Abingdon Community Council eNews

Volume I Issue #21 June, 2013 C. David Copenhaver, Editor

Welcome to our latest issue of the ACC eNews. This eNews has been developed in an effort to reach out to the residents of Abingdon. Our purpose is to provide you an opportunity to become more informed and to encourage more participation at our monthly meetings! Please share this eNews with your neighbors. Why not plan to join us at our next meeting on Monday, June 24, 2013 from 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009? Join us and participate; take that leap of faith, you may find it rewarding! (For additional information, contact me at abingdoncc@gmail.com.)
(If at any time you wish to have your eMail address removed from our data base, just reply remove.)

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Abingdons Treasures: Coffee News Serving Abingdon and Harford County

Coffee News originated in 1988 in Winnipeg, Manitoba (CAN) and is the brainchild of Jean Daum, an expert in, not only advertising itself, but super-learning and subliminal techniques as well -- many of which she designed and researched herself to make Coffee News one of the most potent, yet affordable advertising publications ever produced. Coffee News is a weekly publication delivered free to restaurants, coffee shops, motels, doctors' waiting offices, and many other waiting areas around town. People are out and about, shopping, eating, and taking care of themselves and their cars - this gives them a distraction from that waiting that doesn't require a large commitment. And best of all, it is family friendly! Coffee News has the week's funniest and most unusual news stories, jokes, trivia, amazing facts, horoscopes, lucky numbers and more. Everything in it is fun and entertaining - no bad news here! It is a very big breath of FRESH AIR to millions of readers who are tired of hearing only the bad news. COFFEE NEWS IS POSITIVE. It provides the other side of the news, something that makes people SMILE! On April 1, 2011 Jody Youll, a Jersey girl at heart who now lives in Joppa, signed on to be a Coffee News franchisee, and Coffee News Harford was born! With her combined experience of printing, graphics, advertising, and working with local businesses, it was a perfect fit. Jody has been busy getting to know the area and the businesses here, as well as getting them to know her and Coffee News. She is an active member of Harford County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a member of Business Resource Network, Chesapeake Professional Womens Network, and Bel Air Downtown Alliance. For additional information, call 410-877-1962. Coffee News is available at many prominent Abingdon locations including: Box Hill Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Bill Batemans Express, and Shop Rite/Kleins at Festival. In addition, it is available at all Abingdon Community Council meetings.
(Source: http://www.coffeenewsharford.com/, for additional information, call 410-877-1962. Some changes were made. )

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Harford Hearing Examiner Rules In Favor Of Evergreen Development; Ruling Appealed

A planned 198-unit apartment complex, near the site of the proposed Walmart in Bel Air South, got a boost earlier this month when the county's zoning hearing examiner approved an adjustment of the zoning for the property. The ruling was a crucial victory for the developers, Peak Management LLC, of Timonium, because it allows them to build to their desired density. In response, the People's Counsel for Harford County filed an appeal earlier this month to the decision by Robert Kahoe Jr. and submitted a letter on May 3 seeking a "final argument" before the county's Board of Appeals regarding the complex proposed on land owned by the Evergreen Business Trust.

