Baltimore County Gets Development Help from StateTim Lemke The Daily Record 10/27/2004 To improve the appearance of one of the main thoroughfares in Eastern Baltimore County, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. this week directed two state agencies to move forward with $800,000 in projects tied to redevelopment efforts in the Essex-Middle River area. During the next year, the State Highway Administration and Maryland Department of Transportation will begin a $300,000 effort to spruce up the Eastern Boulevard Bridge over the Middle River, and a $500,000 engineering study on possible streetscape improvements along the heavily traveled road. The projects are part of $35.5 million set aside by the state last month for transportation improvements around the Baltimore beltway. Pat McDonough, J.B. Jennings and Rick Impallaria, the area's representatives in the House of Delegates, requested the money from the state. Proposed improvements on the bridge include decorative side railings and pedestal lighting at each end of the bridge. The inner walls of the bridge will be renovated with a brick finish. Streetscape improvements are expected to include new sidewalks, lighting and trees and better access to parking. The Essex-Middle River Renaissance Corp. is negotiating with the state to include a pedestrian walkway on the bridge. The walkway was recommended by an out-of-state design team invited by the county to work with residents on redevelopment plans in the area. The nonprofit organization is now working with the state to mesh the two visions. "Now we're saying, 'Hey, by the way, would you consider this?" said John Gontrum, a land use attorney and co-chairman of the Essex-Middle River Renaissance Corp. He said he believed the state agencies would be open to the change. The design team also suggested major visual improvements to the Back River Neck Bridge in Essex. For years, the state and county have been trying to improve the appearance of areas along Eastern Boulevard, one of the primary roads in eastern Baltimore County. In the late 1990s, the SHA spent $1.1 on a beautification project between North Point Boulevard and the Baltimore City line. The county and the SHA also completed a $5.3 million streetscape project along Eastern Avenue between Selig Avenue and Martin Boulevard. "We're always pleased when there's money," Gontrum said. "The state as has poured a lot of money into Eastern Boulevard over the years. It's much needed."
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