“Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack:” Kevin Dayhoff – “Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies” - https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ combined with “Dayhoff Westminster” – Writer, artist, fire and police chaplain. For art, writing and travel see https://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Westminster celebrates diversity at Tristreet block party
Westminster celebrates diversity at Tristreet block party
Westminster celebrates diversity at Tristreet block party
The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net
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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Westminster MD appoints Arts and Culture Task Force
Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/nct5s or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/226636303/westminster-md-appoints-arts-and-culture-task
Pictured are left to right: Westminster councilwoman Suzanne Albert, Lyndi McNulty, Westminster mayor Kevin Utz, Sandy Oxx, Jackie Finch, and committee chair Dr. Pam Zappardino. October 26, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff [20091026 CowMCC Mtg (10)]
Keep them in your prayers…
Related: “The Journalist and the snallygaster” http://tinyurl.com/yhnjnb6 Witches politicians journalists too http://twitpic.com/n4dt9 & http://twitpic.com/n4k7r - - “Journalist may have been startled by snallygaster at city meeting - The snallygasters of Westminster’s Emerald Hill” - The Westminster city council report by Kevin Dayhoff October 26, 2009 Read the entire story here: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/journalist-and-snallygaster.html http://tinyurl.com/yhnjnb6
Also related: Nancy Hernandez gives a presentation about upcoming services and programs from the Community Media Center to a friendly witch and the Westminster mayor and Common Council at their meeting at Westminster City Hall last Monday, October 26, 2009 http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/hernandez-gives-presentation-to.html http://tinyurl.com/yzsdexq http://tinyurl.com/yzsdexq or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/226357461/hernandez-gives-presentation-2-friendly-witch
For more information, please see: Dayhoff literature of the absurd, Dayhoff writing essays, Journalists Schutt-Bryan Schutt, People Zappardino-Pam, Westminster Annual Halloween, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster PW Dir Jeff Glass, Annual Halloween, Dayhoff erratum reductio ad absurdum, Dayhoff writing essays people, Dayhoff writing essays politics, People Glass-Jeff, Westminster Council Meeting Notes, Westminster Council Albert S, Westminster Council Chiavacci Tony, Westminster Council Pres Halstad Damian, Westminster Council Wack, Westminster Mayor 2009 Utz Kevin, Community Media Center, Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos people,
The press release from the city of Westminster is pasted below:
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
56 West Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone 410-848-9000
Fax 410-857-7476
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Thomas Beyard
October 26, 2009 Phone: 410-848-9000
ARTS AND CULTURE TASK FORCE APPOINTED
Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee selects members for important group
Westminster, MD - Mayor Kevin Utz appointed the newly formed "Arts and Culture Task Force" as part of the Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee Task Force activities. The Mayor and Common Council created the Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee ('Tri-Street Committee") in 2008 to address neighborhood issues and concerns in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue, Union Street and West Main Street, with the objective of creating an action plan for improvement. The Task Force was chaired by Councilman Greg Pecoraro and Councilwoman Suzanne Albert served as the vice chair. The twenty member committee met five times and presented its final report on March 9, 2009. That report was unanimously accepted by the Mayor and Common Council and implementation of its recommendations has begun.
Under the goal of building economic vitality, the report recommended the creation of a task force of representatives from the City, Carroll County Arts Council, Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee, property owners, artisans and others, to be called the "Arts and Culture Task Force", to develop an "arts, culture and small business overlay zone" for the Tri-Street neighborhood. The report urged the task force to focus on the Carroll Arts Center as a critical anchor in the Tri-Street neighborhood and to work to generate public support for the efforts of the Carroll County Arts Council to enhance this important facility and its programs.
Mayor Utz offered the following appointments to the newly formed "Arts and Culture Task Force."
"Arts and Culture Task Force"
Mayor and Council: Councilwoman Suzanne Albert
Carroll County Arts Council: Sandy Oxx and Councilwoman Suzanne Albert (Council Liaison to the Carroll County Arts Council)
McDaniel College: Beth Gerl and Sue Bloom
Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee: Jackie Finch and Lyndi McNulty
Property Owners Ed Maiello, Lou Chang, Lloyd Helt
Artisans Sarah DeLuca and Bob Coffey
Pamela Zappardino will serve as the Chairperson of the Task Force.
The date, time, and location for the first meeting has not been finalized, but the group will hold the meetings at the Carroll County Arts Center.
For questions or further information, please contact Tom Beyard at 410-848-9000.
# # #
The City of Westminster Administration Department is located at 56 West Main Street. This department oversees all of the departments in the General Government and is the central location for the City. For more information, call 410-848-9000 or visit www.westmmstermd.gov.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting agenda
Mayor and Common Council Meeting of October 26, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER
Recognition of Barbara Rodbell for service on Parks & Recreation Board
Appointment of Kevin Wagman to Historic District Commission
Re-appointment of Kristin McMasters to Historic District Commission
Community Media Center Presentation – Nancy Hernandez
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING September 24, 2009
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Acting City Clerk
Update the City Code
September 2009 Departmental Operating Reports
4. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR
5. BIDS:
Bids for water meter replacement installation project – Jeff Glass
6. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution 09-9 – Revised Debt Management Policy to meet the requirements of the State of Maryland Chapter 693 of the Laws of 2009, to be filed with the State Treasurer – Gary Ehlers
7. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. None as of October 23, 2009
9. NEW BUSINESS
Presentation of the Tri-Street Six Month Status Report
Appointment of “Arts and Culture Task Force”
10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
11. CITIZEN COMMENTS
12. ADJOURN
20091026 sdsom Westminster MCC Mtg agenda
Westminster Council Mtg Agenda, Westminster Council Mtgs, Westminster File PA Ave, Westminster File PA Ave Comm, Westminster Finance Budget
Monday, July 06, 2009
7th Annual Celebrate Our Diversity Block Party on PA Ave Westminster
Click here for more past posts on the annual Pennsylvania Avenue, Westminster, MD block party.
