Category: News

Olszewski to Host Community Input Meeting for Essex


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced plans to develop a multi-departmental place-based recovery initiative in the Essex community, an area which has been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The County will host a Virtual Community Input Meeting on Tuesday, June 15, at 6 p.m. so that County leaders can hear directly from residents about their concerns, priorities, and ideas for improvements.

“When our communities are in need, we have an obligation to come together to provide coordinated planning and the dedicated resources necessary to help empower residents, address disparities, and improve the overall quality of life,” Olszewski said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many long-standing challenges we face, and that has been especially true in Essex, which is why we are embarking upon this innovative, data-driven effort to provide transformative change.”

Last week, Olszewski held the administration’s second Essex community walk this year, which convened County government department heads as well as representatives of the Baltimore County Public Libraries, Community College of Baltimore County, and Baltimore County Public Schools to walk impacted neighborhoods and speak directly to residents in the area.

During the walk, Olszewski and County leaders spoke to residents about a wide variety of concerns, including public safety, code enforcement, access to recreational spaces, as well as other social and economic disparities.

Recognizing the need for a coordinated response to address these issues, Olszewski plans to develop a comprehensive place-based initiative, which will leverage cross-departmental collaboration and dedicate concentrated resources to support the Essex community’s recovery while combatting these challenges.

The upcoming Community Input Meeting will help guide the County’s planning process and inform the specific programs, initiatives and investments that will be included in the Essex Recovery Initiative.

Essex Recovery Initiative Virtual Community Input Meeting
Tuesday, 6/15; 6 p.m.
Via Webex
Call in: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 730 701 249
Community members can also share feedback or concerns by email to JohnnyO@BaltimoreCountyMD.gov.

This effort will be monitored by the County’s BCSTAT team, which will use data to identify key metrics and track outcomes over the coming months.

Based on the progress of this effort, the place-based pilot model could be replicated in other communities in Baltimore County.

Three Men Charged at Gunpowder Falls State Park


Maryland Natural Resources Police announced on Tuesday that officers patrolling in Gunpowder Falls State Park charged three New York men with fishing with a spear gun and fishing without a license after hours.

On May 16 at approximately 11:30 pm, officers were conducting surveillance at Gunpowder Falls State Park when they observed three men in the river fishing with spear guns. As the officers approached the men, they observed multiple fish including three smallmouth bass, two largemouth bass, one common carp, one American eel, three snakeheads, and 13 creek chub/fallfish. When questioned, the men admitted to shooting the fish with spear guns and not possessing fishing licenses. As a result, police charged them with multiple violations and confiscated the fish.

Diego Martinez-Bueno, 36, of Baldwin, Martin Collado-Rodriguez, 30, and Luis Fernandez- Garcia, 29, both of Brooklyn, received the following charges:
Possession of a weapon in a state park,

* Fishing for Smallmouth Bass with projectile gear
* Fishing with projectile gear in trout management area
* Fishing for Smallmouth Bass during closed season
* Fishing Largemouth Bass during closed season
* Remaining in an area closed to public use
* Fishing without an anglers license non-resident
* Restrictions on fishing in non-tidal waters.
* Each man faces up to $1,492 in fines if convicted.

Baltimore County Resumes In-Person Services


Baltimore County agencies will begin offering in-person services at County buildings in the coming weeks. Safety precautions will remain in place to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.

All individuals entering county buildings are required to use the www.bacosafe.org mobile health screening prior to entry.
County agencies will adjust service offerings as explained below.

Additional services will be offered in-person at a later date to be announced in the future.

Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Services limited to field appointments. No in-person services in County Office Building.
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o Customers may request by phone 30-minute in-person meetings in the County Office Building by appointment.
For more information and telephone numbers to schedule meetings with individual sections please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/

Department of Economic and Workforce Development
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Career Center Services – Available at two Career Centers by appointment only. To schedule an appointment: https://bcgappt.cxmflow.com/Appointment/Index/d74f48b1-33a9-428c-acd1-d7d1bfc9555c or by phone 9am – 3pm, Monday through Friday:
 410-887-7940 to make an appointment at our Hunt Valley Career Center;
 410-887-8912 to make an appointment at our Liberty Career Center
• The following in-person services will be offered by appointment only beginning Tuesday June 1, 2021:
o Access to computers, internet, fax, copy machines
o Job Search Assistance
o Labor Market Information and Career Assessment Tools
o Career Planning & Guidance Assistance
o Planning for short-term Skills Enhancement Programs
o Planning for Occupations Skills Training
• The following online services will continue to be provided:
o Workshops and Virtual appointments

