Author: eastbaltco

Social Distancing Not Being Practiced at Local Parks?


With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many social restrictions in place in Baltimore County and Maryland.

Among those regulations are a ban on the usage of playgrounds and no more than 10 people may gather in a group.

With warmer temperatures arriving, many people are starting to venture out and have been spotted at local parks. According to Baltimore County, parks are still open and are permitted for usage. However; the rule for gatherings of less than 10 people is still in effect and there have been concerns that rule is being violated at parks.

There were reports on the Parkville and Perry Hall social media community pages of an abundance of visitors to multiple parks in the region. Some of the parks mentioned on the sites were Double Rock Park in Parkville, Honeygo Park in Perry Hall and the fields of Perry Hall and Towson High Schools.

Some of these reported gatherings included soccer games, basketball games and a large crowd on school tracks on Friday afternoon. Fifth District Baltimore County Councilman David Mark’s expressed disapproval of these big groups.

“This afternoon, I received separate complaints about large crowds at the Perry Hall and Towson High School athletic complexes. The police have also received the same complaints,” Marks said on Friday.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was critical of large crowds at the Cherry Blossom Festival and at the Boardwalk in Ocean City last weekend. The Town of Ocean City closed down the Boardwalk last week. Marks stated he is fearful that local parks and fields could be shut down next if people don’t use social distancing.

“This is not the time for sports practices and games. We are very close, in my opinion, to these facilities and others being shut down – which unfortunately hurts everyone, including those who use these fields in small groups spaced apart,” Marks said on social media.

Police Arrest Suspect for February Murder on Comet Court


Baltimore County Police have arrested Michael Kevin Richardson Jr. (25) in connection with the death of Anthony Laron Richardson Jr. (not related). Suspect Richardson has been charged with first degree murder. He was arrested on March 26th. Police have determined that the suspect targeted the victim.

On Feb. 25, police responded to the unit block of Comet Court off Perring Parkway in Parkville for a shooting. The initial investigation determined that Victim Richardson was shot at least once while on Comet Court. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Suspect Richardson is held on a no bail status pending a bail review at the Baltimore County Detention Center. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-887-2222 or the Baltimore County Police Department’ s Homicide Unit at 410-887-3943.

Essex Man Arrested in Royal Farms Robbery Case


Baltimore County Police arrested a man after responding to a hold-up alarm at a Rosedale Royal Farms in the 8800 block of Philadelphia Road.

On March 25 at 2:25 a.m., Daniel Michael Mitchell (42) of the 500 block of Franklin Avenue in Essex was found by police walking on Philadelphia Road towards Rossville Boulevard as they responded to the call. He was arrested without incident.

Police determined that Mitchell displayed a note to a cashier, implied a weapon and demanded cash.
Mitchell is charged with first degree assault and armed robbery. He is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center without bail.

MDTA to Cut Toll Penalties & Accelerates Toll Rate Discount


With its next generation electronic toll collection system coming online this summer,
the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board today approved a measure that cuts in half the civil penalties for non-payment of a video toll, from $50 to $25, and accelerates a 15 percent toll rate discount for customers who pay video tolls within a certain timeframe. Both changes are anticipated to take effect July 1.

The change in the civil penalty comes as costs associated with processing and collecting citations have decreased over time. Currently, if a Notice of Toll Due is not paid within 45 days, a $50 civil penalty is assessed for each unpaid transaction. The vote by the MDTA Board cuts the penalty to $25, and is the result of analysis and feedback from customer, legal and financial perspectives.

“Today’s vote by the MDTA Board to lower the civil penalty is the right decision for our customers,” said Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary and MDTA Chairman Gregory Slater. “Our goal is to make our facilities accessible, reliable and affordable for everyone, and this vote helps us toward that mission.”

The reduction in civil penalties is expected to save Marylanders $7.4 million annually, and represents one segment of toll relief implemented under the administration of Governor Larry Hogan. Since 2014, Governor Hogan has announced up to $351 million in combined savings for Marylanders through toll related reductions.

The MDTA next generation electronic toll collection system coming online in July will allow new payment options that previously were limited by existing technology.

“As we continue converting our facilities to all-electronic tolling, we want to improve the customer experience by providing as many payment options as possible,” said MDTA Executive Director James F. Ports, Jr. “And we are always looking for more ways to reduce costs for our customers.”