Guest performances by local talent such as
High Voltage Drum Corp
Unity Dance Troop,
Double Dutch group
Circle of Friends Singers
and more
Vendors such as: Carroll County Health Department
Westminster Police - Child ID and Finger Printing
Fire Dept
NAACP of Carroll County
Boys and Girls Club
McGruff
....and more
Fun Events Inflatable Rides and Games
Food Vendors
Product Vendors
Games: Bingo Contests
Dance Contests
Chalk Art Contest
Twister
Musical Chairs
...and more
Monday, June 08, 2009
Recent Explore Carroll Columns by Kevin Dayhoff
Remember when you could walk to work in Westminster?
Published June 7, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
Company H: from the Frizellburg greenhouses to the sands of Omaha Beach
Published June 3, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... (have) come a long way from the old parade field in Frizellburg.”
Dayhoff: New councilmember tackles alleged hit and run driver
Published June 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle, Carroll Eagle
... Westminster city police arrived and took control of the situation The accident is under investigation. All in a day’s work.
In 1925, planting the seeds of employment, production
Published May 31, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
When he's not roaming the streets of historic Westminster looking for old factories,
Celebration of memory and change
Published May 26, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
This year’s Westminster Memorial Day ceremonies witnessed many changes over the past — although the solemn tradition of 142 years continued. On Memorial Day the normal hustle and bustle of downtown Westminster paused to remember fallen veterans, and ... ...
Dayhoff: Maryland National Guard Company H, had its beginnings in the flower business
Published May 22, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... We are deeply indebted to those who fought and died to give us the unalienable right to live free and cherish liberty in the pursuit of happiness. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster.
Mulkey is one of many, yet a special son of Carroll County
Published May 22, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... thanks to Mount Airy councilwoman Wendi Peters and American Legion Post 191 commander Roy True for their help with this column.
Celebrating Cockey's Tavern, birthplace of Carroll County
Published May 18, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
Utz elected as new mayor of Westminster
Published May 18, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... with 130 votes; Eleanor DeMario, 105; William Gill, 130; and William Hughes, 58. — compiled by Kevin Dayhoff Incumbent, two newcomers elected council Hampstead … Hampstead Town Councilman Wayne Thomas won election along with newcomers Jamey Ayers and ... ...
Dayhoff: The rebirth of the Cockey's Tavern building in Westminster
Published May 12, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
column in the Carroll Eagle of The Baltimore Sun for more of the rich history of Cockey’s. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster.
20090608 SDOSM Recent Explore Carroll Columns by Kevin Dayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
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Monday, March 09, 2009
Westminster Mayor and Council Meeting Agenda for March 9, 2009
City Council
City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings
AGENDA
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
Mayor and Common Council Meeting of March 9, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.
Mayor’s Proclamation – Historic Belle Grove Square Neighborhood Association
Mayor’s Proclamation – Tri-Street Community Association
Appointment of New Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Member, Mr. Matt Purkins
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2009
3. PUBLIC HEARING:
Revised Capital Improvement Program (CIP) F.Y. 2009 - 2014
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
License Agreement – Exploratory Well Drilling – Union Mills
5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR
6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee Report
7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution No. R09-2 – Solid Waste Rules
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. Adoption of Revised Capital Improvement Program (CIP) F.Y. 2009 – 2014
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. None as of March 5, 2009
10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
11. CITIZEN COMMENTS
12. ADJOURN
20090309 Westminster Mayor and Council Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 05, 2009
Police: Speeding, truck traffic not a problem on Pennsylvania Avenue By Mary Scott
I’m just catching up on my reading after the hectic holidays and being away for the last week and I came across this article in the Carroll County Times.
Oh my. I can only be sure that this report from the Westminster Police Department did not sit well with some of the folks up on Pennsylvania Avenue in Westminster who like to sustain attention to themselves by keeping a steady drumbeat of doom and gloom and therefore stay relevant by maintaining an air of crisis.
Police: Speeding, truck traffic not a problem on Pennsylvania Avenue By Mary Scott, Landmark News Service
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Despite resident concerns about truck traffic and speeding vehicles on Pennsylvania Avenue, data compiled by the Westminster Police Department shows that the two issues are not major safety risks.
Although truck traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue is 2.4 times higher than the average amount of truck traffic on other roadways of its type, Westminster Police Chief Jeffrey Spaulding said there’s no objective evidence that the trucks have contributed a significant level of collisions, property damage or injuries, according to data he presented at a recent meeting of the Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee, which centered on various traffic issues.
Read the entire article here: Police: Speeding, truck traffic not a problem on Pennsylvania Avenue By Mary Scott, Landmark News Service
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/12/27/news/local_news/newsstory5.txt
20081227 Speeding truck traffic not a problem on PA Ave by Mary Scott
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff
Be critical of spending, but MML has been worthwhile
Published September 17, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
There has been a fair amount of discussion of late regarding published accounts of the June trip by 15 appointed and elected officials from Westminster...
League of extraordinary gentlemen (and women) serving Maryland
Published September 14, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Between scholarships, the cost of conferences and its plan to create geocache sites in local municipalities, the Maryland Municipal League has been the...
Appreciating the composed chaos of the GOP Convention
Published September 10, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
I spent last week at the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The Xcel Center is a hockey arena...
For many years, the convention 'party' came to Baltimore
Published September 5, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
This past week I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel with the Maryland Delegation to the 2008 Republican National Convention at...
