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New Howard County laws allow for historic jail rehab, more affordable housing and religious advisory group

By JT Moodee Lockman

/ CBS Baltimore

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed three new bills into law Thursday morning. 

The first law allows for the rehabilitation of a historic jail building, the second creates a new religious advisory commission, and the third finalizes an agreement that will bring more affordable housing to Columbia. 

Howard County jail restoration 

The first bill, CB18-026, creates a multi-year lease with Preservation Maryland for the restoration of the historic Howard County Jail located in Ellicott City. 

The jail has not been used to hold anyone since the 1980s and has been vacant since 2008. 

In October 2025, Preservation Maryland, which is dedicated to protecting the state's heritage, shared its plan to use the building as its headquarters. 

The plan includes the addition of office and research space for the University of Maryland's School of Architecture, along with community meeting spaces. 

The organization will enter into a long-term lease with the county for the building and the outside area. 

Creating a faith advisory group 

The second bill, CB20-2026, was approved by the county council unanimously as they sought to address issues of religious intolerance. 

The measure establishes a permanent Interfaith Advisory Commission to provide advice, support dialogue and promote education related to different religious backgrounds and institutions. 

The measure advances Howard County Executive Calvin Ball's Interfaith Action Plan, which analyzed 12 areas in an effort to ensure that all religious communities receive compassion, justice and care. 

The Interfaith Advisory Commission will help to coordinate religious services, address the needs of at-risk communities, and provide a platform for education and awareness on integrating different traditions. 

"The Interfaith Advisory Commission will be an invaluable tool to make strides toward reducing religious conflict and promoting peace locally by bridging divides between diverse communities and encouraging dialogue, combatting extremism, and building trust," the bill reads. 

Members of the commission will include the Superintendent of Howard County Public Schools, the President of Howard County Community College, and the President of the Howard County Library System. 

A minimum of 10 appointed members would also be required, with no more than four from the same religious group. This would include at least two members of the public and at least one student representative under the age of 19. 

Affordable housing proposed for Columbia 

The third bill, CR39-2026, creates a payment agreement between the county and Fall River Terrace LLC for an affordable housing community. 

The 76-unit complex will be located in the 5500 block of Harpers Farm Road in Columbia, according to the bill. 

Fifty units will have to be rented to households that earn below 80% of the median income for the Baltimore area; 25 units will be for residents that make less than 50% of the median income, and 26 units will be rented at market rates. 

Under the new law, the company will receive a housing assistance contract to help subsidize rent for 25 units. The law also approves a request for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement.

"The company has demonstrated to the county that an agreement for a PILOT is necessary to make the development economically feasible," the bill read. 

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