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The 17.54-acre forested site in question is on the west side of Route 24 and the south side of Plumtree Road. Plans call for building the final segment of Tollgate Road, which would serve as a western boundary. The Evergreen project is one of three large apartment complex developments being proposed in the greater Bel Air area that are going through various stages of the county's approval process. Together, the three could add more than 700 rental units to the market over the next several years. The final argument on the Evergreen case, which will be conducted by the Harford County Council, will take place at 7 p.m. on June 18 in the council's chambers at 212 S. Bond St. in Bel Air, according to a notice issued by council staff Tuesday. There has been considerable public concern, expressed at earlier hearings in the case, that the proposed development will have adverse impacts on property values in the surrounding neighborhoods, even though an existing apartment development, Calvert's Walk, is only a short distance away from the Evergreen site. Members of the Harford County Council, who sit as the Board of Appeals, have the final authority to approve large planned residential developments in Harford County. They could adopt, reject or modify the hearing examiner's decision. The council/board's decision can be appealed in the court system. Different densities The Evergreen/Peak property is zoned with three residential densities R1, R4 and "a slim sliver" of R3, according to Kahoe's decision, issued April 11. "The Applicant originally requested that this R3 sliver, being about 0.33 acres in size, be changed to R4, arguing that the district line is improperly drawn and R4 should follow the eastern boundary of Tollgate Road," Kahoe wrote. Peak Management later requested the county move the R4 boundary to the middle of Tollgate, instead of the eastern side of the road, to allow for a greater density of units. Attorney Robert Lynch of Bel Air, who represented Peak Management during three nights of testimony before Kahoe in February, said the current zoning would only allow the developer to build 197 full units, and a fraction of another unit. Changing the zoning would allow the developer to build the desired 198 units. The southern segment of Tollgate runs from Route 24, near the Constant Friendship Shopping Center, north to the Bel Air South Professional Center. The northern segment of Tollgate runs from Plumtree to the Fallston area. The segment in between is undeveloped Lynch noted completing that final section has been part of Harford County's master plan for 30 years. "Quite apparently, the zoning maps were drawn when the exact lines of Tollgate Road had not yet been fixed or, if fixed, the maps were in error," Kahoe wrote. "The Applicant asks that this error in drafting be remedied." Kahoe stated "the real question" involves determining where the "location of the dividing line between the zoning districts" should be established. The examiner cited Section 267-17 of the Harford County Code: "Interpretation of Boundaries." "Subsection B states: "Boundaries shown as following or approximately following streets shall be construed to follow the center lines of such streets."Kahoe went on to rule in favor of placing the zoning boundary along the center of Tollgate. "It is hereby found that the zoning maps showing the subject property are hereby ordered to be adjusted so that the R3 and R4 zoning districts are divided along the center line of Tollgate Road," he wrote. Traffic, noise, other issues People's Counsel Brian Young represented neighbors of the Evergreen property, who were concerned about the impacts of increased traffic, environmental degradation, noise and light pollution and deleterious impacts. County planning officials also testified in February against granting approval to the development, citing concerns about environmental and traffic impacts. "It's not a conventional development, and so there are specific guidelines above and beyond the general zoning code," Anthony McClune, deputy director of Planning and Zoning, testified during the hearings. The request for an adjustment of the zoning boundaries is one of two cases argued before Kahoe in February regarding the Evergreen property. Peak Management is also seeking a special zoning exception from the county to build the 198 units. Dottie Smith, zoning hearing assistant, said a decision has not yet been issued in the special exception case. Smith said the applicant would still need the special exception, even with Kahoe's decision on the boundary, because "code approval" is required to proceed.

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Regardless how Kahoe rules in the special exception case, his decision is subject to the same council/board of appeals review and approval process.
(Source: exploreharford.com. Some changes were made.)

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Harford County's Restaurant Week Starts June 3, 2013

Harford County's 2013 Restaurant Week will be held June 315, the fourth year for the increasingly popular event. Restaurants throughout Harford County will be offering price fixed menus consisting of three course meals starting at $20.13 plus beverages, tax and gratuity. Limited service restaurants may be offering other special values, according to the Harford County Office of Economic Development and Tourism. While out for Restaurant Week, diners can post about their meals and upload pictures to the Harford Tourism Facebook page to enter the gift card giveaway contest called "Harford County Love it!" Look for the quick response code at participating restaurants for quick entry in the contest or ask your server for a contest card. The contest is only active during Restaurant Week. The more you dine during Restaurant Week the more chances to win as the week concludes with a grand prize drawing of up to $1,000 worth of restaurant gift cards from participating restaurants. Tourism Manager Wini Roche says the 2013 Restaurant Week will be the most widely promoted to date. "We are excited to see Restaurant Week go viral this year as people actually share or upload what's for dinner," Roche said in a news release. "Several new restaurants joined in the promotion this year," added Roche. "We encourage people to dine out several times during the promotion and take advantage of the excellent value." According to the Harford County Office of Tourism, all Restaurant Week participating restaurants and their menus can be found on http://www.harfordmd.com the tourism office's website.
Source: exploreharford.com. Some changes were made.

