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West Laurel Civic Association General Updates
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Spring General Meeting - 15 MAY, 7:30pm
The Spring General Meeting is focused on the rising costs of energy for our
residents. We've invited speakers from the State legislature to explain
the history of deregulation, an energy expert on alternative energy, the
Maryland Public Service Commission, and BGE.
Along with the speakers, we have opened the refreshment room
to local contractors and vendors that sell energy-saving building materials and
products. There won't be any aggressive sales pitches, just information
tables and representatives who can answer questions and give out business cards
for those who want to follow-up.
Department of Environmental Resources
– Who to Call
The Prince Georges County Department of Environmental Resources (DER) has
created a new branch office for our district. The new office on Ammendale Road
isn’t quite ready but the inspectors are! You met them at our Fall General
Meeting – Sunny, Andrew, Richard & Renee. If you observe any problems in your
neighborhood related to zoning, occupancy, care of the property, construction
without permits, or abandoned vehicles, write down the address and cross-street
and call our district team at 301-883-6130. The administrative team will then
ensure your problem is assigned to the correct inspector for action.
BGE Power Line Tree Trimming Begins in
May.
BGE will begin trimming along the power lines in May. In the next
few days, the BGE contractor will begin notifying residents abutting the
transmission lines about the work.
The work is expected to take approximately
four to six weeks to complete. Most of the work will consist of mowing, using
large commercial mowing equipment, although there are some larger trees that
will be removed.
BGE
is
required by law to ensure that the power lines are kept free of trees and
underbrush to prevent any disruption in power. The graphic above shows the
75' right of way. Residents
should be aware that the street trees at the ROW crossing at McCahill Dr. must
be removed. They have been topped
 in the past but BGE's best management
practices (BMPs), developed in response to regulatory changes by the FERC, now
require the removal of trees on the ROW. Low growing brush that does not contain
woody vegetation with the potential to grow taller than 5' - 10' will remain.
Going forward BGE will manage the ROW to promote more of a meadow environment,
allowing low-growing brush and grasses to develop. BGE must sometimes address
trees on private property that, should they fall, have the potential to impact
the power line. It is important to note that those customers will have the
opportunity to fully discuss and resolve any issues with BGE before work
commences on their property.
Also keep in mind that BGE has agreements with
many residents along the line for them to occupy the ROW for uses such as animal
grazing, gardens, and fenced, extended yards. Those agreements will not be
affected by this work. BGE continues to work with those customers who occupy the
ROW but do not have a licensing agreement.
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Caleb Carr House ca. 1770 -- Riding Stable Road |
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May 2008 |
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See the
May Hotline for a full
article on the progress. |
WSSC Rate Increase
LAUREL,
MD, May 8:
In a joint session, the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils voted
this afternoon to approve a $913.7 million budget for Fiscal Year 2009 that
addresses WSSC’s increasing operational costs. The budget calls for an 8.0%
rate increase to pay for escalating prices for necessities such as power,
chemicals and fuel, as well as the replacement of 27 miles of water mains and 51
miles of sewer mains.
The
rate increase will add approximately $3.75
per month or $11.25 per quarter to the average residential
customer’s bill.
The new budget and rates will take effect on July
1, 2008.
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CRIME ALERT!
West Laurel has experienced a rash of break-ins, attempted
break-ins, stolen cars, and theft from cars since January across the community.
If you see someone or something that looks unusual or
suspicious, call 911 immediately.
Don't assume someone else will call. If you can, write down the tag of
the vehicle.
The District VI police are aware of the incidents and are engaged. In
the mean time, here are a few helpful hints:
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Community Notes
Recycling Date Changes. Effective 1 December 2007, the
recycle day for West Laurel has moved to Wednesday each week. Our
collection vendor is Bates Trucking Trash Removal. If you have questions or
issues with your recycling pick-ups, please contact Nicole at 301-773-2069 or
email her at
nspader@batestrucking.com
Choices in Recycling. In addition to the county recycling
programs, West Laurel residents may drop off their magazines and newspapers at
the Bond Mill Elementary School. The two Abitibi recycling bins have been
moved back by the caferteria entrance. NO CARDBOARD is accepted!
Maryland State
Representatives. The updated list of our Maryland State Representatives and their
contact information is posted on the
Prince George's & Montgomery County
Sex Offenders Listing.
Now available to residents is a listing
of sex offenders based on zip code.
ICC - Intercounty Connector
News Stories in Washington Post
ICC
- Intercounty Connector News Stories in Baltimore Sun<
ICC Update - October 2nd
Thirty-four Maryland legislators have asked Governor
O'Malley to re-assess the ICC against other priorities.
Click here for more
information. |
