Baltimore County Dog Parks to Reopen This Weekend


Baltimore County reported that the BARC Dog Park at Hannah Moore Park, Perry Paw Dog park at Honeygo Park and the Paw Point Dog Park at Lake Roland Park will be open to members starting Saturday, May 30.

The St. Helena Dog Park in Dundalk will open this Sunday, May 31.

In an effort to keep members and their pets safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19, all are required to practice social distancing. Pet owners and their dogs must stay six feet apart from one another and no more than 10 members are permitted within the dog park at one time.

Marks Votes for Nearly $100 Million in Cuts Over Two Years


At the Baltimore County Council meeting Friday morning, Councilman David Marks voted to cut $59 million from the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget. Combined with his vote last year, Marks has supported cutting nearly $100 million from the budget over the past two years.

“This year, I supported nearly $60 million in cuts to bring our county budget into balance,” Councilman Marks commented. “These are tough times, and county government must trim its budget like families and businesses.”

The budget adopted by the County Council includes a hiring freeze and reductions to agencies identified by the County Council’s auditors. The county negotiated changes to labor agreements, meaning that furloughs and layoffs are not expected.

While the budget is lean, it does contain the county share of building two new schools in northeastern Baltimore County, as well as an addition at Pine Grove Middle School. Councilman Marks secured $400,000 to add parking at the Seven Oaks Senior Center; $1 million to continue repairs to the Little Gunpowder Falls; and $800,000 to construct a female locker room at the Fullerton fire station.

Councilman Marks voted with his Republican colleagues to cut the property tax rate by a penny, but that motion was defeated. Councilman Marks also voted for a tax cut in 2018.

BCPS Seeks Comment on Boundary Recommendation for Perry Hall Housing Development


The public has until Saturday, June 13, to comment about a proposed adjustment to the boundary lines of four Baltimore County public schools now under consideration by the Board of Education of Baltimore County.

The proposed boundary change, which was presented to the Board during its May 19 work session, is necessary because of the development of the Village at Gunpowder Falls, a cul-de-sac development currently under construction that straddles boundary lines for two elementary schools – Pine Grove and Seven Oaks – and two middle schools – Perry Hall and Pine Grove.

BCPS planners told Board members during the May 19 meeting that the scope of the boundary change will address the alignment of the attendance areas for the Gunpowder Falls development to a single elementary school, Seven Oaks, and a single middle school, Pine Grove. The proposed change – the details of which may be viewed at the boundary study’s website – will not reassign any students currently attending any of the affected schools.

Condensing the process used to recommend boundary line adjustments was made necessary because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on BCPS academic and administrative operations, planners said. BCPS used the modified boundary resolution process, Board members learned, to ensure a timely resolution of the issue and to avoid any disruption or confusion that might arise.

Instead of a public hearing to solicit feedback about the proposal, the public is invited to provide comments to the Board by e-mail, an online comment form, or by regular mail. Comments will be accepted until midnight on Saturday, June 13, 2020. A decision is expected to be made at the Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Baltimore County Moves Into Complete STAGE ONE Recovery


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced on Thursday that Baltimore County will be moving into the State of Maryland’s complete stage one. This is after Gov. Larry Hogan announced more openings on Wednesday.

“Having made significant progress in the availability of testing, contact tracing and personal protective equipment, we are prepared to take the next steps in safely reopening our economy. As we align with phase one of Maryland’s re-opening, we remind residents to continue practicing social distancing and encourage those who are high risk to stay at home,” Olszewski said. “Moving forward, we’ll continue to make decisions based on the best information available and in the best interest of our residents.”

County Executive Olszewski will issue an executive order tomorrow stating that effective Friday, May 29, at 5 p.m., Baltimore County will take the following actions:

OUTDOOR DINING: Restaurants and social organizations, including American Legions, VFWs, and Elks Clubs may begin to safely reopen for outdoor dining only. All establishments must follow strict public health requirements consistent with the CDC, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association guidelines.

