Timonium Condo Project

Recently, A&A Global Industries, the land owner of 2301 York Road (on the east side of York Road, across from Hightopps Backstage Grille, just south of An Poitin Stil) notified the Greater Timonium Community Council that the condominium project proposed by Keelty & Company will not proceed.

A & A Global is examining other uses for the site, none of which at this time would include a high rise residential development. Some possibilities include:

• A supermarket

• A restaurant and hotel

• 75,000 square feet of retail space

• 14,000 square feet of retail space and a three story 50,000 square foot office building

• 10,000 square feet of retail space, a three story 50,000 square foot office building and a 3,000 square foot bank

The possibilities are endless. Stay tuned for more details.

Depositing Grass Clippings and Leaves in our Streets

Unfortunately, some of our residents blow their grass cuttings and leaves into the street rather than bagging them for pick-up. This practice violates Baltimore County Code. It also looks unsightly, clogs the gutters and storm drains and certainly does not add to the image that we would all like for our neighborhood.

Home collection of yard waste including grass clippings and leaves are picked up between April and December. Yard waste should be set out in paper or plastic bags, not in trash cans. Bags must not weigh more than 30 pounds. Branches and limbs must be no larger than 3 inches in diameter and no longer than 3 feet and tied in bundles. Leaves can also be composted or taken to the County dump.

The following section of the Baltimore County Code was obtained from Mr. Donald T. Rascoe, Deputy Director, Department of Permits and Development Management:

18-3-109. DEPOSITING CERTAIN MATERIAL IN THE STREET.

A person may not place, deposit, cast, or throw on or into any road, street, sidewalk, lane, alley, bridge, or drain in county: (1) Any metal, wood, glass, nails, grass clippings, leaves, or other object or article; or

(2) Any dead animal, offal, garbage, ashes, fruit, dirt, filth, rubbish, noxious fluid or substance, or refuse of any kind.

Open Burning

Leaf and yard debris burning on the ground or in a container is prohibited in Baltimore County. Even when there isn't an Open Burning restriction issued by the state, it is still not permissible to burn in neighborhood yards or open areas. Baltimore County urges residents to make use of the various recycling opportunities offered residents to remove leaves and yard waste by bagging and placing it at the curb for pick up. The landfill is also open regularly for drop off of debris and bags.

Not only is open burning in your yard a hazard to air quality and the quality of life for neighbors, children, pets and wildlife, it is a fire risk and it is illegal.

Timonium Town Centre

At the Greater Timonium Community Council (GTCC) meeting that was held on April 8, 2009, Ms. Jessie Bialek, Third District Community Planner, spoke of planning news for the Third District. One topic was what could residents of the greater Timonium area expect their community to look like in the next five to ten years. Below are items that Ms. Bialek’s presented:

• The Planning Office would prefer that re-development take place on sites that are currently underutilized or vacant, are inside the URDL (Urban-Rural Demarcation Line) and are served by public water and sewer.

• Mixed-use development is also encouraged, where there is a mix of retail, office, office and residential all in one building.

• When there is new development, the County would prefer that it is located around mass transit, is walkable, sustainable and green.

• Current research has shown that young professionals and empty nesters are looking to move to more walkable communities.

• When development is located around mass transit locations and is mixed in use there is a reduction in the amount of traffic that is generated, since people living in those communities would not have to use their cars to get back and forth to their jobs or to shop.

• Sustainable and green buildings improve the quality of the environment all around and are a good business practice.

• When development occurs in an area that has already been developed it is also beneficial for the environment because there is no additional impervious surface being added and some might even be taken away.

As an example of a development using these principles, Ms. Bialek identified a concept proposal for an eleven-acre site bordered on three sides by Business Park Road, West Aylesbury Road and the Light Rail. The plan is for five buildings and two parking lots that will encompass 800,000 square feet. One of the buildings is a 16 level office building and another is a 15 level residential building.

This development is known as the Timonium Town Centre.

Spencer's Crossing-The New Home Development at 206 W. Timonium RD

After a very wet Spring which delayed the start of the construction process the existing old house and outbuildings have been cleared , some shrubbery and trees have been removed and construction is finally underway and progressing quickly on the new gated enclave of ten carriage homes. The storm water management ponds have been started and Baltimore County continues to monitor their construction to ensure that water leaving the site is adequately controlled. The roads, sewer lines and utilities are underway and the handsome stone wall at the front of the property is in place.

