HISTORIC LONG ISLAND BARN

Barn at Long Island Farm, 2200 Cromwell Bridge Road, Cromwell Valley area, Maryland.

Long Island Farm has been owned continuously by the Risteau-Jenifer family for over two
centuries. The barn, constructed before 1860, was likely used to store hay and livestock. Two
extensions were constructed, to the southwest and northeast, when farming operations were
changed from grain to milk and dairy production. The outline of the original barn can still be
seen in both the inside and outside walls.

Threat:
Although the Long Island Farm and its out buildings are protected as a local
landmark, there are concerns about the long-term stability of the structure.

Capital funds or grants needed to restore and secure this showcase barn.

FORT HOWARD

Fort Howard, 9600 North Point Road, Fort Howard, Maryland.

First garrisoned in 1899,Fort Howard was originally known as North Point, but was renamed in
1902 after Colonel John Eager Howard, a Baltimore philanthropist and distinguished soldier of
the Maryland Continental Line during the Revolutionary War. In the 1700′s, the site served as
an important part of the transportation route between the Eastern Shore and the port of
Baltimore. Known as the “Bulldog at Baltimore’s Gate”, Fort Howard was also created to protect
the valued Baltimore Port. Many of the fort batteries, previously manned by Coast Artillery
Corps, can still be seen, although they are now covered by dark ivy and bushes. It became the
headquarters for Baltimore’s harbor defense, which included Fort Smallwood, Fort Armistead,
and Fort Carroll. Fort Howard was turned over to the Veterans Administration in 1940.

Threat:
The latest request for proposals calls for the construction of a continuing care
retirement community, to be offered to veterans on a “preference and priority basis,” according
to the new announcement. The scope of the lease is similar to one that Federal Development
LLC, operating as Fort Howard Senior Living Associates, had and which was terminated in
August.
The VA is asking developers to submit plans to build a community-based outpatient clinic and
set aside 10 acres for a state nursing home.

Solution:
A civic organization of American Veterans, Fort Howard Project, has the following
mission stated on their website: “… to conduct an exploratory investigation into the possibility
of encouraging the VA, GSA, our elected officials and citizens to support Fort Howard into
becoming a National Park and to honor all Veterans who have answered the call to defend our
country.” The Fort Howard Project is having several hearings to encourage public support

Hampton Elementary School is the most overcrowded school in Baltimore County. Built for 307 students, Hampton Elementary opened in September to more than 500 pupils. I recently joined many parents at a Board of Education meeting where they testified about the crowded conditions at the school.

The situation is reminiscent of the overcrowding at Rodgers Forge Elementary School two years ago. Baltimore County hastily built West Towson Elementary School to deal with the problem, but now that building is nearly at capacity. Riderwood and Stoneleigh Elementary Schools are also overcrowded.

In the Perry Hall area, which I also represent, new development caused severe overcrowding in the 1980s and 1990s. In the Towson area, much of the overcrowding is due to changing demographics. Many older residents in places like Rodgers Forge and Stoneleigh have sold their homes to younger families with children.

The immediate priority should be to fund the addition at Hampton Elementary School. I will do everything I can to assist with this effort, but we also need to think broadly how to anticipate school overcrowding.

As an example, I have long argued that we should be more realistic when trying to preserve land for new schools. The school system shares facilities with the recreation program, so there is a desire to preserve sites with large acreage. We should work quickly to protect land from development, even if it is not the ideal acreage.

We should engage important organizations like the Home Builders Association of Maryland and solicit their input on this problem, and we should develop benchmarks so that when the county emerges from the recession, school modernization and construction are top priorities.

Baltimore County has some of the best schools in Maryland, but we must be mindful of capital needs. Our new County Executive understands the importance of school modernization. I look forward to working with County Executive Kamenetz, my County Council colleagues, and the School Board on these issues.

David Marks
Baltimore County Councilman
R-Fifth District (Towson, Loch Raven, Parkville, Perry Hall)

Sam Moxley used to be a Baltimore County Councilman. His term ended Monday.

In July of 2009, Moxley was charged with driving under the influence. That was the second time he’d been charged with DUI in four years. He received PBJ for the 2005 offense and a slap on the wrist in 2009.

Moxley left office yesterday and immediately moved into his new job working for the county as a lobbyist. Feel free to draw your own conclusions on how reform-minded the new County Executive might be based on this move.

Previously:

• Moxley found guilty of drunk driving
• Cavey: “Summer of Sleaze” for Local Democrats
• Moxley won’t resign
• Balto. Co. Councilman Moxley charged with DUI

Monday & Tuesday
December 6 - 7 8 to 10 a.m.
Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21212

Clinic will be held outdoors in a heated tent

Monday - Thursday
December 6 - 9 1 to 7 p.m.
Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212

Eastern Family Resource Center
9100 Franklin Square Drive
Rosedale, MD 21237

Liberty Family Resource Center
3525 Resource Drive
Randallstown, MD 21133

Monday - Friday
December 13 - 23 1 to 4 p.m.
Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212

Eastern Family Resource Center
9100 Franklin Square Drive
Rosedale, MD 21237

Liberty Family Resource Center
3525 Resource Drive
Randallstown, MD 21133

For more information about these free flu shot clinics, contact the Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-887-BCHD (2243).