In accordance with state protocols, restaurants must:
• Ensure patrons are appropriately distanced with no more than six people seated at a table, with the exception of members of the same household.
• Ensure patrons are seated at least six feet away from each other, except for households seated together.
• Use single-use disposable paper menus or sanitize reusable menus between each seating.
• Sanitize outdoor tables and chairs between each customer seating.
• Train staff in current COVID-19 health and workplace guidelines.
• Begin screening procedures including daily temperature checks of all staff.
• Ensure staff wear masks or face coverings when interacting with other employees or patrons.
BALTIMORE COUNTY TEMPORARILY OFFERING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL FOR EXPANDED OUTDOOR TABLE SERVICE

Restaurants already permitted for outdoor seating, may open in accordance with state guidance and restrictions.

To help ensure other County restaurants can open as quickly as possible, Baltimore County will be temporarily offering conditional approval for establishments to provide expanded outdoor table service on their premises.

Beginning tomorrow at 9 a.m., establishments can apply for outdoor table service at baltimorecountymd.gov/outdoortables. The County will conditionally approve all applications upon submission, until further notice. Businesses must still follow all requirements of applicable Executive Orders, and requirements and guidance issued by local, state and federal authorities.

This temporary waiver of prior approval does not apply to the Tent Permit. For safety reasons, all tents must be approved in advance and businesses must have a valid tent permit prior to erecting tents or canopies.

Baltimore County will continue to work with communities to identify alternative and creative models including closing of streets and expanding into parking lots and public outdoor spaces and will announce next steps in the coming days.

DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS: may reopen with appropriate health and safety guidelines. Olszewski had previously called on the state of Maryland to allow Bengie’s Drive-in to reopen.

YOUTH SPORTS. In line with the state guidance, outdoor youth sports may resume, following all appropriate CDC guidelines and state requirements.

YOUTH DAY CAMPS. Outdoor activities at youth day camps may resume in line with state requirements and guidance.

OUTDOOR POOLS. Outdoor pools may reopen with strict safety guidelines and in line with state requirements.

Additionally, County Executive Olszewski announced today that Baltimore County will align other requirements for retail, houses of worship and barbershops with current state thresholds:

RETAIL STORES will be able to further reopen for in-store retail up to 50 percent capacity, including staff. This applies to all retail establishments outside of those considered essential under the state’s orders. Curbside pickup and delivery remain strongly encouraged, and all public health precautions should remain in place. Shopping malls must continue to stay closed except for retail establishments that can be accessed from the outside.

BARBERSHOPS AND HAIR SALONS may further reopen with up to 50 percent capacity, including staff. They may operate by appointment only and with appropriate health and safety guidelines. Under state order, other personal services establishments must remain closed until further notice.

CHURCHES AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP may hold indoor religious services with up to 50 percent capacity, including staff. Outdoor and virtual services remain strongly encouraged. Religious leaders should do everything possible to keep their congregants safe.

Maryland to Reopen Limited Outdoor Dining, Camps and Pools


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced that the state will be taking steps to reopen more businesses such as outdoor dining, outdoor pools and youth camps.

“Over the past two weeks, we have been encouraged by the successful Stage One reopenings all across the state and by the improvements in important data and metrics statewid,” Hogan said.

“All of this progress allows us to now safely move forward with the completion of Stage One of our recovery plan”

Starting Friday May 29th at 5 p.m., restaurants and social organizations such as American Legions, VFW’s, and Elks Clubs will be permitted to begin safely reopening for outdoor dining, following strict public health requirements consistent with the CDC, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association.

Also effective at 5 p.m, on Friday, many other outdoor activities such as youth sports activities and outdoor activities at youth day camps may resume with safety measures in place for staff and participants.

Hogsn added that outdoor pools can reopen with strict safety guidelines

Drive-in movie theaters will also be permitted to safely reopen.

“Our Coronavirus Recovery Team will be continuing to watch all of the data very closely, and if these encouraging trends continue into next week, we would then be in a position to begin entering Stage Two of our recovery by allowing other non-essential businesses to begin reopening,” Hogan said.

For more information go to, https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/05/27/governor-hogan-announces-resumption-of-outdoor-dining-additional-activities-to-complete-stage-one-of-recovery/“>

County Laying Groundwork if Restaurants Can Open Outdoors


In anticipation of future steps by the state of Maryland to further reopen, Baltimore County today issued proactive guidance to help restaurants and bars prepare to provide expanded outdoor dining options.

