Category: News

County Seeks Bids to Develop Long-Term School Construction Plan


Ten-Year Improvement Plan for All Schools
Baltimore County and Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) (PDF) for an independent consultant to assist in the development of a long-range plan for identifying and prioritizing capital improvements to Baltimore County’s school buildings. The plan will prioritize needs based on enrollment projections and capacity, educational equity and adequacy, and the conditions of facilities.

“Every student and educator deserves a safe, modern school where they can learn and grow. While Baltimore County has made significant progress, we still have a number of aging facilities and a growing student population which leads to unacceptable learning conditions for many of our students,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Providing a world-class education for our children is and will always be the number one priority of my administration. This long-term plan will outline a clear roadmap to ensure we can best serve all our children and communities.”

“Building on the substantial progress made during the past decade to modernize our schools, this plan will allow us to comfortably accommodate our growing enrollment into the next decade,” said Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “I deeply appreciate the support and partnership from state and County elected officials.”

Equitable and Effective Allocation of School Construction Funds
The RFP issued today anticipates identifying a consultant to develop a High School Master Plan by September 2020, followed by a plan for all remaining schools, centers and programs by May 2021. Baltimore County has significant school construction needs, including eight remaining projects under the Schools for Our Future program. In addition, the County is projected to have 1,700 more students than seats in its high schools over the next decade.

In response to these challenges, Olszewski has made support for public education his administration’s top priority. Recognizing the need for a long-term plan to ensure the County has a roadmap for equitable and effective allocation of school construction dollars, County Executive Olszewski included funds for the development of a 10-year capital plan in his Fiscal Year 2020 budget.

Olszewski also provided funds in the current budget for all remaining Schools for Our Future projects and has allocated $15 million for planning and design at Lansdowne High School. He also recently committed planning funds for both Towson and Dulaney High Schools.

Support for Public Education a Top Priority
All of these projects are unable to move forward without the State of Maryland’s remaining portion of funding. County Executive Olszewski has consistently called on the state to increase its commitment to help the County meet the needs of its growing student population. Earlier this year, Olszewski called on Governor Hogan to release $127 million in currently withheld school construction funding approved by the legislature in the 2019 legislative session.

Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne Jones has indicated that she intends to make school construction a top priority for the state in the upcoming legislative session and Olszewski has committed to advocating on behalf of Baltimore County students in Annapolis.

MedStar Franklin Square is Hosting 13th Annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Event


Baltimore-area residents can once again get a free flu shot without leaving their cars at at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center this morning from 8 a.m. to noon, or when supplies run out at CCBC Essex Campus, Rossville Boulevard and College Drive.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Last year’s flu season was the longest in a decade, and the 2017-2018 flu season was particularly severe, with 80,000 deaths attributed to the illness. In total, the CDC estimates that up to 42.9 million people got sick during last year’s flu season, 647,000 people were hospitalized and 61,200 died.

Clinicians will be ready to administer the shots to those who don’t have a known allergy to the vaccine. At MedStar Franklin Square, anyone aged 6 months and up can receive the vaccine.
Those who are getting the vaccine should remember to wear short sleeves or clothing with easy access to the upper arm. More than 900 people received the flu vaccine at the MedStar Franklin Square and MedStar Harbor Hospital events last year.

Mountain Christian Ends Plans to Build Wastewater Treatment Plant


Baltimore County Councilman David Marks announced that Mountain Christian Church in Harford County has reserved its plans to build a wastewater treatment plant.

This was controversial on the Baltimore County side as the plant would have dumped its discharge into a tributary of Little Gunpowder Falls in Kingsville. That led to community opposition and meetings in the Kingsville area.

Marks and the Baltimore County Council passed legislation that opposed the Mountain Christian proposal during summer, which he believes lead to the reversal.

“The church will pursue an on-site alternative, something unanimously recommended by the Baltimore County Council in a resolution I sponsored, “Marks explained “Many thanks to Councilmembers Bevins, Crandell, Jones,and Kach for their cosponsorship and my colleagues for their support.

Marks credited the stop to this treatment plant from the community’s determination and drive to fight the project. He also praised Mountain Christian for doing what is best for the community.

“Thanks also to all who expressed their opinion on this issue,” Marks added. “The Gunpowder River Valley is a beautiful resource for Baltimore and Harford Counties, one I will always fight to protect.

Former County Executive Roger Hayden Dies


Former Baltimore County Executive and Baltimore County Board of Education of Member Roger B. Hayden has passed away.

