Towson.com

An Poitin Stihl needs parking still
Popular Irish restaurant An Poitin Stihl (pronounced ahn poo-cheen still), has appears to be on the verge of loosing it's zoning variance for customer parking. Originally given a variance that reduced required customer parking from 119 to 97 spaces in March of 2002, The Greater Timonium Community Council, a group of 46 neighborhood associations, appealed that decision.

While a final opinion is still pending, indications are that two of three panel members would overturn the variance. Restaurant owners have 30 days to appeal after a decision is rendered. The owners have tried to solve the problem by purchasing a residentially zoned lot across York Road, but their request to allow customer parking there has been denied.

Riderwood residents say no park parking
Kenilworth Mall plans to reconstruct its parking deck, but to do so it needs temporary parking. Bill Sauer, representative of Kenilworth Limited Partnership has sought help from the county Department of Recreation and Parks, hoping to use adjacent Riderwood Hills ball field. His request came with a promise to improve the park with steps from the mall lot, anew backstop, and a fence along the parking lot next to the field.

Riderwood residents caught wind of the plan before anyone could approach the association and voted unanimously against paving the ball field. Citing the need for green space and that the park acts as a buffer between the commercial zone and residential areas, the residents felt the park should not be sacrificed, even temporarily, for commercial business.

Bob McClelland, the rec and park's supervisor for Towson, said the discussion was a way to get something good for the park in return for the temporary parking. The Department of Recreation and Parks officials maintain that community approval was always a condition of the discussions. Nonetheless, Sauer would still like to plead his case to the board.

Recycling center gets new entrance
The entrance to the county's recycling center has been reconfigured. A new one way entrance on Drop-off Drive, off Warren Road, between Beaver Damn and York Roads, is now open. Drivers will exit to Beaver Dam Road. The new entrance should ease weekend traffic problems. The center is open from 7 AM to 4 PM Mondays through Saturdays. For more information call 410-887-2000.

Yard waste pick up resumes
Baltimore County has resumed biweekily collection of yard materials. Single family homes and towsnhouses are to put their materials out on days marked with a "Y" on their schedules.

Grass, leaves, and small brush msut be put in plastic or paper bags. Bags must weigh no more than 30 pounds. Branches and limbs are not to exceed 3 feet and are to be no larger than 3 inchesin diameter.for more info call 410-887-2000.

Children's Garden Club sessions
Saturday sessions of the Children's Garden Club has begun in Cromwell Bridge Park. Children will learn to grow organic vegetables flowers, and herbs. They will also learn to make pumpkin bread. the sessions run for 33 weeks and are open to childre ages 5-13. Cost is $35. for more information call 410-887-2503

Major League Lacrosse comes to Towson
The Baltimore Bayhawks have found a new home, again. For the third time in four years, the Bayhawks have moved the venue of their home games. Last year the Bayhawks were at Johns Hopkins, the year before at now named M&T Bank Stadium.

The Bayhawks will play six games at Minnegan Field at Johnny Unitas Stadium. According to MLL's chief operating officer David Gross, the Bayhawks new home is a "poster" for the types of fields the league wants for its teams. The Baltimore team will play its home season opener against the Boston Cannons on May 27. Also announced is that the games will be televised on Channel 2.

Zoning commission halts Kindercare
Citing traffic impact and problematic in and out traffic patterns that were proposed, the Baltimore County Zoning Commission ended plans for a new daycare facility in Timonium. Pine Valley/Valleywood Community Association, area residents and neighbors had fought the proposal on those grounds, successfully arguing that the Kindercare facility would increase an already overburdened Timonium Road.

The 2.3 acre site would have made it both difficult and unsafe for clients to exit, merge onto Timonium Road and traverse to the southbound ramp. The developer has 30 days to appeal the ruling.

Non celebration marks Towson's 150th anniversary
No parades. No festival. No banners. No sesquicentennial queen.
Not even a proclamation.