Department of Permits Approvals and Inspections
• In-person services to resume Tuesday June 1, 2021:
o Permitting for electrical services through appointment only. Information for scheduling will be provided.
• The following online services will continue:
o Permit applications and online payment of fees:
o File a code complaint: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/permits/codeenforcement/codecomplaint.htm
o Attend Administrative Hearings both Zoning and Code Enforcement: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/adminhearings/
o Attend Development Management Meetings: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/permits/pdm_devmanage/devmgmtmeetings.html
o Schedule an inspection, access here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/permits/inspectionconnection/

Department of Aging
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Food Distribution by appointment. Slots open Mondays at 8am for the following week. Appointments can be scheduled online.
o Senior Center Orientation at Nine Regional Centers. Appointments can be scheduled online.
• In-person services to resume beginning Monday May 17, 2021 by appointment or walk-in at the 611 Central Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 location:
o Maryland Access Point (MAP) – for information and assistance including durable medical equipment loan closet, contact by phone at 410-887-2594 Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
o Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) – contact by phone at 410-887-2059 Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
• The following online services will continue:
o Online programming will remain available at the County’s senior centers and can be accessed here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/aging/centers/onlineclasses.html

Office of Budget and Finance
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Real Property Tax payments
o Personal Property tax Payments
o Red Light Payments
o Speed Payments
o Telephone and Transient Tax and other payments
o Some inquiry and support.
o OBF Fiscal Operations managers are available to customers at the kiosk
o Mail Services
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o OBF Customer Services Window
o Tax payer Services (real and personal)
o Traffic and False alarm Services
• The following online services will continue:
o Procurement Services pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences and bid/proposal openings via webex.
o Vendor Disbursements: By Email
o Pay Services (payroll): By Email
o General Accounting : By Email
o Sponsored programs (Grant and Project Accounting): By Email
o Taxpayer Services Tax and Credits
 Real and Personal Property Tax
o Traffic and False Alarm services
o Lien Request
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/publicworks/

Department of Recreation and Parks
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Access to County parks, trails and open spaces, and various outdoor facilities and activities.
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o Permits to indoor facilities
o Indoor Nature classes and programs
o Indoor games and scrimmages
o Indoor tournaments
o Licensed Day Care at all locations
o Indoor tennis courts
o Stage rental requests
• On Friday May 28, 2021 (Memorial Day Weekend) Rocky Point Beach will be open.
• Please check with your local Recreation and Parks Council or Nature Council for virtual program schedule.
For more information please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation/programdivision/
Department of Public Works
• In-person services currently being provided:
o The Bureau of Utilities – Cash, Check and Charge payments for waste hauler permits, waste hauler invoice payments. Water meter repair, fire hydrant permit, and water meter rental for fire hydrants.
o The Bureau of Solid Waste – Full service
• All in-person services will resume beginning Monday May 17, 2021 and will transition to appointment only beginning June 1, 2021.
• The following online services will continue:
o The Bureau of Engineering & Construction – Professional Service solicitation proposals; Capital project bids
o The Bureau of Highways – Utility permitting within the roadway, tree removal, sidewalk replacement, adopt-a-road and driveway permits.
o The Bureau of Utilities – Reports of water main breaks, sink holes, sewer and water line blockages, inquiries for basement sewage backup, street sewage overflow, manhole cover cracks or missing manholes, inquiries for copies of video of sewage or water pipeline, reports of grinder pump overflows, grinder pump malfunctions, illicit FOG (fats/oils/grease) dumping into County sewage pipeline, reports of illegal fire hydrant hookups
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/publicworks/

Department of Health and Human Services
• In-person services currently being provided:
o COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination – by appointment or walk-in. Testing and Vaccination schedules can be accessed by calling COVID-19 Hotline at 410-887-3816 or online here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/health/index.html
o Animal Services – current operation at 50% capacity.
o Social Services – contact Department of Human Services Call Center at 1-800-332-6347.
o Health Services – Environmental Health Services, Family Planning, WIC, Harm Reduction, Hearing & Vision, Audiology
• In-person services to resume by appointment only beginning Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o TB testing
o HIV testing (walk-in)
o Partner Services
o Maryland Children’s Health Program
o Housing Services
o Administrative Care Coordination Unit
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/hhs/

Fire Department
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 :
o In person public education and outreach events
o Non-emergency access to fire department (career) stations
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/fire/

Department of Planning
• In person services currently being provided:
o Community planning related services by appointment only.
• In person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o Historic aerial photos review, by appointment only
o Inquires of historic and future County plans, by appointment only
• The following online services will continue to be available:
o Virtual meeting and engagement for various community planning processes; including the master plan.
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/planning/

Police Department
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Walk in lobby service at police precincts
o Response to public calls for service
o Retrieving property from evidence management
o Fingerprinting services
• The following online services will continue to be provided:
o Crime reporting
o Data dashboards
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police/

County Senior Centers Announce Reopening Plans


After a 14-month hiatus amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) announced that beginning Monday, May 10, nine of the County’s largest senior centers will host orientations in advance of reopening for limited programming later this year.

