Robbi Farschman, Coordinator
410-887-2909
rfarschman@co.ba.md.us
Special Events
The Southwest Community Conservation Sector is in the area of Baltimore County that lies west of Baltimore City and south of Interstate 70. Major communities in the sector are Oella, Catonsville, Arbutus, and Lansdowne-Baltimore Highlands. The area is served by major highways, including I 695, Rt. 40, I 95, and I 895, as well as heavy and light rail lines.
The Southwest Sector, which covers 29.6 square miles and a population of 92,196 persons in 1990, is the smallest of the five Community Conservation sectors in terms of both land area and population. It is also the most densely populated of the sectors, with an average of 3,112.6 persons per square mile in 1990. By contrast, the population density for all of Baltimore County in 1990 was 1,161.3 persons per square mile. Between 1980 and 1990, the sector's population increased by 2.8%, which is half the rate of increase that occurred in the County as a whole over the 1980-90 decade.
The Southwest Sector is the smallest of the sectors and the most densely populated. In 1990, households in this sector tended to have more persons per household and lower household incomes. In addition the housing stock was older, with a comparatively high homeownership rate and low vacancy rate. There are approximately 7,250 multifamily housing units located in the Southwest Sector with nearly one fourth of the multifamily housing units located in the Lansdowne/Baltimore Highlands communities. The average per unit value of multifamily housing units is $25,743, the second lowest in the County. This sector is the only sector that experienced an overall decrease in assessed value of multifamily properties.
The breakdown of the sector's 1990 population into four age groups closely resembled that for the County as a whole (7% of the County's population were under 5 years old, 15% were of school age from 5 to 17 years old, 14% were senior citizens aged 65 and older, and the remaining two-thirds were between 18 and 64 years old). The breakdown by race also was similar to the countywide figures (85% of the County's population were white; 12% were African American). However, the number of persons per household in the Southwest Sector was 2.64, which was the largest average household size for the five sectors, and larger than for all of Baltimore County, where it was 2.58 persons per household.
Income in this sector tended to be somewhat lower than for the County. One-third (33%) of the 1990 population in the Southwest Sector was considered to be low- and moderate-income persons, compared to 30% in the County. Income data for households show that two-thirds of the census tracts in the Southwest Sector had a median household income in 1990 below the County average of $38,837. In addition, the sector had less than its proportional share of the County's wealthiest households. While the sector accounted for 13% of all households in the County, it had only 3% of the County's households with an annual income of $150,000 or more.
There were an estimated 51,505 jobs in the Southwest Sector in 1990. Major employers include the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Catonsville Community College, and United Parcel Service.
In 1990, about half (49%) of the sector's housing units were single-family homes, 30% were townhouses (which includes rowhouses), and 21% were multi-family units. This is a higher proportion of townhouses and a lower proportion of multi-family units than for all of Baltimore County, where the proportions were 24% and 25%, respectively. Two-thirds (67.1%) of the units in the Southwest Sector were owner-occupied, which was the second highest homeownership rate for the sectors, closely following the Northeast's rate of 69%.
The housing in the Southwest Sector tended to be older than in the County as a whole. The median year that the housing units in the sector were built, both for owner-occupied and renter- occupied housing, was during the decade of the 1950's. In comparison, the median year that housing units were built in all of Baltimore County was in the 1950's for owner-occupied units, but in the 1960's for renter-occupied units. The median value of the units in the Southwest Sector was in the $75,000 to $99,999 range, which is in the same range as for the County.
The sector's vacancy rate for housing in 1990 was comparatively low, at 4.1%. This rate was lower than the County's rate of 4.7% and the second lowest rate for the five sectors.
Overall, the area has suffered from a serious decline in the number and quality of jobs and from a lack of investment in infrastructure, facilities and services. In addition, the demographic and economic structure of the population has changed dramatically. Significant segments of the population, especially in the extreme south, have serious housing, employment, educational, health and human service needs.
In Lansdowne-Baltimore Highlands, specific concerns identified are children and family support services, stabilization of the housing stock, employment skills training, recreational opportunities for youth and adults, and revitalization of the Annapolis Road commercial corridor. In Arbutus, leaders identify priorities as youth and community relations, community pride and promotion, UMBC community relations, public safety and economic development, planning and zoning. The Halethorpe community's priorities center on street improvements and drainage, while the Winters Lane community's priorities are infrastructure improvements and housing rehabilitation.
There are many community and civic organizations in Catonsville and an umbrella group has recently been formed to build consensus around a proactive agenda. From the start it is clear that youth activities, revitalization of the commercial core, and community-homeownership promotion are among the area's priorities.
