Protecting the Oakleigh Pet Cemetery

The Oakleigh Pet Cemetery, located in the 8400 block of Oakleigh Road in Parkville, is one of the only cemeteries of its kind in Central Maryland.  It is the final resting place for hundreds of dogs, cats, and other pets.   Unfortunately, the property has deteriorated for years, leading to thousands of dollars in fines from Baltimore County government.  This WBAL-TV report from three years ago vividly describes the problem.  

Current zoning at this three-acre site is DR 5.5, which would allow a 15-unit development to be built there, irrespective of environmental constrants. Because of the uncertain future of this property, I will be asking my colleagues on the County Council to downzone the Oakleigh Pet Cemetery to DR 1, the lowest possible level of residential development. DR 1 would allow, at most, three houses to be built there if the land were to be sold for development.

I am also sponsoring legislation that would provide protections for anyone who purchased lots at the cemetery. At the August meeting of the Baltimore County Council, I will submit a bill that requires a pet cemetery owner to notify lot buyers if the cemetery is ever sold or used for a purpose other than a pet cemetery. The legislation also requires compensation for those who purchased lots. 

The Oakleigh Pet Cemetery, like human graveyards, is supposed to be a place of serenity and beauty.   I believe we owe it to pet lovers and the surrounding neighborhood to clean up the cemetery and place limitations on future uses.

The Magnet Policy Review: A Good First Move by Dr. Dance

On Tuesday, July 10, I joined parents from Cromwell Valley Elementary School who testified before the Baltimore County Board of Education about changes to the county's magnet school policy.  It was the first meeting for Dr. S. Dallas Dance, our new School Superintendent.

Cromwell Valley Elementary School.

Two days later, Dr. Dance had announced a review of the policy. 

What a refreshing move from the new School Superintendent--and a great way to start his tenure as head of our public school system.  Dr. Dance showed the open-mindedness needed for anyone who has just taken the helm of one of the largest and most diverse school systems in the country.

The magnet policy was changed during the final year of Dr. Dance's predecessor, with little input from the community.   There are two changes.   One change affects the priority for siblings of students already enrolled in a magnet school.  Another change would end the priority for those students who are within walking distance, which means that a student who lives across the street from Cromwell Valley Elementary School could very well be bused to another school.

I have written to Dr. Dance suggesting that the priority for walkers at Cromwell Valley Elementary School be codified, and that the sibling priority either be extended to 2018-2019 to accommodate current students or grandfathered to families with students who enrolled under the original policy.    I understand that there are issues of countywide fairness and equity, but believe there must be a way to find a sensible middle ground. 

I look forward to learning of the review and hopefully changes to the rule.  Either way, I thank Dr. Dance for listening to the parents of Cromwell Valley Elementary School.

Better Design Standards for Downtown Perry Hall

On Monday, July 2, I introduced legislation that will hopefully lead to better design standards for new construction in the Perry Hall commercial revitalization district.  This bill would subject new projects to the Baltimore County Design Review Panel, which evaluates projects in other areas of the county.

The Design Review Panel consists of nine members knowledgeable in matters of design, including architects, landscape architects, engineers and other design professionals. The professional members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The County Executive appoints the Chair.

Commercial districts in Arbutus, Catonsville, Essex, Pikesville, and Towson are already subject to the Design Review Panel.

Existing businesses that want to modify their appearance or make minor changes will not be affected by this bill.  I am most concerned about larger areas where redevelopment will occur, such as the Butt's Hardware property, the stores across the street along the 8830 block of Belair Road, and the area east of the Double-T Diner.   

Any redevelopment projects will be with us for thirty or forty years, so let's do them right.

I would also like to implement periodic clean-ups involving local merchants to clean up the weeds and trash that have accummulated at Belair, Joppa, and Ebenezer Roads.   Hopefully, these improvements--along with the incentives already available through the commercial revitalization program--will enhance Downtown Perry Hall.

County Council Approves Adding Park Properties in Perry Hall

On Monday, July 2, the Baltimore County Council approved a land transfer that will allow the county to acquire a large wooded property next to the Maryland Fish and Game Protective Association, as well as a small parcel next to the Perry Hall public library. Both parcels are situated along Honeygo Boulevard. 

With this transfer, Baltimore County will create an almost-uninterrupted chain of forests and parks from Joppa View Elementary School to Joppa Road.

The property to be acquired near Honeygo Boulevard
and Ebenezer Road.

The larger piece is a triangular property adjacent to the Maryland State Fish and Game Protective Association and Honeygo Park. It includes 10.8 acres of environmentally sensitive, forested property. It was once the proposed site for a gymnasium, and construction of an access road had started off Honeygo Boulevard. That land, seen to the right, will now be added to Honeygo Park and protected from all future development. 

The second piece is a rectangular, 1.2 acre property immediately south of the Perry Hall library. A committee I appointed has recommended a playground and ampitheatre at that site. 

The county will trade 9.3 of land with a developer to acquire the 12-acre sites. 

I supported this plan because there was a net gain of parkland for the residents of Perry Hall; because the plan preserves a particularly sensitive area from development; and because the transfer was supported by local community organizations, including the Tremper Farms and Northgate Hall homeowners associations.

Update on Storm Recovery Activities

I would like to thank those public safety and utility workers who have spent the weekend cleaning up from Friday night's storms.   We are dealing with record-breaking heat, and while the weather is difficult for those without air conditioning, it is even more challenging for those who must work outside repairing power lines and cleaning up debris.

Power outages as of 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 1.

As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, BGE had restored power to about 106,000 Baltimore Countians. There are still roughly 80,000 without power.  In the Fifth District, the hardest-hit areas are west of Perring Parkway, although I am getting reports of electricity slowly being restored to Towson both east and west of York Road.   Power has been restored to West Towson west of York Road, for example, and Burkleigh Square, Cromwell Valley east of Providence Road, and the Stevenson Lane area in the east.  

To report downed power lines or outages, call (877) 778-2222.  To report downed trees blocking roads, contact the county at (410) 887-5210.

For those without power, the Bykota Senior Center in West Towson is available as a cooling site.  Additionally, the Y of Central Maryland has very generously opened their facilities for showers to non-members.  The Y has centers in Towson off Chesapeake Avenue; in Parkville at the North Plaza Shopping Center; and in Perry Hall at the Perry Hall Square Shopping Center.   Regular weekday hours are 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, the Y is open until 7 p.m.   The Brick Bodies fitness centers have extended the same offer for shower use. 

Finally, I urge you to check out Baltimore County's emergency information page.   You can follow updates on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/BACOemergency.