All County senior centers have been closed since March 17, 2020, when Governor Hogan closed centers across Maryland to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re thrilled to begin to reopen our senior centers so we can do even more to serve the more than 20,000 residents are members of the county’s 20 senior centers and Senior Box Office,” said Laura D. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. “This phased reopening will ensure that we can provide a clean and safe environment at our largest centers as we work towards reopening all our centers as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Safety Orientation Required Prior to Reopening
Prior to reopening for limited in-person programming, senior center members will be required to attend an orientation session to learn about new COVID-19 safety protocols and complete annual center registration forms.

Beginning Monday, May 10, individuals can register for these orientation sessions by calling 410-887-2040 or going online at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/aging to sign-up.

Following completion of orientation by a significant number of members, the County will begin to offer in-person programming, which is currently expected to begin in July. Due to distancing and capacity requirements, Baltimore County will begin with the nine largest senior centers, including four in eastern Baltimore County.

Ateaze Senior Center, 7401 Holabird Avenue, Dundalk, MD 21222, 410-887-7233, ateazesc@baltimorecountymd.gov

Essex Senior Center, 600 Dorsey Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21221, 410-887-0267, essexsc@baltimorecountymd.gov

Parkville Senior Center, 8601 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21234, 410-887-5338, parkvillesc@baltimorecountymd.gov

Seven Oaks Senior Center, 9210 Seven Courts Drive, Perry Hall, MD 21236, 410-887-5192, sevenoakssc@baltimorecountymd.gov
The County’s remaining eleven senior centers will reopen following state expansion of capacity limits, additional Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, and state and local Department of Health approval.

Virtual Programs to Continue
Due to physical distancing restrictions, programs with high attendance will continue to be offered virtually. Virtual programs will continue to be publicized in the senior center monthly newsletters and on the Department of Aging’s website at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/seniorcenters.

Senior Food Distribution Program Expanded

Until the Eating Together program resumes, BCDA will continue to provide a weekly bulk food program for seniors, and it is now expanding to 9 sites: Ateaze, Bykota, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Essex, Liberty, Parkville, Reisterstown and Seven Oaks senior centers. One member per household can register online at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/aging or call 410-887-2040 on Mondays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reserve a food kit. Each “kit” includes canned goods, fruits and vegetables, dairy products and a small chicken. Food distributions will occur on Wednesdays.

Questions and Information Requests

Questions about the phased opening of our senior centers can be directed to Jill Hall, Chief, Senior Centers and Community Services Division, at 410-887-3424 or jphall@baltimorecountymd.gov

Fullerton Fireworks Canceled Again in 2021


For the second straight year, the Fullerton Fireworks have been canceled as a result of COVID-19.

The 4th of July Firework Display is held at the fields of Fullerton Elementary School. They released an official statement on their Facebook page about the cancellation and plans to return in 2022.

“Due to COVID restrictions we are unable to have our July 4th Celebration,” said a statement on the group’s Facebook page.

“We will be back in 2022 with an all day celebration Sponsored by Jerry’s Toyota starting at noon with music and food. See you then.”

The group was hopeful in mid March that the Fullerton Fireworks could be held, but made the cancellation on April 17th.

All of the local public parades, fireworks displays and festivals were canceled in 2020 as a result of COVID-19. There is hope as Dundalk and Kingsville announced that their parades will return this July.

Two Fallen Soldiers to be Honored on MD 43


Councilman David Marks announced there will be a dedication ceremony for the bridge at White Marsh Boulevard/Belair Road in honor of Sergeant Eric M. Houck and Staff Sergeant Christopher O. Moudry.

The ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 24 at 10 a.m. at 8200 Belair Road, in the parking lot of American Freight Furniture and Mattress that overlooks the bridge. Participants must wear masks and observe social distancing.

Sergeant Houck was killed on June 10, 2017 when he and two other soldiers were attacked in the Peka Valley of the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. A graduate of Perry Hall High School, he was 25 at the time. He had married his high school sweetheart and had two children.

Staff Sergeant Moudry and three other soldiers were killed on October 4, 2006 in Taji, Iraq. A graduate of Perry Hall High School, he was an accomplished athlete and member of Boy Scout Troop 746. He was 31 at the time and is survived by two children.

The bridge dedication was approved by the Maryland State Roads Commission.

