Month: June 2019

Perry Hall Resident Jim Ports Named MDTA Executive Director

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board today named James F. Ports, Jr. as Executive Director of the 1,700-employee agency that oversees the state’s eight toll facilities and the E-ZPass Maryland system. Mr. Ports, who is a resident of Perry Hall and former state delegate in District 8, has served as Deputy Secretary of Operations for the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) since 2015. He also previously served as MDOT Deputy Secretary from 2004 to 2007 during the administration of Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. The new position is effective immediately.

“The MDOT family has benefitted tremendously from Jim’s breadth of experience and knowledge in transportation and operations, and I’m confident he will continue to deliver positive results and outstanding customer service at the MDTA,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Pete K. Rahn.

Prior to being named Deputy Secretary of Operations for MDOT, Mr. Ports served as Administrator and Chief Executive Officer for the Harford County Transit system and as Deputy Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1991 through 2002.

“I’m honored to have the trust of the Hogan Administration and the Chairman and Board members of the MDTA,” said Executive Director Ports. “Working side by side with the outstanding MDTA team, we’ll build on efforts to serve our citizens by constructing, operating and improving Maryland’s toll facilities. I thank Chief Operating Officer John O’Neill for his leadership as the MDTA’s Acting Executive Director since April.”

The new executive director will manage MDTA daily operations, including the nationally accredited MDTA Police, a $324.4 million annual operating budget and a $3.1 billion six-year capital program.  He also will work with the MDTA Board to establish policy and strategic direction for the agency.   

Executive Director Ports served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Sergeant (E5) and was Crew Chief on a CH-46 helicopter. He earned several military medals including the Marine Expeditionary Medal.  He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and of the Marine Corps League. 


Essex Precinct school resource officer named an SRO of the Year

 During the annual Baltimore County Public Schools Safe Schools Conference, the school system announced that Officer Carlos Allen, the school resource officer (SRO) for the Essex Precinct, was named the elementary-level School Resource Officer of the Year.

While each BCPS middle and high school has a full-time SRO, at the elementary level, one officer from each precinct provides support to the elementary schools in that area. Officer Allen serves 16 BCPS elementary schools – more than any other SRO serves.

According to school leaders, in his first year in the role, Officer Allen has excelled at becoming an integral member of all the school communities he serves. In addition to monitoring the schools, mentoring students, and assisting when issues or crimes occur, he has handled child abuse cases, made home visits to deliver important documents to families, and participated in school activities. For example, at Sandalwood Elementary, he spoke during the school’s Career Day. At Mars Estates Elementary, he was a guest reader on Read Across America Day. And he participated in the holiday Shop with a Cop initiative with students from Deep Creek Elementary.

In recommending Officer Allen for the honor, Seneca Elementary Principal Jason Feiler wrote, “When entering the building, he always greets students with a smile and works to reinforce the positive role of police in the community. He establishes positive relationships with school staff and is always accessible to discuss situations or address concerns in the school building. When interacting with parents, Officer Allen is supportive and helps parents to better understand the role of the school and SRO in addressing issues.”

Sandalwood Elementary Assistant Principal Colleen Fitzmaurice wrote, “Officer Allen has an opportunity to meet with and interact with many of our families during arrival and dismissal. To help alleviate parent anxiety with the changes made to our response plan toward an intruder in the building and the addition of police presence within elementary schools, Officer Allen held a parent meet and greet at the beginning of the year.” She also noted that, “When he visits our school, he is often walking through the classrooms checking in on our students and providing encouragement. He knows students and calls them by name, often explaining his job to the younger students in our building who look up in awe at him, or using humor and conferencing to deescalate students.”

Officer Allen’s supervisor, Corporal German, wrote that all 16 principals Officer Allen serves “said they can see the positive influence that he has had on the students as a mentor and positive role model.” Corporal German describes Officer Allen as someone with “tenacity, compassion, and a sense of duty.”

Eastern Tech finishes second at National Engineering Design Competition

 Eastern Technical High School’s team finished second overall at the MESA USA National Engineering Design Competition, held June 19 – 21 at the University of Arizona in Tuscon.

The MESA (Math, Engineering & Science Achievement) team from Eastern Tech is comprised of Grade 12 student Aneisa Jangbahadur, 2019 graduate AJ Saquilayan, and Grade 12 student Christopher Tang. A fourth team member, 2019 graduate Hana Harwood, missed the event because of commitments as an incoming Naval Academy Midshipman. The team sponsor is Angela Waldrop, an Eastern Tech engineering teacher.

