It was all hands on deck at Maryland Public Television studios on a sunny Saturday afternoon in October, with staff and volunteers ready to handle the flow of hundreds of guests bringing their treasured artifacts for appraisal for the taping of the 12th season of MPT’s “Chesapeake Collectibles.”

After all, it’s not every day one sees armor from the 17^th century, or telegrams signed and sent by President Theodore Roosevelt.

“Chesapeake Collectibles” is an MPT program similar to “Antiques Roadshow” but for Marylanders. The guests and appraisers are Maryland-based, and many of the items are either Maryland-themed or of Maryland origin. The tapings take place over a two-day period, so over the course of the weekend the “Chesapeake Collectibles” team expected to see around 450 guests come through with around 1,500 items for appraisal. Each ticket holder was permitted to bring one guest, and each person could bring three items for appraisal.

While each item likely holds incalculable sentimental value for its owner, very few people learn their possessions hold life-changing monetary value. Patrick Keegan, executive producer for MPT and “Chesapeake Collectibles,” determines which people and pieces get filmed and ultimately which make it into an episode of the show. Keegan told Baltimore Fishbowl that over the course of the weekend, appraisers saw two items that were each worth in the vicinity of $250,000.

“They are both remarkable items of historical interest,” wrote Tom Williams, MPT’s senior managing director of communications. Naturally, they would not reveal what the items were — we will have to watch the series to find out.

When a guest arrives, they check in with an appraiser who takes a quick look at their item to determine into which category their items fall, like jewelry; pottery, porcelain, and glass; toys and amusements; generalist; drawings and paintings; furniture and decorative arts; rugs; books and manuscripts; memorabilia and ephemera; and more. The guest receives a ticket for that category, then sits in a waiting area until it’s time for the next group to enter the appraisal area.

The appraisal area is where the magic happens. Tables line the perimeter of the room with appraisers sitting in front of large banners announcing their categories of expertise. Guests find their tables, and (usually) must wait in line to learn about the item(s) they’ve brought in.

Marilyn brought her grandmother’s engagement ring to get assessed, but this was not her first time attending a “Chesapeake Collectibles” event. She’d come at least once before pre-COVID, before MPT had renovated their Owings Mills studios to be large enough to accommodate the show’s tapings. They’d held the tapings at Turf Valley before renovations.

John brought the aforementioned telegrams from President Theodore Roosevelt. His great-grandfather was head of the telegram office in St. Thomas, and Roosevelt sent the telegrams in 1906. There were some of personal nature and others that were on matters of official government business.

Other items of note included the upper portion of a suit of armor Keegan surmised was from the 17^th century, likely from the English Civil Wars. The Royalists loyal to King Charles I were known as the Cavaliers, and the Parliamentarians loyal to the Westminster Parliament were known as the Roundheads. They fought in the first major battle on English soil in October 1642. This piece of armor appears to have belonged to a member of the Roundheads.

Another gentleman brought in Tom Clancy memorabilia, but the items were not the only things of interest to Keegan.

“The people who own the items we see are often just as interesting as the items themselves,” Keegan wrote in an email to Fishbowl. “One such example was a collection of correspondence, first editions, and movie memorabilia related to Baltimore native, Tom Clancy.”

Keegan continued, “Clancy’s novels are acclaimed for their technical accuracy, and among Clancy’s technical advisors was Craig, a physician from Calvert County in southern Maryland. Craig discussed his collection of Clancy memorabilia with Chesapeake Collectibles’ books and manuscripts appraiser, Allan Stypeck, who coincidentally handled Tom Clancy’s estate following his death in 2013.”

Around 5% of the items get filmed for segments, though not all segments filmed make the final cut of episodes for the season. And as on “Antiques Roadshow,” when a person and their item is chosen for filming, they aren’t told what the value of their possession is until the filming itself. Their reactions that television audiences see in the episodes are completely real and genuine. They are watching the people on the show truly learn about the value for the first time.