“Our office was honored to work on this dedication along with the Perry Hall Improvement Association,” Marks said about the dedication.

Baltimore County to Hold Spring Restaurant Week


In the latest effort to support Baltimore County’s restaurant and hospitality industry, County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced Baltimore County’s first Spring Restaurant Week will be held from April 16- May 2.

For the first time, Baltimore County Restaurant Week deals and special menu items at more than 50 participating establishments will expand to include dine-in, takeout, or curbside pick-up to provide flexible, safe options for residents.

“We are excited to partner with our local restaurants to bring back this beloved Baltimore County tradition in an innovative, new way,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We’re encouraging the residents of Baltimore County and beyond to come out and support our hard-hit restaurant community—whether it’s trying something new or returning to an old favorite—and to take full advantage of these options to dine safely and comfortably.”

To continue to prioritize the recovery of our local restaurant partners, all registration fees required for participation in this year’s promotion have been waived.

Baltimore County Restaurant Week allows diners to discover new restaurants or old favorites at a discounted price. All Baltimore County restaurants must follow the County’s COVID-19 restrictions and CDC guidelines.

Participating restaurants, menus and special deals will be updated regularly on the Author eastbaltcoPosted on Categories Business Matters, NewsTags

County Announces Sparrows Point Park Project


County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced major updates for a new Sparrows Point Park project, which will be co-located at Tradepoint Atlantic.

This project will be the first entirely new park built by Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks in six years and will fill a longstanding recreational gap in the Edgemere-Sparrows Point area.

“Our parks allow us to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate all our county has to offer and I’m thrilled that this new site will provide an engaging and supportive space for the Sparrows Point community—and beyond,” said Olszewski. “Growing up in the shadow of the steel mill, I’ve seen firsthand how Tradepoint Atlantic is transforming our local economy and I’m thankful for their continued partnership as we now work to provide this vibrant neighborhood hub that will connect our families and communities for generations to come.”

“We are pleased to partner with the County Executive and the Sparrows Point – Edgemere community to provide this much needed and promised parkland for public recreational use,” Said Aaron Tomarchio, Executive Vice President for Tradepoint Atlantic. “Integrating a public park into our re-development plan is simply the right thing to do, and something the community requested we consider since day one. We look forward to taking this next step to bring a Sparrows Point community park to reality.”

Shortly after taking office in December 2018, Olszewski worked with Tradepoint Atlantic to adjust a previously negotiated public infrastructure agreement to provide the County with a major parcel of environmentally clean, accessible land for a new public park.

County officials and Tradepoint Atlantic have now identified a potential 22-acre water-view site located at 1900 Wharf Road to serve as the location for this new park.

PROJECT DETAILS
The proposed park will be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum designed project that includes:

16,000 square foot community center with double court gym, two community-accessible activity rooms and concessions area
Full-size synthetic turf field with LED lighting
10,000 square foot playground
ADA accessible fishing pier and kayak launch
Scenic walking path
“The opportunity to create a new waterfront park with amenities for citizens of all ages is rare and I am excited by the potential. We have advocated and discussed the possibility since the advent of Tradepoint Atlantic and they have always been open to the discussion,” said Councilman Todd K. Crandell. “Thanks to the work and negotiation between the community, the Administration, TPA and the County Council, a once in a generation opportunity to create an amazing new park and community center is coming to fruition.”

“A new facility located at Tradepoint Atlantic would be an invaluable asset to the southeast area communities we have served for over 70 years,” said Tim Dodge, President of the Edgemere-Sparrows Point Recreation Council. “We’re excited for a state-of-the art site that will alleviate existing logistical challenges and expand capacity for our many programs, while paying homage to the proud history of the Sparrows Point area.”

COUNTY TO HOST COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING FEBRUARY 22
To ensure this project best meets the needs of communities, County officials will host a virtual community input meeting on Monday, February 22, at 7 p.m. to share additional details for the project and to seek community feedback on the proposal.

Sparrows Point Park Virtual Community Input Meeting

Monday, 2/22; 7 p.m.
Via Webex
Call in: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 180 607 2992
Community members are encouraged to view the proposed plan and submit comments, questions and feedback by visiting baltimorecountymd.gov/sparrowspointpark or by emailing SparrowsPointPark@BaltimoreCountyMD.gov.

RESIDENTS INVITED TO TAKE ONLINE SURVEY
The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks is inviting residents to participate in an online survey to share their input on amenities at Sparrows Point Park. The survey is available here.

More information about the project and proposed plan is available here.

Following completion of the project’s design, a groundbreaking for the new Sparrows Point Park is expected later this year.