Around Linthicum: Delegates’ bills pledge Maglev transparency

Providing Linthicum residents with transparency and clarity concerning the proposed MAGLEV project was the purpose of a Feb. 15 Environment and Transportation Committee hearing in Annapolis. Dels. Geraldine Valentino-Smith (D-23A) and Pam Beidle (D-23) proposed two house bills to provide those living in the MAGLEV route information about what is going to happen.

Valentino-Smith spoke about House Bills 637 and 638, which would require notice to residents who live within 100 feet of the proposed MAGLEV alignment when a county asset is transferred.

The bills are intended to start the conversation and to ask for support from the General Assembly about notice and hearings, Valentino-Smith said.

“We’re going to come down to one alignment soon, and once that alignment is chosen, and the NEPA process has finished, there are no apparent guarantees for future notices to the public, or future hearings or what or if a municipality should have to say or participate in,” she said. “I suggest, on both sides, supporting and opposing, because there is a great deal of frustration and uncertainty that is very real in our communities for a project this massive, for a project this private in nature.”

Valentino-Smith discussed how only a few hundred postcards, some of which were sent to stakeholders and civic organizations, were distributed to notify residents of meetings that would discuss MAGLEV updates, stating, “the opportunity for the public to participate has not been great.”

HB637 would request that before the county transfers an asset, grants a building permit or enters into an agreement, citizens who live within 100 feet of the proposed alignment will receive notice.

HB638 states that before the county enters an agreement that talks about the use of municipal land, agrees to transfer an asset of the county that is located in a municipality, grants a building permit that is located in a municipality or enters an agreement that relates to a property that is located in a municipality, there should be a written agreement between the representatives for the MAGLEV project and the county.

“I’m concerned that the proponents of MAGLEV have created the wrong impression that sufficient public notice will be given and the opportunity to be heard once the final alignment is chosen,” said Valentino-Smith.

Along with the delegates, members of the Linthicum Shipley Improvement Association (LSIA) also testified at the hearing.

“Suzzie Schuyler, Dan Woomer and myself represented LSIA and Suzzie testified on behalf of the organization that the SCMAGLEV project is an unnecessary project that has left numerous unanswered questions regarding construction and placement of infrastructure, as well as the final proposed route,” said LSIA board member Justin Szech. “LSIA’s support of HB 637 and 638 stems from the community’s need to know more about this project and others like it as the process moves forward. We feel that public opportunities to gain access to information through meetings has been limited at best.

“We understand that these bills are not project killers, but all communities along the proposed routes deserve proper notification and access to the conversation.”

To watch video of the hearing, visit http://mgahouse.maryland.gov/mga/play/2dc54dd1-8926-4282-a808-017db4b14e00/?catalog/03e481c7-8a42-4438-a7da-93ff74bdaa4c&playfrom=9429000.

GWFC Woman’s Club Meeting

The GWFC Woman’s Club of Linthicum Heights will hold its monthly evening meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at its clubhouse, 110 N. Hammonds Ferry Road, in Linthicum. The group will discuss and present a video about human trafficking.

Those who attend are asked to bring new or gently used purses to donate to Samaritan Women in Catonsville, a national Christian organization that brings restorative care to trafficking survivors, and attempts to end trafficking. Those who bring purses will be entered into a raffle for a prize. Call Anita Dragan at (410) 292-1144 for more information.

Annual Easter breakfast

The Linthicum Heights UMC, 200 School Lane, will host its annual Easter Breakfast March 31, at 9:30 a.m. Meals are $5 and include pancakes, sausage and beverages. Guests can enjoy games, arts and crafts, an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter bunny.

Children in preschool through fifth grade can participate in the egg-decorating contest. Each contestant must bring in real decorated eggs, which will be judged in different age categories. Each winner will receive a prize.

Children under age three are free and doors will open at 9 a.m. Advanced tickets are available through Monday and will not be sold at the door. Email MB.LHUMC@gmail.com for tickets and information.

The church will offer silent meditation and prayer on Thursday mornings 10-11 am through March 22.

Roy Pippen Scholarship

St. John Lutheran Church is accepting applications for its Roy Pippen Scholarship for students who regularly attend the church and are planning to pursue post-secondary education in September 2018.

An informational meeting will be held Feb. 25, in the counting room. Applicants and their family members are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about the scholarship application process.

Students will leave the meeting with part of the application completed. For more information, call Donna Williman at (410) 859-3311.