After a guest has received their appraisal, whether they were filmed or not, they are invited to answer questions on camera about their experience. This takes place in the Testimonial Studio in Studio B, which is in the original part of MPT studios. Guests are asked about their experience from start to finish about the show, and they have the chance to talk about what they enjoyed or didn’t enjoy about the process.

“Studio B mostly is used as our on-air fundraising or pledge set,” said Ethan Staple, assistant producer at MPT. “So, four times a year, we have our on-air fundraising drives, where we raise money for the station. On the right is our phones and our computers, where our volunteers sit, and then we have the actual pledge set, where our talent stands.”

Studio B is also where they film “MPT and Your Community” and “MPT Arts Minute.” They also bring in people for interviews. They had a project called “The Maryland Oral History Project” where famous Marylanders were interviewed, sometimes by other famous Marylanders. Staple is especially proud of getting former Senator Barbara Mikulski to be interviewed for the project in 2023.

Incidentally, these are all areas visitors can see on tours offered by MPT for individuals and groups. Studio B, the sets, control rooms, and more are available free of charge with proper advanced notice and arrangement, though donations are appreciated. On MPT’s website, click on “Community” and find the “Station Tours” section for more information.

As for Chesapeake Collectibles, Patrick Keegan and his team have their work cut out for them. They must now cull approximately 80 segments they filmed down to around 40, and from that, piece the remaining together into 13 fluid episodes that make it onto our TVs and streaming devices for audiences to enjoy.

While taping for Season 12 of Chesapeake Collectibles is over, there is always next year! Keep current on news of when Season 12 will premiere, and when taping will take place for Season 13 on MPT’s Chesapeake Collectibles page by clicking this link.

A person in Catonsville was rescued in dramatic fashion Wednesday after falling down a 30- to 40-foot well that had been covered with soil and grass. He had been there for nearly 24 hours when found on Wednesday afternoon.

The person was walking in the backyard of a residence when the grass gave way, revealing the hidden well and causing the person to fall three to four stories underground. The Baltimore County Fire Department said the person was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call for a confined space rescue, which means a person is trapped in a very small space, or is only accessible through such a space, like an underground vault, storage silo, storage tank, or sewer. These types of rescues require specialized technical training, and present potentially fatal hazards, as there is a limited window of time in which the rescue can be performed.

The entire rescue was caught on video by the SkyTeam 11 crew at WBAL TV. Helicopter Captain Roy Taylor hovered over the scene, and only spoke after the rescue was complete to say the man was conscious and talking but injured. The rescue took place around 2:50 p.m.

11 News reported that a nearby neighbor, Wesley Straffin, heard the man’s cries for help when he went into his backyard with his dogs. Straffin got his father from inside the house, and they followed the sound of the fallen man’s voice until they found the well and the man, who had been trapped since around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the day before.

The Straffins gave him water and called 9-1-1 for help, and said the fire trucks came quickly. The man was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma with non-life-threatening injuries.

In the approximately 17-minute video, viewers can watch the fire departments and rescuers preparing the operation, and at the approximate 14:40 mark, the person is lifted out of the hole and placed on the stretcher. Taylor doesn’t begin to speak until around the 16-minute mark.

This article was updated to reflect information about how long man was trapped and how he was discovered.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the new Opioid Abatement Fund grants program, designed for opioid remediation projects and supported with County funds through the National Opioid Settlement.

The grants program is part of an ongoing effort to better support overdose prevention strategies and response organizations whose goal is harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. The funds will help community-based organizations deliver the services that support people on their path to recovery.

“The opioid epidemic continues to be a serious public health concern in Baltimore County, and there’s not a community in the area that hasn’t been touched by the disease of opioid addiction,” Olszewski said. “These grants will help us continue to do everything within our power to raise awareness, increase access to services and save the lives of our neighbors and loved ones.”

