Author: eastbaltco

Council Removes Loophole in Open Space Law


The Baltimore County Council unanimously passed Bill 37-19 on Tuesday, which removes loopholes in Baltimore County’s open space law that have substantially reduced the amount of public open space that development projects Council Chair Tom Quirk and Councilman David Marks were co-sponsors of the bill.

“Proud to have cosponsored this bipartisan bill with Councilman Tom Quirk that eliminates loopholes and should lead to more open space,” Marks said in a social media post.

“The single amendment makes the bill prospective – but only for a small number of projects where a plan is under review. Some builders wanted it to go into effect as late as 2020.”

Barbara L. Hopkins, Executive Director of the non-profit group Neighborhood Open, was happy that the bill passed unanimously through the council.

“None of this was easy for anyone and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who testified, submitted written testimony, emailed, called, donated, and offered advice, especially as summer vacations and the start of the school year demanded your attention. [H]istory dealt our County an open space hand that years ago created a huge open space deficit. That deficit has had an increasingly negative effect on the livability of our communities over time when it comes to things like places for kids to safely play, storm water management, and home values,” Hopkins said in a statement.

“These facts demand less confrontation and more collaboration among government, nonprofits, County residents, and members of the development community if we are serious about addressing the livability challenges that exist today in communities inside the URDL. I am hopeful that, tonight, we took a big step in that direction and, on behalf of our board of directors, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the bill and your continued support.”

Man Injured in Overnight Shooting in Essex


One man was injured in a shooting in Essex early Sunday, Sept. 1.

The man, 23, was in the area of Bayner Road and Bayner Court with friends at approximately 1:40 a.m. when he suffered a non-life-threatening wound and responded to a nearby gas station for help. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with information should contact police by calling 410-307-2020

Can You Identify Any of These Seasoned Mariner Burglary Suspects?


Baltimore County Police need your help identifying any of these suspects who burglarized The Seasoned Mariner in Dundalk.

The restaurant, located in the 600 block of Wise Avenue, didn’t open until 4 p.m., but around 2:30 p.m. these suspects were caught on security cameras entering the business and stealing cash. They left the location in the red 4-door vehicle seen in surveillance video.

Traditional investigative measures have not led to the identification of any of these suspects, so detectives from the Baltimore County Burglary Unit are now turning to the public for help. If you recognize any of these suspects or can provide detectives with any additional information regarding this burglary, call police at 410-307-2020.

Reward Offered

Metro Crime Stoppers, an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, online or via mobile app.

Phone: 1-866-7LOCKUP

Olszewski Announces Baltimore County Overdose Awareness Signs


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the placement of overdose awareness signs around the County in an effort to shine light on the opioid epidemic and reduce the stigma often associated with addiction. Strategically placed in five, high-visibility locations around the County, the signs will display the total number of overdoses and fatal overdoses in the County so far this year.

“There’s not a community in our County that hasn’t been touched by the disease of opioid addiction and we have to do everything within our power to raise awareness, increase access to services and save lives. These signs will be a stark reminder that this crisis persists and that we have a responsibility to help our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, neighbors and friends who are struggling,” Olszewski said.

The signs were created with support from the Daniel Carl Torsch Foundation and sponsors identified by foundation Executive Director Toni Torsch. Torsch created the foundation following the death of her son, Daniel, from a heroin overdose. The foundation works to raise awareness of opioid addiction and overdose, helps individuals find treatment resources and provides training for individuals to use the overdose-reversal drug naloxone.

“I applaud the Torsch Foundation for partnering with the County to provide awareness and education of overdose death statistics,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services. “Anyone who is facing an opioid addiction or knows someone who is, should reach out and prevent another untimely death by calling our REACH Helpline, 410-88-REACH (410-887-3224).”

Each month, the Baltimore County Police Department will update the numbers displayed on the signs, which will be located at the Public Safety Building in Towson, as well as the Dundalk, Pikesville, White Marsh and Woodlawn precinct buildings.

“In my very first meeting with newly-elected County Executive Olszewski, I asked for help breaking a bureaucratic logjam that prevented these signs from going up. He delivered. This is one part of a more robust strategy toward reducing and eliminating opioid abuse,” said 5th District Councilman David Marks.

Olszewski has taken a number of critical steps in the effort to combat the opioid epidemic. As recommended by his transition team, he included funds in his first budget to create an Opioid Strategy Coordinator position to guide strategy across agencies and ensure a cohesive, comprehensive response.

In addition, he named an Opioid Response Working Group to engage County residents and stakeholders, examine data, assess the County’s current efforts and make recommendations for how the County can continue to ramp up its efforts to address addiction and overdose. The working group will release its draft report for public comment in the coming weeks.