The competition required the students to use provided technology to develop a device that would help solve a challenge in the community, either for a specific group of people or the community in general.  The device produced by the Eastern Tech students is intended to aid people with vision challenges.  Taken from the students’ printed description, “The proposed device is a pod attached to the bottom of the mobility aid that would allow the user to obtain a better sense of their surroundings through audio and vibrating output. It would help the client to detect his or her proximity from obstacles and should eliminate the fear that exploring unfamiliar environments induces.”

During the national competition, the Eastern Tech students participated in a technical interview, a pitch presentation and a poster symposium for the device, competing against high school teams from at least eight other states. 

To represent Maryland MESA in Tucson, the team initially presented their NEDC device at the Regional MESA BCPS Day in March. Placing first in the NEDC competition at the Regionals meant that the Eastern Tech team represented MESA BCPS in the NEDC Challenge at Maryland MESA Day in May. Their first-place finish at Maryland MESA Day qualified them to compete in the USA NEDC.

Police Investigating Shooting in Essex

At 11:58 p.m. on June 24, 2019, Baltimore County Police responded to a convenience store in the 800-block of S. Marlyn Avenue in Essex for a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Subsequent investigation determined that the victim, a 26-year-old man, was shot by an unknown suspect in the area of S. Marlyn Avenue and Sandalwood Road. The circumstances that led up to the shooting remain under investigation at this time. 

The victim was transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the mid-body. He is expected to survive his injuries. 

The Violent Crimes Unit is handling this case. Please call 410-307-2020 with any information. 

Bevins Withdraws Ebenezer Road Housing Development Bill

Councilwoman Cathy Bevin (D-6) announced on social media that she is withdrawing County Council Bill 30-19 that would have “authoriz(ed) single-family detached dwellings, semi-detached or duplex dwellings and group houses” on Ebenezer Road in Middle River.

“After careful consideration I have decided to withdraw the bill at this time. The bill would have permitted a development as well as a site for a new school on Ebenezer Road,” Bevins wrote in a statement on Monday.

“The lack of adequate school seats has been a challenge for Baltimore County as a whole but particularly in Eastern Baltimore County.”

Ryan Nawrocki, a political rival of Bevins and a community advocate, thanked members of the Middle River community for fighting against this project and credited them for delaying the project

We did it! Thanks to everyone’s hard work and the media coverage we received regarding the community’s concerns, the bill to allow 200 townhouses on the McBride property on Ebenezer Road has been withdrawn,” Nawrocki said. “This is definitely a great victory for the community and shows that when the community works together our voices can’t be ignored.”

Police Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Essex

Just after 12:30 a.m. on June 22, 2019, Baltimore County Police responded to Windlass Road and Martin Boulevard in Middle River for a crash. A 2019 Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob was traveling southbound on Windlass Drive. The Harley Davidson slid off of the roadway, causing the driver to be ejected off of the motorcycle. The driver was transported to Franklin Square Hospital for medical treatment but was pronounced deceased at 1:23 a.m.

The driver of the motorcycle was identified as Nicholas Steven Green, 28, of the 2200-block of Coralthorn Road, 21220. Crash team officers are continuing their investigation at this time.

Police Investigating Essex Shooting on Ashbridge Drive

Just before 1:30 a.m. on June 22, 2019, Baltimore County Police responded to the 900-block of Ashbridge Drive in Essex for a shooting.

Police arrived and located the victim who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim told police that he was exercising around the neighborhood when he was approached by a suspect who threatened him with a gun and told him to get on the ground.

The victim refused and walked away from the suspect. The suspect then shot the victim and ran away.

The victim, a 32-year-old man, was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to survive his injuries. The Violent Crimes Unit is investigating this case. If anyone has information, please call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

Marks Gives Perry Hall Community Update

-by Councilman David Marks-

Here are updates on issues I am frequently asked about.

Joppa Road – Resurfacing from Magledt Road to Belair Road will occur this summer. Curbs have been replaced in some areas. This is a two-mile project, the largest resurfacing initiative in Perry Hall in more than a decade. I get a lot of requests for other roads – and I know this post will prompt dozens of other inquiries – but this is an expensive and important project. The resurfacing will happen during the day; there is no perfect time to do it, but traffic is lighter in the summer. The resurfacing was prompted by the replacement of the water main, important if you have been following recent problems along York Road.

El Salto – The opening will occur once fire sprinklers are approved, likely in July. As I mentioned, the owner of Perry Hall Square initiated a renovation of the whole shopping center. This last happened in the early 1990s.

School Construction – School Board member Julie Henn and I will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 2 at 6 PM at the Perry Hall Family Worship Center. Due to the State Senate’s failure to pass school construction funding, the new elementary school and middle school are delayed, likely by a year. The School Board rejected plans for a boundary study, which means more trailers.