Power of art contributes to a community's vibrancy
Published September 3, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
This week's column is a bit of a travel log, but one that relates to life here in Westminster. Recently I had an opportunity to...
A town divided found purpose and prosperity as a unified Westminster
Published August 31, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE Last Sunday we looked at the early history of the western end of Westminster. It was a little more than 80 years ago...
Economic development will revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue
Published August 27, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
At a recent meeting of the Westminster Common Council, it was announced that Councilman Greg Pecoraro will chair another Pennsylvania Avenue initiative, and that Councilwoman...
Years ago, folks celebrated sticking The Forks in Westminster
Published August 24, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
The City of Westminster has recently been working to form a group to study the Pennsylvania Avenue of town. In that context, it's interesting that back...
I speak today in favor of adventures in 'behindular zone'
Published August 20, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Well, I did it. Come a little closer, and I'll tell you all about it. All right, maybe not all about it. After all, this...
20080923 Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns
NBH: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/60014.html
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Economic development will revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue in Westminster
Economic development will revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue
Is rezoning for business development the right idea for a comeback on Pennsylvania Avenue?
By Kevin Dayhoff kdayhoff@carr.org Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 8/27/08 (573 words)
You may recall it was on Sept. 18, 2002, that a previous Pennsylvania Avenue committee announced its findings.
Previously, there had been a number of community-based initiatives to address crime on Pennsylvania Avenue; which had started to become a matter of heightened public discussion in 1999.
One of the immediate impetuses to form the 2002 initiative was the February 2002 groundbreaking for the Carroll Arts Center. At the time, there was enthusiasm to unleash market forces on Pennsylvania Avenue and extend the Westminster business footprint back to the area by encouraging art and cultural venues and businesses.
The 2002 Pennsylvania Avenue initiative resulted in an extensive set of recommendations pertaining to various ways government could stimulate revitalization of this critical area of town. The recommendations addressed public safety, housing and economic development opportunities. It included changing the zoning of the area to open it up to art studios, professional offices, coffee shops, barber shops and beauty parlors and the like.
In short, it aimed to restore the area to what it looked like -- and what made the area of town successful -- before the disastrous November 1979 decision by the then-Westminster mayor and council to rezone this thriving business section of town to strictly residential.
Prior to 1979, Pennsylvania Avenue looked like East Main Street, with a successful mix of residential and business uses of property.
Almost 30 years later, East Main is flourishing with art shops, coffee houses, professional offices, and residential housing -- mixed together in an approach that looks like a traditional town in the 1800s and 1900s. It looks like the very recipe of property uses that made Westminster great.
Most, but not all, of the 2002 committee recommendations were adopted. However, the one proposal recognized as the best long-range systemic solution -- economic development -- never materialized.
As a result, since then, even more opportunities have been lost as constraints in water supply have stopped almost all economic development in Westminster. However, if rezoning efforts had been in place, adaptive reuse of properties on Pennsylvania Avenue could have presented wonderful opportunities for Westminster (because a property's existing water allocation could have been transferred).
Providing Pennsylvania Avenue property owners with the opportunities currently available to East Main Street would give owners alternatives in land use that they have been denied since November 1979.
How we treat an area that needs attention says a great deal about who we are as a community. And one of the best solutions to our budget problems is expanding our business footprint and the commercial tax base.
I recently spoke with Pecoraro, who is considered by many as a national authority on urban planning and public policy analysis. He says he has an open mind on the solutions for Pennsylvania Avenue, and emphasized that he wants to hear from citizens and explore any option that may help.
"I've put a great deal of thought into it. I want to build upon our successes; (and) be honest about what did not work," Pecoraro said.
The time has come to take a fresh look at the job creation and business opportunities on Pennsylvania Avenue. After many years, problems persist. It's time to try a different approach. The stakes are high for all of Westminster.
Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kdayhoff@carr.org.
20080827 WE Economic development will revitalize PA Avenue weked
http://explorecarroll.com/opinion/760/economic-development-will-revitalize-pennsylvania-avenue/
Related on www.kevindayhoff.net: Westminster File PA Ave
Related on www.Westgov.net: Westminster File PA Ave
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Westminster Council meeting minutes for August 11 2008
http://www.westgov.com/citygovernment/minutes/081108.asp
Approved August 25, 2008
City Council
Minutes of City Council Meetings Agenda for next City Council Meeting
Minutes of City of Westminster Council Meeting
August 11, 2008
QUORUM:
A meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company, 28 John Street, on the evening of August 11, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Ferguson; Council President Chiavacci; Council Members Albert, Wack, Utz, and Pecoraro; City Administrator Wolf; Chief Spaulding; Director of Public Works Glass; Director of Recreation and Parks Schroers; City Attorney Walsh; and City Clerk Taylor were present. Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Beyard and City Treasurer Unger were excused from attending.
Robin Ford, the developer of the King’s Overlook subdivision, presented the City with a check in the amount of $35,000 for renovation and expansion of the tot lot at King’s Park.
Mayor Ferguson presented a Proclamation to William Ehmann commending him for the award of his Eagle Scout Badge after some fifty years of lost paperwork establishing that he had completed the requirements was found through the efforts of his family. The Mayor next presented Mr. Ehmann with a full-sized flag of the City.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Mr. Schroers introduced the Ad Hoc Committee for renovations to the Westminster Skate Park: Steve Vogel, Bob Lloyd, Jim Marks, Brice Foxwell, Bryan Vana, and Kate Engel. Mr. Schroers added that several of the students and staff at the Career and Vocational Technology had been actively and enthusiastically involved in the planning and design of the center. Mr. Marks and Mr. Vogel summarized the history of the Skate Park and presented the plan for its renovation. They further thanked the students and staffl. Ms. Engel, Principal of the Center, thanked the Mayor and Common Council for the giving students the opportunity to help with the planning and renovations. She noted that they were quite eager to return to school in the fall and resume work on the project. Council President Chiavacci thanked everyone for their involvement and added that he looked forward to the ribbon cutting in the spring. He commended the Committee members for their expertise and dedication.