Is this any way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Baltimore County Seat? Indeed Towson is in need of revitalization. The only telltale sign (literally) is the one next to the county courthouse declaring February 13, 1854 as the day Baltimore County chose Towsontown as its county seat.

Even the County Executive, Jim Smith, postponed until spring, a "little talk" to mark the day. But such slight is not new. According to an article in The Sun, even the three week 100 year anniversary celebration in 1954 was held in June.

But perhaps there is a reason for such unawareness. Towsontown after all, is not really a town, having dropped the pretense from its name years gone by. With no government organization for Towson, only some individuals and a plaque by the courthouse keep track of such things. Or maybe it's just that Towsonites like to party in good weather.

Towson has evolved uniquely from a small village started in 1750 when two brothers, William and Thomas Towson of Pennsylvania, began farming Saters Hill (northeast of Joppa & York Roads). In 1768, Thomas' son Ezekiel built a large tavern near what is now the Recher Theatre. The area became know as Towsontown and served farmers and travelers at the crossroads of York, Dulaney Valley and Joppa Roads.

Rodgers Forge Evacuated, York Road closed
Early Monday morning firefighters started pounding on doors telling Rodgers Forge residents they had to evacuate. A broken gas main, caused by fluctuations in temperatures had been the culprit. Report about gas smells had come from a resident in the 400 block of Chumleigh around 7 AM. A small amount of gas was detected by officials in two homes and in the sewer lines under York Road. While the gas levels did not reach combustible levels, the evacuation was ordered as a precaution and York Road was closed from Stevenson Lane to Register Avenue.

BGE crews alleviated the gas build up by drilling a hole over the break, allowing the gas to dissipate. Around 10:30, officials allowed residents back into their homes and reopened the roads. BGE crews continued to work on the site overnight.

Bridges over troubled traffic
Roadwork near I-83 and the beltway will focus on improving five bridges and highway safety while preparing for expansion of the northern section of 695, according to Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration. The state is kicking off the $19 million two year project this week. Affected will be:

Volunteers sought to help abused children
CASA of Baltimore County is seeking volunteers to serve as court appointed advocates for abused and neglected children. The volunteers will be trained to work with children, their families, and the courts to ensure children are safe and receive needed care. Volunteers must be 21 or older, pass a background check, and complete 30 hours of training. Men and individuals fluent in Spanish are especially needed. For more information call 410-828-0515.

Southern gateway to be drain on traffic
Over the next few weeks, several lanes of York Road between Northern parkway and Stevenson Lane, will be closed as State highway Administration crews prepare the stretch for resurfacing and improvements. The $6.2 million gateway project, called the Neighborhood Conservation Program, is being financed by the state, MTA, and Baltimore County.

In late January, crews will begin to install a new 24 inch drainage pipe under the northbound side of York Road between Anneslie Road and just north of Register Avenue. The project will also widen York Road to add new left turn lanes at Drumcastle Center and St. Pius X church and school. Road resurfacing, repair and sidewalk improvements will comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Other improvements include traffic signal upgrades and work on sections of Register and Lake Avenues and Murdock and Windwood Roads. Completion is expected by summer of 2005.

Mrs. Towson receives Maryland Spirit Award
Mrs. Towson, Donna Jean Rumbley, won the Pageantry Magazine "Spirit" Award at the 2003-2004 Mrs. Maryland Pageant before a sold-out crowd at the Vagabond Theater in Fells Point. Donna Jean is a native of Baltimore and has lived in the Towson area for 20 years. Pageantry Magazine recognizes outstanding and deserving individuals who, by their generous actions, represent the true spirit, friendship and sportsmanship of the industry. Donna Jean was honored by the Mrs. Maryland Pageant for her unquestionable deeds and promotion of noble causes and personal growth. Mrs. Towson is a graduate of Towson University with a degree in Mass Communications. Donna Jean has worked in the Radio and Record Business in the Mid-Atlantic for over 25 years. Donna Jean is currently the Promotions Director for Clear Channel Radio’s Smooth Jazz WSMJ 104.3 in Baltimore. Before working at WSMJ, Donna Jean was the Promotions Director at WHFS 99.1 and was the Artist Development Rep for PolyGram

Records. Donna Jean has been nominated for the Billboard Radio Award for "Modern Rock Promotion Director of the Year", as well as received the PolyGram Records "Artists Development Rep of The Year" award.

