Friday, March 29, 2019

County Council Receives MDOT Briefing on Governor’s Plan to Widen I-495/I-270 to Add Toll Lanes

(Click on the image for the briefing)
The Council received a briefing on Monday, March 25th, on the Managed Lane Study from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the Maryland State Highway Administration. Maryland Secretary of Transportation, Peter Rahn, and the Administrator of the Maryland State Highway Administration, Gregory Slater, discussed potential solutions, including the implementation of tolls, to address mounting traffic congestion on major interstates in our area, I-495 and I-270.  Click HERE to learn more about the I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Study. MDOT will hold several Public Sessions in the County in April.

Guide to new Property Zones

(Click on the image for the guide)

  • The proposed new zones are tentatively scheduled for implementation in October 2020. There will be a great deal of outreach before then.
  • You should become familiar with the new zones NOW.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

How to Ease Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

(Click on the image for Hallie Levine's Consumer Reports article)
Pollen may be hanging around almost all year, but these steps can keep you comfortable:
  • Pollen-Proof Your Environment
  • Take the Right Meds at the Right Time
  • Reduce Your Reaction to Allergens

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Home Warranties: Should You Buy One?

(Click on the image for the Washington Consumers' Checkbook report)
Home warranty companies run lots of ads promising to save you thousands of dollars when something goes wrong with your refrigerator, furnace, plumbing, and other appliances and systems. But don’t count on the peace of mind these plans promise. These warranties are terrible deals and simply aren’t worth their price tags or hassle.
Warranty companies are the subject of thousands of complaints to consumer agencies. Even after paying $400 to $1,000 for the coverage, consumers will find home warranty contracts typically are filled with fine-print exclusions that easily can stick them with much of the costs for product repairs or replacements. The vast majority of homeowners who buy these plans will pay far more in premiums and service fees and for uncovered repairs than if they skipped buying warranties. Plus you don’t get to decide who does the work. We find that the best repair services overwhelmingly disdain these plans and won’t work with home warranty companies.
[Much more at the link above]

Friday, March 1, 2019