MINUTES:
Mrs. Albert moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 28, 2008. Mr. Utz seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:
Council President Chiavacci announced that he requested Mr. Pecoraro and Mrs. Albert to serve as the chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the recently re-formed Pennsylvania Avenue Committee. Mr. Pecoraro indicated he would meet with Ms. Wolf the following week to discuss the Committee’s schedule. He remarked that he was pleased by the number of people interested in participating.
Mrs. Albert thanked Mr. Glass for working to resolve the security lighting problems at the Westminster Cemetery.
Mr. Utz thanked Chief Spaulding and his staff for the National Night Out the preceding Tuesday.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
Ms. Wolf summarized Resolution No. R08-9, which would approve submission of an application to the Department of Housing and Community Development of the State of Maryland for funding under the Main Street Improvement Program and the Maple Street Initiative. The funding would consist of $12,000 Main Street Improvement funds for new trash receptacles and $15,000 in Maple Street Initiative funds for a “Paint Up, Fix Up” residential façade improvement program. Dr. Wack moved to adopt the Resolution. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Council President Chiavacci asked Ms. Wolf to convey the congratulations of the Mayor and Common Council to Mr. Beyard for receiving his Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Ms. Wolf reported that a meeting with the auditors for the annual audit would take place the next morning.
Chief Spaulding announced that the police would be conducting their first sobriety checkpoint in the City.
Mr. Schroers noted that Fallfest would take place between September 24 and September 28.
Mr. Glass announced that well drilling on the Gesell property began the preceding Wednesday. So far, one well is yielding 250 gallons per minute.
With regard to the road repaving contract, Mr. Glass noted that the bid opening had been rescheduled for September in the hopes that the price of asphalt would improve.
President and C.E.O. of the Westminster Fire Company gave a report on the number of calls responded to in July.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
City resident Gerald Sheeler spoke in favor of imposing a curfew on minors. He also expressed concern about the expense of obtaining peace orders.
City resident Debbie Hawke asked that consideration be given to increasing the fine for illegal parking in handicapped spaces. Council President Chiavacci responded that the Police Chief and the Public Works Committee would make a recommendation at the next regular meeting.
Council President Chiavacci adjourned the meeting at 8:03 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurell E. Taylor
City Clerk
20080811 Westminster Council meeting minutes for August 11 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday Carroll Eagle column for August 24 2008: “Years ago, folks celebrated The Forks in Westminster” by Kevin Dayhoff
Years ago, folks celebrated The Forks in Westminster
EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted 8/24/08 (690 words)
The City of Westminster has recently been working to form a group to study the Pennsylvania Avenue of town.
In that context, it's interesting that back on Aug. 8, 1924, the editor of the now-defunct newspaper, The American Sentinel, wrote an article about the renaissance of the area on the west end of Westminster known as "The Forks."
The 1924 article was titled, "The Forks Regaining Its Old Prestige."
According to historian Jay Graybeal, who wrote a column about the article in 1999 for the Historical Society of Carroll County, it was the demolition of an old general store at the forks of Pennsylvania Avenue and West Main Street that so excited the editor.
"The old frame store and dwelling at The Forks ... has been razed by Mr. Roy Shipley, a recent purchaser," the article read. "The old building had quite a history and was one of the landmarks of this city."
An old photo in my collection reveals what must have been a large structure with an elegant fountain in the front. The sign above the front porch identifies the store as "Geo. R. Grumbine Groceries and Provisions."
Growing up in Westminster in the 1950s and '60s, and especially in this area of town, I recall Pennsylvania Avenue as an elegant and thriving mixed-use residential and business section of town. The Forks was generally considered the "center of town."
And it was a memorable, unifying force in the community. As late as the 1950s directions were still given that cited the location of store, such as "just up the street from where Grumbine's used to be ..."
[…]
The west end of Westminster is rich with history and tradition. It was annexed by Westminster way back in 1825. At that time, that section was known as "Logsdon's Tavern" -- last of the original five towns that were ultimately consolidated into what we now know as Westminster.
Many who follow the happenings of Carroll County government may find it of interest that the Carroll County public information administrator, Vivian Laxton, is a descendent of the Logsdon family that helped form the foundation of what we now know as Westminster -- and whose roots pre-date before Carroll County was a county.
In 1825, what we know from history as Logsdon's Tavern was actually a part of Frederick County…
[…]
The 1924 Sentinel article gives us a great deal of additional insight into the history of this area of Westminster, and the fact that parts of town were then still considered their own enclaves:
"For quite a number of years before the Civil War," the article notes, "Westminster was divided into three distinct settlements known as Dead End, The Forks, and Irishtown."
To read the rest of the column go here: Years ago, folks celebrated sticking The Forks in Westminster
Monday, August 25, 2008
20080825 Westminster mayor and Common Council agenda for Monday August 25 2008
Home City Government
City Council
City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
Mayor and Common Council Meeting of August 25, 2008
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.
Presentation by Historic District Commission
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUGUST 11, 2008
3. CONSENT CALENDAR:
July, 2008 Departmental Operating Reports
Acceptance of Deed for Devlin Square – Tom Beyard
Good Cause Waiver No. GCW 08-02 – Tom Beyard
Engineering Services for the Pennsylvania Avenue Pedestrian Safety and Streetscape Project, the Community Building, and the Wakefield Valley Community Trail – Tom Beyard
Delegation of Authority for Employee Handbook Modifications
4. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR
5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. Appointment of the Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee – Council President Chiavacci
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Fiscal Year 2009 Town County Agreement
8. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
9. CITIZEN COMMENTS
10. ADJOURN
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Subject: Third Annual Pennsylvania Avenue Block Party
Contact Person: Josie Velazquez
Click here for more past posts on the annual Pennsylvania Avenue, Westminster, MD block party.
