Ongoing Issues
Shaw's Discovery Development
Update 04/08: Mr. Sapperstein advised us in a recent discussion that he was moving forward on this project and is currently meeting with builders to finalize a selection. He is also moving forward with his plan to restore the Shaw House on the Bauer's property to begin the restoration process. Further, he continues his work relative to the development plan seeking approval by the planning board, which, as previously reported, is due by December 6, 2008. He is still committed to buiding the boat ramp on this property.
Fort Howard VAC Re-Development (Housing)
Update 04/08: The developer for this project has been advised by Baltimore County in writing that the lease entered into by the US Dept of Veterans’ Affairs and the Fort Howard Senior Housing Association, LLC, in connection with the development of Fort Howard property, states that all applicable state and local laws, codes, ordinances, permits, and inspections shall be complied with. The developer is also required to obtain an occupancy permit at appropriate times during construction. The developer has also been notified that use of all existing water, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer serving the 90 acres of leased real property for the development would be in violation of applicable Baltimore County laws, codes, and/or regulations. Further, this project falls within the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bay Program boundary. The site includes an intentionally developed area and a resource conservation area, each as defined under the critical area regulations. The concept plan of 2004 for the project that was provided to the County does not comply with these regulations. Additionally, there is a provision in the Baltimore County Development Plan's Review Policy Manual that states that development larger than 100 units cannot be built where only one road serves the development. The Council has supported this project from day one when it was presented to the community as 300 units. As you know, the developer now plans to build 1,300 units (down from 1,800). This is why we believe it is extremely important for this project to go through the Baltimore County development review process so that all issues of infrastructure, traffic, schools, pollution, density, etc. can be addressed.
Harbor Team Project at Sparrows Point (Dredging)
Update 04/08: We are awaiting word as to what impact the new Russian ownership of the Sparrows Point Peninsula will have on the proposed dredged material containment facility. Having previously been under foreign possession, a smooth business transition and acceptance of this proposal is anticipated. Dobro pozhalovat’ (welcome).
Hart-Millers Island (Ideas for North Cell Future)
AES/LNG Project at Sparrows Point (Environment)
Update 04/08: Nothing new to report on this project basically. Previously we advised that FERC plans to issue a draft final environmental impact report by April 11, 2008, followed by public comment, which would include meetings up until August 15, 2008. FERC would complete its final action by November 20, 2008, and if approved, would issue to AES a certificate for construction.
Mittal Sale of Steel Plant
Update 04/08: On March 21, 2008, it was announced that the Mittal Steel Plant successful bidder was Severstal of Russia, which paid $810 million for the plant. The company is the 5th largest steel producer in the world. They plan to run the steel plant as an integrated facility and produce 3.6 million tons of steel annually, which is the plant's capacity. The deal is anticipated to close by the second quarter of 2008.
North Point Peninsula Master Plan
Waterway Remediation: Environmental Remediation of Old Road Bay, Jones Creek, and North Point Creek.
Shoreline Access and Enhancement: North Point State Park Shoreline Access and Enhancement.
Fort Howard Veteran's Park: Phragmites Rmoval, Beach Enhancement, and Fishing Pier; Other Components of Park Plan Possible.
Vehicle Access Improvements Sparrows Point HS: Proposed Improvements to Include a Drop-Off for Students from North Point Road, as Well as a Traffic Signal at North Point Road and Lodge Farm Road.
Todd's Inheritance Shoreline Restoration: Todd's Inheritance is a Four-Acre Historic Site that Played a Pivotal Role in Protecting Baltimore from British Forces in the War of 1812. Work has Been On-Going to Restore the House and Create a Museum on the Site.
Battle of North Point Trail: Walking and Bike Paths that Enhance Pedestrian Mobility, Access, and Safety. The Trail May Also Align with Historic Sites and Natural Resources in the Area.
Streetscape: Traditional Streetscape Improvements and Upgrades to the Roadway (Storm Drain Systems, Pedestrian Lighting, New Curbs, Gutters, and Sidewalks in Selected Areas) Along North Point Road from Delmar Avenue on the North to Willow Avenue on the South.
Sparrow Point Road: Improvements to Sparrows Point Road from Edgemere Elementary to North Point Boulevard. the Project Would Include Building Sidewalks Where None Exist. The Length of Road in Question is Approximately 5,500 Feet.
Community Boat Ramp: There is a Need for a Boat Ramp that Could Be Accessible to Boaters in the Area.
Update 04/08: Discussion with Bob Barrett, Director of Recs and Parks for Baltimore County, acknowledged that the Oak Road Park would be an excellent site for the boat ramp. He will pursue DEPRM’s approval in Baltimore County as well as the State DNR to provide authorization for access to the site from the Haul Road.
Stormwater Control: Drainage Issues Exist Throughout the Peninsula. Some of the Drainage Problems Mat Have Worsened by Damage Done by Hurrican Isabel in 2003.
Baylight Avenue Sports Court: Creation of a New Sports Court in the Millers Island Area.
Chesapeake Avenue Drainage: Improvement to Drainage Along Residential Street.
Update 04/08: A meeting for residents of this road has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at 7 pm at Edgemere Elementary School Library to review Baltimore County's latest proposal.
Community Playground in Downtown Edgemere: Need for Additional Playgrounds in Community.
Update 04/08: Discussion with Mr. Richard Green of the State Highway Administration Property Asset and Management Division advises that Mr. Goodwin of the Baltimore County Acquisition Dept is aware of the acquisition; Baltimore County Council approved the purchase, and only remaining task is approval by the Md State Board of Public Works, and this is expected in June of 2008.
Community Information Sign: Need for Central Area to Post Information About Events and Meetings in the Community.
Haul Road: Potential to Open Road for Vehicular Access.
Fort Howard Dike: Potential Location for Boat Ramp or Legal Use Area for ATV's. To Be Explored.
Karll Trust Property: Potential Park Site (Behind Food Lion)
Fort Howard Park: Phragmites Removal, Beach Enhancements, and Fishing Pier; Other Components of Park Plan Possible.
Traffic Study: The Community is Interested in Obtaining an Updated, More In-Depth Traffic Study of the North Point Peninsula.