Howard County Week in Review

Long Reach — Plagued with Crime, Business Closings — Poised for Makeover: Columbia Patch kicked off its series about the town's village centers with a look at Long Reach. The center is redefining itself after the recent closing of an anchor grocery store and high-profile crime incidents in the neighborhood. Residents are optimistic about the center's future, and have welcomed several new businesses.

: This week, Howard County school officials told Elkridge parents that the county will pursue litigation against a property owner who has violated the terms of a sales contract with the school system regarding the site for a new elementary school on Ducketts Lane. Due to a lien on the property, the school system cannot close on the deal with property owner Ducketts Ridge LLC, and further delay could put the school's 2013 opening date in jeopardy.

As Demolition Looms, Tenants Search for Answers: Tenants at Laurel Mall are calling foul over being left out in the mall's redevelopment process. Store owners say they were never told about the looming parking lot demolition or that they would have to leave the mall once redevelopment begins.

: Carroll Baldwin Hall has served as a central meeting place for people in Savage for decades, and local residents recently gathered to light up the holiday tree and bid on a painting of their beloved hall. Winnings from the auction went toward a matching grant for renovating and upkeep of the hall.

 What are the environmental benefits of buying a live Christmas tree? And what about tree that's still got its roots? Environmental columnist Kim Lemmonds discusses the pros and cons of fake, live and rooted Christmas trees.