Howard County public hearing draws hundreds as residents press council to restrict W.R. Grace plastics research near homes

Howard County Council held a legislative public hearing Feb. 18 on CB 11-2025 (ZRA 2-11), a zoning regulation amendment proposed by Councilmember Deb Young that would limit certain research-and-development operations in Planned Employment Center (PEC) districts where they abut homes. The session drew large numbers of residents from Cedar Creek, River Hill and nearby neighborhoods; many testified in favor of the amendment and against a proposed W.R. Grace plastic recycling pilot facility adjacent to new housing in Columbia.

The measure was introduced Feb. 3; the council scheduled a final legislative session for March 3 at 7 p.m. in the Banneker Room for consideration of legislation that received public testimony. The hearing on Feb. 18 opened with an announcement that roughly 148 people had signed up to speak and that testimony slots would run until 11 p.m., with a continuation scheduled for Feb. 19 if needed.

Why it matters: Testimony focused on public health, land-use separation and trust in the permitting process. Residents said the proposed pilot — described in regulatory filings as an R&D process that opponents and some regulators say meets the definition of an incinerator or pyrolysis unit — would operate close to homes and schools and could release volatile organic compounds, dioxins and other hazardous air pollutants. Supporters of the ZRA argued the amendment would protect families and…