The funds can be used for opioid remediation projects as defined by the National Opioid Settlement and Baltimore County Overdoes Response Priorities, the latter of which were determined by public input, subject matter experts, fatality case reviews and interviews with individuals who have lost a loved one to overdose. These priorities may address, but are not limited to:

• Community-based harm reduction services, including naloxone dispensing, evidence-based services, mobile services, street-based outreach and inclusion of all routes of drug use;
• Expanded access to medications for opioid use disorder;
• Integration of trauma-informed care in service provision to high-risk populations;
• Providing treatment options that support individuals with children and pregnant women, including family-centered treatment approaches;
• Education and resources to support families affected by substance use disorder; and
• Services targeted to high risk or underserved populations.

Organizations that focus on overdose prevention and response that are private or not-for-profit, serve Baltimore County residents, and preferably located in Baltimore County are encouraged to apply for a grant. Projects should request a minimum of $25,000 and no more than $250,000 annually.

If your project is approved for funding, it will be funded for one year, with the opportunity to have funding renewed for an additional two years, dependent on achievement of timeline benchmarks and performance metrics.

If your organization or group would like to apply, those interested is encouraged to attend the Baltimore County Opioid Abatement Fund Grant webinar on Wednesday, October 16 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Interested organizations are encouraged to register at this link.

To apply, and get full information about the grants available, visit the Baltimore County Opioid Abatement Fund webpage here.

Project proposals are due Friday, November 8, 2024 at 4 p.m.

Towson wants WTMD, the alternative rock station whose call letters reflect its origins as part of the Towson University music department, back in the county seat.

The station moved earlier this year into WYPR’s facilities at 2216 N. Charles St. in Charles Village as part of the merger of the two public broadcasters. WTMD’s name has been stripped off its high-profile location just north of the Towson circle and its scrolling news ticker familiar to travelers on York Road has gone dark.

The departure leaves a hole in the county seat’s central business district, where officials have been trying to diversify a retail base that’s healthy but heavy with restaurants, Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, said.

“We didn’t want them to go and now we want to get them to come back,” Hafford said. She’d like to convince WTMD to return to another location in Towson as part of a headquarters expansion the station owners are considering. Some of its art programming is funded by the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences.

The cost of having two locations and a desire to bring the staff of the two stations together prompted the decision to combine forces at the Charles Village location, which WYPR owned, Craig Swagler, president and general manager of station owner Baltimore Public Media, said.

But the space is tight.

“There’s only so much you can grow in a two-story building,” he said. That’s led him into discussions with prospective builders about relocating again or renovating the existing building to make way for an expanded public radio hub with performance space. Part of the decision may rest with the success of a capital campaign now underway.

Could the merged entity end up in Towson? “Nothing has been ruled out,” he said, diplomatically. But, he added, there is a desire to remain in the city to support it. “Whatever we do has to align with our mission and economics.”

The listener-supported radio station, 89.7 FM on the radio dial, was founded on the TU campus in 1972 and relocated in 2012 to the 8,000 square-foot space at the Towson City Center in a much-publicized expansion. The new digs featured four studios, offices and classrooms, rentable event space as well as a 1,300 square-foot performance venue that hosted its popular “Live Lunch” broadcasts.

WYPR, an NPR-affiliated talk and news outlet founded as WJHU by Johns Hopkins University but spun off in 2002, paid $3 million for WTMD in 2021.

The nonprofit Baltimore Public Media reported  revenue of $9.9 million and expenses of $9.6 million for the fiscal year ending in July, 2023, the most recent year its tax filings are available.

Baltimore County is looking for dead people.

The Baltimore County Council Monday night is expected to hire a firm that will perform death audits. It will comb through death records and look for people who have passed on but are still collecting retirement.

Read more (and listen) at WYPR.

Two Baltimore-based breweries, Key Brewing Company and Monument City Brewing, are merging to improve efficiency and expand their product lines.

The breweries are forming a strategic partnership to create a unified Baltimore brewing platform. At the same time, however, they will maintain their independent and separate brands and product lines.

Key Brewing will move production to Monument City’s 1 N. Haven Street location in Highlandtown. Key Brewing’s Dundalk taproom, located on Grays Road, will remain open through the end of October.

