle during a 7 May meeting hosted by the North Howard County Civic Association. Engle noted that much of the land in question has already been purchased by Howard County: the 5.5-acre site of a former mobile home park called Beechcrest and the 1.9-acre former site of Hurst’s Antiques. The county also hopes to purchase the former Randy’s California Inn and the still-operating America’s Best Motel in order to carry out the development plan fully, to include traffic flow upgrades.
As presented by Engle, the development plan includes desirable amenities such as green spaces and a dog park in the condominium community, and ground floor restaurants and shops in the apartment community. Artist renderings showed the condominiums located on the Beechcrest parcel, with the apartment complex located on the Hurst and Randy’s California Inn parcels, assuming the latter can be purchased.
The housing commission seeks to provide quality, affordable housing. Engle stated, “We don’t have good economic mobility in this area; affordable housing programs help people get ahead of their bills and save money so that they can have mobility.” Condominium ownership offers the “ability to buy up,” he added. However, most of the properties the commission manages are rentals, which are more affordable to potential residents, especially in the current economy. Engle stated that the federal money on which the commission operates is getting tighter. In addition, recent federal job losses and rising expenses are causing an “outmigration” from Howard County, as remaining in the county becomes increasingly unaffordable for people on the low end of middle-income status or lower.
For their part, neighbors of these future communities expressed concern over traffic congestion on Whiskey Bottom Road and Route 1, which several noted already poses a big problem. One resident was unaware that renters pay school taxes, while another attendee thought rental units might bring down property values by bringing “blight” to the area. Engle showed photos of long-standing, similar communities managed by the commission to show how well maintained they are. He also pointed out that problematic renters can be removed more easily, under the law, than a problem homeowner.
Veterans & Military Families Monument Officially Opens to Public
Howard County recently unveiled a monument honoring military veterans and military families. Located at Millie Bailey Park at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia, the monument stands as a permanent place of honor for the county’s 20,000 veterans, military members, and their families—including more than 1,000 Howard County Public School System students with a parent on active duty.
Artist Larry Kirkland designed the monument with deep meaning. The base star represents the community that supports military members and their families during deployment. The blue star honors service members and military families. The hollow gold star embedded within it reflects the grief and lasting impact left behind when a service member is lost in the line of duty. The reflecting pond and bench invite quiet contemplation, while engraved words about service, freedom, and democracy remind us of the values our veterans help protect.
Protect our Environment: Report Litter and Debris on State Roads
If you see litter along major state roads such as US1, US29, US40, MD32, MD100, or MD216, please contact the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), which is responsible for litter removal along those roads. It only takes a moment to report the offensive debris.
SmartER—Emergency Medical Care Online Tool
Howard County has officially launched SmartER, an innovative online tool designed to help residents quickly find the right place for care before they leave home. The online tool shows real-time hospital capacity and offers clear information about urgent care options across the county. SmartER helps residents make more informed care decisions while reducing unnecessary waits and supporting a more efficient healthcare system. To learn more, visit the SmartER public dashboard webpage.
Happenings at North Laurel Community Center
Teens looking for a fun way to spend their free time can come to the community center for Teen Kick Backs. From 5 to 8 pm every Friday through August 21, teens (ages 11 to 17) can enjoy activities, free pizza and snacks, sports, video games, and lots of fun.
Register today for aquatic fitness classes being offered at the new North Laurel Community Center pool. There are many activities to choose from, including: Aqua Zumba, BOOM Shake SPLASH, and water aerobics. No swimming experience is required. All fitness levels welcome. Classes are for ages 16 years +. Instructors offer a dynamic mix of dance-inspired movement, cardio, and strength training. Visit: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/north-laurel-community-center for more information on classes and activities.
Angie Latham Kozlowski is a staff writer and member of the Board of Directors for the Laurel History Boys. In addition to her investigative reporting, her articles frequently spotlight Howard County.
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