Sykesville staff: Oklahoma Avenue to reopen this week; Cannery building likely to be demolished, stormwater contracts coming to council

Town staff told the Sykesville mayor and town council on Sept. 9 that most streetscape work on Oklahoma Avenue is nearing completion and the road could reopen by the end of the week as crews finish edges and other tie-ins.

Joe (town staff) said most active construction will be behind the French Twist restaurant, where crews installed a large box culvert and will continue stormwater-related work into the following week. He also said a crosswalk connecting Fountain Park to the post office is scheduled for installation next week and that final striping and paving will follow, after which the project will be substantially complete.

Council members raised concerns about heavy truck turning and potential wear to pavers on Oklahoma Avenue. Staff said the road was designed to withstand traffic but noted they will monitor conditions after reopening and that any permanent closure or longer-term changes to traffic patterns would be brought to a future agenda for evaluation.

The Downtown Sykesville Connection (DSC) reallocated grant funding to add permanent overhead “alleyway” lights across Oklahoma Avenue; staff said those lights will be installed later in the week and will be high enough to avoid interfering with existing utilities.

Staff also reported two stormwater capital projects—Norwood and Central Avenue—are expected to come before council for contract approval either at the next meeting or at the first October meeting so work can proceed over the winter.

On the station project, staff said they received a review letter from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) that was "good but not good enough" and that the town is scheduling a meeting with MHT to work through required changes and resubmit plans. Separately, the town said it is bringing in additional architectural support to assist with the MHT process.

Officials described the Cannery building as likely needing demolition after repeat structural reviews found it not usable in its current condition. Town staff said Michael Baker (the consultant contracted for reuse planning) will be redirected to prepare demolition scoping and public outreach about potential reuse of the site. Staff noted the property is owned by Howard County and that the town has grant funding intended to cover demolition and reconstruction costs; Howard County has been involved in discussions but had not committed additional funding. Staff estimated the state capital grant has a multi‑year spending window (staff said roughly seven years) and that some spend will be required in the early years of the grant to retain eligibility.

No formal council action was taken on the streetscape reopening, the stormwater contracts, the station resubmission, or the Cannery building during the Sept. 9 meeting; staff said the demolition scope and formal contract items will return to the council for consideration.