Test scores in area schools are, in general, trending upward, reflecting the dedicated effort of teachers and school administrators. Major capital improvements will enhance a number of education facilities in the Southwest. In addition to the classroom focus, school personnel are playing an increasingly active role in the greater community, confirming the central position of the school in the neighborhood.
Crime has decreased in the Southwest sector over the past year, but juvenile crime and domestic violence are still of concern in Lansdowne and Baltimore Highlands. The Riverview community in Lansdowne was designated by the State as a HotSpots community and, as such, has benefited from additional resources, including greater police presence on the street, a part-time substance abuse counselor and parole and probation worker in the area. HotSpots designation has again been given this year in order to further direct public safety resources to this community. Representatives of the Wilkins Police Precinct, which encompasses most of the sector, are very involved in outreach to community residents and businesses, and work collaboratively with County agencies on various projects, such as the Police Athletic League / Recreation Center.
As outlined in the Southwest Revitalization Strategy, the Department of Economic Development formulated a business development program for southwestern Baltimore County to increase the area's attractiveness as a business location. The key elements of the program are: an assigned business development representative to serve as the economic development point person for the area; real estate search assistance; company visitation program; financing assistance; production/process evaluation; and business awards.
The Southwest Sector has also benefited by partnerships established that promote conservation, stabilization, and enhancement of the community. In the past, the Southwest Sector has suffered from a serious decline in the number and quality of jobs, lack of investment in infrastructure, facilities and services, and declining homeowner rates in certain communities. Additionally, the demographic and economic structure has changed somewhat dramatically with significant segments of the population experiencing housing, employment, educational, and health needs. The County has focused its efforts in this sector largely in the Lansdowne/Baltimore Highlands, Catonsville, and Arbutus communities.
This sector, somewhat like the Southeast Sector, has a substantial percentage of townhouses (30%). Two thirds of the housing units in the Southwest Sector were owner-occupied, which was the second highest homeownership rate for the sectors. The housing in the sector tends to be older than the County as a whole. The median year that the housing units in this sector, both single and multifamily housing, were built is in the 50's. Priorities identified in this sector include stabilization of the housing stock, employment skills training, youth and community relations, and infrastructure improvements. Test scores in the area schools are, in general increasing. Crime has decreased over the past year, and the Riverview community has received a State Hot Spots designation that will provide for additional police officers in the community.
Since 1996, Associated Catholic Charities (ACC) has administered the Lansdowne/Baltimore Highlands Homeownership Program. The program provides homebuyers' education and counseling to potential first time homebuyers. In addition, the agency also accepts applications for the County's Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP). Since FY 1996, ACC has successfully counseled 69 SELP applicants, thereby creating 69 new homeowners in the Lansdowne/Baltimore Highlands community. In Catonsville, homebuyers' education and counseling services have been provided on the County's behalf by 3 nonprofits. The Community Building Group, Liberty Randallstown Coalition, and the Eastern Baltimore Area Chamber of Commerce successfully counseled 75 SELP applicants in the Catonsville community since FY 1996.
Located in Lansdowne, Kessler Park, a 64-unit elderly housing project was completed by Associated Catholic Charities in 1999. The site was acquired by the County and is leased to Associated Catholic Charities for 99 years for a nominal sum. The County provided support in the form of HOME funds, a $215,000 loan, and funds from the County's Capital Bond Program. The project also received low income tax credits to support the development. The project is fully leased and is well received by the community.
The County has been working with the Affordable Housing Alliance, a nonprofit organization, in an effort to utilize CHDO funds to acquire, renovate, or redevelop housing in this historic community. Studies are currently underway to explore the feasibility of improvements to the Melvyn Park Duplex Apartments, and to redevelop the American Legion site in a mixed-use project that would include low-to-moderate income housing, in association with the Morning Star Baptist Church.
In response to the community's desire for more recreational open space, the County provided support for the development of a passive community park in Lansdowne. The park is bounded by Baltimore, Washington, Fifth, and Winifred Avenues, and has created a permanent open space in the center of Lansdowne. The park was dedicated in the first half of FY 1999.
The County provided funding to the Baltimore Highlands Recreation Council to install a storage building for field maintenance and other items to support its recreational programs. The Office of Community Conservation provided a $15,000 grant and worked cooperatively with the Department of Recreation and Parks. Installation was completed in the first half of FY 1996.
The Highland Village Day Care Center is a collaborative effort between Partners Management (owner of the 1100-unit Highland Village Apartments), the YMCA of Central Maryland, and Baltimore County. The County provided over $300,000 in CDBG capital funds to support the development of the project. Fifty children are served by the center, which opened in September 1999.
