The third Task Force meeting was held on June 8th, 2006 at the Overlea Methodist Church located at 3902 Overlea Avenue. The following were in attendance:

Name Affiliation
Mr. Pete Definbaugh Overlea Community Assoc. (OCA)
Mr. Bud Herb Linover Improvement Assoc.
Ms. Carroll Pupa Linover Improvement Assoc.
Mr. Ralph Secoura Overlea Community Assoc.
Ms. Melanie Whittaker McClosky Group
Mr. Ed Sprecher A-1 Bill & Earl’s Transmissions
Mr. Jeff Stintz Overlea Community Assoc.
Senator Kathy Klausmeier Senate of Maryland
Linda Weimer Booster Newspaper
Mr. Philip Humbertson SHA District 4 – ESDT
Ms. Denise Wilson SHA District 4 – ESDT
Mr. Lee Carrigan SHA District 4 – ESDT
Mr. Donald Distance SHA District 4 – Traffic
Ms. Margot Bartosh SHA – OED/Landscape Architecture Division
Mr. Eric Lincoln SHA – Maintenance/Golden Ring Facility
Laurie Hay Baltimore County Planning
Kathy Schlabach Baltimore County Planning
Ms. Jeanann Ferguson Balto. Co. Office of Community Conservation
Ms. Kirsten Coffen Garden Architecture, LLC – Consultant
Mr. Anthony Frascarella Century Engineering – Consultant
Mr. Hellon Ogallo Century Engineering – Consultant
Phil Humbertson began the meeting with introductions. He then briefly summarized the April 30th Community Walkthrough.

Eric Lincoln from SHA Golden Ring Maintenance Shop was introduced. Eric gave a brief explanation of the function of the Golden Ring Maintenance Shop and stated that residents can call in about concerns for more minor road maintenance issues. He then reviewed the issues raised at the Community Walkthrough. His maintenance shop has taken care of everything that was a maintenance concern. Regarding the missing street sign at Virginia Avenue, this is a Baltimore County sign issue and they have been notified.

Eric then gave his phone number to the people in attendance (410-574-4511) so that they can contact him with any problems that may arise that he can handle aside from the streetscape project.

There was a concern brought up about the drainage just before Elm Avenue. The existing catch basin is not able to handle all of the water that comes from heavy rains. Eric stated that the infrastructure that exists today is very old. This may have to be upgraded during this project. However, he can send his vacuum truck out and clean out the system and see if this will help alleviate the problem. Eric said this may be done within the next two weeks.

Donald Distance of SHA District 4 – Traffic addressed the traffic issues that were mentioned at the Walkthrough. The yellow ball that was out at Fullerton Avenue still had not been replaced. He has spoken to the Signal Shop and will contact them again about this issue. The pedestrian signal has been taken care of. The issue of adding the speed limit to the overhead pedestrian sign at St. Michael is being looked into. The concern of illuminating the sign stating oncoming traffic has longer green is being looked into by our Office of Traffic & Safety. Donald hopes to have an answer by our next meeting.

Donald then gave the name and number for Rodge Sharma, the Signal Engineer from Baltimore City, who would handle the signals that are in our project limits, but located within their jurisdiction. Mr. Sharma can be reached at 410-396-6871.

Donald has researched the minimum width that the SHA will accept on this project for lane widths. The preferred widths are 11 feet for through lanes and 15 feet for turn lanes. For this project, SHA will accept 10 feet for through lanes and 11 feet for turn lanes.

Donald addressed the suggestion made at the Walkability Workshop to put a center turn lane through the entire corridor with one travel lane in each direction. After going back to his office and reviewing the ADTs, this concept would not be advisable. The volume of cars is too large to make this concept work. There is an average of 40,000 cars traveling on Belair Road on a daily basis.

Tony Frascarella, Century Engineering, and Kirsten Coffen, Garden Architecture, LLC began their presentation by explaining the display maps. The aerial photo boards showed the Belair Road corridor with an overlay summarizing "Streetscape Design, Pedestrian Access and Traffic: Issues and Opportunities". A Power Point presentation of photos showing existing conditions taken during the consultants’ inventory and the Task Force walking tour was also shown. The maps and slide show started at the south end of the project corridor.

