BRTBNotes - June 2001, Issue 35
June 2001, Issue 35
Contents
A Focus on Freight
When was the last time you were asked for your wish list of needed roadway improvements? Believe it or not, that is what the March 30 Freight Connectors Workshop was designed to do.
Sponsored by the Freight Movement Task Force, twenty-two people from freight-related industries attended the three-hour workshop. The main focus was to understand needed improvements on local roads, particularly those designated as intermodal connectors. Intermodal connectors are frequently-used roads that trucks use to get from interstates to major port, airport, and rail freight terminals.
Consultants from Gannett Fleming facilitated three breakout groups to identify problems and suggested improvements. Attendees had a variety of comments covering all jurisdictions and small and large-scale needs. Some comments related to signal timing, road maintenance/potholes, grade crossings, signage, and limited sight distance.
For the next step, Gannett Fleming will visit a dozen locations to provide recommendations and estimated costs. Other concerns will be forwarded to local departments of public works and MDOT agencies for their review. The intent is that many smaller scale concerns can be addressed quickly.
This workshop was the result of attendance at a workshop in Seattle last spring. Bob Utz, Task Force Chair; Sam Azzarello, Maryland Port Administration; and Jocelyn Jones, BMC, attended the Seattle workshop as a team to discuss freight issues with other areas. The team concluded that addressing short-term needs was an important Task Force activity.
For more information, contact Jocelyn Jones of BMC’s Transportation Planning Division at 410-732-0500, ext. 1049 or jjones@baltometro.org.
back to top1st Round of Long-Range Plan Evaluation
Since September of 2000, the BRTB has been actively involved in updating the region’s long-range transportation plan. The effort will lead to the 2001 Baltimore Regional Transportation Plan (BTRP) later this year. The latest milestone in the process was a public informational meeting held on April 30. This meeting introduced the results of the prioritization process for the candidate projects. Comments were solicited through May 17th to provide input into the development of scenarios for testing.
This first round of evaluation included a policy score (60%) arrived at by the submitting agency’s documentation of support for regional goals and objectives, accompanied by a review by the MD Department of Planning for consistency with Priority Funding Areas. A technical score was calculated through application of three to eight criteria depending on the mode. The results have been made available for comment and can be found on the BMC website along with more information on 2001 BRTP activities.
For more information, contact Regina Aris of BMC’s Transportation Planning Division at 410-732-9572 or raris@baltometro.org.
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Exchanging Ideas With Other MPOs on Environmental Justice Environmental Justice (EJ) is playing an increasingly important role in the evolution of the transportation planning process. Effective transportation decision-making depends upon understanding and addressing the needs of different socio-economic groups, and that requires both public involvement and data collection/analysis efforts.
In light of the Equity Subcommittee’s recommendations, the BRTB is working on a technical EJ analysis of the BRTP; however, this is a very new technical arena. On March 26, BMC staff invited nearby MPOs to Baltimore to exchange ideas and learn from each other. Attendees came from Dover/Kent, Northern New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and Wilmington. Alex Taft, Executive Director of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, provided opening remarks. The MPOs have similar, but unique processes to address EJ (e.g., various data sources, various definitions of “low-income”). All are performing an analysis as part of their long-range plan process. This discussion was the first of many to address technical EJ issues.
For more information, contact Jocelyn Jones of BMC’s Transportation Planning Division at 410-732-0500, ext. 1049 or jjones@baltometro.org.
Public discussion following the April 30
back to topBRTB to Hold Informational Workshops on BRTP
In an effort to foster greater public awareness and involvement in the development of the 2001 Baltimore Regional Transportation Plan (BRTP), the BRTB is holding a series of informational workshops throughout the region this June. The workshops will help to educate interested community groups, businesses, and the general public about the regional transportation planning process and the development of our next long-range transportation plan. Those attending will be provided with an opportunity to view maps and other graphics, speak one-on-one with representatives of the MPO, and learn about the BRTB and the BRTP. With the exception of Howard County (see below), all workshops will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a formal presentation given by a member of the MPO at 7:00 p.m. There will also be time on the agenda for questions and answers. All workshops are open to the public. Please feel free to attend any workshop that is convenient for you.
June 18th City of Annapolis/Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County Offices, 1st Floor Canteen, 2662 Riva Rd., Annapolis
June 20th Baltimore City
Baltimore Metropolitan Council Offices, 3rd Floor,2700 Lighthouse Point East, Baltimore
June 21st Baltimore County
Baltimore County Court House, Room 205, 400 Washington Ave., Towson
June 25th Carroll County
Carroll County Office Building, Room 003, 225 North Center St., Westminster
June 26th Howard County
Tyson Room, George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Dr., Ellicott City (Held in conjunction with Howard County’s Public Transportation Board Meeting – meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.)
