BALTIMORE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP Newsletter
Land Use and Transportation Issues Around the Region
March 27, 2002
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Contents:

*Transit Funding, Goals in Jeopardy
*Carroll Towns Debate Commissioners Over Growth
*Rail Plan Prioritizes East-West Line, Metro to Morgan
*Study Links Air Pollution and Lung Cancer
*Revisions to Carroll Ordinance Appear Complete
*"Parking Lot Syndrome" Plagues Downtown
*Calendar of Events

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TRANSIT FUNDING, GOALS IN JEOPARDY

As the 2002 General Assembly nears completion of this session,
investments designed to bring Maryland closer to its ambitious goal of
doubling transit ridership by 2020 are in jeopardy.  Working under a
struggling economy and desire to finish a pledged state tax cut, state
lawmakers have backed off other pledges made last year.  Of the $90
million that state legislators pledged for fiscal year 2003 in last
year's six-year Transit Initiative, Governor Glendening cut $19 million
before submitting his original budget this January, and the legislature
has put another $44 million on the chopping block. 

That one-year 70 percent reduction in Transit Initiative funds may not
be the end of the cutbacks, however. First, funding changes made in last
year's Transit Initiative to steer auto-related fees to transportation
purposes may be reversed this year.  Second, the General Assembly may
require all state agencies to take a 3% cut in staff positions, a move
that could require the Maryland Transit Administration to lay off bus
drivers and other transit operators. Transit advocates are urging
lawmakers not to change long-term funding formulas and not to force MTA
to absorb staff layoffs that would further reduce transit services in
the Baltimore region that MTA serves directly.  For more information, or
to get involved, contact Brent Flickinger, CPHA, at
BrentF@CPHAbaltimore.org.

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CARROLL TOWNS DEBATE COMMISSIONERS OVER GROWTH

With apparently uncontrolled growth straining local services, county
commissioners initially cast blame on the county's eight municipalities,
but they have had to back down in the face of their own data.  A report
just released by the county building permits department shows that
nearly 1,400 homes were built in the county last year, far more than the
county's purported limit of 1,000.  Yet, only 519 of those new homes, or
37 percent, were built within the county's municipalities.  The
remaining 900 or so were built within unincorporated areas controlled by
the county.  Commissioner Donald I. Dell, quoted in the Sun, said, "I
have said the problem is with the towns, but we just got a report that
shows the problem is with the county.  I apologize for that. Obviously,
we need to really take a hard look at what's going on in the county."
The mayors of Carroll County's incorporated towns are calling for a
joint task force of town and county officials to address the rapid
residential growth within the county, growth that is widely blamed for
severe overcrowding in schools and overburdened water systems.  Sun
story available at:
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/carroll/bal-ca.mayors17mar17.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dcarroll.

For Carroll County Times coverage visit:
e.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=3470325&BRD=1289&PAG=461&dept_id=156627&rfi=8
and
.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=3528439&BRD=1289&PAG=461&dept_id=156627&rfi=8.


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RAIL PLAN PRIORITIZES EAST-WEST LINE, METRO TO MORGAN

The ambitious plan to more than double rail service in the Baltimore
region over the next 40 years has gained the approval of the advisory
committee with priority given to two lines in particular.  The 23-member
advisory committee urged the Maryland Transit Administration to to move
forward with an east-west line from Fells Point to Woodlawn and to
extend the current subway line from Johns Hopkins Hospital northward to
Morgan State University.  Giving top priority to the east-west Red Line
and extension of the current Metro subway, dubbed the "Green Line" in
the plan, would effectively create a wide downtown loop of transit
connections.  The approval of the overall plan allows state transit
officials to begin more detailed planning studies for the various
projects.  Requests for federal funding for both the Red Line
construction and Green Line extension are expected to be presented to
federal officials in 2003 as Congress reauthorizes federal
transportation law and six years of additional funding.  Sun coverage of
this story can be found at
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.railplan20mar20.story. 
To view the overall plan and individual lines visit
http://www.baltimorerailplan.com/pages/planproposal/intro.htm

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STUDY LINKS AIR POLLUTION AND LUNG CANCER

A recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association
presented the results of a study and concluded that the long-term
exposure to combustion-related fine particulate air pollution, or soot,
is about as dangerous as living with a smoker.  The study, spearheaded
by the American Cancer Society was begun in 1982 and followed the
history of 1.2 million adults in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the
District of Columbia.  Risk factor data for approximately 500,000 adults
were linked with air pollution data for metropolitan areas throughout
the United States and combined with vital statistics and cause of death
data through 1998. Scientists involved with the study found the
long-term exposure to air pollution in some of America's biggest cities
to be an important environmental risk factor for cardiopulmonary and
lung cancer mortality.  This particular report is significant because of
the large number of participants and the long-term nature of the study. 
An abstract of the study can be read on-line at:
http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v287n9/abs/joc11435.html. 
Related Washington Post story available at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47453-2002Mar18.html
 
