Trees

 I love this time of year.  The weather gets a little colder, the geese are back, the smell of wood fires is in the air and the trees: the colors of the trees.

Fall Colors near the Wharf

Over the past several years, the Town Council of Centreville has actively pursued a more "green" Centreville. Millstream Park has been the recipient of over a hundred new trees--thanks to a state grant.

New trees at Millstream Park (during Easter Egg Hunt 2011)

The Wharf and Pocket Parks have recently been improved and several new trees have been added, also as a result of state grant funding.

New trees at the Wharf

A tree buffer has been established on the County owned property adjacent to the Providence Farm Subdivision.

Newly established tree buffer adjacent to Providence Farm Subdivision

The most recent "Town of Centreville Email Update" announced "In the coming month, more than 500 new trees will be planted in the Town of Centreville. As part of the completion of phase II of the North Brook Subdivision, the developer will be installing new street trees and additional plantings around the stormwater management ponds. As they mature, these trees beautify the residential environment, provide shade to cool the Town in the summer, and absorb rainwater before it becomes stormwater runoff."

Newly installed trees at Phase II in Northbrook

The developer has begun to install these trees in Phase II of Northbrook and will continue installation over the next several days. Click here for a diagram of the trees to be planted.

A worker installing a new street tree

The Town is also pursuing a "Tree City USA" designation. The Tree City USA program, is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, and provides, among other benefits, national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, over 3400 communities around the US are recognized as a Tree City USA.


The other communities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland who have received this designation include:

Chestertown (30 years)
Ridgely (4 years)
Ocean City (23 years)
Galena (22 years)

One of the requirements for Tree City USA designation includes an Arbor Day Celebration. Through a recent Town Council Resolution, the Town will celebrate it's Arbor Day each year on the first Wednesday in April.

As these trees mature, they'll provide many benefits.

The planting of all these trees is a long term strategy designed to improve the value and beauty of our town.   These trees may take a long time to mature, but as they grow, they'll provide our town with a living legacy we can all be proud of.

Traffic Signal to be installed at Northbrook!



Traffic Signal Ahead

Entrance to Northbrook will soon have a traffic signal



The Town Council is happy to announce that the much anticipated traffic signal at the entrance to the Northbrook Subdivision will begin construction shortly, and should be operational by March 2012.  This will allow vehicles, including school buses and commuters, to safely turn from Wexford Drive and Spaniard Neck Road onto this busy state highway.


The Centreville Town Council has worked constructively with the Maryland State Highway Administration over the past 18 months to accomplish several important projects in Centreville:

In June 2010, SHA announced that the speed limits on Liberty St. & Commerce St. (bridge to bridge) would be reduced to 25 MPH. (see this link for this story)

The Town Council was able to get SHA to include several new crosswalks on Rt. 213 in Centreville.  This is an ongoing project, and SHA continues to make these improvements in town.

Traffic Signal at Northbrook.  The Town Council has worked to guarantee that the developer will honor his obligation to install this Traffic Signal.  SHA has requested that this project be installed for more than 5 years and the Council has now been able to ensure that the signal will be installed by the developer in the next few months.  

We will continue to work diligently and proactively with SHA on projects that affect the safety of the citizens of Centreville.


A little history on the traffic signal project:

October 2001:     When this subdivision was approved, SHA anticipated that due to the increased traffic, a traffic signal may be required.  In October 2001, they required the developer to perform a "Traffic Signal Warrant Study", which is a traffic study to determine future traffic patterns, and drives future traffic signal decisions.  The results of that study recommended that a traffic signal be installed when the 290th house was occupied.

In November 2006, there were approximately 166 homes occupied.  At that time, SHA wrote a letter (click here for a copy of that letter) asking the developer to "begin the work efforts in a proactive manner to assure that the construction timing coincides with the actual need for the signal construction".  They required that the developer fund a follow-up Traffic Signal Warrant Study and if the signal was warranted, the developer was to install it.

In January, 2007, the developer had not yet responded to SHA's request, so SHA sent a letter to the Town of Centreville, (click here for a copy), requesting that the Town halt authorization of any future building permits for the Northbrook Subdivision until the developer performed the study.