The section of the Belair Road corridor between the Fleetwood Avenue and Chesley Avenue Intersections have a distinctive "Main Street" quality with the buildings set close together and defining the road corridor with set backs just behind the sidewalk. Previous streetscape improvements provide a pedestrian friendly environment, but need to be updated for aesthetic purposes and to meet ADA accessibility requirements. The following improvements were suggested:

Belair Road "Main Street" improvement district:

• New decorative paving along sidewalks
• ADA improved pedestrian crossings at all signalized intersections, cross streets, and driveways
• Maintenance for existing street trees and new street trees
• New coordinated streetscape furnishings including benches, planters with seasonal flowers, street tree protection grates, trash receptacles, and newspaper boxes

• Potential to add decorative street lights with banners
• Eliminate parking meters and replace with "pay box"
• Potential decorative paving crossing areas (at Fleetwood Avenue, Northern Parkway, Overlea Avenue, and possibly Willow Avenue)
• Define spaces for existing on-street parking

Enhance existing plaza area to create community gateway (located just south of Rosedale Federal):

• Larger community sign; integrate stone type material
• New coordinated streetscape furnishings
• Small street trees in raised planters
• Potential for decorative street lights
• New decorative paving

Potential for pedestrian crossing bump out (at pedestrian crossing between the plaza and the east side of Belair Road)

Potential to extend plaza space into parking lane (expands visual impact of plaza and narrows the crossing distance for pedestrians)

Improve existing bump outs

• Improve drainage design
• New decorative paving

Potential to remove bump out and create dedicated right turn lane onto Maple Avenue

Enhance existing bus station to create community focal point:

• Historic character sign for Overlea MTA Station
• New coordinated streetscape furnishings
• Potential for decorative street lights
• New decorative paving
• Reduce clutter of newspaper boxes
• Improve existing planting pocket
• Historic character "Do Not Enter sign"
• Replace street tree and grate
• Replace existing "Jersey" retaining wall with stone type veneer retaining wall
• New plantings to stabilize and visually improve embankment

Plantings and/or decorative fencing to buffer parking lot (east side of Belair Road, south of Wachovia Bank)

Improve existing seating plaza (east side of Belair Road, north side of Wachovia Bank)

• New benches and planters
• New decorative paving

A Task Force member asked about the types of trees that would be selected as street trees. He was concerned about selecting trees that grow to be too large. Kirsten Coffen responded that at the next meeting we will be able to discuss in more detail the exact trees that may be used for this project. The trees would be selected for smaller size, hardiness in an urban setting, and minimal seed, litter, etc.

A concern was brought up about how to solve the problem of delivery trucks parking on the sidewalk (picture of Overlea Avenue was shown). It was suggested to possibly install bollards to protect the sidewalk and pedestrians.

Someone mentioned changing the one-way direction of Overlea Avenue. There is a terminating vista at the end of Overlea Avenue that would be more visible if people were driving towards it instead of away from it. Phil stated that this is a Baltimore County issue. SHA can pass this onto them for their review. However, Phil stated that in order to have this accomplished, 75% of the residents that live on Overlea Avenue would have to agree to the change.

Belair Road "Main Street" improvements district (ending at the Willow Avenue intersection):

• New decorative paving along sidewalks
• ADA improved pedestrian crossings at all signalized intersection, cross streets, and driveways.
• Maintenance for existing street trees and new street trees
• New coordinated streetscape furnishings including benches, planters with seasonal flowers, street tree protection grates, trash receptacles, and newspaper boxes

• Potential to add decorative street lights with banners
• Eliminate parking meters and replace with "pay box"

Improve existing concrete retaining wall (located along the parking lot just south of the Willow Avenue intersection, east side of Belair Road)

• Add stone type veneer to wall
• Replace chain link fence with decorative fencing (wrought iron look)

Potential for trees and plantings along slope (in front of Chesley Place parking lot – west side of Belair Road)

• Potential for plantings and/or decorative fencing (wrought iron look) to buffer parking lot

Provide required school signs (for Church School)

Relocate utility pole (near Willow Avenue intersection)

Widen radius and move utility pole (at Madeline Avenue intersection)

Potential for street trees, plantings and/or decorative fencing (wrought iron look) to buffer parking lots (west side of Belair Road between Chesley Avenue and Elm Avenue and east side of Belair Road just north of Madeline Avenue)

Replace guardrail with retaining wall and provide street trees along open space area (west side of Belair Road, opposite Manor Avenue intersection)

A property owner asked if the control box at Madeline Avenue could be raised to improve the sight distance problem when pulling out of the business parking lot. Donald Distance said that the box is located to make it accessible for technicians to have access to the box for repairs/ adjustments. However, as part of this project, it may be feasible to install a base-mounted cabinet. The pole may be relocated as part of this project to improve pedestrian accessibility at the intersection crossing.

Concern about the road drainage capacity was raised by several Task Force members. In the recent severe rain events, the roadway has flooded in the vicinity of the stream crossing. The stream corridor appears to be eroding and adjacent properties are frequently flooded. It was suggested that a stormwater management facility could be located near the stream in the existing open space lot. The task force would like to have this issue addressed by the design team.

Someone asked if plantings in front of properties would be part of this project. Phil Humbertson responded that we may be able to do this, but it will have to be up to the individual property owners and they would also have to maintain them.

Peak hour traffic count (was performed at the Fuller Avenue intersection to determine if cars are turning left to avoid the light at Taylor Avenue) – traffic count showed that a very small amount of cars are making this movement.

