Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Baltimore, MD
FOLLOW US:

Around Maryland

New map shows future potential sea level rise, wetlands in Maryland

A state mapping project shows areas in Maryland that could be susceptible to sea level rise in the future. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources worked with George Mason University and The Nature Conservancy on the project, which shows viewers the areas that could become wetlands. By sharing which places could become affected by rising sea levels, DNR conservation resilience planner Sara Coleman hopes people will be able to adjust before it gets too late.

 

US Wind Applies to Build a new Pier in the West Ocean City Harbor

Ocean City’s commercial harbor may be on the brink of a significant transformation as offshore wind company U.S. Wind sets its sights on establishing a presence in the resort town. The Federal Government has been informed of U.S. Wind’s intentions to construct a new pier in the West Ocean City Harbor, stirring both anticipation and concerns among locals. The proposed project includes the development of a new pier, forming part of an operations and maintenance facility.

Read More: WBOC
Maryland announces $238M in new opioid settlements with Walgreens, Walmart, two drugmakers

Maryland’s top lawyer announced Wednesday afternoon that the state had reached settlements with Walgreens, Walmart and two opioid manufacturers that are expected to add $238 million to its efforts to fight the opioid crisis over the course of 15 years. The settlements follow multi-year investigations of the roles of the opioid manufacturers and chain pharmacies in fueling Maryland’s opioid crisis, the Office of Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said in a news release.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Where roaches still rule: Baltimore public housing fails inspection more than most

Baltimore’s government-subsidized public housing sites are failing federal inspections at a higher rate than the national average, a Banner analysis of inspection records found. The most recent round of Real Estate Assessment Center Inspections, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses to assess the quality and safety of housing, revealed a number of health and safety violations inside of Baltimore’s conventional public housing stock, including cockroaches, fire safety hazards and mold and mildew.

Baltimore County school board signs off on $2.58B budget in 9-3 vote

Baltimore County’s school board approved a $2.58 billion operational budget Tuesday for fiscal year 2025 with investments in teacher compensation and early education. The proposal also eliminates vacant positions and changes class sizes. The school board signed off on Superintendent Myriam Rogers’ budget in a 9-3 vote. Board members Rod McMillion, Julie Henn and Maggie Litz Domanowski voted against it over concerns about larger classes and teacher transfers. The Baltimore County Council will now review the plan before voting in May.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
County’s early voting sites this year will be in Hagerstown, Boonsboro and … Smithsburg

There won’t be an early voting center in Hancock this year, but there will be one in Smithsburg. If you missed the Hancock early voting center saga, or if you’ve lost track, here’s a recap: Last year, the Washington County Board of Elections recommended the board headquarters on Virginia Avenue and the Hancock Town Hall as its two required early voting center sites for this year’s election. A third alternative, authorized by the county commissioners, was the American Legion in Boonsboro.

 

County Council considers increasing tax rates in three lighting districts

The Frederick County Council is considering a bill that would raise the taxes some county residents pay for street lighting in their neighborhoods. According to County Budget Director Kelly Weaver, the county has three electric lighting districts — one in Braddock Heights, one in Libertytown and another just outside the Brunswick town limits. During a meeting on Tuesday, Weaver told the council that the electric lighting districts were created by groups of residents who wanted street lights installed in their neighborhoods, but had no homeowners’ association to carry out the task.

 

HUD approves redevelopment plan for Annapolis public housing communities

An ambitious plan to transform the Harbour House and Eastport Terrace public housing communities in Annapolis has cleared an important hurdle. The city and the housing authority announced in a news release this week that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development had approved their detailed redevelopment plan. The Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant Initiative leverages public and private funds to support and create locally driven strategies to help transform struggling neighborhoods with public or HUD-assisted housing, according to the CNI website.

These are my parents. This photo was taken Christmas and even though my mom squeamishly refused to kiss my dad, my dad took the opportunity and this photo was the result.
Longevity Ready Maryland aims to provide a blueprint for aging

Sixteen percent of Marylanders are over the age of 65, and that number will continue to grow. Although aging is often portrayed as a villain, the reality is that people are living longer now than ever before. Soon, your “older” years will far outlast your youthful days. Carmel Roques, secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging, explained that to prepare for this future, we need to shift the paradigm for how we think about aging and longevity.

West Baltimore’s old Public School 103 will have new life as Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center

West Baltimore is on the brink of opening a new multi-million dollar community space. The plan is to restore the historical Public School 103 on Division Street, which served as Thurgood Marshall’s elementary school. The building has sat vacant in the Upton community for decades. Come this summer, its new life will begin as the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center. “I have my historic consultants there,” said Dr. Alvin Hathaway.

Read More: CBS Baltimore

The Morning Rundown

We’re staying up to the minute on the issues shaping the future. Join us on the newsletter of choice for Maryland politicos and business leaders. It’s always free to join and never a hassle to leave. See you on the inside.