Donna Jean Rumbley volunteers as President and Board Member of Children’s Theater Association of Maryland. Donna Jean also helps with the St. Vincent Center for Abused and Neglected Children in areas of child abuse prevention, education, and treatment. Mrs. Towson is class mom for her 7 year old son’s second grade at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. She also has a deep love for animals and helps in areas of animal rescue. Donna Jean is "honored to be Mrs. Towson and very excited to be chosen the winner of the Mrs. Maryland Pageantry Spirit Award."

Ruxton association seeks downzoning
Ruxton Riderwood Lake Roland Area Improvement Association has made a case to stop larger one house properties from subdividing and to limit any development of Robert E. Lee Park. The group wishes to preserve the rural character of the neighborhoods. The position was announced to residents in a letter, that according to association officials, was well received. Those residents who were planning to subdivide, will explore their options.

While much of Baltimore County zoning plans are tied to a Smart Growth Plan, limiting sprawl by developing specific, already developed areas, the association feels the "infill" will threaten the nature of their community. The association has asked for changes in the zoning for Robert E. Lee Park, and land bordered by the Beltway to the north, the city line to the south, Charles Street to the east, and I-83 to the west.

Mickey D's out, residents "lovin' it"
There seems to be a local irony in watching the new ad campaign from McDonald's. In Towson's Hampton House area, residents are loving the fact that there will be no McDonald's across Joppa Road. Instead, a salon and offices are planned for the properties, 209 & 207 E. Joppa Road, by new owner David Gupta.

Two years ago, McDonald's owned the properties and had planned to build a fast food restaurant. A controversial proposal and neighborhood opposition along with restrictive legislation forced the fast food giant to withdraw the plan earlier this year.

Traffic under the bridge
The York Road bridge over the beltway will be getting its" gateway makeover" during the next two years with lane closures expected through the duration of the construction. While little work is expected to take place during the heaviest traffic hours, speed limits will be reduced to 30 MPH during the project.

The new bridge will very much resemble the Dulaney Valley bridge, complete with abutments molded and stained to look like stone, the double T emblem, ornamental fencing, lighting, and concrete piers. When complete the new bridge will handle six lanes of traffic and have five foot wide sidewalks on both sides.

The project also includes removal of the westbound beltway exit loop to southbound York Road. A traffic signal will be installed to eliminate that traffic under the bridge. The interchange along southbound York between the exit loop and the right turn on West Road will be reconfigured. Click for schedule.
For more info see the SHA project schedule

Mrs. Towson determined to become Mrs. Maryland
Selected by the Mrs. Maryland Pageant Committee, Donna Jean Rumbley of Cromwell Valley will represent Towson in the November pageant. Donna Jean, whose many freckles are a testimony to her many smiles and sunny disposition, is one of twenty women chosen to compete. Contestants were judged through a phone interview, photographic submission, and an essay.

Rumbley has been married for 20 years to Michael Panapoulos and is the mother of a 7 year old son. She works as the promotions director for Clear Channel which recently changed the classic rock format of WXFB (104.3) to the smooth jazz format under the letters WSMJ. She has been a volunteer for a number of charities and nonprofit groups. In her essay, Rumbley explained that if she won the Mrs. Maryland Title, she would use it to help expand her work on behalf of the John's Hopkins Children Center, the Children's Theater Association of Maryland, and the St. Vincent's Center.

In her determination to become Mrs. Maryland, the 5' 8" strawberry blonde, blue eyed mom is working out with a personal trainer, although she keeps in shape. The extra care could pay off in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. The pageant will be held November 1 in the Vagabond Theatre in Fells Point. We wish her the best!