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REVISIONS TO CARROLL ORDINANCE APPEAR COMPLETE

The revisions to a contentious zoning ordinance in Carroll County that
unleashed resident anger and possible decertification of the county's
impressive agricultural land preservation program by the state appear to
have satisfied all parties involved.  The law, originally passed in
September of 2001, created the potential for extensive additional
residential development on county land currently zoned for agriculture
and conservation.  Following the law's passage, an outpouring of
resident anger and the threat of decertification prompted a number of
revisions to the original ordinance.  The latest revisions to the
ordinance return the development allowed to its pre-September figures. 
The law still allows for clustering of lots across zoning lines which
permits developers to position the houses in a way that can better
preserve open space and environmentally sensitive areas.  While
expressing general satisfaction, the Maryland Department of Planning did
express some concerns about wording and will only remove the threat of
decertification once the ordinance is passed.  The commissioners can
vote on the amended ordinance as soon as March 28, 2002.  For Carroll
Sun coverage of the debate go to
s/local/carroll/bal-ca.rezoning19mar19.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dcarroll.

Carroll County Times coverage can be viewed at
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=3583369&BRD=1289&PAG=461&dept_id=156627&rfi=8.


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"PARKING LOT SYNDROME" PLAGUES DOWNTOWN

Downtown business and government leaders are struggling to deal with a
seemingly expanding "parking lot syndrome" -- stalled development
projects that economic factors doomed or delayed after demolition began.
Some preservationist are calling for tightening the requirements that
allow developers to demolish historic structures without financing and
other commitments in place that would assure completion of the project. 
What may result are empty construction sites where in headier times new
hotels or office towers would have risen.  Preservationists argue that
the city's skyline is being indelibly altered on nothing but a pledge of
development.  There are six high profile sites scattered around downtown
that business leaders say send the wrong message to visitors as well as
workers.  While cyclical real estate markets resist simple answers,
preservationists and business groups are calling for the city to develop
a better system of accountability to stop the premature razing of
historic structures.  To read the full story from the Sunday Sun go to
http://www.sunspot.net/business/bal-bz.parking24mar24.story. 

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 3
*CPHA's Drug Treatment Workgroup Meeting.  6:00 - 8:00 PM CPHA 218 W.
Saratoga Street, Baltimore.  You are invited to participate in workgroup
meetings to finalize the issues for the June 6, 2002 Rally for the
Region at the Baltimore Convention Center. For more information visit
http://www.CPHARallyForTheRegion.org

April 9
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Owings Mills.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Owing Mills
High School, 124 Tolgate Road, Owings Mills.  First of 17 public
meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should look
like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 10
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Westminster.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Westminster
High School, 1225 Washington Road, Westminster.  Second of 17 public
meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should look
like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 11
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Northeast Baltimore City.  7:00 - 9:00 PM,
Fairmount-Harford Institute, 2555 Harford Road, Baltimore.  Third of 17
public meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should
look like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 13
*CPHA's Issue Ratification Meeting.  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.  Trinity
Episcopal Church, 120 Allegheny Ave., Towson.  Join us in ratifying the
issues developed during the workgoup meetings for the Rally for the
Region 2002.  Via transit:  Bus routes 55,11, 8. and 3 (Shephard Pratt
branch only).  Driving directions:  Beltway Exit 26A, York Road south to
right turn at Allegheny Ave.  Park in the free garage across form the
church, not in the church parking lot.  For more information visit
http://www.CPHARallyForTheRegion.org.

