Category: News

County Announces New Measures to Prevent the Spread of the Virus


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski provided updated information about government actions to respond to the pandemic and released additional community guidance.

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed on Wednesday that a Baltimore County resident in his 60s who worked at the recent American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference in Washington, D.C., has contracted the virus.

“Keeping residents safe and informed remains our highest priority, Olszewski said. “Baltimore County’s agencies have been coordinating in preparation for the arrival of COVID-19, and we are prepared to respond to any potential impacts the virus has on our communities.”

“We’re taking the steps necessary to protect the health of our residents and minimize the spread of this virus in Baltimore County.” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services and Health Officer. “We strongly urge residents to continue following public health best practices and rely on credible sources including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and your state and local health departments for accurate and up-to-date information.”

Hotline

The Baltimore County Department of Health has opened a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns. The number is 410-887-3816.

Current and New Measures

The County is taking a number of actions to keep residents safe and minimize the spread of the COVID-19.

•Out of an abundance of caution, activities at Baltimore County Senior Centers will be suspended immediately. Based on state guidance, all Baltimore County senior centers will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, March 16, until further notice. County officials encourage individuals to coordinate with senior center staff to ensure they are prepared for the closure, and we encourage those individuals to call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-887-2594.

•The Recreation and Parks Department is cancelling all organized recreational activities until further notice. The Department is also advising the County’s Recreation Councils to cancel organized activities. This cancellation includes all travel programs out of state. Recreational facilities will remain open during normal operating hours at this time.

•The County Executive’s remaining budget town hall meetings have been cancelled. Information about a virtual town hall to allow residents to share their priorities will be shared in the coming days.

•The remaining scheduled Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) hearings have also been cancelled. Additional information will be shared in the coming days.

•The Code Enforcement Working Group meeting scheduled for this evening, March 12, is cancelled. Further information will be provided in the coming days about virtual options for future meetings.

•The Baltimore County Women’s Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19, has been cancelled.

•The County is suspending all non-essential out of state travel for employees until further notice.

•The County has implemented new protocols at our 911 call center to screen for COVID-19 risk in order to protect and prepare our first responders.

•The County is reviewing telework and sick leave options for all County employees.

•The County has issued emergency procurements for soap, hand sanitizer and other necessary cleaning materials, with a particular emphasis on jails, courts and other areas with large traffic flows and concentrations of vulnerable populations.

This evening’s Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting for Thursday, March 12 will occur as scheduled. The meeting is statutorily required and is expected to have a small number of attendees. Additional guidance about all future board and commission meetings will be provided in the coming days.

All in-person CCBC classes are canceled Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 22, and will resume remotely via alternative teaching methods starting Monday, March 23. Online classes will continue to be held as scheduled. CCBC remains open and services are available.

Additional guidance regarding programs, classes and activities at CCBC and BCPS will come directly from those organizations.

More Information

All County residents are encouraged to take the proper precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand-washing and social distancing as appropriate. All residents, and particularly those at high risk, should follow CDC guidance.

For up-to-date fact sheets and information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

For the latest information from Baltimore County, please visit: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/health.

Baltimore County Identifies First Positive COVID-19 Coronavirus Case


The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed Baltimore County’s first positive COVID-19 case. The individual is in their 60s and worked at the recent American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in Washington, D.C., and is not hospitalized. The individual had limited contacts, and they have been identified and notified.

Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services, informed County Executive John Olszewski of the case late Wednesday evening and remains in regular communication with Maryland Department of Health officials.

“We have been preparing for this situation and we are ready to respond to any potential impact of the COVID-19 virus in our communities,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We continue to work with our partners across County government and at the state level to monitor this rapidly evolving situation.”

“Keeping residents safe and informed remains our highest priority,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services and Health Officer.

“We strongly urge residents to continue following public health best practices and rely on credible sources including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and your state and local health departments for accurate and up-to-date information.”

Two Way Traffic Set for Harbor Tunnel This Weekend


The northbound bore of the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) will continuously close through the weekend. Two-way traffic (one adjacent lane in each direction) will operate in the southbound bore. We remind motorists to obey speed limits and stay in your lane.

The northbound bore will be closed from Friday, Feb. 28, at 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Monday, March 2.

Crews will be performing work on the fire suppression system. The closure is part of the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) three-year, $189 million I-895 Bridge Project to replace the 60-year-old bridge and Holabird Avenue exit ramp north of the Harbor Tunnel and to rehabilitate the Harbor Tunnel. The project began in April 2018 and is expected to be completed in summer 2021.