Hayden served as Baltimore County Executive from 1990 to 1994. He was the last and only second Republican to serve at the highest position in Baltimore County. He upset Democratic incumbent County Executive Dennis Rasmussen in 1990. Hayden would lose his-re-election bid to C.A. “Dutch” Rupperberger in 1994.

County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. released a statement about the passing of Hayden.

“We collectively mourn the passing of former Baltimore County Executive Roger Hayden. A dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for public education,” Olszewski said.

“County Executive Hayden exemplified what it means to give back to our communities. Baltimore County is stronger for his service and my sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Hayden served on the BCPS Board of Education of Baltimore County twice from 1974 – 1987 and from 2017 – 2019.

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said Hayden was a strong advocate for Baltimore County Public School

“Roger Hayden, in every conversation and with every vote, was focused on making the best decisions for the students and staff of Baltimore County Public Schools,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams.

“I, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to work with him for long, but I know that his voice and his leadership will be missed on the Board of Education. We all benefited from the depth of his knowledge of Baltimore County government and schools. The nearly 15 years that he spent on the school board are only part of his substantial legacy in this community. We join his family in celebrating his life and achievements.”

Hayden was also known as a successful business man in the area. His business career spanned management positions in finance, operations, facilities management, and transportation at Eastern Stainless Steel, George Transfer, the Baltimore Orioles, and Towson University. His career began in the mailroom at Eastern Stainless Steel and ended as president of The Hayden Consulting Group, which specializes in business and organizational issues.

All Electronic Tolling Begins Next Week at Key Bridge


There’s one week to go before the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) begins cashless toll collection at the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) in Dundalk. Prior to the morning rush hour on Wednesday, Oct. 30, all-electronic toll collection will begin at the Key Bridge via E-ZPass® and Video Tolling.

With all-electronic tolling, cash will no longer be accepted as payment at the Key Bridge. New overhead tolling structures, or gantries, have been installed to collect tolls electronically. The existing toll plaza will still be up until 2021. Drivers will continue through the plaza without stopping and must obey all roadway signs and speed limits, as the plaza will remain an active work zone.

Officials announced the move to all-electronic tolling at the Key Bridge and the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) in northeast Maryland this past spring. All-electronic toll collection began at the Hatem Bridge on Oct. 16. In spring 2021, work at these bridges will be completed, including demolition of the toll plazas. At that time, motorists will be able to travel at highway speeds.

Cashless tolling eases congestion and results in less idling time, which allows better fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle emissions. It is anticipated that cashless tolling at the Hatem and Key bridges will save $1 million in fuel and 44,000 hours each year. The change also increases driver safety and results in a safer work environment for employees.

At the Key Bridge, 80 percent of drivers are E-ZPass® users. E-ZPass® Maryland customers receive significant discounts at most state toll facilities. At the Key Bridge, the two-axle E-ZPass® Maryland toll rate is $3, and the two-axle Video Toll rate is $6. E-ZPass® commuter plans are available. Due to higher processing costs, the Video Toll rate is 50 percent above the base rate with a maximum of $15 above the base rates.

Standard E-ZPass® transponders are free and there is no monthly fee for customers with Maryland addresses. Interested motorists can sign up for E-ZPass® Maryland at ezpassmd.com or by visiting E-ZPass® Maryland Customer Service Centers at MDTA toll facilities, at many Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) locations and at retail partners. A full list of locations is available at ezpassmd.com.

While the schedule has not yet been finalized, additional MDTA facilities will be all-electronic in the future. To help traffic flow through the toll plaza during the westbound deck rehabilitation project, the MDTA has begun cashless tolling at the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301) on Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings. In addition, MDTA is developing a construction timeline to implement all-electronic tolling full-time at the Bay Bridge.

Health Fair to be held at Overlea High School


Looking for health/wellness-related information and resources? The public is invited to a free Community Health Fair hosted by Overlea High School and the Health Education and Promotion Program of Towson University on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Overlea High School, 5401 Kenwood Ave.

In addition to meeting local healthcare providers, visitors can learn more about the exciting new health sciences magnet programs at Golden Ring Middle School and Overlea High School.

Other activities will include yoga demonstrations, blood pressure screenings, and skin checks. Information will be available about healthy eating, mental health services, exercise, sleep, disease prevention, intimate partner violence, emergency services, and drug abuse prevention. The event will offer free food, drawings for prizes, and the first 200 visitors will receive free gift bags.