April 16
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Bel Air.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Bel Air High
School, 100 Heighe Street, Bel Air.  One of 17 public meetings to help
develop a framework for what our region should look like in thirty
years, including issues of growth, transportation, economic development,
and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore Regional Transportation
Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, with additional support
from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For more information,
including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 17
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Glen Burnie.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Corkran
Middle School, 7600 Quarterfield Road,  Glen Burnie.  One of 17 public
meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should look
like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 18
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Columbia.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Oakland Mills
High School, 9410 Kilimanjaro Road,  Columbia.  One of 17 public
meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should look
like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 22
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Highlandtown.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Patterson
High School, 100 Kane Street, Baltimore.  One of 17 public meetings to
help develop a framework for what our region should look like in thirty
years, including issues of growth, transportation, economic development,
and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore Regional Transportation
Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, with additional support
from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For more information,
including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 23
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Aberdeen.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Aberdeen Middle
School, 111 Mount Royal Avenue, Aberdeen.  One of 17 public meetings to
help develop a framework for what our region should look like in thirty
years, including issues of growth, transportation, economic development,
and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore Regional Transportation
Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, with additional support
from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For more information,
including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 24
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Annapolis.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Annapolis High
School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis.  One of 17 public meetings to help
develop a framework for what our region should look like in thirty
years, including issues of growth, transportation, economic development,
and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore Regional Transportation
Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, with additional support
from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For more information,
including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 25
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Cockeysville.  7:00 - 9:00 PM,
Cockeysville Middle School, 10401Greenside Dr., Cockeysville.  One of 17
public meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should
look like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 29
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Eastern Baltimore County.  7:00 - 9:00 PM,
Kenwood High School, 501 Stemmers Run Road, Baltimore.  One of 17 public
meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should look
like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

April 30
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Ft. Meade.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Meade Middle
School, 1103 26th Street, Ft. Meade.  One of 17 public meetings to help
develop a framework for what our region should look like in thirty
years, including issues of growth, transportation, economic development,
and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore Regional Transportation
Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, with additional support
from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For more information,
including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

May 1
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Sykesville. 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Sykesville
Middle School, 7301 Springfield Avenue, Sykesville.  One of 17 public
meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should look
like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37
 
May 2
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Ellicott City.  7:00 - 9:00 PM, Ellicott
Mills Middle School, 4445 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City.  One of 17
public meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should
look like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

May 3 & May 4
Annual Preservation and Revitalization Conference 2002. The annual two
day conference is sponsored by Preservation Maryland and will be held in
the Historic Mount Vernon Cultural District. The keynote speaker is
Stanley Lowe, vice president for Community Revitalization of the
National Trust for Historic Preservation. For further information, go to
http://www.preservemd.org/conf.html


May 6
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Northwest Baltimore City. 7:00 - 9:00 PM,
Western High School, 4600 Falls Road, Baltimore.  One of 17 public
meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should look
like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

May 7
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Southwest Baltimore City.  7:00 - 9:00 PM,
Cardinal Gibbons School, 3225 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore.  One of 17
public meetings to help develop a framework for what our region should
look like in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation,
economic development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore
Regional Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council,
with additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For
more information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37


May 8
*Vision 2030 Public Meeting - Western Baltimore County. 7:00 - 9:00 PM,
Southwest Academy, 6200 Johnnycake Road, Baltimore.  Final public
meeting to help develop a framework for what our region should look like
in thirty years, including issues of growth, transportation, economic
development, and quality of life.  Sponsored by the Baltimore Regional
Transportation Board and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, with
additional support from the Baltimore Regional Partnership.  For more
information, including a complete list of public meetings, go to
http://www.baltometro.org/content.asp?id=37

June 6
*Rally for the Region.  6:00 PM, Baltimore Convention Center.  Follow-up
on the 1,100 Rally in October 2000 that championed improved transit
service, community conservation, and drug treatment.  Gathering of
concerned citizens from throughout the region to address issues central
to the well-being of the Baltimore region.  For more information, go to:
http://www.CPHARallyForTheRegion.org

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ABOUT THE BALTIMORE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP AND NEWSLETTER

The Baltimore Regional Partnership is an alliance of five civic,
environmental, and anti-sprawl groups:1000 Friends of Maryland
(www.friendsofmd.org), Baltimore Urban League (www.bul.org), Chesapeake
Bay Foundation ( www.savethebay.cbf.org), Citizens Planning and Housing
Association (www.CPHARallyForTheRegion.org), and Environmental Defense
(www.environmentaldefense.org).


This newsletter explores current issues, recent and upcoming events, and
ongoing deliberations that affect the region's quality of life through
transportation, economic development, and land use policy and planning. 
We hope to link citizens in the region who are working to fight sprawl,
promote clean and efficient transportation, protect valuable farm and
forest lands, and revitalize urban areas, older suburbs, and historic
towns. You can view past issues at
http://www.balto-region-partners.org/news.htm.

Has this newsletter been forwarded to you, and you would like to receive
it yourself? Go to http://www.balto-region-partners.org/news.htm to sign
up.


Send us information, too. Let us know about your work on land use and
transportation decisions that are affecting the Baltimore region. Email
information to Steve Beck at steve@balto-region-partners.org.  Visit the
Baltimore Regional Partnership website at
http://www.balto-region-partners.org.