President's Report - March 2009 Good News
At our February monthly meeting, our new DVIA president, Todd Huff, announced he
had good news - on two fronts. First of all, he announced that P. J. Connolly,
one of our community residents, had volunteered to be Vice President of our Community
Association. A motion was made, seconded, and carried, and we now have a new
Vice-President. Secondly , P.J. Connolly announced more good news that traffic
calming is coming to Charmuth Road. Thanks to P. J.'s work with the community
and Baltimore County, the traffic calming project is scheduled to start in July
and will take approximately two weeks to complete. .
President's Report - October 2008 Help Wanted: Looking for a Few Good Neighbors
Hopefully most of you who read the last newsletter got a full sense of President Townsend’s frustrations. Aside from problems with our County Representatives and people within the community who think County Code does not apply to them, our Community is in really good shape. Testimony to that notion is the fact that numerous residents have opted to add-on or improve their properties rather than move out. Having said that, and in the interest of full disclosure, I’m sad to announce that my wife and I are building a retirement home in St. Augustine, FL, and will put our house on the market in the coming year. We’ve spent 28 years serving the community, the greater Towson and Lutherville areas, and it’s time for us to move on.
Everyone has a major investment in our community – everyone. For almost all of our stay here, there has always been a small nucleus that has stepped up regardless of the severity of the situation. It should be reassuring to know that most of the more serious threats are behind us and we are in good financial shape (thanks to those of you who do pay your dues and provide us with donations). However, we are running out of willing volunteers. It’s time for the younger generation to step up. If not, word of our decline will quickly spread and all forms of opportunists may seize on the opportunity.
If we had a dollar for every time someone has said “I’ll be at the next meeting” or “I’ve got to get involved,” we could hire a full time staff to address issues important to our community. Unfortunately, it’s not the case. Now is the time. I will be here through April 2008 and am dedicated to mentoring the next group of community activists in matters of zoning, code enforcement, representation in the Greater Towson and Timonium oversight groups, and dealing with County Officials, elected and otherwise. These are truly not overwhelming tasks, and in learning, you’ll gain useful insight that will benefit you and the community at large.
Over the years, I’ve become somewhat amused when something goes wrong, something ominous appears on the horizon, and an unusually large number of residents appear at our monthly meeting with the standard question, “What do you plan to do about this?” Make no mistake -- the “you” is us. Truly, we’re all in this together. The only difference is that some decide to attend meetings regularly and take action, while others do not.
We all have obligations. From our jobs, to our families, to Boy and Girl Scouts, Church involvement, sports, homework – the list is endless. Some of us have medical conditions; others, some family problems. And any of us, if given the chance, could provide any number of “reasons” as to why there’s no time to get involved.
Drive down Meadowvale, or Ridgefield, or Longbrook, or Greenridge, or any of the numerous streets in our community. Take a look at our trees, our yards, our houses, the people, us neighbors, and the state of our community. Is maintaining all of this something that’s important to you? How much of a priority is it? Is a few hours a month really too much, or is it just not as much of a priority?
At present, we are in the four year cycle known as the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP). Anyone can apply for a change in zoning: a Residential Office, Boarding House, or other individual with commercial intents. You, as a resident, need to know how to address these issues. In the past, we’ve had a remarkable success rate, both for ourselves and our neighboring communities. Changes are coming, however. We have seen great inconsistencies in code enforcement. We have a new County Planner. And next year, we’ll have a new County Executive and the challenges that may possibly bring.
By the time you read this, the October meeting has taken place. Our annual Wine and Cheese meeting, November 17, at the Fire Museum is right around the corner. We can start you on the road to becoming a valued community leader. While the quality of your family life, or personal life may be in jeopardy, the quality of your life in this community may be in equal jeopardy, and is in your hands. Under normal circumstances, involvement is no more than 2-3 hours per month. There are 638 households in this community. Please don’t wait for the other person to step forward.
I can’t wait to see you in November.