Early Payment Discount
The early payment discount also approved by the MDTA Board provides customers with a 15 percent discount, up to $5 off the video toll rate, when they pay their Notice of Toll Due within a specified timeframe and prior to the mailing of the notice. This passes operational savings onto customers who proactively use one of the MDTA’s self-service options, including payment online or through MDTA’s phone interactive voice response system. In addition, a mobile app is coming soon.

Originally approved to go live in December 2020, the early payment discount will begin July 1. This discount is part of the overall toll modernization plan approved by the MDTA Board in November to enhance customer service and save Marylanders more than $28 million over five years. The package also includes a new Pay by Plate method and new vehicle classes with lower toll rates.

Pay by Plate
This new payment method benefits infrequent customers and those who don’t want to maintain an E-ZPass® account prepaid balance. Customers pay “as they go” by registering their license plate and credit card.
Originally scheduled to go live June 2020, the MDTA Board approved Pay by Plate to start July 1 to coincide with the new toll system implementation.

Pay by Plate toll rates were approved in November, and mirror the cash and non-E-ZPass® Maryland rates for MDTA bridges, tunnels and the JFK Memorial Highway (I-95). They are 25 percent higher than the E-ZPass® rates on the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 and I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL).

Pay by Plate will benefit customers who pay by cash today and prefer not to open an E-ZPass® account when the MDTA transitions to all-electronic tolling at all its facilities in the future. Customers who choose Pay by Plate will save money versus video tolling, which includes a 50% surcharge.

New Vehicle Classes & Lower Toll Rates
Another part of the plan approved in November is lower rates for certain vehicle classes, providing a 50 percent reduction in tolls for motorcycles and reductions of 25 percent and 17 percent, respectively, for “light” vehicles towing one- and two-axle trailers. These new classes and rates will go live in September.

Police Offer Tips to Prevent COVID-19 Scams


The Baltimore County Police Department knows that scammers are out there looking for new ways to take your money. The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is another opportunity for them to steal from the public.

Follow these simple tips to avoid being a victim of a scam.
As the government works on an economic relief package to send money, scammers are sending texts and emails telling the public how to receive this money. Don’t listen to them. As of today, checks haven’t being sent out. Don’t be scammed by speaking with people who tell you they can get money to you sooner. Until the details are finalized, money won’t be distributed.

Don’t click on unfamiliar links. If you do, a virus or malware could be downloaded on your computer.
You might receive false emails from scammers claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The message might say they have new and updated information about the virus. Don’t trust these messages. If you want to get the most accurate information, go online and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization (WHO),or Baltimore County Government for resources available to residents.

Beware of online offers of medicines to ease symptoms or cure the virus. There are no vaccines, pills, potions or other “miracle” drugs at this time. The CDC and other organizations are working together on this and, rest assured, we will hear when something is available.

Stay away from charities that contact you either by phone or online for a donation, even those that say they represent a well-known organization. No legitimate, charitable organization will ask for donations in the form of cash, gift cards or by wire. Do your research before making a donation. If you want to donate money for a good cause, visit Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to learn more about the charity before doing so.

Your phones, either cellphone or landlines, are places for scammers to trick you into giving personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers use illegal robocalls to illicit information from victims. The FTC advises that some callers, often a recording, ask the victim to press a telephone button that will allow them to talk to a live operator. Doing this could land you on a call list for future robocalls.

If you think you may have been scammed, contact the Baltimore County Police Department’s Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 410-887-2190.

Maryland Schools To Remain Closed Until April 24


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and State School Superintendent Karen Salmon announced on Wednesday morning that Maryland public schools would remain closed until at least Friday, April 24 because of COVID-19. The earliest schools could open is Monday, April 27.

Schools have already been closed for the coronavirus pandemic since March 16 and were set to be closed until March 27 before the latest extension. Baltimore County Public Schools scheduled to have their Spreak Break from April 4 to April 13 and for their school year to end on Monday, June 22.

Four people have died from the coronavirus in the state and Maryland has taken other steps to stop the spread of the virus. Hogan had issued an executive order on Monday for nonessential businesses to close.

Family Not Permitted to Ride in Medic Units


Effective immediately, Baltimore County Fire Department medic units and ambulances will not allow family members to ride with patients to local hospitals. This change is necessary because all Baltimore area hospitals have limited or completely restricted visitor access as a safety measure during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

In rare instances and depending on the patient’s circumstances, BCoFD will transport a family member with the understanding that the family member will remain outside the hospital, pending direction by hospital staff.