The County utilized CDBG funds to construct a new facility for the Riverview Head Start Village Center on the grounds of the Riverview Elementary School. The Center houses the YMCA Baltimore County Head Start Program, as well as other programs offered by the Departments of Health and Social Services, Infants and Toddlers Program, and the Family and Children's Services Mental Health Program. This facility provides services to the residents of Riverview Townhomes and the Circle Terrace Apartments.
The County and State have committed funding for the redevelopment of a regional community and recreation center in the Greater Catonsville/Arbutus area. Extensive community participation resulted in a consensus plan, which kept the historic core of the building and the adjacent playing fields. The new Bloomsbury Community Recreation Center will have a new gymnasium, additional parking spaces, and new sidewalk improvements are presently underway. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2000.
In the second half of FY 1999, Baltimore Countians saw the dedication of the new Banneker Historic Center and Museum in the historic park off Old Frederick Road in Catonsville. The Center has already been used to host a variety of official County, cultural, and community activities. The Banneker Museum is a welcome addition to the County's resources in Catonsville and the Southwest Sector.
The Cowdensville African Methodist Episcopalian Church located in a historically African American community in Arbutus was placed on the County's Final Landmarks List in FY 1996. Although the building was in very poor condition, the community association held its meetings in the building and valued the church as a community center. The County provided funds to hire an architect to do a restoration plan for the church that was completed in the first half of FY 1998. Bids for the repair of the roof were received during the first half of FY 2000 and construction is scheduled to begin the second half of FY 2000.
The Office of Community Conservation worked with the Board of the Westchester Center Foundation to undertake renovations to the former Westchester Annex located in Oella. The building was leased by the County to the local community organization and provides a range of services, including day care, free meals for income eligible seniors, and a variety of recreational and environmental programs. The Office of Community Conservation provided funding for essential roof repairs that were completed in FY 1997.
The Halethorpe community has had extensive problems with flooding, due to the absence of curbs, gutters, and storm drains. To address these issues, the County allocated $800,000 in General Obligation Bonds to fund improvements for four streets. The County has acquired right-of-way, land, and buildings and permits for the construction of a large stormwater management facility were approved in the first half of FY 2000. Bids for construction are expected by early 2000. Once the facility is in place, the County will be able to proceed with plans for roadway improvements, storm drains, curbs and gutters in the Halethorpe community.
Street improvements to Winters Lane in Catonsville, from Edmondson Avenue to Frederick Road are underway. The County has invested $1.3 million in road improvements that include widening the road, adding sidewalks, new curbs and gutters, and parking space. The residents have been actively involved throughout the process. Additionally, Roberts Avenue, located just off of Winters Lane, was a street without sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and storm drains. The County provided funds in the amount of $300,000 for the reconstruction of Roberts Avenue and the work was completed in FY 1997.
The Catonsville Streetscape Project includes new sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, street trees, decorative railings, enhanced bus stops, and two "pocket parks" on Frederick Road. The design was developed with considerable public input. Utility poles and lines on two blocks of Frederick Road will be relocated to enhance the appearance of the commercial area. Developers have worked with the County improve to three acres of land north of Frederick Road. The site, which is bounded by Egges Lane, Melrose Avenue, and Ingleside Avenue, is adjacent to an eight acre site that is being redeveloped. Twenty seven thousand square feet of renovated office space on this site has already been leased.
The Office of Community Conservation's initiatives in the Southwest Sector will continue to focus on projects that enhance the stabilization of communities within the sector. Activities include infrastructure improvements and code enforcement and the revitalization of those neighborhoods that require more targeted interventions, such as the consolidation of family services and the expansion of recreations programs for youth. Above all, the County will seek a coordinated approach to address community issues and develop solutions involving residents, businesses and government and non-profit agencies.
The activities for the coming year will generally continue, or build upon those initiatives that have been ongoing in the sector. The Office of Community Conservation on behalf of the County works collaboratively with other agencies, non-profit organizations and community groups to address issues in different areas of the Sector.
Lansdowne/Baltimore Highlands/Arbutus Homeownership Programs
Associated Catholic Charities - The County will continue to work with it's nonprofit partner Associated Catholic Charities (ACC) to provide homeownership services. This Office will continue to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to ACC, in an effort to increase homeownership. In recognition of the fact that there are difficult financial / credit realities in Riverview / Lansdowne, new strategies and/or innovative programs will be developed to allow renters to become owners. Senator Kasemeyer and members of the Maryland General Assembly are working to promote a Tax Credit Program for homebuyers which will be another tool to enhance homeownership. In the second half of FY 2000 Catholic Charities submitted an application to the Housing Urban Development Office of Maryland requesting that zip code 21227 be designated as a HUD Revitalization Area. The request has been approved and will enable nonprofit organizations to take advantage of HUD Revitalization Programs in the 21227 zip code. This includes the Officer Next Door Program, the Teacher Next Door Program and will enable nonprofits to purchase HUD foreclosed properties at discount.