Potential landscape enhancements to create gateway to community center at Fullerton Court Drive)

Sidewalk width constricted by existing stone walls (east side of Belair Road from Fullerton Court Road to the Midori Japanese and Chinese Restaurant parking lot entrance)

• ADA accessible sidewalk issue
• Walls may need to be removed to create northbound left turn lane onto Taylor Avenue
• Investigation of potential historic status to be completed.

Taylor Avenue improvements:

• Provide dedicated northbound left turn lane onto Taylor Avenue
• Potential decorative paving for pedestrian crossing area
• Accent paving at intersection

Decorative paving is recommended at signalized intersections for greatest visual impact

Provide center left turn lane (between Taylor Avenue and Fullerton Avenue to accommodate turning movements onto side streets and parking lots)

Street trees and plantings and/or decorative fencing to buffer parking lot (west side of Belair Road between Taylor Avenue and Virginia Avenue)

Street trees along open space (west side of Belair Road just north of Virginia Avenue intersection)

Analyze drainage problem (from Virginia Avenue to Taylor Avenue)

Fullerton Avenue improvements:

• Provide dedicated southbound left turn lane onto Fullerton Avenue
• Potential decorative paving for pedestrian crossing area
• Accent paving at intersection
• New community sign to integrate individual civic organizations
• Plantings to create setting for community sign

Street trees and plantings and/or decorative fencing to buffer parking lots (starting at east side of Belair Road just north of Fullerton Avenue)

Potential pocket plaza with benches and decorative paving (west side of Belair Road in front of Paintless Dent Removal)

Landscape improvements along top of existing stone retaining walls (west side of Belair Road starting at Morning Glory Infant, Toddler Center and north)

Several Task Force members asked about the feasibility of a roundabout at Fullerton Avenue. This option can be further investigated by the design team.

A Task Force member asked if an existing veteran’s memorial located farther north of the Beltway along the Belair Road corridor could be relocated into one of the "pocket parks" shown on the plans. The design team will work with the Task Force regarding this proposed idea.

Add new ADA sidewalk (east side of Belair Road in front of Pete’s Cycle)

Sidewalk width constricted by existing stone walls (west side of Belair Road to just north of Fullerton Heights Avenue and at Henry Avenue Intersection)

Analyze drainage problem (east side of Belair Road to Henry Avenue Intersection)

Street trees and plantings and/or decorative fencing to buffer parking lots, soften building facades, and enhance open space (both sides of Belair Road)

Henry Avenue improvements:

• Provide dedicated southbound left turn lane onto Henry Avenue
• ADA pedestrian crossing improvements needed
• Potential decorative paving for pedestrian crossing area
• Accent paving for sidewalks at intersection

Peak hour traffic count (Thorncliff Road)

Remove commercial sign from SHA right-of-way (west side of Belair Road at Fullerton Manor Bingo)

Street trees and plantings and/or decorative fencing to buffer parking lots (west side of Belair Road – Fullerton Manor Bingo and Carrabba’s Italian Grill)

Provide center left turn lane (from Henry Avenue intersection to existing left turn lane at Fowler Avenue intersection)

Street trees and plantings and/or decorative fencing to buffer parking lots (both sides of Belair Road adjacent to Fowler Avenue intersection)

ADA pedestrian crossing (shopping center’s entrances near Fowler Avenue intersection)

Fowler Avenue Improvements:

• ADA pedestrian crossing improvements needed
• Potential decorative paving for pedestrian crossing area
• Accent paving at intersection

Tony Frascarella spoke about extending the left turn lane at Fowler Avenue all the way up to Henry Avenue. This would accommodate left turning vehicles at Fowler Avenue, Thorncliff Road, and Henry Avenue. Some Task Force members expressed concern creating opportunities for increased traffic on side streets in the community.

New Community Gateway (at existing community sign location; west side of Belair Road):

• New community gateway sign with stone accents
• Accent plantings in front of sign
• Improve landscape setting behind sign
• Retaining wall with decorative fencing to create level terrace for sign and accent plantings

Street trees and plantings and/or decorative fencing to buffer parking lot (west side of Belair Road just south of Poes Lane)

Analyze slope failure and drainage problem (Schooners Restaurant parking lot and stream corridor; east side of Belair Road)

Potential area for gateway landscape improvements, and exotic invasive plant removal (east side of Belair Road, just south of Overton Avenue)

Potential area for gateway landscape improvements (Beltway interchange area)

Analyze drainage and erosion problem (Overton Avenue intersection)

Phil Humbertson addressed the issue of re-facing the bridge over I-695 with a decorative type stone veneer treatment. He had raised the issue with the SHA Bridge Division. They stated that the bridge is in very good condition and does not currently require any improvements. Phil said that even if we just put a new facade on the bridge, it would be very expensive. Also, the bridge is technically out of our project limits. Phil stated this is not completely off the table at this point, and the issue can be revisited again if necessary.

Phil asked if everyone was agreeable to not having the next meeting until September or October. This would provide adequate time to conduct surveys to prepare more detailed concepts. Also, this would work better with everyone’s summer vacation schedules. Everyone was in agreement with this suggestion.