Under Governor Hogan’s statewide executive order, restaurants and bars are currently only permitted to provide carryout and delivery service. While County governments may not exceed state mandates, this effort from Baltimore County will help ensure establishments in the jurisdiction are ready to reopen more quickly.

“We are here to work in partnership to support Baltimore County’s restaurants and bars, which add to the vibrancy of our communities and are vital to our local economy,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We don’t know exactly when the state will allow outdoor seating, but we’re taking action now to help ensure these small businesses can reopen as fast and as safely as possible.”

Public health experts, including the CDC, have identified outdoor restaurant and bar seating—combined with social distancing and sanitary practices—as a lower risk option compared to indoor seating. This service, once permitted by the state of Maryland, would complement existing drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curbside pickup options.

In a letter to restaurateurs, officials provided proactive updates outlining necessary steps to incorporate these public health practices into their business. Baltimore County is in the process of creating a streamlined application for establishments to request expansions in order to allow outdoor dining in areas not previously authorized, including both the use of private and public property.

County officials are also in conversations with Chambers of Commerce about possible street closures in an effort to identify expanded outdoor dining options.

By helping establishments expand outdoor dining options, restaurants and bars will be able to reopen more quickly.

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to safely reopen key portions of the local economy while maintaining public health measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Man Dies in Overlea May 15th Shooting


On May 15 just after 2 a.m., police responded to the 6200 block of Radecke Avenue in Overlea for a shooting.

Responding officers found Keynon Jerrod Bryant (28) lying in the back yard suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Bryant was transported to a local hospital where he remained in critical condition. On May 24, Bryant succumbed to his injures and died at an area hospital.

Baltimore County Homicide detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information should contact detectives by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

Garage Fire Reported on Holabird Avenue in Dundalk area


The Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company reported a fire in the 6800 block of Holabird Avenue.

Crews on the scene have reported a vacant garage fire.

The fire is near the Baltimore County and City line and the blaze could be seen at the intersection of Holabird and Dundalk avenues.

-photos courtesy of WAVFC-

Sparrows Point High Student Wins County Athletic Award


Nathan Wynne of Sparrows Point High School has been named the male winner of the 33rd annual Mildred Murray All Academic Scholar Athlete Award and Scholarship.

Wynne played varsity soccer for three years and varsity tennis for four years at Sparrows Point. His soccer coaches selected him as the recipient of the school’s sportsmanship award during his junior year. In his senior year, he was named captain of both teams, both of which won state championships.
During high school, Wynne volunteered for The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer), which provides soccer instruction to individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities.

In Grade 10, he was chosen as the sole ambassador from Sparrows Point High to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference. In addition, he serves as the treasurer of the National Honor Society. During his junior and senior years, he completed many courses at the Community College of Baltimore County, and he has maintained a 4.0 unweighted GPA throughout high school.

Wynne will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, in the fall to study aerospace engineering and participate in the University Honors program.

The annual countywide scholar-athlete award is named in honor of the late Mildred H. Murray, former BCPS coordinator of physical education and athletics. She dedicated 43 years to promoting excellence in athletics and academics throughout the county, region, and state, and she helped establish the annual scholar-athlete award.

Sierra Raspa of George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology was named the female winner.

Presented by the BCPS Office of Athletics, the prestigious honors will be awarded during an online ceremony on Thursday, June 4, at 1 p.m.

The scholarships are given to female and male senior student-athletes who have maintained a minimum 3.5 unweighted grade point average (GPA) for each quarter and have participated in at least two varsity sports. Each BCPS high school nominates seniors for this honor.

Police Identify Essex Officer Involved in Suspect Shooting


Baltimore County Police identify the officer involved in a shooting on Skipjack Court in Essex last Saturday, May 16.

Police Officer First Class Knight is a 24-year veteran of the force permanently assigned to the Essex Precinct. He has no prior officer-involved shootings.

Officer Knight is presently on routine administrative leave.