“We’re brewing something big for Baltimore and we’re stronger together,” said Ray Schissler, partner of Key Brewing. “For 10 years, we’ve called Dundalk home and our relationships with Eastern Baltimore County’s vibrant communities will continue. The majority of our customers will not notice any changes and we hope our regular taproom customers find their way to our new taps at 1 N. Haven Street. It’s an exciting and changing time for breweries not only in Maryland, but around the country. The key to thriving for us is innovating and building our customer base and this partnership is an incredible opportunity for both of our companies.”

The merger will not impact customers’ ability to find their favorite beers of either brand at local stores, restaurants, music venues, and stadiums. Nor will the strategic partnership result in any job losses. In fact, the partnership will create future employment opportunities.

“The craft beer industry has seen some significant changes over the past four years. As independent breweries, we need to be creative, evolve and meet the needs of our customers and communities,” said Ken Praay, founder and CEO, Monument City Brewing. “This strategic partnership of two strong and seasoned brands not only will allow our companies to take advantage of production efficiencies and shared resources, but we’re stronger together and will have the opportunity to expand our product lines, innovate new products and serve our community for years to come.”

Monument City Brewing Company was started in 2014 by brothers Ken and Matt Praay. They’re known for their flagship beer, 51 Rye IPA. The brewery operates a 17,000-sq.-ft. facility in Highlandtown, with an taproom that opens to the German-designed brewhouse in a historically industrial building in Southeast Baltimore.

Key Brewing is named after Francis Scott Key and has been operating in Eastern Baltimore County for nearly a decade. Their approach to craft beer reflects their core mindset that there should be nothing complicated or intimidating about craft beer. Key’s brewers “emphasize a thoughtful yet straightforward approach and commitment to the highest quality,” reads the press release announcing the merger.

For more information, visit their websites at Key Brewing and Monument City Brewing.

This year’s Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show promises to be huge, held on Oct. 18-20 at the Cow Palace of the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Get inspiration and expert advice at this annual showcase of everything anyone could need for repairs, renovation, and relaxation.

There will be more than 300 exhibitors and home professionals on hand to offer tips and products for any home projects, both indoor and outdoor. There will be show-only discounts available only to attendees.

The Craft Hall will have more than 100 artisans offering their one-of-a-kind handmade treasures for holiday gifting. The Outdoor Oasis is where visitors can draw inspiration from top local designers for how to turn outdoor spaces into beautiful extensions of home and a perfectly relaxing retreat.

There will be plenty of activities for families and kids of all ages, like animal encounters with goats, sheep, rabbits, mini donkeys, mini cows, and chickens! Cornhole games and building bricks will provide more fun, and there will even be a full-size, regulation pickleball court with expert players helping newbies learn how to play.

On Friday and Saturday of the weekend show, visitors can meet Ashley Morrill and Ryan Eldridge of Maine Cabin Masters TV show and learn about their favorite projects. Attendees can also get tips and tricks of the trades from the many other local makers and DIYers at the Baltimore Maker’s Showcase.

Don’t worry about going hungry, either. More than three dozen exhibitors, including many local gourmet food vendors, will be enticing visitors with everything from pickles to popcorn, seasonings to sauces, and cheeses to chocolates.

The Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is on Friday – Sunday, Oct. 18-20, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Children 5 and under: Free
• Children 6 – 12: $3
• Seniors (65+): $7 at the door; $5 online
• Adults: $9 at the door; $7 online

Special free admission will cover people with the CharmPass app, a Light Rail ticket, or a Rail Link ticket. Others receiving special free admission include all active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters, and police officers with valid ID.

On Friday and Saturday, people who arrive after 4 p.m. will have a discounted admission of $4. Sunday is Ravens Fan Sunday, and attendees wearing Ravens attire will receive a discounted admission of $5.

To purchase tickets, click this link.

The Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace is located at 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD.

The former site of a coal-fired power plant in eastern Baltimore County is set to become a new waterfront park.