This request seemed to work, because at the February 15, 2007 Town Council meeting (click here for a copy of the minutes, scroll to the yellow highlighted portion on page 3), the Town Manager reported that he had met with a representative of SHA and the developer and that the town was to receive a copy of the completed traffic signal study within the week.  It was suggested to the developer at that time that he could begin installation of the traffic signal equipment immediately as it could take up to a year for the entire process.  The Town Attorney also reminded the developer that installation of the traffic signal was a requirement of the negotiated Public Works Agreement.  The result of the new traffic study revealed that at the completion of the 331st house, a traffic signal would be required to be operational.

When I was elected to the Town Council in April 2009, one of the first things I wanted to do was to discuss with SHA several items of concern to the town, including the stalled 301/304 overpass project, speed limits on Rt. 213 (Liberty & Commerce) in town, crosswalks, and the status of the Traffic Signal at Northbrook.  We held a work session in February 2010.  SHA agreed to work with the town to study speed limits on Liberty & Commerce which resulted in the 25 MPH speed limit change last summer (see here for the blog entry on that subject).  SHA added that the 301/304 overpass was on indefinite hold due to lack of funding.   SHA also told us that the traffic signal at Northbrook was the responsibility of the developer, and that SHA had been unsuccessful in getting the developer to respond to their requests for installation, and they asked the town for help.  (see here for a copy of the 2/2/2010 Town Council minutes, 4th bullet, 1st page)

On February 16, 2010, SHA sent a letter to the developer (see here for a copy) as a follow up to the Council meeting earlier that month.  In that letter, SHA directs the developer to provide their District Office in Chestertown a design request for the installation of the traffic signal, within 30 days, or SHA will request that the Town of Centreville ban further issuance of building permits.

SHA's request that the town consider banning the issuance of building permits seemed to work, because on March 10, 2010, the developer responded to SHA with a Design Request for a new Traffic Signal at Northbrook. (click here for a copy of that letter)

There are several steps to building a traffic signal on an SHA highway.  The first is a Design Request.  Once approved, a plan is then submitted.  Once that plan is approved, they have to apply for a permit, and THEN they can get started.  This process is what SHA is talking about when it says the installation can take upwards of a year. So, in March 2010, began the process of requesting, planning, reviewing, modifying, re-submitting, re-reviewing, further planning, and finally, approvals. (click here to see the flow chart relating to SHA access permits)

On June 14, 2011, SHA provided the developer's contractor with a letter approving their traffic signal design for the Northbrook Traffic Signal, and directed them to forward the approved plans to SHA's access permit division. (click here for a copy of that letter).  

The Town Council has been pushing to get this signal installed for a long time, and it has been a top priority since the February 2010 Council/SHA worksession.  Only recently was the Town Council finally able to get the developer to formally agree to install the traffic signal: including selecting a contractor, signing a contract, committing to a construction time line, (see here for a copy of the contract and timeline) securing funding, and submitting the plans for access permit approval. 

SHA still needs to approve the access permit, but everything has been submitted and is in their hands. The contractor has already ordered materials, and once SHA approves the access permit, the contractor will  begin construction.

The signal installation timeline is based on SHA's access permit issuance.  This should be within 3-4 weeks.  Within 3-4 weeks after the issuance of the permit, the contractor will begin construction--this includes installing the concrete foundation, electrical conduit, poles, signals, signs, etc.  The whole project should wrap up in approximately 90 days after receiving the access permit (weather permitting).

So, when you see the contractors out there measuring, mixing, and digging, please be patient.  The inconvenience will be temporary, but the result will be permanent.  Feel free to wave and thank them for doing their part.  I'm sure the Northbrook community and the entire town will be safer with this signal installed.

If you have further questions about this project or anything else going on in Centreville, please feel free to email me or call me.

If you're interested in the approved plans, click the following links:
Page 1 of 2 (electrical details)
Page 2 of 2 (ground layout)

Tim


To see an update of the access permit status, go here:
http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/SHAServices/SignalPlanLocator/Index.asp?d=127
You will be prompted to enter a Traffic Signal (TS) Number. 

If you're interested in SHA's policies on the installation of traffic signals, see these links:
Traffic Signs & Signals overview

Traffic signal brochure

E A R T H Q U A K E !

As we're all aware, we had a 5.8 Earthquake on Tuesday 8/23.  While the quake's epicenter was in Virginia, we certainly felt it here.