There are to be two models available,Sunset Park I and Sunset Park II. Each home will have three bedrooms with a complete master bedroom suite on the first and on the second floor. The third bedroom will be located on the second floor. All homes will have 3.5 baths. The homes will also include a two car garage and a basement that can be finished to your specifications. These homes can be further customized to meet your needs and wishes. This all adds up to over 3,000 square feet of living space.

Builders One expects the model to be open in mid-January, weather permitting and will begin accepting contracts and scheduling settlement dates at that time. A starting price is still to be released. The builder is to be congratulated for being the first company in the state of Maryland to adopt the Certified Living Green and the GE Homes requirements inspired by Ecomagination programs . This means that the homes at Spencer's Crossing will be Certified Green Homes with energy efficiency guarantees and third party independent nationally accepted certification for the design and construction of high performance green homes that provide a healthy place to live and are environmentally responsible.

More details will be posted on this site as it becomes available. Until that time you can contact the builder at : www.buildersone.com or Builders One 901 Dulaney Valley Road Suite 901 Dulaney Center II Towson, MD 21204

Maryland State Fairgrounds Request for Zoning Change

Every four years the County Council reviews and revises the Baltimore County zoning maps as required by the Baltimore County Code. This process is called the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) and is currently taking place. There have been many county notification signs placed throughout our neighborhood regarding down-zoning of county owned property to avoid further development. If you have received a letter from the county regarding property adjacent to your property, please make sure the boundaries of these county properties are properly recorded. We have already found one neighbor whose entire property was inadvertently designated to be rezoned! Please be diligent in making sure YOUR property lines are protected in this process. It could affect the ability to sell your house in the future.

The most important CZMP issue to our community is the request to rezone the Maryland State Fairgrounds (MSF).

The MSF is owned by a private corporation, not the State of Maryland or Baltimore County. The MSF management group has requested that their 100+ acres be rezoned BR - Business Roadside to accommodate a request from their tenant, Fasig-Tipton to increase the number of horse stalls by 200 for their auction operations. BR is the most permissive commercial classification and permits and includes BM - Business Major zoning and BL - Business Local zoning. We are opposing this zoning classification for the following reasons:

We are concerned about the potential for increased traffic, increase in crime, increased emergency response times and lower property values that could accompany the BR Zoning.

We want to ensure to vote in November on the slots referendum. By providing this property with a BR classification, the potential introduction of a slots venue at the MSF is a concern for future generations of PVVW residents. And, although the referendum does NOT include the MSF for slots inclusion (or any Baltimore County location for that matter) we oppose the BR designation as a way to avoid the possible future inclusion of slots at the MSF.

Your Board has recommended to our County Councilman T. Bryan McIntire and the Greater Timonium Community Council (GTCC) that another zoning classification be considered for the MSF expansion of horse stables.

Our Association's President Eric Kihn, VP Ken Anderson, members of the Adhoc Maryland State Fairgrounds Zoning Committee and GTCC's President Eric Rockel and Past-President Lou Miller have met with the management of the MSF, have testified at the Planning Board's Hearing and Councilman McIntire's Town Hall Meeting to show opposition to this zoning change. GTCC President and Lou Miller are also meeting with Pat Keller, the Director of the Office of Planning. Our Association also had representation at The Valleys Planning Council annual meeting on May 11, and GTCC meeting on May 12, both of which featured Councilman McIntire as the speaker on this and other major zoning issues.

At the May 12, 2008 GTCC meeting, Councilman McIntire stated that he is going to make a request for separate zoning for the small parcel intended for the new stables (separate meaning different than the present MR- Manufacturing Restricted and IM-Industrial, Major). McIntire is going to determine the smallest amount of acreage necessary for the new stables. Eric Rockel mentioned that in his research that only two zoning classifications BR - Business Roadside and MH - Manufacturing Heavy are allowed by right for animal boarding. While neither of these classifications is desirable, MH is the lesser of the two evils. Even so, we are leery about any decision to allow a BR classification for this property. Councilman McIntire indicated that he has not made a final decision on this issue.

The County Council takes the Planning Board's recommendation into consideration when making their decision. The Planning Board has voted to recommend 15 acres of the 100+ acres to BR. This is too much acreage for their current needs and gives them to large an area classified under BR. However the County Council has the sole authority to determine the final zoning on each property.

