Elkridge Asks County Executive for High School, Park, Traffic Light, Library

The need for planning and land acquisition were messages County Executive Ken Ulman heard from Elkridge during a July 23 public forum in Columbia.

“We already see a crunch—we , we can’t find , or put a new police department in place, and I think if we wait much longer…it’s going to be even more difficult to find property,” said Howard Johnson, president of the Greater Elkridge Community Association (GECA). 

“We did actually add more money to land acquisition this year for that very purpose,” said Ulman in response.

Johnson was one of more than a dozen people who testified at the county executive’s sixth annual public forum. Concerns ran the gamut—from sewer systems to military spending—and GECA’s message focused on infrastructure needs in Elkridge, including along the Route 1 corridor.

• High school for Elkridge. “I ask you to support our effort, our new superintendent of schools and the Board of Education...to bring a high school to the Elkridge area and Route 1 corridor," said Johnson. 

• Full-color signal on Route 1 at Ducketts Lane. “I’d like you to work with our state representatives to get a light at Route 1 and Ducketts Lane. We cannot possibly put a where the majority of them will be bused, most likely on the Route 1 corridor, and get to that school and not have a light there,” said Johnson. “The flashing light is not going to cut it.”

• Funding for a new Elkridge library. “I know you’ve had to make some adjustments other places so we do get our library," said Johnson. "Please keep that in the budget so it stays on track to open soon."

• Funding for Troy Park. “Please ensure we have the funding we need in bonds through the state so they can get the park online...so we can make some impact [on] the needs of the various leagues and recreational facilities in the area,” said Johnson.

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