Towson circles for more parking
With the arrival of Bahama Breeze the Towson Circle area will be in need on more parking. Heritage Properties plans to demolish three remaining buildings bounded by Shealey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, & Virginia Avenues to create an entire block of parking. The project will provide parking for Heritage's Towson circle complex and the new restaurant opening in September.

The lot should be completed by Christmas, and will provide a total of 325 spaces. Heritage is beginning to crack down on people who use the current lot but don't patronize Towson Circle. The company will begin to tow people in the area outside Trader Joe's and will be closing the lot at midnight and reopening at 9 AM.

Towson recognized a major part of Baltimore MSA
If there was any doubt as to the importance of Towson, not only to the county, but to the metropolitan area, it was removed through addition by the Office of Management and Budget. The Baltimore Metropolitan Statistical Area is now the Baltimore-Towson MSA.

While some may prefer it to the Towson-Baltimore MSA, the link is the result of the group's recognition of the suburban community as a major employment center. The change doesn't effect any boundaries, or government programs, nor does it effect the link between Baltimore and Washington for different geographical statistical grouping, though those boundaries have shifted a little.

With the Towson revitalization underway, the benefit to the area is that businesses tend to look at the MSA information when relocating or expanding. Including Towson in the MSA designation could influence businesses that may not have considered Towson in its plans before.

Councilman Vince Gardina outlines proposals for Towson
Addressing members of the Towson Business Association at their annual meeting, Councilman Gardina revealed some of the recommendations made by the newly formed Towson Revitalization committee. "The role of government," he said, "should be fairly minimal... government is just part of the player in a whole team that is needed to put this effort together."

He went on to call on the business owners, tenants, developers, residential community, and government to work together to implement the strategy of revitalization.

Mr. Gardina feels that whatever the final vision and strategy will be, it should be shared by " all the people of Towson who want to see a strong and vital county seat." Part of the vision is that Towson should be a strong destination area. It should be a "place people want to go, spend time, be proud of, visit, and do business."

A major part of the recommendation is to make York Road more friendly to pedestrians. Currently, it is felt that too many people still use the road as a cut through, rather than using the Towson by-Pass. The idea is to encourage, through signs and retiming of lights, motorists to circumvent the heart of Towson if it is not their destination. To help accomplish this end, a proposal to swap jurisdiction of the state run section of York Road and the county run by pass is needed.

The councilman pointed to some small but major steps already taken in the process of revitalization. Starbucks will be developing the old Crown station site at the southern entrance to the downtown area, and Towson has acquired three new liquor licenses to help attract entertainment and dining venues.

Mr. Gardina also made clear that the vision, strategies, and recommendations are not set in concrete and are in process. As decisions are finalized, the most important aspect will be implementation. "The County Executive's goal, my goal, your goals, should be to implement the plan so that the vision happens, and it starts right away."

What's Towson to be? Your opinion should count!
In a recent article, The Jeffersonian reported that the Greater Towson Committee offered up questions about Towson's future even its boundaries. With County Executive James Smith committed to a revitalization of the area, the debate is over the direction it should take. Some favor more of a college town atmosphere; others a stronger business district; still others point to the strong neighborhoods. Add to the mix the close proximity of major hospitals and health care, the many financial institutions in town, and the fact that it is the center of county government and houses many state agencies, it's no wonder there's a debate.

So that got us to wonder, what do you think? Towson.com feels that anyone who could be affected by the revitalization is entitled to voice their opinion. Voice your comments, share your opinions, or debate your issues by responding on the bulletin board. After all, it's your community, what do you think?

New Coffee Cafe at the Towson Library
In an effort to increase the main branch as a point of destination, Moss Bay Espresso has opened on the library bridge to the third floor of its parking garage. The Seatle based cafe will offer patrons espresso and other coffee drinks, as well as gourmet pastries. The hours are from 8 am (2 hrs. before the library opens) to about a half hour before the library closes.

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