It was suggested that we send out revised minutes from the "Walking Tour" minutes to the discussion of the left turn lanes at Thorncliff Avenue and Henry Avenue. The minutes will be revised as requested.

US 1 Community, Safety and Enhancement Project
US 1 (Belair Road) - from Baltimore City Line to I-695
Task Force Walking Tour of Project Corridor
April 30, 2006
Revised June 28, 2006


A walking tour of the project corridor was conducted on Sunday afternoon, April 30, 2006. This was the rain date for the cancelled walk on April 23, 2006. The gathering location was the Chesley Place parking lot between Overlea Avenue and Chesley Avenue.

The following were in attendance:

Name Affiliation

Ms. Marilyn Fisher Citizens on Patrol (COP)
Mr. Curt Phillips Overlea Community Assoc. (OCA)
Mr. Pete Definbaugh Overlea Community Assoc. (OCA)
Mr. Bud Herb Linover Improvement Assoc.
Mr. Marcus Ritgert Linover Improvement Assoc.
Ms. Gail Ritgert Linover Improvement Assoc.
Ms. Betty Ronspies Linover Improvement Assoc.
Mr. Ed Ronspies Linover Improvement Assoc.
Mr. Carroll Pupa Linover Improvement Assoc.
Ms. Kathleen Pupa Linover Improvement Assoc.
Mr. Dennis German SHA - CCD
Mr. Philip Humbertson SHA District 4 – ESDT
Ms. Denise Wilson SHA District 4 – ESDT
Mr. Lee Carrigan SHA District 4 – ESDT
Ms. Kirsten Coffen Garden Architecture, LLC – Consultant
Mr. Anthony Frascarella Century Engineering – Consultant

The following persons attended the original walking tour scheduled for April 23, 2006, but were unable to attend the rain date:

Ms. Norma Secoura MTA
Delegate Bromwell Maryland House of Delegates
Senator Klausemeier Senate of Maryland
Mr. Hellon Ogallo Century Engineering
Ms. Wendy Wolcott SHA, District 4 - ESDT

Prior to the start of the walking tour, Tony Frascarella from Century Engineering handed out copies of the aerial photographs for the project corridor. The maps included a graphic overlay showing the approximate limit of the existing roadway right of way, the proposed edge of road, and the proposed back of sidewalk. The maps depicted the options to create left turn lanes at the northbound Taylor Avenue Intersection; southbound Fullerton Avenue intersection and a center turning lane between those two intersections. Further north, the maps depicted a southbound left turn lane onto Henry Avenue with a center turning lane through the intersections with Thorncliff Road and Cardwell Avenue meeting up with the left turn lane at the Fowler Avenue intersection. The hand outs also included typical proposed road and sidewalk cross sections at various points along the project corridor.

Summary of issues discussed during walking tour:

The tour started with the group traveling along US 1 on the southbound side from the Chesley Place Parking Lot.

MTA bus station area at the corner of Overlea Avenue:

 Suggested historic character sign with the name of the historic bus station building.
 Suggested historic character signs for the “Do Not Enter” MTA signs for the loop driveway behind the building.
 Would like ideas of how to reduce clutter of many newspaper boxes on the driveway corner.
 Would like the trash receptacle to be emptied more frequently.
 Add street tree at empty tree grate location.
 Decorative paving could be updated.
 Suggested aesthetic improvements for concrete retaining wall behind loop driveway.
 Would like landscape improvements along embankment behind retaining wall.
Remove exotic invasive honeysuckle vines as part of landscape improvements.
 Improvements could be an MTA partnership.

NextCar Rental/Northern Parkway Intersection:

 Can mid block driveway curb cut be eliminated? Access to the parking lot is currently blocked by a brick pier and wrought iron style fence.
 Can property owners be notified to fix the damaged brick pier and fence?
 Noticed lots of trash along the sidewalk and street in this location.
 Decorative paving and street furnishings could be updated.
 Move signal pole at Northern Parkway (northwest quadrant) to accommodate
Automatic Pedestrian Signal (APS).
 Address traffic queues from Northern Parkwy/Maple Avenue backing up into Fleetwood Avenue intersection. Interconnect should fix this problem.

Plaza Space at the intersection of Spruce Street and Fleet Street:

 This area could be improved to create more of a focal point and gateway for the
adjacent communities. The existing community sign could be replaced with a larger, updated sign – “Welcome to Overlea Fullerton, established…” Existing street furnishings are outdated. Potential for small street trees to enliven the space, if feasible.
 The existing pedestrian crossings need ADA upgrades.

The group crossed over to the northbound side of US 1 and continued walking north.

Corner of US 1 and Prague Avenue:

 Improve the function and aesthetics of the “bump out”. The bump out is necessary
to protect on street parked cars to the north. Keep the bump out. The elevation could be raised and the metal grate covered street drainage could be improved. Decorative paving could be updated.

