HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities, Security, Transportation Roundtable
Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Host:

The Graduate Center at Loyola College

Attending:

Regina Aris, Baltimore Metropolitan Council
John Beever, Hunt Valley Business Forum
Sandra Connor, Sojourner-Douglass College
Romaine Crawford, Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation
Mark Demski, Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Polly Douglass, Constellation Energy
John Gowland, Woodberry Graphics
Emery Hines, Baltimore County Dept of Public Works
Marty Janka, McCormick & Company
Larry Konski, TESSCO Technologies
Janice Legin, Kelly Services
Michelle Levis, Office Valet
Capt. Marty Lurz, Baltimore County Police Dept.,
Capt. David Marzola, MTA Police
Mark Renbaum, Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corp.
Joe Uddeme, Box of Rain
John Wasowicz, Bay National Bank
Rick Webb, Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union

Capt. Marty Lurz opened the roundtable with a public safety report. Property crimes are up in Baltimore County. We have heard it before; keep doors and windows locked. It is a simple thing to do but in most cases that’s how thieves get entry. Remember they always do it the easiest way. Marty encourages us to use 911 to report any suspicious activity. Be active. It’s too late when the police are called after the act.

Marty reported that Darrell Wiles has submitted a proposal to MTA light rail as a solution to the problems at Beaver Dam and Gilroy Roads and their engineering consultant is reviewing it. We will keep you advised.

Regina Aris reported that the truck parking survey is still a work in progress. Private sector cooperation is being sought.

Mark Demski reported on damage resulting from the recent high winds. Mark also announced that the Hurricane Center plane will be at Martin’s airport on May 2 as part of an educational tour. Contact Mark if you are interested. Mark noted that the National Weather Service has a new warning called “Near Severe”. We are all at a loss to understand what that means.

David Marzola reported on light rail security. Officers on bikes will begin patrolling the station parking lots on April 23rd. CCTV security camera project will continue with completion estimated in 2008.

The discuss this morning facilitated by John Beever focused on the feasibility of a shuttle bus service connecting the business centers of Hunt Valley with the Towne Centre.

The following points were developed:

Strengths:

• A shuttle bus would be an employee benefit.

• Hunt Valley is a concentrated business community surrounding a significant town center with dining, shopping and entertainment.

• A shuttle bus would be a benefit to the businesses.

• Incentives to use the shuttle could be offered by merchants.

• Easier transportation to shopping would increase tax revenues.

• Shuttle use would benefit infrastructure by easing parking and saving fuel.

• This service would be in line with Maryland Smart Growth and may be eligible for funding.

Weaknesses:

• The cost would be a constraint.

• Time available to effectively utilize the service would be a challenge.

• Getting to the service could be inconvenient.

Conclusions:

• A trial run on a limited basis would indicate probability of success. Large facilities in close proximity such as Bank of America, Verizon and Executive Plaza could be connected first. Romaine Crawford will contact those prospects to determine the interest level.

• We could contact other business communities who have tried a shuttle service for their experiences.

• A survey of possible users can be conducted.

• A committee to continue this discussion was suggested. The names of those interested in working on the committee are underlined above. They will be contacted when meetings are planned.