President's Report - April 2007
Will spring finally arrive? The grass, trees and flowers all seem to think that the time is upon them to “spring” into action. Hopefully, no damage has been done by the recent winter chill. I’ve seen a lot of yard work being done and some of our yards are looking very nice. It’s a joy to see how nice our community looks when everything returns from its long winter nap. (Have you thought to have the annual inspection on your air conditioner?)
The Easter Bunny paid his annual visit to Hampton Elementary School’s grounds on March 31st. This annual event was well handled by Bebe Ferro and some of her “bunny” helpers. Although we managed somehow to confuse the reservation telephone number with that of Susan Shaffer, all went very well. Thanks to everyone that contributed to the success of this event.
Our annual yard sale will be held on April 28th. Details will be found elsewhere and in a flyer that is part of this edition of the newsletter. Ellen Birkenthal, Ginny Thompson, Bill Frank and Marilyn Smoot (though she no longer lives in Dulaney Village, Marilyn continues to provide us with a lot of help!) all are working to see that everything is in place. The charge this year as in years’ past will be $3.00 for members and $5.00 for non-members to participate and have your address shown on our map. The Orchard Hills Community also will hold their annual sale on April 28th. They will be advertising our sale and we will do the same for them. Please visit our neighbors across York Road to the west as see what they have for sale after you have visited our sale locations.
I looked back at my message from last year at this time and “Charmuth Road” was a top item. Well, it still is! Baltimore County made some changes, the State Highways Administration made some changes and the Baltimore County Police stepped up enforcement, but we still have problems. Reports continue about speeding cars, illegal or dangerous u-turns, speeding school busses (Yes, school busses) and the need for additional traffic calming devices. We have invited a representative from the Baltimore County Highways Traffic Engineering Department to be on hand at our May 14th meeting. In addition, we have invited Councilman T. Bryan McIntire and an aide from Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith’s Office. Please plan to attend this meeting to voice your opinion and hear what they have to say about possible further remedial actions that might be pursued.
We pleaded our case again before the Baltimore County Board of Appeals on a second go ’round in the matter of Seminary Galleria’s adding parking spaces in the reserved residential area of their property. I think that we impressed the board that the spaces should be removed as they admit that they were installed to appease complaints from their lessee’s and were installed without proper permits or zoning. The decision will be deliberated on May 22nd and we will have a written opinion shortly thereafter.
The new facility at 1209 York Road is nearing completion and except for a delay caused by weather, the contractor for the owner lived up to all his promises. We are very pleased at the respect for our community that the contractor and property owner has shown during this construction project. We again have had complaints about trash in the wooded area along Tenbury Road to the east of the construction site. This trash could not have come from the construction site as it is mostly plastic trash bags and debris “someone” dumped in the woods – on purpose. We are watching and one of these days…. Well, you know where I am going with this!
Summer will be here soon and we will be making plans and reservations for vacation trips. Jean and I spent thirty-eight (38) days touring the Pacific Northwest and into Canada last year. It is a beautiful country and there is a lot to see. “See America First” but no matter what, enjoy your summer. Our board takes a vacation from meeting during July and August, but we never take a vacation from serving our community. Please feel free to contact us at any time on any matter that concerns you.
President's Report - November 2006
It is hard to believe that summer is over. What started out somewhat cool and wet became the normally hot and dry that we have come to know. But – we are looking good! Nary a high grass or weed complaint this summer. Thanks for the good job that is being done by all.
Several projects continue in the community. The construction at 1209 York Road has continued without incident. We thank the contractor and the owner for a job that is continuing to be well done. You may have noticed that the old entrance/exit on Greenridge Road has been closed. A new temporary entrance/exit, a safety requirement, has been opened on Tenbury Road. It is expected that it will be closed on or before December 8, 2006, when the relocated entrance/exit on Greenridge Road is completed. We signed an agreement with the owners to that effect.
Our thanks to Jennifer Belt and Dan Rauschenberg for renovating the flower box and the adjacent area around our community sign on York Road at the cul-de-sac of Ridgefield Road. It looks great! Jennifer and Dan plan to do some additional pruning in the near future to take care of the trees that have overgrown the flower box.