Rental Housing
Circle Terrace Apartments, Riverview Townhomes and Highland Village Complex - The County will continue to work with management of these multifamily properties to strengthen and develop partnerships and expand site-based services to residents. The County will also work with property managers to encourage residents to access existing services in the community.
Catonsville
Liberty/Randallstown Coalition - The Liberty/Randallstown Coalition launched a program of homeownership promotion through education and settlement expense assistance in FY 2000. The County will continue to support this initiative to encourage increased homeownership opportunities in the Catonsville community, with special emphasis on Edmondson Village and Academy Heights.
The Route 40 Beautification Project - The County will continue to work with State Highway Administration and area community associations to plan a beautification project along this busy and built section of Route 40 West.
The Reconstruction of Winters Lane - The County will continue to work with the Banneker Community Development Corporation, the Concerned Citizens of Catonsville and Department of Public Works staff to address residents' issues and to ensure timely completion of this project.
The Catonsville Streetscape Project - This project, under the direction of the Department of Public Works is in the final stage. This complex project involves utility relocation, which will be completed by the second half of FY2000. The Office of Community Conservation will continue to serve as the interface between the County and Catonsville-area community groups and residents to resolve issues as they arise during the completion of this Streetscape project. The County will assist the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce in its discussions with business owners along Frederick Road to utilize the assistance of an architect through the Department of Economic Development to have some uniformity with signs, building design and landscaping.
A Rails-to-Trails Committee - The County will work with the Rails to Trails Committee, the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce, and community associations (groups representing communities that abut the proposed trail) to determine the viability and acceptability of the project, and to identify potential funding resources. If feasible, the County will assist in the planning, design, and implementation aspects of the proposed project.
Bloomsbury Recreation Center - This former middle school is in the process of being renovated and converted into a regional community and recreation center for the Greater Catonsville/Arbutus area. The first phase of construction is being funded with local and state funds and is scheduled to begin the second half of FY2000. The Office of Community Conservation will continue to work with Councilman Moxley's office, the community, and other county agencies to monitor the progress of the project.
Bloomsbury Road Improvements - Councilman Moxley's office and the Department of Public Works have identified needed improvements to Bloomsbury Road that include new curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. The Office of Community Conservation will monitor the progress of these improvements.
Winters Lane Community Center - The County will fund the replacement of the old Banneker Community Center on Eastwood Avenue. Funds were made available in the County capital budget to upgrade the playing fields, and for the construction of a new gymnasium and office building to replace the old school.
Arbutus
The Arbutus Streetscape - Construction will begin on this project located along East Drive and Sulphur Spring Road during the second half of FY 2000. The Office of Community Conservation and the Department of Public Works will work along with Councilman Moxley and the Arbutus Streetscape Advisory Committee to resolve issues as they arise. The County will meet with affected business and property owners as necessary and identify additional resources to expand the scope of this revitalization effort.
The Greater Arbutus Community Alliance - The County will work with the Office of Planning to provide organizational support to this coalition of community and business leaders in its efforts to develop a community plan. Upon completion of the Arbutus Streetscape, the County anticipates that work will begin on the plan during the first half of FY 2001.
The Halethorpe Storm Water Management Project - An extensive flood alleviation project is currently underway in Halethorope. This project has been ongoing with an anticipated start date during the second half of FY 2000. The County will continue to monitor the progress and timely expenditure of funds for this project that will address long-standing flooding problems in Halethorpe. Once this facility is in place, the County will be able to proceed with plans to develop a program for road reconstruction curbs, and gutters.
Cowdensville AME Church/Community Association - State, County and local funds have been approved for the renovation of this historic structure. Construction to stabilize the building and repair the roof is expected to begin in the second half of FY 2000. The County will work with this historic African American community in Arbutus to identify additional resources for the interior restoration.
Boys and Girls Club of America - The Greater Arbutus Community Alliance and the community has been responsive to the needs of the Boys and Girls Club of America in locating space within the Arbutus community. The Arbutus Boys and Girls Club would be a walk in facility with programs and activities that are of proven interest to youth. The County will work with this organization to discuss the feasibility of providing support for the acquisition of a building at a suitable location in the community.
