April 22, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
County Executive Ball also announces environmental studies for two new potential sites for High School #14
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball secured amendments to the Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA) that limit exemptions from new laws for the Mission Road property that will be the site of Howard County’s new, 13th high school. The amendments to the DRRA will ensure that management of the property keeps pace with development and other related policies as they are revised on a county-wide basis. The full text of the amendment can be found here.
Ball has also announced that Howard County has funded and initiated environmental studies for two new potential sites for High School #14. Assessments at both the Timbers at Troy golf course and Troy Park began last week and are estimated to take 30 days to complete.
“Being more intentional and forward thinking is essential to alleviating classroom overcrowding and providing the best teaching and learning environment for every student and educator in Howard County,” said Ball. “As we construct High School #13, we will ensure the highest standards of environmental care and safety are met. We are also moving with a sense of urgency to find the best site for High School #14 where the need is, and will be, for the future. These important projects are critical to our community’s future and remain top priorities for my administration.”
“I’m thrilled that the County Executive not only recognizes the need for a high school in Elkridge, but is taking concrete steps toward making that a reality,” said community advocate Dawn Millman Popp. “A high school is a priority for many in the Elkridge community and we are grateful that Dr. Ball is making that a reality.”
The amendments to the High School #13 DRRA require the owner, Chase Land and Annapolis Junction Holdings, to comply with county-wide changes to the following laws, policies and regulations:
- APFO (Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance)
- Subdivision and Land Development Regulations
- Forest Conservation Act of Howard County
- Development and permitting fees
- The Scenic Roads Act
- The Howard County Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program
- Stormwater Management Requirements
- Howard County Park Land, Open Space, and Natural Resource regulations
- Any laws pertaining to building safety
Howard County has not built a new high school since Marriotts Ridge opened in 2005. At that time, county high school enrollment totaled 15,578 students and total county enrollment for all levels was 48,596 students. In comparison, a 2018 Feasibility Study projects year 2023 high school enrollment to be 19,620 students, and total county enrollment for all levels at 60,500 students.
The Board of Education voted to approve the Mission Road site in March 2018 and received state approval for the project two months later. Documents related to environmental testing and other considerations prior to site selection can be found here.
Last month, it approved design and planning for the new school. Documents including concept renderings, site plan and floor plans presented to the Board, can be found here.