Local, state and federal leaders gathered in Bowleys Quarter Monday to announce the purchase of 85-acres of land next to Carroll Island, where the Charles P. Crane Generating Station operated for over 50 years. The plant closed down in 2018, and was demolished by North Carolina developer Forsite in 2022.

Baltimore County council members voted unanimously last Tuesday to use $10 million of Maryland’s Program Open Space (POS) grants — plus nearly $3 million from the state and federal government — to fund the site’s park transformation.

Read more (and listen) at WYPR.

Baltimore County Council Democrats want to throw out a new map of redrawn council districts that was part of a compromise to get the proposed council expansion on the November ballot.

Republican Baltimore County Council members say the Democrats are going back on their word and that it could lead to partisan conflict and chaos on the council.

In July, Council Democrats cut a deal with wary Republicans for their votes to get the proposed expansion of the council from seven to nine seats on the November ballot. Republicans were concerned Democrats would use the expansion to strengthen their 4-3 hold on the council so a redrawn nine district map was included in the legislation the Republicans could accept.

Read more (and listen) at WYPR.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article misidentified the closest Royal Farms store to the new Sheetz location. This article has been updated with a Royal Farms location that is closer.

Maryland has long been known as Royal Farms territory—the now-CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore City even bore the RoFo name for several years.

But this week, Pennsylvania brand Sheetz is expanding their reach with their first-ever Baltimore County location.

Sheetz, the convenience store and gas station chain, will open a new store on Thursday at 10499 Campbell Boulevard in Middle River.

It will join the more than 750 stores that Sheetz already operates across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and Michigan. Sheetz currently has Maryland stores in Carroll, Frederick, Harford, and Washington counties. All locations are open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Many Mid-Atlantic motorists have strong loyalties to one convenience store brand or another, even going out of their way to visit their favorite over a competitor.

The closest location for Baltimore-based Royal Farms to the Middle River store is half a mile away at 11905 Market Way in Middle River. Wawa (which, like Sheetz, is a Pennsylvania-based brand) has its closest location at 8731 Pulaski Highway in Rosedale.

To mark the opening of its newest store, Sheetz will hold a grand opening celebration starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, with prizes including free Sheetz for a Year in the form of a $2,500 Sheetz gift card to a winner age 18 or older. The store will open at 8 a.m. with free self-serve coffee and soda all day, and there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

Sheetz will donate $2,500 to the Maryland Food Bank. Customers who bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the nonprofit will receive a Sheetz-branded item (one per customer while supplies last from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)

The company will also donate $2,500 to the Special Olympics of Maryland.

Sheetz was ranked ninth in this year’s “Companies that Care” list by Great Place to Work and PEOPLE magazine, ranked third in the latest “Best Workplaces in Retail” list by Fortune, and named a “Best Regional Fast Food Chain” by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards.

Catonsville celebrated the grand reopening of its branch of the Baltimore County Public Library after 15 months of closure due to renovations and enhancements. The community was welcomed back to their beloved branch library to explore their library now that it’s been updated and upgraded to meet the needs of a 21^st-century community.

“Libraries are more than just places to borrow books; they are community hubs where people can work, learn and play,” said Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, CEO of Baltimore County Public Library. “Our goal was to create spaces that are not only energy-efficient and functional but also welcoming and adaptable to the evolving needs of our community. We are deeply grateful to the Catonsville community for their patience and support throughout this process.”

The Catonsville Branch improvements include a modernized sprinkler system, upgraded HVAC, new windows and doors, contemporary finishes, brand-new furnishings, a dedicated teen area and a state-of-the-art recording studio.

The recording studio will be a free resource that provides the Catonsville community, also known as “Music City,” the opportunity to explore their passion for music, podcasting, and audio production.

“Libraries are vibrant community anchors that provide our residents with modern and high-quality spaces where they can learn, study and build connections with their neighbors,” said Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County Executive. “This $7 million renovation of the Catonsville Branch builds on our state and local partnerships to deliver a 21st-century facility where residents of all ages have access to the books, digital equipment and resources they need to achieve success.” 