For Immediate Release:
Local residents to attend the Third Annual Pennsylvania Avenue and Cigarettes and Tobacco Prevention Block Party, July 18, (2004) from 4 PM to 8:30 PM.. This is a Come and Meet Your Neighbors get together. Enjoy multi-cultural foods made by the local residents reflecting the ethnic diversity of the neighborhood. Bring a dish and share a dish.
There will be educational and fun activities for children including a booth presented by the Carroll County Department of Health to inform children about the hazards of smoking cigarettes. The Westminster City Police Department has some special events planned. The Westminster Fire Department will have equipment on hand for viewing. Voter Registration will be available
Prizes will be awarded for Chalk Scape, a game where children draw on the sidewalk. Chalk will be provided. Dress your pet to win a prize in the pet parade. A Moon Bounce and a misting tent for hot weather will be lots of fun for the kids. There will be free art activities for children and parents. .
Community sponsors of this event include Kiwanis Club of Greater Westminster, Dutters Florist,and Gizmos Art.
This event is unique to our community and shows the spirt of good fellowship among our diverse community, the city, service group, county departments, and local business.
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Pennsylvania Avenue block party Sunday July 18 2004
Friday, July 16, 2004
The Third Annual Pennsylvania Avenue and Cigarettes and Tobacco Prevention Block Party on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westminster.
The event includes multi-cultural food dishes made by residents and educational activities for children provided by the Carroll County Health Department to inform children about the hazards of cigarette smoking, said Pennsylvania Avenue resident Josie Velazquez. Free art activities, a pet parade and a moon bounce will also be featured at the block party, she said.
The Westminster Fire Department will have equipment on display, she said, and the city police department will also be sponsoring an event. Voter registration will also be available, Velazquez said.
Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed to traffic between Union Street and James Way during the block party, she said.
- Greg Guenthner Carroll County Times
20040716 PA Ave Block Party cct
Thursday, September 19, 2002
20020918 Pennsylvania Ave Advisory Task Force Sept. 18, 2002 Committee Report
Westminster Scrapbook Pennsylvania Ave Advisory Task Force Sept. 18, 2002 Committee Report
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND
Report and Recommendations
September 18, 2002
Advisory Task Force Committee
On
Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative
City of Westminster
P.O. Box 710 – City Hall
Westminster, Maryland 21158
I. Introduction
At it’s May 13, 2002 meeting, The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster unanimously established the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Committee. Thereafter, on Wednesday, June 12, 2002, Council President Damian Halstad convened the Advisory Task Force (“Committee”) consisting of clergy, residents and business owners which was charged with reviewing and making preliminary recommendations to The Mayor and Common Council under a venture titled the “Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative.” The area of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative is highlighted in Attachment 1. The following persons were appointed to the Committee.
Lower Pennsylvania Advisory Task Force Committee
The Honorable Jerry Barnes
Pastor Howard Hinson
Thomas B. Beyard
Darlyn Horgos
Jim Billingslea
Eric Horgos
Councilman Roy Chiavacci
Chief Roger Joneckis
Carter Clews
Jonathan Mawhinney
Nancy Ensor
Rebecca Orenstein
Debbie Finch
Nancy Palmer
Jackie Finch
Councilman Greg Pecoraro
Monica Gomez
Mark Pohlhaus
Lori Graham
Tonia Pope
Thomas Hallman
Dr. Phil Sayre
Council Pres. Damian Halstad
Dr. Ethan Seidel
Darcel Harris
Andrew Shaw
Edith Haschert
Deborah Sims
Pastor David Helfrich
Thomas Smith
State Resource Team
Governor’s Office of Smart Growth
Maryland Department of Planning
Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Department of Transportation
Carroll County Office of the State’s Attorney
Prior to its initial meeting, Council President Halstad sent the Committee a series of questions designed to provide state and local officials with an assessment of the current condition of the neighborhood as well as the Committee’s vision for the future of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. The questions posed were:
1. What things would you preserve in the lower Pennsylvania Avenue Neighborhood?
2, What things would you change in the lower Pennsylvania Avenue neighborhood if you could? What would you do to make those changes possible?
3. What new things would you do in the lower Pennsylvania Avenue neighborhood that is not being done to make things better?
The responses to those questions highlighted strengths and weaknesses of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area. As a result, officials from the City and State developed the following five topics which would be discussed by the Committee.
1. June 27, 2002 - Municipal Code Enforcement
2. July 10, 2002 – Crime Prevention
3. July 24, 2002 - Landlord Accountability
4. August 21, 2002 - Local Zoning Code/Smart Codes
5. September 5, 2002 - Homeownership Initiative/Neighborhood Aesthetics
These general topics were identified as possible areas whereby the City could address the current condition of the neighborhood as well as accommodating the Committee’s vision for the future of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. Attachment 2 includes an agenda from each meeting.
Prior to each Committee meeting, City and State officials worked cooperatively on developing a list of “Best Practices” which are currently being used throughout the State. State Officials who had thorough knowledge of each topic then presented the “Best Practices”. At the conclusion of each meeting the Committee was given an opportunity to discuss the proposed “Best Practices” and was able to develop a list of policies and implementation schedule it would forward to The Mayor and Common Council for its review. Many of those “Best Practices” involved had previously been undertaken by the City.