The water main cleaning project is nearly completed. The disruptions that this project have caused both to our water supply and our roads will be forgotten when we have had our water quality restored. I have seen some of the “junk” that they have removed from the mains. As one resident commented, “I am sure that no one has been suffering from an iron deficiency in our neighborhood!” When the project has been finished, we have assurance that everything will be restored to its original state – including the roads.
Our annual DVIA community meeting and wine and cheese event is scheduled for November 18, 2006, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During the meeting, officers for the year 2007 will be elected. The event has been well attended and has had an increase in attendance every year for the last few years. Mark your calendars now – and bring the family – as the Museum will be open as well as the activity center. Incidentally, if you are not a member of the Maryland Fire Museum, why not become one?
The Galleria continues to request forgiveness for installing new parking places in the residentially-zoned area of their property. We won our case all the way to Circuit Court in the last go-round. They are trying again to have the spaces approved that were installed without a permit and without zoning approval. They also requested that they be allowed to continue to lease space above that allowed by the number of parking spaces that they now have – a difference of 300 spaces! The commissioner turned them down again but allowed their new “as built” parking plan to be approved. We have appealed that decision and are waiting for an Appeals Board hearing date. In the order, they were told to remove the spaces and not renew or sign any new leases that would add to their parking deficiencies. They have appealed that part of the decision. We will keep you informed as this case once more progresses through the system.
School is open and we ask that you be mindful of the students that are walking to bus stops and to Hampton Elementary School while you are out and about. Also, we ask that you use care around the school while students are arriving and leaving by not blocking Charmuth Road. This has been a problem in the past and is being monitored.
Another street problem continues to be addressed. The “No U-Turn” sign on Charmuth Road is continually ignored by many “lost” motorists. I have had reports (and have witnessed myself) that cars, vans, truck, busses and semis are making u-turns or turning into Meadowvale Road and backing out into traffic on Charmuth Road. The State Highway Administration has been contacted many times as well as the Baltimore County Highways Department and we have not been able to reach a satisfactory solution to the problem – but we are continuing to work on it. A resident that is very much affected continues to pursue the State Highways Administration as most of the cause seems to stem from the signs on the Beltway and on Dulaney Valley Road not being much help to out of the area motorists.
A coupon worth a dollar off for admission to the Fire Museum of Maryland is elsewhere in this edition of the newsletter (Webmaster's Note: This coupon appears only in the printed edition of this newsletter). This is one of the best exhibits of fire fighting equipment and history in the country – and it is right here in our community! After you have had your “free” visit during the wine and cheese party, use the coupon to repeat your visit and take some friends!
We welcome everyone in the community to ALL of our meetings – which are held at the Hampton Elementary School on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. Have you renewed your membership? If not, please consider doing so. And, we will see you at the Fire Museum on November 18th!
President's Report - June 2006
You know it is spring when the Easter Bunny arrives at Hampton School for the
annual Easter egg hunt. Yes, I know it rained again this year -- several in a
row now -- boy can we pick 'em! However, Susan Shaffer had everything ready
under cover and everyone seemed to have a great time. I understand that Bebe
Ferro was right there at her side getting tips for next year. Thank you Susan
for all of the hard work that went into this year's event and the events that
you have handled so well over the past year!
Another sign of Spring is the annual yard sale. This year, we had a few less
participating than normal, but reports are that money was made! Ginny Thompson
handled publicity and getting the map together. Ellen Birkenthal updated the
signs and made sure they were in place and Conrad Poniatowski handled the last
minute details, including sending out a "special edition" of the newsletter to
announce the date and getting the maps distributed the day of the sale. Our
former community member, Marilyn Smoot, continues to pick up and distribute our
mail and made sure that everyone that signed up got on the map. If some of you
did not get your checks in in time, you can still send them -- $3 for dues
paying members, $5 for others.
Don't forget my message last time about your pets -- especially the canines.