June 27th Harford County
Harford County Council Chambers, 212 South Bond St., Bel Air
For more information, contact Regina Aris of BMC’s Transportation Planning Division at 410-732-9572 or raris@baltometro.org.
back to topResidential Permits Down 12%
Building activity in the Baltimore region was mixed in 2000. Residential permitting reached its lowest level in three years with only 11,117 new units, down 12 percent from 1999. The value of new residential construction at $1.21 billion in 2000 dropped 5.7 percent compared to 1999, slower than the rate of decrease for new permits. On the contrary, remodeling activity showed a continuing upward trend all year. The value of residential additions, alterations, and repairs (AARs) at $234 million in 2000 was up nearly 8 percent from 1999.
New Residential Units Permitted In The Baltimore Region 1991-2000
Builders took out 9,098 permits for single-family homes in 2000, a noteworthy decrease of 10.6 percent compared to 1999. This is the lowest single-year total in three years. Anne Arundel County led the region, permitting 2,434 new homes. Baltimore and Howard Counties followed by permitting 2,213 and 1,633 new single-family homes, respectively. Most jurisdictions showed decreases in the number of single-family homes permitted with the exception of Baltimore City, which rose from 55 units in 1999 to 174 units in 2000, and Carroll County, which rose from 1,080 units in 1999 to 1,218 units in 2000.
In 2000, 2,019 permits for new multi-family units were issued, down 17.6 percent from 1999. Baltimore, Howard and Anne Arundel Counties permitted 703, 607, and 464 new multi-family units, respectively, accounting for 88 percent of the regional share.
On the contrary, the growing pace of investment in currently occupied homes accompanied the slow-down in new home building permits in 2000. The value of residential remodeling activity increased to $234 million in 2000 from $217 million in 1999, nearly 8 percent. Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard Counties led the region with $74 million, $64.5 million, and $21 million in residential remodeling activity, respectively. Combined, they account for almost 70 percent of the regional total.
For more information, contact Tianjin Luo of BMC’s MetroResearch Division at 410-732-0500, ext. 1026 or ltianjin@baltometro.org.
back to topMTA Holds Informational Workshop on the I-95 Master Plan Study
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) is holding an Informational Workshop on the I-95 Master Plan Study. The purpose of the workshop is to acquaint the public with the study to evaluate long-range transportation needs along the 50-mile section of I-95 between Baltimore and Delaware. The study is being conducted by MdTA in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2001 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Middle River Middle School at 800 Middle River Road in Baltimore County.
For more information, contact Roxane Mukai at the Maryland Transportation Authority at 410-288-8484.
back to topBRTB Meets
At the March 27 meeting, the BRTB approved the following resolutions:
- Resolution #01-10 approving the FY 2002 Unified Planning Work Program;
- Resolution #01-11 approving the Equity Subcommittee’s recommendations on public involvement in the Baltimore transportation planning process;
- Resolution #01-12 approving a new Public Involvement Plan; and
- Resolution #01-13 endorsing the I-95 Master Plan Study Purpose and Need Statement.
At the April 24 meeting, the BRTB approved the following resolutions:
- Resolution #01-14 approving the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Grant Program applications for the Baltimore region; and
- Resolution #01-15 approving an amendment to the FY 2001-2005 Baltimore Region Transportation Improvement Program for the addition of funding for resurfacing and noise barriers for the US 29 project between MD 100 and MD 99.
Also at the April meeting, Mr. Michael Bartholf, Deputy Administrator of MTA, discussed the impact of recent Maryland legislative action on the Governor’s Transit Initiative. As a result of an extensive number of questions by the BRTB, MTA has offered to continue this discussion at an upcoming meeting.
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Summer is the Season of ...?
Short-sleeve shirts? Lazy days at the pool or beach? Lemonade? Yes, those are a few of the fun parts of summer. But don’t forget OZONE! Ozone season (May – September) is here, where hot summer days combine with elements in the air to make more air pollution than any other time of year. We can’t control the sun, the heat, or the humidity, but we can take an active role in lowering pollution levels.
How? Well, Clean Air Partners (www.cleanairpartners.net) reports that you can do many things. Some of these you already do, like filling up your gas tank after dark and keeping your car tuned and tire pressure accurate. Or you can try a “clean commute”; it can save time, money, wear and tear on your car, and may reduce stress. (Figure your current commuting costs on the worksheet below.) A clean commute is any way of commuting besides driving alone. You can carpool, telecommute, take transit, ride your bike, or walk. You can even “clean commute” when you aren’t going to work, like riding your bike to pick up some milk or taking the Light Rail to an Orioles game.
Now, to make it easier than ever, you can “one-stop-shop” for information on how to clean commute in the Baltimore area, and on programs for clean commuting that will leave more money in your pocket! You may even be eligible for free money if you move near your work, which reduces your driving trips. On the new CLEAN COMMUTE website, you can find a carpool, find a transit schedule, or pick up a few biking do’s-and-don’ts. So check it out atwww.cleancommute.com and maybe OZONE will consider taking a permanent summer vacation away from Baltimore!
