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

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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.