High School – It costs more than $100 million to build a new high school. I support a new high school, but three other communities need replacements. Perry Hall High School is big – thanks to a bad decision to add an addition in the 1990s, in my judgment – but enrollment has actually been lighter as students prefer to attend magnet schools.

Rezoning – 2020 is a rezoning year. In 2012 and 2016, I downzoned thousands of acres to lighten development – but many projects were already approved, such as the apartments on Cowenton Avenue built on land rezoned by my predecessor. Much of our overcrowding comes from demographic change as younger families buy from older homeowners.

Klausmier Road – in 2018, I formed a task force to recommend ways to improve mobility on this major corridor. Each of the recommendations has been adopted – the new county budget includes funding to expand the parking lot; speed bumps will be installed this fall (thanks to a local petition effort); and a light was recommended by the State Highway Administration.

Lidl – the Mars supermarket space will be filled by Lidl, a European-based supermarket with locations in Harford County. I don’t have an exact date for an opening.

Seven Courts Courts Citizens on Patrol – We have been assisting this effort. The COP will have its inaugural National Night Out in early August.

As always, you can contact me privately if you have any questions, but I try to respond here as much as I can. I will be away in late July and unavailable to reach by Internet.

Marks to Hold Meeting at Indian Rock Park

Councilman David Marks announced that he is holding a Neighbors Meeting for Indian Rock Park at the trail site on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. to address some concerns about the 10-year-old park. Indian Rock Park is located next to Perry Hall High School.

“I will be hosting a meeting for neighbors and other interested residents to discuss Indian Rock Park – future improvements and how to cut down on trash, vandalism, and other issues,” Marks said about the meeting.

“The park was created in 2009 after Baltimore County purchased the woods to block a housing development. The northern section of the Northeast Trail was constructed in 2014. I have organized quarterly cleanups of this area, and thank all those who have taken an interest in this area.”

BCPS school libraries to offer summer hours, activities

One of the best things about summer? More time to read! And some Baltimore County Public Schools’ libraries are offering special summer hours during which students can check out great books. The libraries will also offer opportunities for students to write stories, use computers, and engage in makerspace and other fun learning activities.

Here are summer hours at the 11 BCPS school libraries in eastern Baltimore. (Please contact the schools for more information.)

Battle Grove Elementary, 7828 St. Patricia Ln., 21222

Library Media Specialist: Kelly Greer

Tuesday, July 9, from 2 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30, from 2 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13, from 2 – 4 p.m.               

Carney Elementary, 3131 East Joppa Rd., 21234                  

Library Media Specialist: Nicole Byrne            

Tuesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. – noon.
Wednesday, July 24 from 10 a.m. – noon.
Thursday, August 8, from noon – 2 p.m.


Chase Elementary, 11701 Eastern Ave., 21220

Library Media Specialist: Sarah Lancaster        

Monday, July 8, from 4 – 6 p.m.
Monday, July 22, from 4 – 6 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 5, from 4 – 6 p.m.                     

Glenmar Elementary, 9700 Community Dr., 21220

Library Media Specialist: Maria Polikandriotis 

Monday, Aug. 19, from 9 – 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 12 – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 9 – 11 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 22, from 12 – 2 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, from 9 – 11 a.m.

Hawthorne Elementary, 125 Kingston Rd., 21220                 

Library Media Specialist: Melissa DeRuchie      

Wednesday, July 10, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 24, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.      

Middleborough Elementary, 313 West Rd., 21221                

Library Media Specialist: Laura Ferrante         

Thursday, July 11, from 10 a.m. – noon
Thursday, July 25, from 10 a.m. – noon
Thursday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. – noon

Perry Hall Elementary, 9021 Belair Rd., 21236

Library Media Specialist: Anne Martinelli        

Friday, July 12, from 9 – 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 24, from 9 – 11 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 16, from 9 – 11 a.m. 

Sandy Plains Elementary, 8330 Kavanagh Rd., 21222

Library Media Specialist: Alison Gray              

Wednesday, July 10, contact the school for exact times
Wednesday, July 31, contact the school for exact times         

Seneca Elementary, 545 Carrollwood Rd., 21220

Library Media Specialist: Shelle Schnell          

Tuesday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 16, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Sussex Elementary, 515 S. Woodward Dr., 21221

Library Media Specialist: Regina McDonald      

Wednesday, July 10, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
Wednesday, July 17, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  
Wednesday, July 31, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Vincent Farm Elementary, 6019 Ebenezer Rd., 21162

Library Media Specialist: Susan Wells              

Tuesday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – noon.
Tuesday, July 30, from 10 a.m. – noon.
Wednesday, Aug. 14, from noon – 2 p.m.