As more of us are walking now that the weather is warmer, please don't make us
clean our shoes before we can go back in the house! Recently I have noticed an
increase in the number of newspapers that are being left curbside and not being
picked up to be read -- or disposed of. Some of us are getting more than one
delivered and it will take an extra effort to deposit them with the trash. They
find their way into the gutters and are blocking the storm drains in some cases.
Please "police" the area in front of your home and if you do not want these
papers delivered, call and ask them to bypass your address.
The construction project on Greenridge Road continues along with few
difficulties being reported. The road is staying clean -- and we appreciate the
concern of the construction crew. Last Friday, a pile of concrete would up in
the road at Greenridge and York Roads. We do not believe that it was related to
the construction project as they did not receive concrete that day.
Yes, I am aware that the signs on the island at Charmuth and Dulaney Valley
Road are down -- again! They should be replaced shortly. Efforts are continuing
to alleviate traffic problems at that intersection and at Charmuth and
Meadowvale. A very large sign has recently been erected on the inner loop of
I-695 that points to Towson at the Dulaney Valley Road interchange. Baltimore
County Traffic Engineering and the Maryland State Highways Administration are
continuing to monitor the situation and make changes that seem appropriate to
the signage in the area.
We will be enjoying our summer soon. School will be out and vacations are
planned. While our community association board will not meet during July and
August, we are still there if you need us -- and we continue to monitor our
community even when we are "off."
Have a wonderful and safe summer.
Larry Townsend, President
President's Report - April 2006
The "heat wave" over last weekend brought out the buds on the trees and saw flowers pushing their way up through the ground. As I write this, we are expecting some snow this evening! Mother Nature is always providing us with surprises! But, we are in the mood for spring. Lots of yard work is being done in the neighborhood. And it’s time for our annual Easter event at Hampton Elementary School, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 8th. Be sure that you respond to the invitation and attend. Susan Shaffer has done a great job of putting together this year’s egg hunt. In the event of inclement weather, come on up to the school anyhow – we will be waiting for you under the front canopy.
Our annual Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th. It’s time to clean out the attic, the garage and the closets and get those things that we no longer need into the hands of someone else. We have an opportunity for you – we need a volunteer (or volunteers) to help organize this year’s sale. It is an easy job that requires taking the return slips and posting them on the map that we give to our visitors so they can find all the homes that are participating. If you would like to volunteer, call me at 410-321-8242.
We have received several complaints about canines using our lawns as a “repository”. I love dogs (Ok, we have a few cats), but not when I have to clean up after someone else’s dog! Please clean up after your dog. Simply take along the plastic sleeve that the newspaper is delivered in or other suitable plastic bag and scoop your p…! By the way, we have been given a great picture of a dog caught in the act on Felton Road!
With spring, we see an increase in the number of thefts from yards and sheds. ALWAYS keep your shed locked. Close your garage door when you are away. Do not leave items where they are tempting – bicycles, power yard equipment, etc. When you are working in the front yard, be sure that your back door is locked and vice versa. Crooks take advantage of situations that they encounter. Don’t provide them with an opportunity. Also, beware of the “handy man” scams. Always be sure of the person(s) that you hire and NEVER let them into your home to “make a phone call.” This is all just good common sense. And – when you see something suspicious - call 911!
Construction has begun on the new medical building that will be known as 1209 York Road. So far, we have been impressed with how clean the street is being kept and the care that the workmen are taking to keep the area tidy. We have noticed an increase in the trash on the east side of Tenbury Road and are watching to see where it is coming from. We suspect that an over-flowing dumpster abetted by the wind may be culprit.
The Fire Museum of Maryland has been working to secure a bond bill in the Maryland Legislature that will allow them to make needed maintenance repairs and improvements. All of our delegates and our senator have been behind this effort. We urge you to visit the museum this year when it opens and consider supporting a gem in our community. This is the third largest fire museum in the United States and it houses the largest collection of original paint equipment in the United States. They welcome volunteers and your financial support in any amount.
Larry Townsend, President