Thankfully, there was no damage to our Town infrastructure and no injuries reported.  We have considerable historic structures in town, and they all seemed to be fine.

According to the US Geological Survey, the last 5.8 magnitude earthquake in this area was over 100 years ago!  While it was certainly an interesting event, I hope it's another 100 years before another earthquake happens here.

The earthquake was felt here at 1:51pm.  By 2:10pm all town staff had been accounted for, and they were inspecting infrastructure for issues: Wastewater Treatment Plant, Pump stations, towers and water treatment facilities.  The street grids were also checked for water leaks, road damage, etc.  Everything came back OK.  Now we're faced with a potential Category II Hurricane this weekend, and our town staff will be heading into a briefing soon to get an update and to produce a game plan for making sure our citizens are safe and our town is protected.

Speed Trailer Update: Liberty & Commerce St

The Town of Centreville has been collecting speed data utilizing our mobile radar trailer for about a year and a half now.  In a previous post, I included the results charts from the various locations around town.

Additionally, we have been working with the State Highway Administration (SHA) to reduce the speed limit on Rt. 213 in town.  We were successful in working with them to reduce the speed limit to 25 MPH earlier this spring (see posting here).

On Rt. 213 in town (Liberty St. & Commerce St), the Police have now begun to collect speed data in similar locations as last year.  The results are positive.  Speeds on these roads are trending downward, but we still have more to do.  The good news is that by having SHA reduce the speed limit to 25 MPH, they have given our officers the ability to enforce traffic driving through town at unsafe speeds.  Click on any of the graphs below for a larger pdf version.

The 85th Percentile:
The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of the motorists drive on a given road when unaffected by slower traffic or poor weather. This speed indicates the speed that most motorists on that road consider safe and reasonable under ideal conditions. It is a good guideline for the appropriate speed limit for that road.  (From Maryland State Highway Administration)

The Results:

First: Liberty Street at Ridgeview

Liberty Street Speed Data 2010 & 2011

The purple lines represent April 2010, when the speed limit was 35 MPH, and the light blue represents July 2011, with the updated 25 MPH speed limit.  There are now a much higher percentage of cars going less than 30 MPH than last year.

85th Percentile Speed Comparison 2010 & 2011: Liberty St at Ridgeview

Here we see that in April 2010, the 85th percentile speed was 33 MPH.  It is now at 31 MPH.  While only 2 MPH isn't much, it is trending in the right direction.  With continued enforcement, we hope to get the 85th percentile to 25 MPH.



Second: Commerce St. at Academy/Turpins

Commerce St Speed Data 2010 & 2011

The purple lines represent April 2010, when the speed limit was 35 MPH, and the light blue represents July 2011, with the updated 25 MPH speed limit.  The difference is amazing.  The speeds percentages have almost flipped with a much higher percentage of cars going less than 30 MPH.

85th Percentile Speed Comparison 2010 & 2011: Commerce at Academy/Turpins

Here the results of the speed modification are much greater.  In April 2010, the 85th percentile speed was 31 MPH.  It is now at 26 MPH.  With continued enforcement, we hope to get the 85th percentile down even lower.

Remember, this is not a perfect scientific study, but it is a good measurement of change over time.  

As we have additional results, I will continue to update this blog.

Workforce Housing Proposals in Centreville Fail to Receive Funding

It was recently announced by the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) that neither the proposed Gravel Run at Little Hut Drive (Delaware Valley Development Corp-DVDC) nor the Osprey Development at Spring Street received funding or approval during the most recent round of funding.  A copy of the announcement can be found here: July 1, 2011 Multi Family Housing Notice-DHCD.

The Town had been previously notified that the Gravel Run at Little Hut Drive had backed out of consideration prior to the DHCD announcement.

I was recently asked if the developers would re-apply and if notice would be sent out to citizens.  My response is that one or both may continue to seek some sort of funding, at some point in the future.  Osprey and DVDC have had long histories of development on both the Eastern and Western Shore.  Should either come back to the Town, proper notice will be given via published agendas.  The Town does it's best to provide proper notices, and we continue to improve and look for better ways to communicate.


We make every effort to communicate with individuals who have asked, but it is important as a citizen to be involved and be aware of what is happening.


Here is a quote from Ronald Reagan, which I feel fits very well here: "While a constitution may set forth rights and liberties, only the citizens can maintain and guarantee those freedoms. Active and informed citizenship is not just a right; it is a duty."  September 16, 1981.
 