Prague Avenue to Willow Avenue:

 Look into the feasibility of removing bump out at Maple Avenue on southeast corner and
providing right turn lane.
 Keep bump out at Maple Avenue on northeast corner.
 Modify typical road section by using 10 foot lane widths with no shoulders.
 Relocate sign at Willow Avenue southeast corner.
 Modify ADA ramps as required.
 Move pole at Willow Avenue southeast corner.
 Replace street tree grates that are constricting the trunks of the Ginkgo trees.
Prune and fertilize trees. Replace trees that are diseased, damaged or missing from grate areas.
 Can parking meters be replaced with a park and pay box (example Fells Point street
parking)?
 Street furnishings such as trash cans, benches and planters need to be coordinated and
updated. Select furnishings for durability and low maintenance. Trash needs to be collected more frequently. A community group needs to take on the responsibility of planting and maintaining flowers in the planter boxes.
 Upgrade bump outs and discuss the possibility of raising the Prague Avenue bump
out.
 Replace outdated decorative paving. Original streetscape project was implemented
in the 80’s.
 Task Force member suggested that the streetscape improvement efforts be
coordinated with the concurrent Baltimore County effort to address many overlapping issues. The contact person is Laurie Hayes with Baltimore County Planning.
 A task force member suggested that the US 1 roadway be reduced to one lane of
through traffic in each direction. That would allow space on either side of the road for sidewalk and streetscape improvements as well as designated left turn lanes and on street parking. If there was more parking in the commercial “Main Street” area, then perhaps more people would stop to shop, etc. instead of speeding through.
 A commercial sign just south of the Maple Avenue intersection appears to be located
in the right-of-way and creates a sidewalk/ADA obstruction.
 Elevational divide of the sidewalk in front of Kaye’s Pharmacy (just south of
Willow Avenue) is a dangerous pedestrian and ADA situation that must be redesigned.
 Improve aesthetics of the retaining wall and chain link fence at the corner parking lot
(Willow Avenue). It was noted by a Task Force member that St. Michael, The Archangel Church may be interested in purchasing this parking lot from the county. It would be used for church patrons. They would likely have a capital fund for beautification improvements.
 There is an ADA access issue at the Willow Avenue intersection that will require
regrading towards the church property’s landscaping.

St. Michael, The Archangel Church and north:

 The chain link fence along the church parking lot is planned for improvement – possibly
a black, wrought iron style metal fence.
 Sidewalk will need to be realigned to bump in towards parking lot grass strip to create
ADA access around utility poles. Care will need to be taken to minimize root impacts on mature oak trees.
 Widen radius at Madeline Avenue and move utility pole.
 Move school advisory cantilever sign and add speed limit advisory sign.
 Add required school signs.
 Replace traffic barrier with retaining wall at station 120 right.
 The huge commercial billboard located mid block between Madeline Avenue and
Elm Avenue is an eye sore. Check with Baltimore County Zoning for current status – possible to remove?
 North side of Elm Avenue intersection has difficult ADA access issue. There is a steep
grade with a utility pole obstruction.
 The sidewalk needs to be widened to five feet for ADA.
 The slope along the Fullerton Court Drive on the north side of the street is unsightly –
currently a mess of black weed blanket. It is along the access to the Community Center which is a potential focal point for the community.
 Stone walls starting at the north side of Fullerton Court Drive constrains the
sidewalk width. SHA Environmental Division is currently investigating any historic status of these walls. This could limit potential sidewalk widening to ADA standards.
 Improve pedestrian crossing ADA access at the parking lot entrance for Midori
Japanese Restaurant.

Fullerton Avenue and north:

 ADA pedestrian crossing issues at Fullerton Avenue.
 Would like landscape treatment to buffer parking lot at corner of Fullerton Avenue.
Small street trees and ornamental fencing were suggested.
 Street trees were suggested to define the street corridor, calm traffic and buffer unsightly
parking lots/commercial uses.
 Need ADA sidewalk along frontage of Pete’s Cycle Shop. Property owner has extended
asphalt parking lot to within +/- two feet of roadway.
 Analyze drainage problem in vicinity of Pete’s Cycle Shop up to Henry Avenue.
Sheet flow from road onto ball fields east of US 1.
 ADA issues at commercial driveway and parking lot curb cuts.
 Move hydrant at Fullerton Avenue southeast corner.

Henry Avenue and north:

 Landscape features are needed to soften the Goodyear Auto Service parking lot on
the north side of Henry Avenue.
 ADA issues at US 1 crossing at Henry Avenue.
 Can the bus stop at Cardwell Avenue be relocated, set back farther from the street
intersection?
 Perform AM and PM peak hour count at Thorncliff Road.

The Group decided to cross over to the southbound side at Cardwell Avenue due to time constraints.

 There was no site visit, but there was discussion of improving the Community Sign
area just south of the Beltway off ramp (southbound side). Include date of community
establishment on the sign.
 Stream improvements could be credited for storm water management of roadway.
 Study opportunity for SWM in vicinity of Stemmers Run.
 Analyze drainage problem at Stemmers Run and Schooners restaurant including slope
failure.