For more information, go to the event’s Facebook page

Coastal Flood Advisory for Bowley Quarters, South Baltimore County


The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in the area, which is in effect until 11 p.m. tonight for the shoreline in Southern Baltimore County and the City of Baltimore.

Tidal Departure could reach two to two and a half feet above normal around the time of high tide this evening. The evening
high tide at Bowley Bar is at 10:36 PM. The evening high tide at Fort McHenry Baltimore is at 9:22 PM.

At 3.0 feet, water begins encroaching upon yards in the Bowleys Quarters area. Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

For the full weather report, click here

Council Approves Raising County Smoking Age to 21


The Baltimore County Council passed a bill on Monday night that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to anyone under 21 years of age. Members of the military over 18 would be exempted from this ban.

The bill was officially submitted by Council chair Tom Quirk, at the request of the Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. The bill was passed 6 to 0. Councilman Jillian Jones was not attendance for the session.

Before the vote, members of the council said there was a time when people could smoke inside public buildings but times have changed because of the health risk.

“We have done so much whether it was taking smoking out of parks away. parking lots, from our schools and now this,” said 6th District County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins.

Fifth District Councilman David Marks recalls in 2012 when the county council banned smoking at Baltimore County parks. Marks stated that it was a controversial ban at that time but believes that society has changed its attitude to smoking.

“I suspect if we did [banned smoking at Baltimore County parks] today, it would not be as controversial,” Marks said.

Olszewski to Reintroduce HOME Act But Faces Strong GOP Opposition


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., announced his plans to introduce the Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Act, which would prohibit housing discrimination based on the source of a potential renter’s income, including housing vouchers.

The bill will be introduced in the County Council session scheduled for Monday, October 7. A similar bill was introduced in 2016, but it was defeated by the County Council 6 to 1 with Democratic 4th District Councilman Julian Jones as the only “yes” vote.

“We have both a legal and moral obligation to expand access to affordable housing in Baltimore County, and the HOME Act is a critical piece of the puzzle,” Olszewski said in a statement. “Discrimination of any kind is wrong, and we have to do everything in our power to expand economic opportunity, improve equity, and eliminate pockets of poverty in our communities.”

According to a Baltimore County press release ,The HOME Act would make it illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to a potential tenant based on the person’s source of income, just as renters can’t be discriminated against based on their race, sex, religion, and other legally protected groups. Source of income can refer to income from a job, public assistance programs, benefits and considerations (such as an inheritance, a pension, an annuity, etc.) or the sale of a property. Source of income includes participation in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.

A housing voucher is a source of supplemental income that helps low income residents pay for housing. Recipients are required to pay 30 percent of their income on rent, and the voucher provides a bridge to cover the remaining cost of rent. Across Maryland, nearly 70 percent of HCV recipients are seniors, people with disabilities, or children.

The HCV program is a federal program, and the federal government determines the number of overall vouchers available to each local jurisdiction. Baltimore County distributes approximately 5,000 vouchers. The HOME Act would give them greater flexibility in choosing where to live.

Republican Councilman David Marks and Todd Crandell both disagree with the idea of the HOME ACT. Marks released a statement in opposition to the bill.

“I will oppose this legislation, just as I voted against a nearly-identical bill in 2016,” Marks said in a statement on social media
“A healthy balance of rental and owner-occupied housing is natural in many communities. Unfortunately, this and similar legislation may lead to a massive increase of rentals in neighborhoods such as Ridgeleigh, Belmont-Dunfield and Seven Courts that are already nearing a tipping point. My vote will be “no.”

Crandell told the Baltimore Sun that he voted against the 2016 HOME ACT because it was “un-American” to force property owners into federal contracts and is concerned that the legislation will hurt the southeast region of the county.

Honeygo Park Event to Honor Officer Amy Caprio


A family fun public safety day will be held to honor fallen Baltimore County Police Officer Amy Caprio. She was killed in the line of duty on May 21, 2018 when a vehicle driven by a juvenile burglary suspect intentionally struck her during a pursuit in Perry Hall.

The event will take place at Honeygo Run Park on Saturday, Oct. 5 from noon to 3 p.m. and it will start with a ceremony at Honeygo’s dog park (Perry Paw) where a plaque will be dedicated in honor of Amy Caprio.

After the ceremony, there will be events held by Baltimore County Police that include fingerprinting for kids, and displays from Baltimore County Police’s tactical team, K9 unit, aviation, marine unit, motorcyclist and honor guard.

Members of the Harford County Humane Society will also be present at this family event.