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When it rains . . . Stay Safe, Let It Shine
According to the MD Motor Vehicle Code, Section 22-201.2, “any time there is impaired visibility due to atmospheric conditions” (commonly termed rain, snow, sleet) drivers are required to turn on headlights, parking lights or fog lights. This requirement is as much for the other driver’s benefit as yours, so light up next time you use your wipers.A violation of this section of the code is considered a secondary, moving violation.
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Transportation Steering Committee
Funding for this newsletter is provided in part by member jurisdictions, grants from the US Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Communication material in alternative formats can be arranged given sufficient notice by calling Joan Gorsuch at 410/333-1750 ext. 237 or by e-mail at jgorsuch@baltometro.org.
BRTB Notes can be found on the internet via the Baltimore Metropolitan Council Website.
Your comments & questions are welcome.
BRTB Notes
Lisa Minnick, Editor
Baltimore Metropolitan Council
2700 Lighthouse Point, East
Suite 310
Baltimore, MD 21224-4774
410/732-0500 ext. 245
FAX 410/732-6522
e-mail: lminnick@baltometro.org
back to topSummer is the Season of ...?
Short-sleeve shirts? Lazy days at the pool or beach? Lemonade? Yes, those are a few of the fun parts of summer. But don’t forget OZONE! Ozone season (May – September) is here, where hot summer days combine with elements in the air to make more air pollution than any other time of year. We can’t control the sun, the heat, or the humidity, but we can take an active role in lowering pollution levels. How? Well, Clean Air Partners (www.cleanairpartners.net) reports that you can do many things. Some of these you already do, like filling up your gas tank after dark and keeping your car tuned and tire pressure accurate. Or you can try a “clean commute”; it can save time, money, wear and tear on your car, and may reduce stress. (Figure your current commuting costs on the worksheet below.) A clean commute is any way of commuting besides driving alone. You can carpool, telecommute, take transit, ride your bike, or walk. You can even “clean commute” when you aren’t going to work, like riding your bike to pick up some milk or taking the Light Rail to an Orioles game.
Now, to make it easier than ever, you can “one-stop-shop” for information on how to clean commute in the Baltimore area, and on programs for clean commuting that will leave more money in your pocket! You may even be eligible for free money if you move near your work, which reduces your driving trips. On the new CLEAN COMMUTE website, you can find a carpool, find a transit schedule, or pick up a few biking do’s-and-don’ts. So check it out atwww.cleancommute.com and maybe OZONE will consider taking a permanent summer vacation away from Baltimore!
back to topWhen it rains . . . Stay Safe, Let It Shine
According to the MD Motor Vehicle Code, Section 22-201.2, “any time there is impaired visibility due to atmospheric conditions” (commonly termed rain, snow, sleet) drivers are required to turn on headlights, parking lights or fog lights. This requirement is as much for the other driver’s benefit as yours, so light up next time you use your wipers.A violation of this section of the code is considered a secondary, moving violation.
back to topTransportation Steering Committee
| Member | Empowered Representative | Representative's Phone Number |
Hon. Dean Johnson, City of Annapolis | Jon Arason | 410-269-0064 |
Hon. Janet Owens, Anne Arundel County | Harvey Gold | 410-222-7434 |
Hon. Martin O’Malley, City of Baltimore | Jeff Drinkwater | 410-396-1670 |
Hon. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,Baltimore County | J.Craig Forrest, Chair | 410-887-3554 |
Hon. Julia Gouge, Carroll County | Jeanne Joiner | 410-386-2145 |
Hon. James Harkins, Harford County, Vice Chair | Pete Gutwald | 410-638-3103 |
Hon. James Robey, Howard County | Carl Balser | 410-313-4310 |
Jane Nishida, Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment | Anne Marie DeBiase | 410-631-4806 |
John Porcari, Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation | Marsha Kaiser | 410-865-1275 |
Harriet Tregoning, Secretary, Maryland Office of Planning | David Whitaker | 410-767-4564 |
Funding for this newsletter is provided in part by member jurisdictions, grants from the US Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Communication material in alternative formats can be arranged given sufficient notice by calling Joan Gorsuch at 410/333-1750 ext. 237 or by e-mail at jgorsuch@baltometro.org.
BRTB Notes can be found on the internet via the Baltimore Metropolitan Council Website.
Your comments & questions are welcome.
BRTB Notes
Lisa Minnick, Editor
Baltimore Metropolitan Council
2700 Lighthouse Point, East
Suite 310
Baltimore, MD 21224-4774
410/732-0500 ext. 245
FAX 410/732-6522
e-mail: lminnick@baltometro.org
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 December 2008 09:43