Fullerton Manor Bingo:

 Landscape features are needed to soften the parking lot.
 Utility poles obstruct the sidewalk – ADA issue.
 The commercial billboard sign has two support posts located in the SHA right-of-way.

Glade Avenue to Delight Avenue:

 Potentially historic stone wall constricts sidewalk width.
 Need ADA upgrade, and pedestrian crossing at Henry Avenue.

Delight Avenue to Taylor Avenue:

 Streetscape/Landscape improvements needed at Nikk’s Discount Liquor store and
parking lot. Trash and clutter of newspaper boxes is an issue.
 Street trees where feasible along roadway corridor would be appreciated.
 More stone walls just south of Fullerton Heights. Steep slopes above walls are in
need of stabilization and landscape improvements.
 Potential for interesting Pocket Plaza in front of Paintless Dent Removal.
 Improve presentation of community signs across from Fullerton Avenue intersection.
Potential for landscape improvements.
 Landscape improvements to buffer Taylor Plaza parking lot.
 Analyze drainage problem at Virginia Avenue to Taylor Avenue southbound along right
turn lane. Water collects along steep street and flows out to flood Taylor Avenue
intersection. Water seepage/spring was evident flowing from the top of the Taylor Plaza
parking access into the street.
 ADA pedestrian crossing issues at all points of Taylor Avenue intersection.
 Improve block retaining wall at south corner.

Taylor Avenue to Chesley Place Parking Lot:

 Perform AM and PM peak hour counts at Fuller Avenue. Community representatives
stated that vehicles are making a left onto Fuller Avenue because of restrictions at Taylor Avenue.
 Residences between Fuller Avenue and Elm Avenue have steps down from public
sidewalk. Access points need to be widened and have hand railings installed.
 A task force member suggested that wrought iron style hand railings and
decorative fencing could be used as a thematic design element throughout the corridor. There is a lot already existing.
 Street trees and landscape improvements to buffer commercial parking lots will be looked
into.
 7010 Auto Sales parking lot banners in SHA right-of-way?
 Trash problem at residence just south of 7010.

General Notes:

 Replace all existing inlets with COGs and COSs.
 Move hydrants as necessary.
 Century Engineering to prepare survey request and submit to SHA.

The following items were identified during the walk, and were submitted to the Golden Ring Maintenance Shop to be addressed as soon as possible:

1. There is an inlet at the Bus Station (Overlea Station) at Overlea Avenue on top of the wall. It needs to be cleaned out.

2. There are metal drains located in the bump outs from Prague Avenue to Willow Avenue along northbound US 1 that need to be cleaned.

3. There are two oak trees located in front of St. Michael's (in front of the parking lot) that need some dead limbs removed.

4. There is an orange cone in the parking lot at 7525 Belair Road. When we lifted up the orange cone, there was a hole underneath. Please see if anything can be done with this.

5. The street sign for Virginia Avenue is down.

The following items were identified during the walk, and were submitted to District 4 Traffic, Donald Distance, to be addressed as soon as possible:

1. The pedestrian signal to cross US 1 southbound to US 1 northbound at Fleetwood Avenue is not working.

2. The yellow ball at US 1 northbound at Fullerton Avenue on the left traffic signal is out.


Next Steps:

The Next Task Force Meeting is scheduled for June 8th at the Overlea Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. A summary of findings from the walking tour will be reported at the next Task Force Meeting. Preliminary Design Concepts will also be presented at that meeting.
 

HARFORD ROAD STREET SCAPE PROJECT TO START JULY 17TH

Yes, the time has finally arrived. Construction will soon start on the long awaited Harford Road Streetscape project, a total renovation of Harford Road from Parkside Drive to Bayonne Ave. The project will result in a highly attractive and pedestrian friendly Harford Road business corridor.

Please expect:

Construction to begin at Argonne/Parkside on the East side, proceeding North
First phases of work will be gutter/curb and sidewalk replacement
Entrances to businesses are to be kept open at ALL TIMES
Parking will be available on the opposite side of the street
 

handout from the 3/23/06 meeting
US 1 (Belair Road) From the City Line to I-695

PROJECT GOALS AND ISSUES

Project Goals
Improve neighborhood aesthetics and identity
Improve traffic safety and mobility
Enhance pedestrian accessibility and safety
Correct drainage deficiencies
Promote economic development

Project Issues Identified by the Task Force

1. Improve Neighborhood Aesthetics and Identity:
· Replace sidewalks and include brick pavers
· Install low profile lighting
· Plant trees
· Maintenance responsibilities of plantings
· Provide more trash receptacles
· Schedule trash pick-ups more often
· Install “Welcome to Overlea” banner in the Overlea Business District
· Remove billboards or redesign them to make them more attractive
· Encourage businesses and landlords to make building facades more attractive
· Relocate existing utility poles, possibly install underground or behind businesses
· Reduce number of utility poles
· Replace existing utility poles with more attractive poles
· Consider safety and crime deterrence when developing streetscape plans
· Enhance aesthetics of bridge over I-695
· Streetscape should reflect history of the area
· Provide community banners for light poles and a gateway sign

