Spring General Meeting
15 May 2008, 7:30 pm
May 2008 Hotline
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Contacts for Maryland State Representatives

West Laurel Civic Association
P.O. Box 387-- Laurel, MD 20725
www.wlcaweb.org

Site Last Updated: 05/10/2008


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West Laurel Civic Association General Updates

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.

 

Caleb Carr House ca. 1770 -- Riding Stable Road
June 2006 May 2008

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.

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:


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.  

 

 

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Last Updated: 05/10/2008