No Eastern Baltimore County Site Included in Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study

As part of Tier 1 of the ongoing Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study, the federal environmental process is taking to the public four preliminary alternatives, including three preliminary corridors and a no-build alternative.

There were original 14 sites proposed along the Chesapeake Bay region for a third span of a Bay Bridge from northern Harford County to Southern Maryland. That included three proposals in eastern Baltimore County. One would have extended Route 43 in White Marsh to Chestertown, the next local proposal was from Route 702 to north of Rock Hall and the last local proposal was from Millers Island in Edgemere to Rock Hall. None of those sites were selected.

Data indicates these three preliminary corridor alternatives are the only corridors to sufficiently meet the purpose and need in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As part of this process, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will present the no-build alternative, the preliminary corridor alternatives, and the original full range of alternatives from the study for public review and comment at six open houses in September and October.

“While the No-Build alternative and three preliminary corridor alternatives are being included in the federal environmental process for further study, traffic models indicate that one of the three, building a third crossing within the same corridor as the existing Bay Bridge (Corridor 7), would have the most positive impact on reducing traffic,” said MDTA Executive Director Jim Ports.

The MDTA and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are following a tiered NEPA process that provides a systematic approach for advancing potential transportation improvements. The purpose of the Bay Crossing Study is to consider potential alternatives to provide expanded traffic capacity and additional access across the Chesapeake Bay to improve mobility, travel reliability and safety at the existing Bay Bridge, while considering financial viability and environmental responsibility. The study also looks at modal and operational transportation methods including ferry service, bus rapid transit, rail transit and transportation systems management/travel demand management.

The Bay Crossing Study Tier 1 is retaining the No-Build alternative and these Preliminary Corridor Alternatives Retained for Analysis (CARA):

  • Corridor 6: MD 100 to US 301 between Pasadena (Anne Arundel County), Rock Hall (Kent County) and Centreville (Queen Anne’s County);
  • Corridor 7: existing Bay Bridge corridor, US 50/301 to US 50 between Crofton (Anne Arundel County) and Queenstown (Queen Anne’s County); and
  • Corridor 8: US 50/301 between Crofton (Anne Arundel County) and Easton (Talbot County).

Data indicates that each of the three corridor alternatives could have a positive impact on traffic. Corridor 7, the corridor where the existing Bay Bridge is today, provides the most congestion relief. This corridor best relieves congestion at the existing Bay Bridge on both non-summer weekdays and summer weekends compared to all other corridors. Corridor 7 would best reduce backups at the existing Bay Bridge, provide the greatest reduction in the duration of unacceptable congestion levels, and is more compatible with existing land-use patterns, according to the study data.

The regional analyses undertaken during the Tier 1 study involves the evaluation of approximately 2-mile wide corridors using a broad-scale level of detail for engineering and environmental information. The Tier 1 study will result in selection of a corridor alternative that best meets the study purpose and need.  Following the Tier 1 study, a Tier 2 study would identify specific alignment alternatives within the corridor alternative that is identified in Tier 1. 

At the open houses, the MDTA will provide information and receive feedback on the range of alternatives and the Preliminary CARA. Attendees also will learn about the purpose and need aspect of the study, traffic, engineering and environmental considerations, comments received to date, next steps and how to stay informed. For more information on the four preliminary alternatives, visitbaycrossingstudy.com to review the public open house display boards. Here are the planned open houses:

Tuesday, Sept. 24 (6-8 p.m.)Kent County High School25301 Lambs Meadow Rd.Worton, MD 21678Wednesday, Sept. 25 (6-8 p.m.)Queen Anne’s County High School125 Ruthsburg Rd.Centreville, MD 21617 
Thursday, Sept. 26 (6-8 p.m.)Calvert High School600 Dares Beach Rd.Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Tuesday, Oct. 1 (6-8 p.m.)Middle River Middle School800 Middle River Rd.Middle River, MD 21220
Wednesday, Oct. 2 (6-8 p.m.)Anne Arundel Community College101 College Pkwy.Arnold, MD 21012 Thursday, Oct. 3 (6-8 p.m.)Talbot County Community Center10028 Ocean GatewayEaston, MD 21601 

Funded by toll dollars, the Bay Crossing Study Tier 1 began in 2016 and is expected to be complete in 2021. The next steps are to publish a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and hold public hearings in fall 2020. The final steps are to identify the preferred corridor alternative and publish the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision in collaboration with FHWA in summer 2021.

