Elaine Phelps of 48 Parallel Surveying asked Howard County commissioners on Aug. 4 to set a petition hearing to vacate a dedicated right of way on County Road 550 North between 250 West and North Davis Road Limited West. Phelps requested the hearing be set for the commissioners’ Aug. 18 meeting.

County staff explained the process on the record: accepting the petition for scheduling, preparing required notices and preparing an ordinance for the vacation. Commissioners moved, seconded and voted to accept the petition and set the public hearing for the Aug. 18 meeting.

Why it matters: Right‑of‑way vacations can change public access, property boundaries and maintenance responsibilities. Accepting the petition initiates the formal process that includes public notice and a hearing before commissioners.

Context and next steps: Staff will prepare and circulate notice and draft an ordinance for the vacation as part of the established county process. No comments from adjoining property owners or staff recommendations on the merits of the vacation were recorded at this meeting.