It should be noted that during our meeting with the current MSF management team, they indicated that their board of directors wants to maintain an agricultural, community based venue, and NOT a commercial development. There is no inherent incentive for the sale of the MSF since, according to the management, any proceeds would have to go to charity, or they would have to move to another, potentially less desirable location.

Our Association is actively involved in defeating the rezoning to BR of any portion of the MSF and we ask that you also take an active role. Please do the following to show your support:

Please send letters (one from each adult in household) to be received by June 20th to:

Councilman T. Bryan McIntire
Baltimore County Council
400 Washington Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

Remember that there is strength in numbers. We defeated the request for commercial zoning at 206 W. Timonium Road and we can make sure the proper zoning of the MSF is implemented to ensure long term stability in our neighborhood.

Maryland State Fairgrounds - Update

We did find out that our efforts in battling the rezoning of the Maryland State Fairgrounds to Business Roadside (BR) were not successful. I was at the hearing for Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) and heard Councilman McIntire announce that 60 acres of the 100+ acres were being rezoned Business Roadside. It was only days before that he assured me that 3 acres would be too much to be zoned BR. I contacted McIntire the next day to find out why I and the 52 communities that make up the Greater Timonium Community Council had been misled by him. His assistant was shocked that it had gone that way and was able to schedule an appointment for me to meet with him. At that appointment he told me that it was an error and his people misunderstood what he wanted at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. He further stated that he would start the process of getting a “special zoning” for the Fairgrounds so they may operate as they need to (a fairground) which would not jeopardize the area to potential uncontrolled growth. He said the process could take as much as four months. At the November 12 GTCC meeting he stated the process is still 3 months from completion. The core question is that the special zoning must be the only zoning, we don’t want the BR zoning to be in existence for the site in case of a change of ownership. Is this possible? We will keep you informed as this complex process continues.

Trash & Recycling Collection

SET-OUT PLACE & TIME: Please place your trash, mixed paper, bottles & cans, and/or yard materials at your designated area after 6:00 p.m. the night before collection.

TRASH CAN REGULATIONS (non-compliance could result in non-collection of material and/or injury to a collection worker)

1. Maximum filled weight for a trash can is 50 pounds.

2. Maximum capacity for a trash can is 34 gallons.

3. Lids should fit snugly, but must not be fastened to the can with rope, wire, chains, springs, hinges, etc.

COLLECTION HOLIDAYS (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) Trash and recycling are not collected on these days and drop-off centers are closed. Makeup collections for trash and yard materials are shown on the schedule; recycling collections are skipped until the next scheduled date for these items. During weeks with collection holidays there may be delays of a day or more in your scheduled pickups - please leave your materials out until collection occurs.

INCLEMENT WEATHER (when collection does not occur on the scheduled day) Trash or yard materials - leave items out; pickup will occur when conditions permit. Mixed paper or bottles & cans - bring items back and hold until the next scheduled date for those items or use a drop-off center.

Special updates - check the County’s web site (www.baltimorecountymd.gov) or call our 24-hour message system (410-887-2000).

Slots

Slots: What Does It Mean for Us at PVVW?

Now that Question 2 has passed by a 59% to 41% margin, what does this mean for our community? Let’s look at some facts:

1. The following locations have been awarded a slots license: Anne Arundel County; Cecil County; Worcester County; Allegany County; and Baltimore City.

2. The General Assembly may only authorize additional slots locations or expansion of existing slots locations through another referendum similar to Question 2.

3. The state may not award more than one slots license in a single county or Baltimore City.

4. The five slots locations are all close to interstate highways.

5. Baltimore County was not on Question 2.

6. The Maryland State Fairgrounds is next to Interstate 83, as well as the Light Rail.

7. Sixty acres of the Maryland State Fairgrounds have recently been rezoned to Business Roadside.

8. The Business Roadside zoning level is the most permissive and would allow a slots location to be built without additional zoning changes.

Question: is it possible that in the future the General Assembly would issue another referendum to put a slots location in Baltimore County and that the Fairgrounds would be the chosen location due to its easy access to transportation?

If this were to occur, what will you do? How will you answer these questions?