There will be a weekend of celebratory events on Friday and Saturday for all age ranges, including a story time with Culture Queen, an Eco Adventures Ultimate Animal Adventure and a Book Buzz.

The plans for renovation began in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic, as it did with most things, put those plans on hold. Construction officially began in March 2023, with significant infrastructure upgrades needed for the 1963 building. The renovation cost $7 million and included $3.5 million in grants from the Maryland State Library Grant Program.

Moving forward, Baltimore County Public Library will move to begin a $22 million renovation of the Woodlawn Branch beginning March 2024, and there are plans for new buildings at the Randallstown and Essex branches in the coming years.

“Everything you need for a better future and success has already been written. And guess what? All you have to do is go to the library.”  Henri Frederic Amiel (1821-1881. Swiss moral philosopher, poet, and critic)

A nearly vacant building complex flanked by two huge asphalt parking lots to the north and south are what currently make up Lutherville Station, off Ridgely Road in Timonium, Maryland. On a late-summer morning, the place looks desolate, even with the recent addition of a church that’s moved into one of its main buildings.

“The site is a tear-down,” says Mark Renbaum, the lead developer of an ongoing effort to revitalize Lutherville Station. He has plans to transform it into a mixed-use site with residential units, retail space, office space, a dog park, an event lawn, and other amenities. Through Lutherville Station LLC, he has submitted an application to have his vision for Lutherville Station gain designation as a Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

What’s there now

East of Lutherville Station, also along Ridgely Road, is the Yorkridge Shopping Center, featuring a Kohl’s department store, a Michael’s arts and crafts store, a Mom’s Organic Market grocery, and other establishments. The Baltimore Light Rail runs just west of Lutherville Station, connecting Baltimore County to Baltimore City and continuing on to the BWI airport. The hope is that these nearby amenities and Lutherville Station — once redeveloped — would benefit one another.

Ridgely Road dead-ends at the Lutherville Light Rail stop. The thinking is that the Light Rail, plus the new residential units Renbaum wants to build, would bring new business to the shopping center, which Renbaum manages. The TOD application predicts more than $9 million in annual revenue, including more than $3 million for Baltimore County, if the project goes forward. 

“[It’s] a once in a generation opportunity for Baltimore County,” Renbaum said in a press release, calling the Lutherville Station site “the most obvious TOD site” in Baltimore County. 

A spokesman for County Executive Johnny Olszewski downplayed the submission, saying that the TOD application was “nothing new” and was essentially an update of a previous application. In September 2022 a proposal was submitted to make Lutherville Station a TOD. That proposal listed the owner of Lutherville Station as Schwaber LS, LLC. Mark Renbaum is the CEO of Schwaber Holdings. 

Community opposition

The project has met considerable opposition from the Lutherville community, many of whose residents are upset with the proposed density of housing on the site, fearing that new housing would worsen traffic congestion and overcrowd area schools. Most of the black and white NO APARTMENTS NO COMPROMISE signs have been taken down, however. A few black and yellow signs calling for NO HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT have taken their place.

Lutherville Station LLC’s recent application to become a Transit Oriented Development isn’t likely to put an end to the controversy surrounding the project. The TOD application calls for 560 residential units, an increase of more than 100 over a previous proposal. Renbaum says the increase was made possible by the passage of House Bill 538, which he says would allow for as many as 1,300 residential units on the site. Renbaum says he would comply with existing regulations for making a designated number of the new residences affordable. The others would be available at market rate.

The increase in the number of proposed residential units is likely to become a point of contention. Eric Rockel, vice president of the Greater Timonium Community Council, was taken by surprise by the change, and wonders whether it will undermine “any trust [Renbaum has] built up in the community.” Rockel stressed that he was speaking for himself, as the Greater Timonium Community Council has not yet taken up the issue. The TOD application was submitted on Aug. 13.

Gov. Wes Moore signed HB 538, which is scheduled to become law on Jan. 1, 2025.

