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HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities,
Security, Transportation Roundtable Host: The Graduate Center at Loyola College Attending: Regina Aris, Baltimore Metropolitan Council Capt. Marty Lurz reported on burglary, robbery and auto theft activities in the Precinct. Unlocked doors and windows are still the prime opportunities for perpetrators to gain access. Copper is an attractive target for theft. Secure any copper inventory you may have. Accidents as a result of excess speed on Greenspring Drive were brought to Marty’s attention. Darrell Wiles has been requested to review the speed limit. Capt. David Marzola reported that the CCTV monitor program at light rail stations is progressing and will eventually find its way to Hunt Valley. Mark Demski was unable to attend but reported no current serious threats other than severe weather alerts. Bob Steffy reported from SHA on current highway construction projects. The work on 45 at York Road is nearly complete. The Freeland bridge has reopened and bridge painting is underway at Mt. Carmel and Dairy Roads.For a current and complete list of all work in progress or planned go to www.marylandroads.com. Wes Guckert of The Traffic Group led our discussion on traffic challenges in northern Baltimore County and specifically along the I-83 corridor from I-695 north to the Pennsylvania line. Wes is a consultant to businesses and governments locally, nationally and internationally. The challenge is to address traffic issues while faced with a lack of funding. This lack translates into not very much going on at this time. Wes charges us to take steps now to address solutions when funding becomes available. A priority list is developed by the County and signed on by our elected representatives. Bargaining then begins. The Forum and this roundtable can be a force for change by pressing our representatives to deal with the most pressing needs for projects that are most likely to succeed. Wes feels that the two most important issues meeting those conditions that can provide some relief along I-83 would be the upgrading of the Warren Road interchange to a full interchange with access to and from Warren Road and I-83 in all directions and the addition of a southbound lane on I-83 between Timonium Road and I-695. Wes charges us to endorse telecommuting. Even as little as 5% of your workforce allowed to work from home will make a difference. It is proven that those who telecommute are more productive and appreciate the importance of this privilege. Encouraging the use of public transportation by employees is another way to make a positive impact on the reduction of vehicles on our crowded roads. Commuter Choice and other state programs provide valuable incentives for employees and employers to participate. The problems at York and McCormick Roads were discussed. Wes recommended a round-a-bout but the County did not accept the suggestion because of the narrow bridge south of Broadmead. A solution to other traffic woes on York Road between Shawan and Belfast would be an interchange on I-83 at Thornton Road. Papermill Road and York Road remains an issue that needs to be resolved with the neighbors in the Ashland area. For your comments and questions, you may reach Wes at 410-931-6600 or wguckert@trafficgroup.com. This was the final meeting for our roundtable chairman Marty Janka. Marty is taking early retirement from McCormick effective July 31st. Marty has led this roundtable for the last five years and served on it for many years before. Marty will be missed. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for his leadership. On a personal note; Marty has mentored me throughout my term as executive director. I am grateful for his friendship. |