1. What do you think will happen to our quality of life?

2. What do you think will happen to our property values?

3. What do you think will happen to our community’s crime rate?

4. What do you think will happen to our community’s traffic?

Several things can happen beforehand that will make these questions purely academic. For example, the process to give the Fairgrounds its own zoning level started earlier in the fall. This new zoning level may restrict something like a slots location, but it may not. It may not even pass. Also, Baltimore County is large and has several desirable locations for a slots location– maybe the Maryland State Fairgrounds won’t be it? Maybe it’ll be someplace in eastern Baltimore County?

Maybe not…

If you don’t want slots at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, then contact our government officials and tell them that slots are not welcome in our community. Otherwise, it may be too late.

Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith, Jr. 400 Washington Avenue Towson, MD 21204 410-887-2450 jimsmith@baltimorecountymd.gov

Councilman T. Bryan McIntire 400 Washington Avenue Towson, MD 21204 410-887-3387 council3@baltimorecountymd.gov

Arnold F. "Pat" Keller, Director of Planning The Jefferson Building-Suite 101 105 W. Chesapeake Avenue Towson, MD 21204 410-887-3211 planning@baltimorecountymd.gov

Snow Removal

Please be courteous to your neighbors and children. With the cold weather upon us and snow in our future please don’t forget your neighbors, school children and your duty to your community. Don’t let anyone fall and hurt themselves on snow and ice. With a school in our community we have a lot of walkers. It is a Baltimore County code to remove all snow and ice from your sidewalks.

Public Works, see sec 13-35-sidewalks, removal of snow and ice.

Owners of property abutting or containing public sidewalks, shall be responsible to maintain such sidewalks free from snow and ice accumulation at all times … if not the street superintendent will arrange for prompt removal or treatment, and failure to comply, the owner shall be charged with the expenses and cost.

Neighborhood Lawyer

"The Neighborhood Lawyer" is a column which appears periodically in The Pine Log. The purpose of the column is to provide information on legal issues affecting our neighbors and neighborhood. The author invites Association members to submit general legal questions to Pine Valley - Valleywood Community Association at feedback@pvvwca.org . Keep in mind that each legal situation is different. This column is not intended to give specific legal advice. If you have a specific legal problem, please consult your attorney.

Dear Neighborhood Lawyer:

I have a tree problem. My neighbor's tree overhangs my sunbathing patio and I want some sun. Its roots are also clogging my drain lines and wrecking my cement patio. Can I cut the tree, or any part of it, down? I am afraid if I chop the large roots it will destabilize or kill the tree. Also, my neighbor on the other side wants to cut down a tree that provides my house some shade, can I prevent her from cutting the tree? Treeless in Pine Valley

Dear Treeless:

I would advise you against cutting down your neighbor's tree. Maryland actually has a law that would make you liable for three times the value of the tree plus your neighbor's attorneys' fees if you cut down a tree that does not belong to you. You are permitted to cut any branches or roots up to your property line, but you may not enter your neighbor's property to do so unless you first ask permission. If the tree in question is dead or dying and in danger of falling then it is the neighbor's responsibility to remove the tree and he will be liable to you if the tree falls on your property and causes damage. As for the neighbor's tree that you wish to keep, you have absolutely no right to dictate what your neighbor does with his vegetation.

Trees are a valuable resource -- they provide shade and reduce our energy costs. We are fortunate that the developer elected to maintain the trees rather than cut them all down, and I have been told by many new neighbors that the trees were one of the reasons they chose a home in our neighborhood. The best solution to your problem is to speak with your neighbor. Together you can decide on the best way to manage the trees which benefit both of you.

The Neighborhood Lawyer

Dog Walkers

When we park our cars in the street, we know to dodge the many pet waste deposits on the grass between the curb and sidewalk, but unfortunately our guests who park on the street are not aware of dodging the waste deposits and interface with them. Both on Christmas day and New Years day I had to spend much time cleaning up the deposits that were tracked into and throughout our home - very, very frustrating!

PLEASE, if you walk your dog, be responsible for cleaning up your dog's waste deposits and a grateful thank you to those of you who do clean up after your pet.

Note: the Animal Laws: Baltimore County Code Title 6, 8. Owners are responsible for the removal of pet waste on public and private property. Animal Control Officers are empowered with enforcement authority for state and local laws involving animals. Persons violating these animal laws may be subject to fines. First offense: $25 fine. Repeated Offenses: $100 fine. Criminal penalties may also be imposed with up to $1,000 in fines, up to ninety (90) days in jail, or both.