During a recent government meeting, officials shifted their focus to transportation issues, particularly addressing sidewalk connectivity and pedestrian safety along Ricerstown Road. The discussion highlighted the need for improved streetscaping and traffic calming measures in response to community feedback regarding high-speed traffic in the area.
Key points raised included the necessity for better collaboration between state and county agencies to enhance pedestrian infrastructure. A representative noted that while the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) has allocated $600,000 for improvements, there are concerns about the aesthetic and functional quality of existing tree planters and sidewalks. The representative emphasized the importance of maintaining communication channels with DPWT to ensure that revitalization efforts align with community needs.
Participants acknowledged the challenges posed by the current relationship between the county and the State Highway Administration (SHA), which has reportedly not initiated any projects in Baltimore County for over a year. The lack of communication and project sharing from SHA has hindered local planning efforts, prompting calls for the community to exert pressure on state representatives to prioritize these issues.
As part of the strategic goals, officials agreed to strengthen the relationship between the county and state highway authorities, aiming to facilitate better coordination on future projects. The meeting underscored the community's role in advocating for necessary changes to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity in the region.