In the coming weeks, the southbound bridge will close and two-way traffic will operate on the newly rebuilt northbound bridge with one lane open in each direction.

FOX 45 to Host Town Hall About Parkville High Sex Offender Case


In response to the story about a sex offender attending Parkville High School, Fox 45 announced on their newscast that they will host a Project Baltimore Town Hall called Registered and Enrolled. The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at Tall Cedars of Lebanon. 2501 Putty Hill Avenue in Parkville.

Fox 45 has been covering the case about the 21-year-old registered sex offender attending the school and is hosting a public forum to provide information to the community.

According to Fox 45, some elected officials and some school board members will attend the event. The station did not specify which elected officials and school board members were attending but they did state that BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams declined an invite.

Fox 45 has provided town halls for Baltimore mayoral candidates in locations throughout Baltimore City.

New Traffic Pattern Scheduled on I-895 Near Holabird Exit


In November 2018, the MDTA began the I-895 Bridge Project to replace the 60-year-old bridge north of the
Harbor Tunnel. Two-way traffic has been in place on the I-895 southbound bridge between the Baltimore
Harbor Tunnel and Boston/O’Donnell Street (Exit 11) while crews demolished and rebuilt the northbound
bridge. In addition, the I-895 Holabird Avenue exit ramp (Exit 10) has been closed during for a full rebuild.
With those portions of the project complete, crews will implement a phased switchover of two-way traffic
from the existing southbound bridge to the newly constructed northbound bridge beginning late
February or early March.

The rebuilt Holabird Avenue exit ramp also is anticipated to reopen during this
transition. Once the switchover occurs, crews will begin demolishing and rebuilding the southbound bridge.
Motorists are encouraged to continue avoiding I-895 whenever possible and use I-95 and I-695 as alternate
routes. Those who must use I-895 should stay alert and expect changing traffic patterns. The ongoing two-way
operation – with one lane in each direction – will remain in effect until the new southbound bridge is complete
in 2021.

Work also includes rehabilitating the Harbor Tunnel with repairs to the tunnel portal, approach ramps and walls,
deck and tiles. This spring, the southbound bore of the Harbor Tunnel will close 24/7 for 60 days with two-way
traffic operating in the northbound bore.

The bridge replacement project is expected to be complete summer 2021. The MDTA will continue updating
motorists on changing traffic patterns via traffic advisories and social media and will utilize roadway messaging
signs to alert drivers of ongoing traffic conditions. Motorists may also visit 895bmore.com or follow
#895bmore on Twitter.

State Legislators & County Exective Announce Bill to Ban Convicted Sex Offenders From School


Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. and members of the District 8 State Legislative Team announced a bill that would prohibit registered sex offenders from attending schools in Maryland.

This is after a registered 21-year old sex offender was reported attending Parkville High School. Olszewski said he spoke with BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams about updating their protocol to prevent a similar situation from happening again in the future.

“As a parent, I understand that every time when we send our kids to school, we rightly expect that school to be a safe place where they will be protected from any harm,” Olszewski said.

Olszewski added that he is working with District 8 state Senator Kathy Klausmeier and Delegates Harry Bhandari, Joe Boteler and Carl Jackson to present a statewide bill that would ban all registered sex offenders from attending schools in Maryland.

“Sex offenders have no place in our school period,” Olszewski said.

Klausmeier is the lead sponsor of the bill in the senate and agreed with Olszewski that sex offenders do not belong in school.

“I was appalled to hear what happened at Parkville High School and I regret that this ever happened. But, I along with the delegates and senators will stop this from ever occurring again,” she said.

Klausmeier added that there might be some concern about the education of the sex offender but said the priority should be the safety of other students.

“There are other ways to get an education other than sitting next to a student in a high school or a student in a middle school. This should not happen again,” Klausmeier explained.

Marks Wants Revised Plan for Gerst Farm Project


After receiving community criticism at a Feb. 6 meeting for the proposal of the Gerst Farm project in Perry Hall, Councilman David Marks announced that he is asking the developer of the property for a revised plan that addresses the concerns of the community.

Gerst Farm is located at 9328 Gerst Road behind the Honeygo Village Center and near the Joppa and Cowenton road traffic circle in Perry Hall.

“Specifically, I am calling for far fewer units, as well as deed restrictions that require the senior housing to be owned by older residents,” Marks said in a statement. “I have also asked the developer to work with Baltimore County to set aside a large section of the property near the Honeygo Village Center as a public park.