Lansdowne / Baltimore Highlands/ Riverview
Highland Village Day Care - The YMCA, in cooperation with the ownership of the Highland Village Apartments operate the Highland Village Day Care Center opened in the fall of 1999. The County will continue to promote this daycare program and monitor program development.
The Even Start Program - This program directs its efforts toward addressing the needs of adults with little or no literacy skills. The program has outgrown its space at the Highland Village Day Care Center. The Office of Community Conservation will recommend that the County provide support to help locate larger space to accommodate the growing demand for literacy services in the Lansdowne/Baltimore Highlands community.
Lansdowne Family Support Center - The County will continue its efforts to identify a site for the construction of a permanent facility which will meet the needs of homeowners and residents of multifamily housing properties. The County will work with community leaders and residents to identify services that are needed in the community. The Riverview Community has taken an active role and has indicated they would be interested in a Learning Center that would offer job training and adult literacy programs
Reading Room Advisory Committee - In cooperation with Councilman Moxley the County will help determine what services will be provided at the proposed Lansdowne Reading Room. Space for the program will be identified in conjunction with the Councilman and the Library. In the second half of FY 2000 the Library will provide a portable book mobile site at two locations to be determined.
Riverview Community Association - As part of the ongoing effort to stabilize and revitalize the Riverview homeowner community, a vigilant code enforcement effort is critical, as is shoring up the community's deteriorating infrastructure. In conjunction with the Riverview Community Association and Associated Catholic Charities, derelict properties will be identified and cataloged, with the expectation that code enforcement inspectors will be active partners in resolving outstanding code issues with property owners.
Riverview Infrastructure - A detailed proposal for sidewalk, curbs and gutter improvements was developed for Riverview. With the actual bids being advertised this winter, construction should begin in the first half of FY 2000. These improvements will provide additional support to the homeownership initiatives sponsored by Associated Catholic Charities.
Youth Survey - While there is an active Recreation Council serving Lansdowne, a large number of young people do not participate. Working with the Maryland Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (a division of UMBC), community leaders and the County, a survey was administered to students at Lansdowne Middle and Lansdowne High Schools. The purpose of the survey was to determine why area youth are not participating in existing recreation/social programs, and what programs they would like to see offered. With the survey complete the County and community leaders will implement programs that will enhance the recreation opportunities for area youth.
Enhancement of Sandy Hills Park - Capital funds have been identified to make improvements and the County will continue to work on improvements to the Skatebowl in Sandy Hills Park. The County will regularly monitor progress to ensure timely completion of the project. The County has also committed close to $200,000 for access improvements and a playground for this site.
Baltimore Highlands Community Association - The County will continue to work with the Baltimore Highlands Community Association to provide assistance and support. The Association has identified concerns centering on the Light Rail Station in the community. The County will also work to establish a relationship with Maryland Transportation Authority and the community to address their concerns about the Light Rail.
Annapolis Road Corridor - Funds have been identified in the capitol budget for FY 2004 for the construction of new curbs, gutters and sidewalks. The County will work with community leaders and business owners to establish the revitalization needs of this commercial corridor.
Southwest Leadership Team - The Southwest Leadership Team (SWLT) is a group comprised of clergy, residents, business leaders, the County and nonprofit agencies staff that meet monthly to share information and resources. The County will continue to be supportive and offer suggestions on projects to improve the quality of life in the communities targeted by SWLT.
Police Athletic League/Recreation Center - The County will work with the community to explore ways to make the Center more attractive to the community's youth and their parents.
YMCA of Central Maryland - The County will work in partnership with the YMCA to identify services and programs that meet the needs of the community. The County will also help to identify other nonprofits with space needs that wish to reposition services and programs to the community.
Special Events 
Riverview/Baltimore Highlands Footbridge Cleanup - Cortney Gillespie, President of the Junior Community Association (JCA), works to bring youth from Riverview, Baltimore Highlands, and Lansdowne together and promote their general welfare by involving them in positive activities and projects.
For their first project, the JCA organized a cleanup of the footbridge, which runs over 295 and connects Riverview and Baltimore Highlands. On Memorial Day weekend, 15 to 20 youth and adults from the community were joined by individuals from the Baltimore County Police Department, the Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Department, and the Office of Community Conservation, to remove trash from the area.
The footbridge was chosen as the inaugural project after Ashley Dean, who was an 8th grade student at Lansdowne Middle School, was killed when she was crossing 295 because she was too afraid to use the footbridge. Now that the footbridge has been cleaned, the Police Department will get paint to cover the graffiti, and the Junior Community Association will then hang a plaque at the bridge in honor of Ashley.
Revised August 25, 2003
Courthouse 