2. Improve Traffic Safety and Mobility:
· Widen road in order to solve traffic flow problems
· Roadway width change at Northern Parkway causes a bottle neck
· Traffic flow could be improved if signals were synchronized
· MTA bus turning movement from northbound Belair Road onto Fullerton Avenue creates a traffic bottleneck at that intersection
· Problem with cars making an illegal U-turn near I-695 during the morning peak traffic period
· Many accidents at Maple Avenue/Northern Parkway intersection with Belair Road
· Street tree plantings would be helpful in slowing down vehicles
· Vehicles greatly exceed the speed limit between Taylor Avenue and Maple Avenue
· Left turn lanes are needed at Thorncliff Road, Henry Avenue, and Fullerton Avenue
· Reduce traffic speeds by making it easier to clear signals (synchronize signals)
· Streetscape improvements should not decrease capacity because US 1 is a main roadway
· Signs for cross streets are difficult to see
· Future construction activities on I-95 in Section 100 will impact US 1
· Traffic calming devices are needed on side streets, especially in front of schools

3. Enhance Pedestrian Accessibility and Safety:
· Utility poles will make it difficult for ADA compliance
· Make corridor pedestrian friendly
· Addition of bicycle lanes may reduce traffic speeds

4. Correct Drainage Deficiencies:
· Resolve drainage problem on Belair Road between Elm and Henry Avenues
· Belair Road and Taylor Avenue intersection is an example of poor drainage

5. Promote Economic Development:
· Need to improve business facades
· Need to meet with businesses
· Location of parking in rear of businesses discourages patronage
 

US 1 – Baltimore City Line to I-695

Community, Safety and Enhancement Project
Minutes for

Community Meeting at Overlea High School

November 29, 2005 at 7:00 pm

Mr. Philip Humbertson, Assistant District Engineer, Project Development for SHA District 4 opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending.

Mr. Humbertson introduced the following elected officials and thanked them for their attendance and support:
Senator Kathy Klausmeier
Delegate Joseph Boteler
(Delegate John Cluster was represented by Delegate Joseph Boteler)
Delegate Eric Bromwell

Each official made a statement regarding his or her support for the project.

Mr. Humbertson introduced SHA project team members. He gave a brief overview of the project and stated funding for concept development was approved recently. He explained that there are three phases of project development:

1. Concept Development (funded for $200,000).
2. Engineering Design
3. Construction

He emphasized the importance of public input and participation in the Concept Development stage and invited people in attendance to sign up for the task force.

Mr. Humbertson showed a slide of the project location and limits. The study will focus on the US 1 corridor from the Baltimore City Line to I-695, mostly within SHA’s right-of-way. Baltimore County staff will also participate in the task force meetings. The Concept Development Process should take approximately 8 to 9 months. He stressed that during this process there would be the opportunity for community members and business owners to walk the corridor, come up with issues and ideas, share those with others and come to a consensus of decisions. The process will be facilitated by SHA and consultant team members.

Mr. Humbertson introduced Ms. Wendy Wolcott, Chief, Engineering Systems Design Team, whose office will oversee the project. Ms. Wolcott introduced the consultant team members from Century Engineering and Garden Architecture. MTA staff in attendance were also introduced.

Ms. Wolcott explained that the US 1 Project would be conducted under SHA’s Community, Safety and Enhancement Program. She presented a series of slides that explained the purpose and process of the program, and showed examples of the types of issues that could be addressed. (Please refer to the attached slide presentation). She stressed the importance of the task force to get information and potential solutions out to the community. The task force should be a mix of people from local business associations, community and civic organizations, schools, police, fire, and other appropriate stakeholders.

Mr. Humbertson concluded the formal presentation and made the following comments:
· The Loch Raven and Reisterstown Road projects are examples of very successful SHA community partnership projects.
· There are comment cards at the meeting tonight; please fill them out and hand or mail them in.
· Task force meetings require a commitment of two hours per meeting.

Mr. Humbertson opened up the meeting for the following questions and comments from the audience:

1. Q - How long will the project take and what drives a project to implementation? A - Concept Development: 9 months
Engineering Design: 12-18 months
Construction: 12-18 months
Prioritization on the list of statewide projects is based upon transportation and roadway needs. The corridor pavement was overlaid to serve as a “band aid” until an approved concept has been created. Achieving community consensus is critical for this project to move forward.

2. Q - Will the project be completed by 2008?
A - We can not speculate on when construction could occur. It would depend on funding.

3. Q - Are there any limits on the cost of the Task Force’s recommended improvements?
A - After concept development, we will try to acquire design money for the next phase. Elected officials can have an influence on funding. The construction cost would later be presented to the SHA Administrator for approval.