II. Municipal Code Enforcement
On June 27, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Municipal Code Enforcement. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:
· Landlord Licensing
· Fire Code Discussion
· Habitual Offending Homes Padlock Policy
· Registration of All Rental Properties
· Expansion of Current Property Maintenance Regulations to include the facades Commercial and Owner Occupied Properties
· Registration of Agents
· Streamlined Violation Decision Making Process
A. Landlord Licensing
Overview
Implement a landlord licensing pilot program which would use the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative area as a model. The licensing program would require that owners of rental occupied housing obtain a license from the City of Westminster. Licenses would only be issued to property owners that successfully pass an annual inspection of the entire property including interior inspections. The license process would also require the landlord or an agent of the landlord to provide contact information which would be used by City staff. The objective of this program is to reverse the physical decline of the neighborhood and provide a safe and healthy community for its residents.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this program.
Timeline for Consideration
6 months - Department of Planning and Public Works staff and City Attorney to draft an ordinance for consideration by The Mayor and Common Council.
Licensing fees may need to be imposed to cover additional staff considerations.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
B. Habitual Offending Homes Padlock Policy
Overview
Implement a Habitual Offending Homes Padlock policy which would allow the City to place a padlock on rental properties which house habitual drug offenses. This policy pertains to drug dealing and drug possession. A similar policy has been in effect for some time in Baltimore City. Once a property is discovered to have two drug offenses within a year, the City would have the ability to place a padlock on the property which would then physically bar the property owner from renting the property. This program is designed to encourage better cooperation between the City’s Code Enforcement Officials and the City’s Police Department, as well as encourage better tenant screening by landlords.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to consideration of this program.
Timeline for Consideration
12-18 months - Westminster Police Department, City Code Officials and City Attorney to develop ordinance and program for implementation.
This program will create additional workload for the abovementioned parties. The City will have to create an extensive database in order to track drug offenses.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis
C. Abatement of Nuisance Actions
Overview
Initiate a cooperative effort with the Office of the State’s Attorney to enforce Section 14-120 of the Real Property Code of the State of Maryland. This statute addresses repeat offenses or repeat nuisances in a particular location. Action against a landlord or a tenant under this provision may be brought either by the City of Westminster, State’s Attorney’s Office or a Civic Organization. This approach offers progressively stronger sanctions against a particularly troubled property if there is no effort to rid the property of the nuisance or the offenses. The ultimate sanction against a landlord is demolition of the property.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this initiative.
Timeline for Consideration
0-6 months – City staff and City Attorney must coordinate with Office of State’s Attorney to devise a work plan which would assist in the development and implementation of this program.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
D. Streamlined Violation Decision Making Process
Overview
Investigate whether or not the City should establish an administrative judge which would consider Municipal Code violations. This official would be appointed by The Mayor and Common Council and could potentially streamline the decision making process.
Encourage cooperation between local District Court Judges and the City of Westminster pertaining to Municipal Code Violations. This program would investigate the ability of the City to secure a date in court on a monthly basis which solely consists of the City’s Property Maintenance Code Violations.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this initiative.
Timeline for Consideration
12 – 24 months - City Code Officials and City Attorney investigate and make a recommendation to The Mayor and Common Council regarding the appointment of an administrative judge to consider Municipal Code Violations.
6-12 months – City Code Enforcement Officials contact the Administrative Judge of the State of Maryland Carroll County District Court. This action will determine whether or not the City has enough Municipal Code Infractions to secure a set date and time on a monthly basis in which the entire docket during that time frame would be allocated to the City’s Municipal Code Violations.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
E. Registration of All Rental Properties and Registration of Agents
Overview
Investigate whether or not all rental properties should be required to register with the City of Westminster as well as the registration of the agents of all properties within the City. Based upon the findings of the Property Maintenance Code Annual Report, City staff has recommended that a registered agent must live within twenty-five miles of the City of Westminster. This facilitates locating a contact person if the need arises.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
The Mayor and Common Council introduced an ordinance on July 22, 2002 which was adopted on August 12, 2002, implementing implement these two programs.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
F. Expansion of Property Maintenance Code to Include the facades of Commercial & Owner Occupied Properties
Overview
Investigate whether or not the City should expand the Property Maintenance Code Regulations to include all owner occupied units as well as commercial units.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
The Mayor and Common Council introduced an ordinance on July 22, 2002 which was adopted on August 12, 2002, implementing implement these two programs.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
III. Crime prevention program
On July 10, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Crime Prevention Program. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:
· Arrest Inventory
· Citizen Block Watch
· Community Policing Initiative
· Economic Subsidies for Police Housing in the Lower PA Avenue Area
A. Arrest Inventory
Overview
Investigate whether the Westminster Police Department should consider establishing a database which inventories the arrest activity in the Lower PA Avenue Initiative area. This program would give City Police an accurate assessment of the type and location of criminal activity. With this information, the Westminster Police Department would have the opportunity to focus its efforts in an appropriate manner. The Westminster Police Department will coordinate with appropriate agencies to assist in the development of the inventory.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
6- 12 months to establish procedures for implementation of this procedure. Due to the administrative nature of this practice, no legislative action would be required of The Mayor and Common Council. However, support of this program by The Mayor and Common Council would be critical due to the increased workload of Westminster Police Officers and possible expense of creating such an inventory.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis
B. Citizen Block Watch
Overview
This effort would provide residents of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area training in detecting criminal activity and how to properly report criminal activity. This program would also team the Westminster Police Department with the local media sources to promote programs that the Westminster Police Department Offers. This would be an exhaustive effort to market all programs which are managed by the Westminster Police Department. This effort would also provide the patrol officer with a mobile phone in which residents would have the officer’s contact number. As a result of this discussion, the Committee recommended that additional street lighting be placed in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area to make pedestrians feel more secure at night.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
0-6 months to consider equipping patrol officers with a mobile phone that the residents of the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area would have access to. The City of Westminster will apply for grants through the State of Maryland to fund street lighting in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. Additional street lighting for Pennsylvania Avenue is included in the FY 02-03 – FY 07-08 Capital Improvements Program if no grant funding is available to the City to expedite the installation. The Westminster Police Department currently has an active program in place for resident training. Through the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Advisory Task Force the Westminster Police Department is encouraging more residents to become involved with citizen policing. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention has offered staff assistance for program development.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis
C. Community Policing Initiative
Overview
This effort would require extensive coordination on the part of The Mayor and Common Council, Westminster Police Department, State’s Attorney’s Office, Office of Juvenile Justice, Office of Parole and Probation, City of Westminster Code Enforcement and McDaniel College. The focus of this initiative is to develop two teams which would coordinate the community policing effort. Initially, the Police Probation Team would consist of a patrol officer and caseworkers from the Office of Parole and Probation and Office of Juvenile Justice. The Police Probation Team would be responsible for the day to day monitoring of criminal activity.