Elm Street Development’s plan calls for the building of 317 townhomes/rowhomes on 47.61 acres of land. Some of the community concerns were more traffic to the area and adding to an already overcrowded school system.

Perry Hall Rec. Founder Jerry Soukup Dies


A Perry Hall icon has died. Jerry Soukup, who has dedicated his life to sports and rec in Perry Hall has passed at the age of 91.

Soukup founded the Perry Hall Rec. Council in 1955 and served as its first president until 1988. Soukup – along with his wife Pat, who proceded him in death- raised $1.5 million in funds to pay for half of a sport arena on Joppa Road. The arena was named Soukup Arena after Jerry and Pat.

Councilman David Marks, who is a friend of Soukup, released a statement on his passing.

“I am so sorry to pass along the news of the passing of Gerald Soukup, a towering figure in Perry Hall’s recent history – although one who did so much of his work modestly, behind the scenes. Jerry Soukup helped found the Perry Hall Recreation Council in 1955. For decades, he and his wife Pat raised money from concession stand sales and events for a gymnasium to house the organization’s sports leagues. That gym opened in 2015 and was named in their honor,” Marks said in a statement.

“We have lost so many of the local leaders who guided Perry Hall during the postwar years. Jerry’s service began when Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House and continued to the present. On behalf of all whose lives he touched, we thank him. My prayers are with his family and many friends.”

Joe Butta, who is a volunteer at Perry Hall Rec., said Soukup is responsible for the success of today’s Perry Hall program.

“For everyone that has played ANY sport in the Perry Hall rec area you have this man to thank. Mr. Jerry Soukup passed away today. He founded the rec office here and watched it grow into something special,” Butta said in a social media post.
“I’ve had the honor of working for him and with him for the past seven years and he truly was Mr Perry Hall!”

Water Main Break Reported in Colgate area of Dundalk


The Baltimore City Department of Public Works reported a water main break near the intersection of North Point Road/ Kane Street in the Colgate area of Dundalk.

It has been reported as a 16-inch main and is currently affecting 25 businesses in the area. DPW stated that this will impact water service in areas bounded by North Point Road, Baltimore Street, German Hill Road and Markel Ave.

The above map shows the area impacted. DPW is ask customers to please be patient as they make their way to those neighborhoods.

During the winter season when the area goes through freeze and thaw cycles, especially when accompanied by heavy rain, the ground shifts and the pipes can break. Often as mains are repaired, others break, and they can be miles away.

DPW said crews and contractors actively monitor the number of new service requests and monitor weather conditions for inclement weather and their staff is working overtime to make sure the customers are without water for the shortest amount of time possible.

Baltimore County Council Passes Gun Shop Bill 6 to 1


The Baltimore County Council passed County Executive John Olszewski Jr.’s controversial gun bill on Tuesday by a 6 to 1 margin. The bill is called the SAFE Act (Secure All Firearms Effectively). it requires gun shop owners to provide better security at their locations and for gun shows in Baltimore County to obtain a license to sell a firearm.

Olszewski released a statement after the bill passed.

“[A] bipartisan group of Councilmembers voted for safer communities across Baltimore County—and throughout our region,” Olszewski said. I applaud the members of the Council who joined us to support this commonsense public safety solution that will keep stolen guns off our streets and out of the hands of violent criminals.”

Republican Councilmembers Wade Kach and David Marks offered amendments to the bill that eliminated fees for gun shops, and provide financial assistance to help with security improvements. Those amendments passed 6 to 1. Marks said he believes the bill was going to pass and that is why he submitted the amendments to protect gun show owners.

“Republican Councilman Wade Kach and I joined with our colleagues to pass numerous amendments to make the County Executive’s gun security bill better for businesses. This was one. Make no mistake – the original bill would have been used at some point to regulate and tax gun retailers to extinction. It allowed for big fees and liens against properties, provided no financial help to businesses, and had few limitations on the power of those regulating gun retailers,” Marks explained. “Symbolic ‘no’ votes might gain a high-five from some, but are of no help in the long term when government regulations might force businesses into extinction”

Councilman Todd Crandell voted down the bill and along with the amendments. He explained his decision was ‘not symbolic’ on social media today. Crandell added that he voted with his conscience and what was best for his constituents.

“I was the only member to vote ‘No’. Contrary to what was posted by a Council colleague, my vote was not ‘symbolic.'” Crandell said. “I voted ‘no’ because this is a bad bill. It gives unchecked authority to the Chief of Police and the Chief Administrative Officer to control the industry and, under less reasonable leadership, potentially even shut it down.”