We make every effort to communicate the issues and ongoing policy discussions with our citizens, we can't reach every person all the time on every issue. The Town Council is constantly looking to do a better job in communicating, but as President Reagan said, it is the duty of the citizens to be informed. 
 
We realize that it's difficult for all citizens to make it to our council meetings or commission meetings due to other commitments, one of the great things about being in this small town is that we're all accessible.  Call us on the phone if you have a question; send us an email; flag us down at the grocery store.  With the internet, our agendas and minutes are available 24/7.  Visit the town website for more information: www.townofcentreville.org



As I have always said, I'll meet anyone, anytime to discuss any issue. 
My phone number is: 443.262.9992
My email address is: tmccluskey@townofcentreville.org

"The Centreville Connection" Quarterly Newsletter: Summer 2011

Attached is a link to the June 2011 edition of the town newsletter.  I am very proud of the publication of this and am looking forward to the publishing of it each quarter.  If you have suggestions for future content, please email me.
The Centreville Connection is a quarterly newsletter, which will provide important information and a means of communication between the Town government and the citizens it serves.

Many thanks to all the contributing writers, including:

Carolyn Brinkley
Cpl. Kim Conley
Mary Margaret Goodwin
Eva Kerchner
Bob McGrory
Lisa Raley
Charlie Rhodes

Also--thanks to Kellen McCluskey for some of the photos!

A special thanks to Kerry Brandt who provided the layout and design expertise.  Thanks so much for your efforts.
Click here: June 2011 Centreville Connection

Centreville Day & Fireworks

In my opinion, the entire day was as perfect as can be. 

The Wharf Bulkhead and Boardwalk on Centreville Day 2011

This is a compilation of the months of work on the bulkhead and boardwalk, culminating in the completion of the bulkhead.

Here are some highlights from the day:

Our First Annual "A Taste of Centreville"  It was a huge success.

Thanks to all the restaurants who participated, including: Doc's Riverside Grille, Brique, Sugar Magnolia Cafe, Hillside, and of course Cassinelli Winery and G&G Distributors.  There were over 230 bracelets pre-sold and almost 400 total attendees!  This event was organized by our Downtown Business Association, Centreville Alive!  Great Job!

The 2 inflatable slides were a big hit!

Although we didn't have a lot of grass, the kids were still lining up for the waterslide!

Sam Kern and his team at Tents 4 Rent did a great job of setting up the inflatable slides and tents.  They were very professional and kept everyone safe, cool, and shaded. 

Kayak and Canoe rides were available to get people out on the water.

Thanks to the Corsica River Yacht Club for letting the town borrow their floating dock, Gunston School for providing the canoes, and Adventure Crafters for providing guided kayak tours.  Many people were able to get out on the Corsica River for the first time and see our beautiful river.

Adults and kids all got to enjoy the river.

Our first Kids Fishing Derby was a huge hit!

We had over 60 kids participate in the fishing derby.  Many different fish were caught, and a big thanks goes to the Corsica River Conservancy for running the derby.

Isaiah Mitchell catches the first fish.

I presented him with a trophy for the "First Fish"

The other trophies were for the largest/heaviest fish in the 3 age groups.

It definitely got a little chaotic with all those kids fishing and spectators watching.

DNR sent a Natural Resources Police Officer in his boat to help with any water related issues.  Thankfully there were none!

The Goodwill Volunteer Fire Department showed up in force and were ready for any emergencies!  Thankfully there were none.

The above view is from Watson Road as you drive into town.  This view is much nicer now, complete with a town sign and the living shoreline.

This is our information sign discussing the living shoreline and it's environmental benefits

We then had the Wharf Grand Opening.  Several dignitaries were present, including Congressman Harris, Delegate Jay Jacobs, Commissioner Bob Simmons & Dave Dunmyer. 

The Ribbon Cutting.  From Left: Town Manager Bob McGrory, QAC Commissioners Bob Simmons & Dave Dunmyer, Council Member George "Smokey" Sigler, Council Vice President Frank Ogens, Former Council President Mary McCarthy, Delegate Jay Jacobs, Council President McCluskey, Former Council President Norman Pinder, Parks Advisory Member Sandy Simpson, Congressman Andy Harris, Sheriff Gary Hoffman.