The Community Police Community Supervision Team would consist of representatives from the Westminster Police Department, State’s Attorney’s Office, Office of Juvenile Justice, Office of Parole and Probation, City of Westminster Code Enforcement and McDaniel College. This team would utilize the resources offered by local drug rehabilitation centers, vocational training centers, local Chamber of Commerce, Board of Education and other parties which could assist the Police Probation Team in developing and locating programs which assist in the rehabilitation of offenders.
As a result of this discussion, the Committee also recommended that the report include the opening of a Police Probation Team Office in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area. Due to the “hands on” nature of this initiative, the Committee has indicated its desire to have a substation in the area.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
12-36 months to receive support from the necessary parties to implement this strategy. Due to the extensive cooperation that is required from this effort, it will be critical to have the support of all the aforementioned parties prior to implementing this program. There will be extensive consideration given to the staffing of the Police Probation Team which may require shifting duties of various employees that are employed by different government entities. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention has committed staff resources to assist in developing this program.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis
D. Economic Subsidies for Police Housing in the Lower PA Avenue Area
Overview
To provide an economic subsidy to Westminster Police Officers who choose to live in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area. The City currently funds the Live Near Your Work Program which is in part funded through the City and the State of Maryland. The Police Department will also consider partnering with owners of rental property that may be in a position to provide rental subsidies to police officers that live in a rental unit. The Westminster Police Department also has a “take home” vehicle policy which allows officers to take their vehicles home provided they live within the City of Westminster.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
6 – 12 months - for the Westminster Police Department to attempt to establish a relationship with a property owner(s) in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area which may have the financial ability to provide rental-housing subsidies to Westminster Police Officers.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis
E. Designated Emergency Telephone Booths
Overview
Investigate whether or not the City should establish one or more “Emergency Telephone Booths” along the street in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative Target Area. Individuals in distress would press a call button on the station, automatically alerting the dispatcher to the individual’s position in addition to providing an audio connection. College campuses across the Country, including McDaniel College, employ similar “Blue Light Phones” that flash a light when the call button is pressed, alerting anyone in the area to the emergency. The high visibility, ease of use, and accessible design of the proposed stations seek to deter crime through faster reporting and response times.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
12 – 36 months – for the Westminster Police Department to determine potential sites and cost estimates/funding sources for the station(s). The appropriate technology would then have to be purchased and installed. A plan to mitigate potential abuse of the telephones should also be developed.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis
F. Police Substation on Pennsylvania Avenue
Overview
Investigate whether the Westminster Police Department should establish a police substation on Pennsylvania Avenue. The substation would provide a constant police presence in the neighborhood and create a local “safe haven” for residents. Officers would complete administrative duties during shifts in the substation as well as be available to respond to calls for emergency assistance.
The proposed substation differs from the Police Probation Team Office introduced in Section C above. The team office would provide meeting space in the community for Community Policing activities, while the substation would house a uniformed officer on duty to respond to incidents as they occur.
Committee Recommendation
Committee formed a subcommittee with the direction to study the costs and benefits of a police substation. The subcommittee returned an un-favorable recommendation on this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
12 – 36 months – to consider whether or not the City has the available staffing and financial resources for a police substation in the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue area. Officials must also determine if a substation would represent the most effective use of these resources. Support of this program by The Mayor and Common Council would be critical due to the significant expense of establishing a field office and the increased workload of Westminster Police Officers.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis
G. Youth Curfew
Overview
A curfew on Pennsylvania Avenue would require persons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult between specified hours at night. The curfew would apply to public spaces in the target area. The Committee recommended that City staff review Union Bridge’s Municipal Curfew policy which could be used as a model. The implementation of a curfew would be designed to reduce crime through the increased supervision of youth on the Avenue.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to the consideration of this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration:
12 – 36 months – to establish procedures for implementation as well as determine legality of such a proposal.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis.
H. Emergency Cellular Phone Program
Overview
To develop a program in which residents within the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Target Area would be able to receive a free cellular phone which would be deactivated, yet, retains the ability to dial 911 for emergencies.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to the consideration of this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration:
0 – 6 months – to establish a program for Westminster Police Department to collect used cellular phones that have been deactivated.
City Staff Contact: Chief Roger Joneckis.
IV. LANDLORD OUTREACH PROGRAM
On July 24, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Landlord Outreach Program. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:
· Landlord Education Partnership
· Financial Assistance for Landlords
A. Landlord Education Partnership
Overview
This effort would provide landlords an opportunity to attend training sessions sponsored by the City of Westminster which specifically focus on establishing a successful rental program. The programs offered by the City would be a series of quarterly workshops with experts from the surrounding area which can offer technical assistance to local landlords. The Carroll County Landlords Association currently offers a landlord-mentoring program which provides technical assistance to landlords within its association.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
12-24 months for the City of Westminster’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization to establish a quarterly training series designed to provide technical assistance to local landlords. Due to the publications and speaking fees required for this type of program, participants would have to pay a fee in order to attend.