4. Q - Have you done any preliminary analysis of the area, such as sidewalks or ADA ramps?
A - So far, accident and traffic data have been collected. SHA is open to all ideas, and task force members can help by identifying problem areas.

5. Q - How were the project limits decided and can they be extended into the City?
A - The project limits were chosen based upon the poor condition of the roadway. North of the Beltway has already been improved. SHA could possibly recommend and coordinate improvements with Baltimore City, but SHA has no legal or budgetary jurisdiction within the City limits.

6. Q - Can water and sewer lines be repaired or upgraded during construction?
A - SHA will contact Baltimore County to look at the utility infrastructure, but it would be up to the County to fund those improvements.

7. Q - Regarding land use issues, can you look at Double Rock Park and Linover Park for the possibility of a connected trail system?
A - The streetscape project will mostly occur within SHA’s right-of-way, but issues can be brought to Baltimore County’s attention. The County is starting the preparation of a Community Plan for the area and this issue could be coordinated with that effort.

8. Q - Will this project include road widening?
A - If the Task Force asks about widening, it could be addressed. This early phase of the project is the opportunity to explore all ideas. However, the state right-of-way is very limited along the US 1 corridor within the project limits.

9. Q - Are there any pre-conceived ideas?
A - No. This is your project and the opportunity to express your community identity.

10. Q - Will the design consultants create concepts for improving business fronts?
A - This needs to be coordinated with business groups. The Maryland Department of Economic Development and Baltimore County can offer assistance of this nature. We can coordinate and pass information along to these agencies, but the focus of our work will be within SHA’s right-of-way. Issues such as street parking, ADA/pedestrian accessibility, driveway and parking lot access, turning movements and bus stops are more the typical items we could address as the study progresses.

11. Q - How will you keep traffic moving during construction on this narrow roadway, and keep the cars on Belair Road and not on the side streets? This could affect business access.
A - SHA will coordinate with local businesses prior to the construction phase to minimize negative impacts. We can look into limiting construction working hours, such as 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and night work. Input from and coordination with the community is critical to the successful design and implementation of the project.

12. Q - Can you clarify the project budget?
A - This is a three step process.
1. Concept Development - funding is approved for $200,000.
2. Engineering Design - funding would be requested after concept
development
3. Construction - funding would be requested once a construction cost is developed

13. Q - When will the first task force meeting be held?
A - It will most likely be scheduled for late January.

14. Q - A member of a local business association asked what information SHA would like included in the upcoming association newsletter.
A - SHA invites people who are interested and committed to working on the task force to get in touch with SHA staff. Please submit any issues, problems or concerns for the task force to address.

15. Q - What is the feasibility of putting in turn lanes at major intersections?
A - This can be addressed during the task force process.

County Councilman, Mr. Joseph Bartenfelder, joined the meeting and was introduced.

Questions and Comments continued:

16. Q - Who will head up the task force?
A - Every member will have an equal role. SHA’s responsibility will be to facilitate the process.

17. Q - Is there a history of this area that can be incorporated in the process and addressed by the task force?
A - SHA is required to identify any structures, which are eligible for or are on the Historic Register. Any proposed aesthetic features could potentially reflect local history.

18. Q - Can overhead utility lines be buried underground?
A - SHA has done a pilot streetscape project in Catonsville, and the cost to relocate the utilities underground was between $750,000 and $1 million per block. Underground utilities also require very large transformer vaults. This activity is cost prohibitive and could not be funded by SHA.

19. Q - What is the typical construction cost for a streetscape project?
A - Other streetscape examples are as follows:
York Road: $5-6 million
Harford Road: $10-12 million
Frederick Road: $5 million
Loch Raven Boulevard: $6-7 million
SHA will not buy right-of-way to construct sidewalks. Instead, we obtain entry agreements from property owners. Landscaping improvements will also be implemented through entry agreements, and the property owner will be responsible to maintain the landscaping. Community signs can be addressed by SHA. Also, the task force could consider developing a logo that could be used on the sign. It was suggested that citizens could go to York Road or other completed streetscapes to see how one looks. Also, you could visit SHA’s website www.marylandroads.com to see how a streetscape looks before, during, and after construction.

20. A request to send meetings minutes via email to the Overlea Business Association was made.

21. Q - Who will research or address issues that are identified by the task force?
A - SHA staff, along with the project consultants, will always follow up.

22. Q - Where will the task force meetings be held and will they all be in the evening?
A - Meeting dates and times can be established by the task force. The meetings will be at night since that is when most people are available.

23. Q- Is there a web site for project?
A - SHA is currently updating its web site format. Web-based information on the project will likely be available.

Mr. Humbertson thanked everyone for attending the meeting and reminded them about the comment cards. He mentioned again that you could sign up tonight to be a task force member or to just receive the minutes from all of the task force meetings.

cc: Attendees

Elected Officials

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