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News from Boulevard at Box Hill:

Coming Soon to the Boulevard

Wild Birds, Lemon N Ginger, Old Navy, Subway, Menchies, and Sprint
(Source: Source: http://boulevardatboxhil.com/. Some changes were made.)

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A Portion of Moores Mill Road Will Close For 10 Months Starting Around June 12, 2013
Notice of Road Closure Moores Mill Road

The Harford County Department of Public Works, Bureau of Construction Inspections has announced that Moores Mill Road, between Southampton Road and U.S. Route 1 will be closed on or about June 12, 2013. The road will remain closed to traffic for approximately 10 months to allow for road reconstruction work to be completed. Additionally, there will be no access from Majors Choice Drive to Moores Mill Road during the period of reconstruction project. Motorists who normally travel Moores Mill Road between Southampton Road and U.S. Route 1 should make other arrangements. Citizens with questions concerning this road project should contact the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Construction Inspections at 410-638-3217, Ext 2442, Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Source: belairnewsandviews.com. Some changes were made.

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Dates to Ponder:
Flag Day
June 1, 2013 8:00am Free Shamrock Park (behind Town Hall) Join us for our yearly tradition of remembering the meaning and sacrifice represented in our American Flag. Along with an inspiring keynote speaker and Color Guard presentation, we will enjoy a variety of patriotic songs and music to honor our defenders of freedom. Sponsored by the Town of Bel Air. 410.638.4550

Harford County Restaurant Week

June 3 - 15, 2013 Regular hours of operation The annual event, sponsored by the county's office of economic development and tourism, boosts sales at local restaurants.

Summer Concert Series Calico Jack

June 6, 2013 7:00pm 9:00pm Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, 100 Lafayette Street. 7-9pm. $10 donation supports the series. Songs and stories of the Chesapeake Bay. 410.939.4800, museum@comcast.net

Boulevard at Box Hill

June 9, 2013 12:00:00pm 4:00pm Spa on The Boulevard will be hosting a Grand Opening open house on Sunday, June 9 from 12-4pm! Come and explore the spa and meet some of the people behind the beauty

Summer Concert Series

June 9, 2013 7:00pm Free Wm. A. Humbert Amphitheater, Shamrock. Outdoor concert in the park. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. Rain location is Bel Air High School. Sponsored by the Town of Bel Air and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. 410.803.9784

Outdoor Movies Hotel Transylvania

June 14, 2013 Seating opens 6:00pm and movie starts at dusk Free Shamrock Park, Lee Street & Hickory Avenue. Enjoy movies under the stars. Pack the blankets and grab the kids! Sponsored by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance. 443.823.1797, www.downtownbelair.com

Walk In Computer Instruction at the Library

June 19, 2013 2:00pm 4:00pm

Abingdon Branch of HCPL. Learn basic computer skills and web search techniques to boost your know-how. All ages. Abingdon Community Council Meeting
June 24, 2013 6:30pm 7:30pm Abingdon Community Council meets on the 4th Monday of each month at the Abingdon Public Library from 6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m. Public invited! abingdoncc@gmail.com

Groovin in the Grass! Summer Concerts at Ladew

June 30, 2013 6:00pm 8:00pm Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. Members $7; Adults $15; Seniors/Students $13. Join us in the Great Bowl Sunday evenings for sounds of classic rock, Cajun/Zydeco, swing, blues, bluegrass and more! For more information call Ladew 410.557.9570 or visit www.ladewgardens.com for the 2013 line up of musicia

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Last day for K-11 students is Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Enjoy the summer!
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Abingdon Community Council

Meeting
June 24, 2013 at the Abingdon Public Library 6:30pm 7:30pm 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD
Members:
Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson C. David Copenhaver Carlin Cook Earl Grey Gregory A. Beaty Joan Hamilton Recording Secretary: Donna Copenhaver

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