Council considers adding Old Frederick Road segments to scenic‑roads inventory

Council members reviewed CR224, a council resolution to add sections of Old Frederick Road and Main/Old Frederick Road to Howard County’s scenic roads inventory.

Legislative analyst Nick Reinhart summarized the staff review, citing four qualifying criteria in code §16.14.020: routes that pass through outstanding natural features, provide outstanding views, follow historic alignments or front properties that are largely in a historic district. He noted the proposed segment includes parcels on the county’s historic inventory and follows the Old National Pike alignment.

Council members asked about the practical effect of designation and whether prior scenic designations had been enforced consistently. Nick Reinhart and public works staff said designation invokes an additional level of review for capital or development proposals that would alter a scenic road’s character; it does not necessarily force property owners to reorient existing homes to face the street.

Carolyn Parsa of the Sierra Club endorsed the addition and urged protection for trees and natural areas that support the scenic and historic character.

Why it matters: Scenic‑road designation introduces added review for projects affecting the corridor, and it recognizes historic and natural resources along a route long identified as the Old National Pike.

What’s next: Council continued its review at the work session and received a county inventory and endorsements to inform any formal vote.