Parking problems and traffic jams have become as much a part of Columbia?s Fourth of July celebrations as the fireworks.
This year was no exception to the more than 30-year tradition.
“People were annoyed when they were trying to get out” of the event at Lake Kittamaquindi, said Columbia resident Joel Broida, whose wife, Gail, is the Town Center representative on the Columbia Association?s board.
Joel Broida said police blocked in those who parked in a garage on Wincopin Circle for about 20 minutes after the fireworks ended around 10:15 p.m.
“They boxed them in there and said, ?You can?t go until we let you go,?” he said. “People were honking their horns until they were let out.”
Howard County Police employed the same traffic plan used in previous years, Officer Jennifer Reidy said.
“It really might not be as fast as people like, but the plan is the best way to control traffic in Columbia,” she said.
“Obviously any time a large group of people come together things are going to slow down, and they are not going to go how people want them to.”
Police did not issue any tickets, and no accidents occurred, Reidy said
Despite the incident at Wincopin Circle, some said the day ran smoothy in comparison to other years.
“Howard County Police have really taken care of it this year,” said Jasen Stengel, a resident of Ring Dove Lane, a cordoned-off street.
“I remember when I was younger, there were a lot of problems with parking in this area. The street would be totally filled.”
At least one local business enjoyed the increased patronage without major problems.
“There were no issues,” said Paul Kraft, general manager for Clyde?s Restaurant in downtown Columbia at the lake.
