Author: eastbaltco

Long Lines Reported at Voting Center in Perry Hall


Motorists in Perry Hall reported that there was along backup on Honeygo Boulevard around Ebenezer Road. on Tuesday evening It was later revealed from Councilman David Marks that the backup traffic is the line to get into the voting center at Honeygo Run Community Center. It is the only voting center in northeast Baltimore County.

“This is the line of cars waiting to turn into Honeygo Run Regional Park for the primary election. If you are not familiar with Perry Hall, this traffic light is about a mile to the south of the entrance to the park,” Marks said in a statement.

“I understand the pandemic created extraordinary circumstances, but situations like these call for answers. Why were there only four in-person voting sites? Many people will never vote by mail – they do not trust the Postal Service with the solemn obligation of delivering a vote.”

Honeygo is only one of four voting sites open on Election Day. There was no early voting this year because of COVID-19 and all registered voters were sent mail-in ballots. Voters were asked to mail back the ballots but some voters complained that they never received their ballots and said they were forced to attend one of the four centers to vote today.

Arrest Made After Last Night’s Dunfield Fatal Shooting


Baltimore County Police have charged a suspect in the shooting death of a man in Dunfield last night.

SmokesSahmir Pasha Tahlib Smokes (20) of the unit block of Bernadotte Court of Parkville is charged with first degree murder and held on no bail status pending a bail review hearing.

The investigation determined that Smokes and the victim, identified as 20-year-old Nygel Allen-Lee Simmons, were known to each other and had an ongoing dispute. Simmons was parked on Stillmeadow Road around 6:30 p.m. when Smokes walked up to the car and shot Simmons. Smokes fled the scene but was seen leaving the area in a vehicle parked nearby on Arwell Court. Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle and stopped it at South and Baltimore Street in Baltimore City. Smokes, the passenger, was arrested along with the driver, who was later released without charge after detectives determined the driver had no knowledge of the crime.

Fatal Shooting Reported Monday in Perry Hall’s Dunfield


Baltimore County Police reported a fatal shooting in the Dunfield area of Perry Hall on Monday evening.

Police responded to the Stillmeadow Road near Dunfield Road in Perry Hall Monday at 6:30 p.m. for a shooting.

On arrival they discovered an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body and began life-saving procedures, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene by medics. The suspect(s) fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and there is no further danger to the general public.

Anyone who may have additional information is asked to contact Homicide detectives by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

The Dunfield area is located off Belair Road near Route 43.

Maryland Presidential Primary Election Set for Tuesday


The June 2 Presidential Primary election will be conducted by mail, with limited options to vote in person on Election Day. Early voting is not available.

How to Vote

Vote by Mail

Voting by mail is safe, secure and free. Ballots have been mailed to residents. You will not need a stamp to return your ballot—the envelope will already have postage on it. Voters simply need to fill out their ballot, sign the oath on the envelope and place it back in the mail.

Make sure your ballot is postmarked on or before Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Watch a video about the vote-by-mail process.

Vote by Drop Box

If you would like to drop off your voted ballot at a physical location instead of mailing it, please make use of our secure voted ballot drop boxes. Drop boxes are available 24 hours a day leading up to Election Day—Tuesday, June 2. The boxes will be locked and will not accept ballots after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

The drop boxes are currently available outside of all voting centers (listed below) and the Baltimore County Board of Elections Office, located at 11112 Gilroy Road, Suite 104, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21204.

Vote in Person

For those who are unable to mail in a ballot or would prefer to vote in person, the County will have four voting centers available on Election Day only. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced.

Voting Centers

Voting centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

•Arbutus Recreation Center
865 Sulphur Spring Road
Halethorpe, Maryland 21227

•Honeygo Run Community Center
9033 Honeygo Boulevard
Perry Hall, Maryland 21128

•Martin’s West
6817 Dogwood Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21244

•Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center
323 Sollers Point Road
Dundalk, Maryland 21222

Kenwood to Hold Graduation Car Parade for Seniors


Kenwood High School announced that they will honor their Class of 2020 by holding a car parade on Monday, June 8, starting at 4 p.m. in the Essex area. Seniors will be encouraged to wear their caps and gowns for the car ride.

Seniors in Baltimore County Public Schools have had all of their spring senior events canceled as a result of COVID-19.

All BCPS graduations were canceled and are being held in a virtual setting and Kenwood’s graduation is scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m.

Kenwood principal Brian Powell told EastBaltco News that this parade was created by parents to honor the Kenwood graduating Class of 2020.

“This event is being set up, hosted and organized by a group of parents. Parents and seniors are excited about the event and [this is] another great display of our community coming together to support our students,” Powell said.

Other BCPS schools have taken steps to honor graduating seniors after the cancellation of the traditional senior activities. Perry Hall High School has created a Class of 2020 banner on its building with a list of all seniors for the Perry Hall graduating Class of 2020.

What have other Baltimore County high schools done to honor their graduating seniors? Let us know at eastbaltco@gmail.com

Marks Reports Homes & Cars Vandalized in Perry Hall Area


Councilman David Marks reported more than 50 households had their tires slashed Friday night around 1 a.m. in the area between Silver Spring Road and Necker Avenue.

“Homes were victimized on several routes including Hallfield Manor and Manorfield Roads and Hanf and Slater Avenues. The police, with whom I spoke today, are actively investigating,” Marks said in a statement.

Police need help from neighbors who have camera systems. Even if you were not impacted, police are asking to check your surveillance systems and report any findings to the police at 410-887-5000.

Two teens were reportedly seen between midnight and 1:30 a.m.

“Vandalism and the destruction of property should never be tolerated and we hope the criminals are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible,” Marks said.

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.