BCoFD appreciates the public’s patience as we work through these tough times.

Hogan Orders Nonessential Businesses to Close


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued an order for nonessential businesses to close on Monday starting at 5 p.m. These is in response to stop the coronavirus pandemic.

There is no shutdown or curfew at this time.

There has been some confusion on what is businesses are nonessential vs. essential so the Governor’s office has released a document with clarification.

OLC Interpretive Guidance COVID19-04

Baltimore County Resident Dies from COVID-19


Governor Larry Hogan has reported that the first person from Baltimore County and second person in Maryland has died as a result of the coronavirus. The person was described as a Baltimore County resident in his 60s who suffered from underlying medical conditions. Hogan released this statement.

“A second Marylander has lost his life as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. On behalf of our entire state, we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all those who loved him,” Hogan said.

“As the number of positive cases in Maryland continues to dramatically rise, we need everyone to take this seriously. This is a public health crisis like nothing we have ever faced before—we are all in this together, and we will get through this together.”

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr., also released a statement about the passing of the first Baltimore County resident to COVID-19.

“My prayers are with all those who lost a loved one tonight. This sad passing is a stark reminder of the seriousness of the crisis we face, and it breaks my heart to know that this will not be the last life we lose to this pandemic,” Olszewski said.

“That is why, even as we grieve, we also each need to do our part to reduce the spread and flatten the curve. Stay home. Practice social distancing. Those failing to do their part only add to the toll this crisis will take. We can save lives, but only if we take this seriously and continue to work together.”

According Maryland.gov, there have been 149 cases of COVID-19 and 13 cases in Baltimore County. A Prince George’s County man, also in his 60s, was the first death in Maryland.

BCPS Served over 50,000 Lunches This Week


Baltimore County Public Schools served more than 50,000 meals during the first week of the state-mandated school closure. Beginning Monday, March 23, two additional sites will be added as meal distribution locations bringing the total to 46.

The following numbers of meals were distributed by BCPS from March 16 -20:

Monday, March 16: 1,159
Tuesday, March 17: 1,911
Wednesday, March 18: 11,925
Thursday, March 19: 17,236
Friday, March 20: 17,930
TOTAL: 50,161 total meals served

“I have visited several sites while meals were being distributed,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams, “and I am so impressed with the efficiency and great caring of our Food and Nutrition Services staff members. This is a challenging time for all families, and I am so pleased that we are able to address this vital need for so many students and their families.”

Beginning Monday, Mar. 23, BCPS students may pick up breakfast, lunch, and dinner (three meals in one bag) at 46 locations, including two new sites: Sparrows Point High School and Westland Gardens Apartments. Please continue to check the BCPS Coronavirus Updates webpage for the latest list.

Students must be present to receive meals in the parking lots of the locations identified below on weekdays through Mar. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BCPS Locations
Arbutus Elementary School
Baltimore Highlands Elementary School
Battle Grove Elementary School
Carney Elementary School
Carriage Hill Apartments
Chadwick Elementary School
Chesapeake High School
Cove Village Apartments, Essex, in front of rental office
Deep Creek Middle School
Deer Park Middle School
Dulaney High School
Dundalk Elementary School
Dundalk High School
Elmwood Elementary School
Featherbed Elementary School
Glyndon Elementary School
Halstead Academy
Hawthorne Elementary School
Johnnycake Elementary School
Kings Point Shopping Center in front of Kiddie Koach
Lansdowne High School
Logan Elementary School
Middle River Middle School
Milbrook Elementary School
New Town High School
Oakleigh Elementary School
Owings Mills Elementary School
Padonia Elementary School
Parkville High School
Pleasant Plains Elementary School
Riverview Elementary School
Rosedale Library
Saddle Brooke Apartments
Sandy Plains Elementary School
Scotts Branch Elementary School
Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center
Sparrows Point High School (as of Monday, Mar. 23)
Stemmers Run Middle School
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eastern Ave.
Sussex Elementary School
Westchester Elementary School
Westland Gardens Apartments (as of Monday, Mar. 23)
Winfield Elementary School
Woodlawn Middle School
Woodmoor Elementary School
Woodmoor Shopping Center