Below is a letter sent on behalf of the 42nd District to County Executive Jim Smith regarding the issues surrounding the proposed expansion efforts at Loch Raven High School.  A subsequent letter was sent by the 42nd District to the State Comptroller to withhold the funds. This request will be discussed in Annapolis at the Board of Public Works meeting on May 21, 2008 at 10:00am. I will be attending.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The Honorable James Smith
Baltimore County Executive
400 Washington Avenue
Towson, MDÂ 21204
Dr. Joe Hairston
Baltimore County Superintendent
6901 Charles Street
Towson, MDÂ 21204
Dear County Executive James Smith and Dr. Joe Hairston:
We are writing to you to request that you hold a meeting with concerned parents, community residents and the Chatterleigh Association regarding the proposed Loch Raven High School expansion. Many individuals have contacted us in Annapolis and asked for information and help understanding this issue. Since the County budget is being presented this month, our hope is that you will respond and schedule a meeting as soon as possible.
Many issues concerning this expansion were brought to our attention while we were in Annapolis for the 2008 legislative session. This includes:
(1)Â What issues were revealed in the Feasibility Study?Â
(2)Â Why has this project been pushed up the 2009 priority list?
(3) Has a traffic study been conducted for the intersection of Cowpens and Cromwell Bridge Road? What are the findings?
(4)Â Has there been an environmental study regarding the impact of Mine Bank Run? What are the findings?
(5)Â What are the processes regarding community input meetings when dealing with school enhancements and renovation?
(6)Â Does this affect redistricting?
(7)Â Explain the process of the planning time line (one year) and the expected time of construction (two years)?
(8)Â Explain whether the County looked at other sites to fulfill the increasing High School Student capacity issue impacting our area?
Please understand that we are concerned about the lack of public input. This fact alone has brought much suspicion to the County’s process and this does not reflect well in regards to representation. We urge you to be responsive and inform the surrounding community associations and interested parties as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence since the Development Review Committee is scheduled to vote on this issue next Monday.
Thank you in advance for addressing these issues and responding to our letter as promptly as possible.
Sincerely,
Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann      Delegate William J. Frank       Delegate Stephen Lafferty
Senator James Brochin
cc:
Honorable T. Bryan McIntire
Honorable Vince Gardina
Honorable S. G. Samuel Moxley
Honorable Kevin Kamenetz
Honorable Kenneth Oliver
Honorable Joseph Bartenfelder
Honorable John Olszewski, Sr.
Mr. Jeff Mayhew, Baltimore County Planning Board
Dr. Laurie Mitchell, Chatterleigh Community Association