Jimmy's Ward Report - Sunday, July 12, 2009

Upcoming Events


Community Shredding Day Saturday July 18 from 8 AM to 11 AM at the Bunker Hill Fire Station. Bring all your personal documents that need to be safely destroyed. There will also be free information about identity theft programs. If you can’t make it that day, bring your items to National Night Out on August 4.



Mt. Rainier Skate Park Dedication Saturday July 25 at 10 AM. Construction is proceeding on the skate park and the dedication will be in two weeks. Come see the new skate park.



National Night Out Tuesday August 4th from 6 PM to 9 PM at Thomas Stone Elementary School on 34th St.. There will be plenty of refreshments, information on public safety, a place to bring documents to shred, and an appearance by the United States Army Drill Team at 7 PM.



Discussion on MD State Taxes & Assessments Saturday July 18 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. State Senator David Harrington will have a representative from the MD Department of Assessments answer tax questions from the community at his Community First Meeting. It will be at Joe’s Movement Emporium (3309 Bunker Hill Rd.)



Corn Bin Status: Jodi Beth McCain reports that they are still waiting for a permit from the county. The corn bin has been ordered and the contractor is ready to install the bin and they plan to have it in place for the winter heating season. For more information on how it works, contact Jodi-beth at jbmccain@verizon.net.


Renters Protected in Foreclosures: A bill signed into law by President Obama protects renters when the home they are living in goes into foreclosure. Renters can stay in their homes through the term of their lease after foreclosure. If they do not have a lease they can stay for ninety days.



New Radio Shack at Queens Chapel Shopping Center: I have not been there yet but I understand they opened last Thursday. It is close to the Chillum Avenue entrance to the center.



Report from Maryland Municipal League (MML) Conference: Last month, along with Councilwoman Morton, Mayor Miles and some of the City Staff, I attended the annual MML Conference in Ocean City. The City paid for my hotel bill and car mileage but I took vacation time from work to attend. We attend workshops and meetings at the convention, but the most important aspect of attending is the networking with other municipal leaders throughout the state.



The Conference did have one workshop with State Cabinet officials and I was able to corner the Acting Secretary of Transportation regarding the traffic problems at the Rhode Island circle. I have a particular problem regarding the difficulty in crossing RI Ave south of the circle and am concerned it will hurt the ability of potential customers to get coffee at the planned new coffee shop in the old Artmosphere space. The Secretary pledged to come down and walk around the circle with us and see what can be done.



I also talked to Malcolm Woolf, the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. There will be a lot of money coming in grants, loans and tax credits for weatherization and energy projects and I hope our City and our residents can make use of this money when it becomes available. I will try and stay on top of it but I would suggest that people who want to do rehab projects find out what is available.



I also attended workshops on traffic calming solutions, code enforcement for houses in foreclosure, and engaging youths in positive activities. Our City is ahead of the curve on the implementation of speed cameras. We are one of the first municipalities to pass an ordinance to implement the new statewide bill. I did find out, which I should have known already, that all the revenue from citations as a result of the speed cameras has to be used for public safety.



What Beautiful Weather We Have Been Having: I do not remember this kind of wonderful weather in July. What a treat. Jodi & I recently went to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens where the lotus flowers and water lilies are in bloom. If you have a chance you should check it out.