City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford and the Carroll County Landlords Association
V. LOCAL ZONING CODE/SMART CODES
On July 24, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Local Zoning Code/Smart Codes. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:
· Principles of Infill Redevelopment and Design Considerations
· Appropriate Land Use Ordinances
· Administrative Variances
A. Appropriate Land Use Ordinances
Overview
The City of Westminster has received a $10,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Planning to review its zoning code and determine areas which may be suitable for the implementation of more flexible zoning codes. This includes adopting procedures which facilitate infill development and redevelopment. The first of these was to review the land use designations within the Lower PA Avenue Target Area. Investigate whether or not certain commercial uses should be allowed as a special exception use within the Lower PA Avenue Target Area. The uses discussed by the Committee in addition to the underlying residential uses were Bed and Breakfast, Coffee Shop (with hour limitations) and an artist live/work gallery/studio.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
0 – 6 months for the Department of Planning and Public Works to meet with a subcommittee of the Lower PA Avenue Committee and formulate recommendations. At that point, City staff would develop a Zoning Text Amendment which would implement the findings of the subcommittee.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
B. Administrative Variances
Overview
The second procedure outlined in facilitating infill development and redevelopment is to develop an administrative variance process which would be administered by the Director of Planning and Public Works. The enabling legislation is provided to municipalities in Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This procedure would authorize the Director of Planning and Public Works to grant administrative variances with respect to building height, size and setbacks without an applicant being required to apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals. This process saves applicants time and expense and providing a more efficient method to consider their requests.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
0 – 6 months for the Department of Planning and Public Works to develop an administrative variance procedure which would be presented to The Mayor and Common Council for its consideration.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
VI. HOMEOWNERSHIP INITIATIVE/NEIGHBORHOOD aESTHETICS
On September 5, 2002, the Committee focused on the City’s Homeownership Initiative/Neighborhood Aesthetics. The “Best Practices” that were presented to the Committee are as follows:
· Community Legacy Overview
· Homeownership Initiatives
· Neighborhood Aesthetics/Streetscape Improvements
· Impact of Limited Transportation – Opportunities for Change?
A. Community Legacy Overview
Overview
The Committee was given a presentation of the Community Legacy Application which was submitted to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The projects which were submitted for funding under the Community Legacy Application were:
1. Union Street Community Center: The City has requested $450,000 to help fund construction of a Community Youth Center.
2. Pennsylvania Avenue Street Lights: The City has requested $116,000 to help fund installation of street lighting on Pennsylvania Avenue. Residents will have the opportunity to assist in light selection.
3. Multiple-family Façade Revolving Loan Program: The City has requested $160,000 which would fund a revolving loan program for multiple-family housing units with five (5) or greater units that are not eligible for other funding through other State programs. This program would provide loans for exterior renovations at reduced interest rates.
4. Homeownership Program: The City has requested $10,000 in continuation funds to maintain a homeownership incentive that targets moderate to upper income homebuyers to locate in the “Old Town Westminster Area.”
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
0 – 36 months depending on availability of funding from the State.
City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford
B. Homeownership Initiatives
Overview
To initiate an Acquisition Rehabilitation Program in which the City would partner with a non profit organization or a neighborhood policy service. This program is in addition to the Affordable Housing Program which offers help for home repair purchase. The second program is to initiate a lease/purchase program which would require a partnership with willing landlords that would be agreeable to this arrangement.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this proposal.
Timeline for Consideration
0 – 36 months depending on availability of funding from the State.
City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford
C. Neighborhood Aesthetics/Streetscape Improvements
Overview
To develop a series of streetscape improvements that would reduce the speed of traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue as well as making improvements to the overall appearance of the Avenue. This would include, but is not limited, to the possible narrowing of the travel lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue, creating curb bump outs and installing varied pavement at pedestrian crosswalks. This program would also develop a series of environmental improvements which would enhance the safety of the neighborhood through better design. New and enhanced lighting will be critical to the success of improving the aesthetics of the neighborhood as well as creating a safer environment for pedestrians. Interested Pennsylvania Avenue Residents will have an opportunity to comment on proposed changes prior to the City’s selection.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this program
Timeline for Consideration
0 – 6 months for City staff to incorporate into the streetscape improvements into the City’s Capital Improvement Program. Due to funding constraints, the City will seek financial assistance from Federal funding mechanisms such as the TEA-21 program.
City Staff Contact: Thomas B. Beyard
D. Limited Transportation Opportunities
Overview
To develop a partnership with a local transit agency that would offer transit service to Westminster residents on a regular schedule within the Westminster and Environs area. This proposal would provide residents without personal transportation the opportunity to reach employers and providers of services which may otherwise be limited due to the lack of transportation.
Committee Recommendation
Committee gave a favorable recommendation to this program
Timeline for Consideration
24 – 36 months to develop a partnership with a local transit service which may result in regularly scheduled transit services for all residents. Due to funding considerations, the City will need to seek Federal and State financial assistance to develop a program of this nature.
City Staff Contact: Karen K. Blandford
VII. SUMMARY
The Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Committee proudly submits these recommendations to The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster.
While in the last three years Pennsylvania Avenue has begun the long process of transitioning from a declining neighborhood to a resurgent neighborhood, the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Area needs additional assistance from The Mayor and Common Council.
The Committee feels these recommendations represent a substantial step in the right direction to establishing Pennsylvania Avenue as one of the premiere neighborhoods in the City of Westminster.