Driver Charged With Alcohol-Related Offenses After Dundalk Fatal Crash

Baltimore County Police responded to a crash at Wise Avenue and Park Drive in Dundalk on Aug. 21 around 2 a.m. Subsequent investigation revealed that a 2012 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling west on Wise Avenue approaching Park Drive. A 2007 Mercury Mariner was traveling east on Wise Avenue and attempted to turn left onto Park Drive.

The motorcycle collided with the SUV, causing the driver to be ejected from his motorcycle. The motorcycle driver was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. The driver of the motorcycle has been identified as John Wolf Foster, 25, of the 1900-block of Searles Road in Dundalk

The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and was identified as Jessica Leigh Doran, 33, of the 2000-block of Ormand Road in Dundalk. She has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and is currently being held at the Baltimore County Department of Corrections on denied bail status.

New BCPS Superintendent Details Vision for School System

Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams established a clear vision for Baltimore County Public Schools on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Administrative and Supervisory meeting, held at Loch Raven High School.

During his back-to-school speech to about 700 Team BCPS school and system leaders, Dr. Williams focused on increasing student achievement and closing gaps based on race, ethnicity, and participation in services from special education, English for speakers of other languages, and free and reduced-price meals.

Emphasizing collective action from schools and offices, Dr. Williams urged that “Students have to be at the center of everything we do.” He asked school and office leaders to examine current practices and consider, “Will this lead us to greater student achievement?”

As he reviewed data from 2018, he stressed that while one data point does not tell the entire story, differences in achievement have been persistent across assessments.

Dr. Williams announced that one central office change in response to the data is the creation of the new Division of Student Support and Achievement, which consists of community superintendents and executive directors who supervise schools by level and zone. The new division will lead Instructional Core Team meetings, where the needs of students, teachers, and school leaders will determine how central office coordinates and differentiates support to schools based on data.

Similarly, cabinet, Academic Team, and Business Services meetings will adjust to support the focus on raising the bar and closing gaps.

Slated for spring 2020, another systemwide support will be a streamlined School Progress Plan (school improvement plan) process that will align student needs with professional learning for staff. Until then, schools will identify one or two initiatives that target an area where students are not mastering standards.

Central office will support schools in three major areas: studying and knowing the curriculum; infusing authentic literacy across disciplines including more reading and writing; and ensuring effective teaching based on formative assessments that explain what students know and can do.

Dr. Williams continues to examine data and gather feedback through his 100-day entry plan, upcoming Community Conversations with the public, and initial discussions about the 2020-2021 operational budget.

BCPS expects to welcome about 115,000 students to its schools on Sept. 3.

County Police Investigating Homicide in Middle River

Just before midnight on Monday, Aug. 19, Baltimore County Police received a call for a shooting in the 200-block of Shagbark Road in Middle River. Officers arrived and found the victim, a 44 year old male inside the house.

The man was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Police are withholding the victim’s identification until his next of kin have been notified of his death.

Baltimore County Police Homicide detectives are conducting their investigation at this time and additional details will be released as they become available. If you have any information about this murder, please call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

Police Investigating Aug.18 Shooting on Fontana Lane

Baltimore County Police responded to the 8700-block of Fontana Lane in Rosedale on for a shooting on Sunday, Aug. 18 around 11 p.m.

Police responded and found the 41-year-old victim suffering from an injury. The victim received medical treatment and was released from a local hospital a short time later.

Detectives from the Police Department’s Violent Crime Unit are conducting their investigation at this time. Investigators believe that this shooting is an isolated incident. If anyone has information about this crime, please call 9-1-1.

Suspect Arrested For Firing Handgun At Officer

The suspect involved in the Aug, 15 assault on the County officer has been identified as Anthony Lance Coley, 35, of the 4700-block of Mawani Road, of Overlea. Coley has been charged with attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder and numerous firearm-related charges. He is currently being held at the Baltimore County Department of Corrections on denied bail status.

Police reported around 2:30 a.m. on Aug, 15, a Baltimore County Police officer was in the area of Springwood Road and Marglenn Road in Overlea when he saw a man holding a handgun while walking down the middle of Marglenn Road. The officer got out of his car and ordered the suspect to show his hands. The suspect ignored the officer’s commands and then ran down Marglenn then onto Raspe Avenue. Once on Raspe, the suspect fired his weapon at the officer. The officer was not struck or injured by the gunfire. The officer lost sight of the suspect and did not fire his service weapon during the altercation.

The suspect was located and arrested without any further incident on Old Home Road. Police recovered two handguns in the area of the 400-block of Old Home Road.

This is an on-going investigation and additional information will be provided as the details become available. Charges are pending against the suspect at this time.