In a prepared statement released by his office, Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach, in whose district Lutherville Station lies, said the TOD application “flies in the face” of efforts to resolve the issue in ways that take into consideration the area’s uniqueness. “In my opinion,” said Kach, the TOD application is a sign that “the developer has not acted in good faith.”

Next steps

The TOD application first goes to Baltimore County. If it’s approved, it then goes to the state for TOD designation. The Maryland Department of Transportation has authority for final approval.

Renbaum says being approved as a TOD would be but “the first of many steps” required for the Lutherville Station project to come to fruition. He seems prepared for a long battle to get longer, yet tired of having to continually fight it. “We’re ready to start the process,” he says, and adds that it’s time for all the groups with a stake in Lutherville Station to come together. 

Baltimore County voters will not get a chance to decide whether to expand the County Council by four members.

Linda Dorsey-Walker, the chair of the Grassroots organization Vote4More!, said they did not get enough valid signatures on petitions to get the question on the November ballot.

It ends a more than two year effort that Dorsey-Walker said excited people countywide.

Read more at WYPR.

Before they got into the business of coworking, Haven‘s founders had seen what other “corporate” coworking spaces were like. They were sterile and boring with no energy; it felt like they were in a hospital.

Haven’s founders knew they could do better, and, realizing that they would not only have to run the office but also spend much of their time there, they vowed to create a fantastic aesthetic and workplace experience. A brand new concept for them and their first location, Haven celebrated its grand opening on May 17, 2024.

Nestled in the heart of Towson, Haven Coworking brings the benefits of office life without the long commute and long-term lease. Conveniently situated by Whole Foods, Haven not only offers shared amenities like a kitchen, twenty-four hour access, and conference rooms; it offers free parking for all members.

Besides the free parking, the biggest perk might be the coffee. Haven has partnered with Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters — located just down the street — to serve members their daily dose of sustainably sourced, locally roasted coffee.

With Haven, members can get out of the house, find community, and build networks —without spending half the day on the road. They can socialize with other members in the same space, and they can even run into the owners at happy hours, lunch & learns, and Cava Tuesdays.

At Haven, it’s all about flexibility and price transparency. If members aren’t ready to commit to monthly or annual plans, they can opt for 10-day, five-day, or even one-day passes. Members can start small and add as they grow, instead of being locked in to traditional long-term leases.

Haven’s members include remote workers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, lawyers, and other area professionals. Here’s what a few of them have to say:

“Look no further for the perfect blend of modern coworking with a social club atmosphere. I enjoyed the flexibility to choose how and where I want to work — there’s an open concept that energizes creativity along with private offices for focused productivity” – Marissa Reed

“Incredible space, I was one of the first offices rented. Larger than other local office suites in Towson / Baltimore, great staff, incredible views and the open coworking space is inspiring. Ownership is friendly and open to suggestions. 24/7 access and free coffee are great perks as well. Will be here for a long time” – Austin Carroll

“Finally. A coworking place that just gets it right. I recently moved my business to Haven Coworking and have been loving it here. The staff are super friendly and I like that there are no hidden fees. This is a great location in the heart of downtown Towson, close to everything! Highly highly recommend” – Katie Pike

To learn more about Haven Coworking, visit https://havenspace.com/, or book a tour at https://havenspace.com/book-a-tour/.

The fight over the Red Maple Place affordable housing project in East Towson is not over, with opponents now zeroing in on its environmental impact.

The debate over the project, which dates back seven years, pits an historically African American neighborhood that says it has been taken advantage of for decades against a developer that counters it’s planning to build a quality apartment complex that would provide much needed affordable housing.

Red Maple Place cleared what appeared to be the final hurdle for the project on July 1, when the Baltimore County Council agreed not to subject it to new design standards.

But opponents of the project are hoping they can still stop the 56-unit building through a resolution the County Council unanimously passed last November. The resolution, which was introduced by Councilman Mike Ertel who represents Towson, asks Maryland’s Department of the Environment to study any adverse environmental impact of developing the 2.5 acre wooded site on Joppa Road.

Read more (and listen) at WYPR.