And it's open!

Centreville Wharf: Dedicated to the People of Centreville: Past, Present and Future

.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Don't forget the fireworks!

Later that evening, across from the QAC High School, we put on a great fireworks display.  The fireworks were done by Fireworks Extravaganza of Maryland.  They have done the fireworks in the past for Queen Anne's County.  When budget issues caused QAC to eliminate fireworks, Centreville stepped up and decided to hold them here. It was a great team effort, from the Board of Ed, to the QAC Commissioners, to the Goodwill Fire Company and QAC Emergency Services.  Special thanks to the Centreville Police Department and Chief Rhodes for keeping everyone safe throughout the entire day.

Centreville Rotary kept everyone cool with Sno-Cones and cool drinks

There were people as far as the eye could see!

Even with the crowds, when it was all done, traffic moved quickly.

Here is a link to some of the fireworks:

View from the Northeast Corner, where the Living Shoreline/Pervious Pathway and Boardwalk meet.

Here is the view from Watson Road as you come into town.  We now have a beautiful living shoreline, new sidewalk, "Welcome" sign, parking lot, etc.  It's a really nice addition to the town.

All in all, it was a perfect day.  I am so proud to have the honor of serving on the Town Council of Centreville.  This is truly a great town, and this day embodies all the great things about being a small town.

Centreville Day: July 2nd: Wharf Grand Opening & Fireworks

CENTREVILLE DAY

SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2011; 2-5PM

AT THE WHARF

What's happening: 

*A Taste of Centreville

* Ribbon Cutting (2:30pm)

* Waterslide

* Kid's Fishing Derby (2-4pm)

* Live Band (3-5pm)

* Face Painting

* Canoes & Kayaks

* Food & Drinks for sale

* Ice Cream & Sno Cones

* Information Booths: Corsica River Conservancy, Gunston Summer Program, Corsica River Yacht Club, QAC Historical Society & Wharf History, Scales & Tales

THEN JOIN US FOR FIREWORKS ACROSS FROM THE QAC HIGH SCHOOL

9:00PM

All the activities are free of charge (with the exception of food & drink and "A Taste of Centreville [$10])

PLEASE NOTE: There is NO parking at the Wharf.  Please walk or ride your bicycle.  If you do drive, please park behind Corbaley Hall (Mother of Sorrows Church) on Glendale Ave, and catch the free shuttle via the Millstream Park Trail.  See this map for information on the shuttle.

Salon HEBERTO Celebrates First Birthday

All photos courtesy of SevenSetStudios.com

Recently I was invited to help celebrate the First Anniversary of Salon Heberto on S. Commerce St in Centreville. Heberto has been a stylist in Centreville for ages, and has a loyal following, so it was natural for him to open his own salon. 

He and his team have created a beautiful and serene environment, perfect for a day of pampering.

Over the past year, he has added stylists and other professionals and really transformed the building he's in.  Although my haircut is more suited to a barber, my wife and kids won't go anywhere else.

Presenting a Congratulatory Certificate to Heberto

 

3.....2.....1.....

 

Congratulations Heberto!

Rt. 213 is now 25 MPH from "Bridge to Bridge" in Centreville!

New 25 MPH sign approaching Millstream Bridge heading North

Speeding traffic has long been an issue on Rt. 213 in Centreville.  Over the past 1.5 years, the Town Council has worked with SHA representatives to reduce the speed limits on Rt. 213 in Centreville.  We worked with SHA to implement traffic calming measures and as a result of those, the 85th percentile speeds along North & South Commerce, and North and South Liberty Streets have come down enough to facilitate the updated speed limits.

SHA has also proposed additional traffic calming measures, involving line striping and streetscaping to further reduce speeds.  They are not well funded, so they will begin with the line striping in the next few weeks.  The streetscaping will be done as funds are available.

Our police officers have already begun the public awareness campaign to alert drivers to the new speed limit

New 25 MPH sign approaching Millstream Bridge heading North

While speeding will continue to be an issue, we are hopeful that continued enforcement, along with traffic calming measures will help to keep speeds along Rt. 213 at safe levels.

In the next few weeks, updated lane-striping will be painted which will further call attention to the efforts to keep speeds low in this residential and business area.

REMEMBER: Slow Down, Drive Safe!