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Issue #61 
April 2014
 
Road Project Moves Into Phase Two   
Detour Routes Will Change at Armory, Dares Beach Roads
  
Road construction at the intersection of Armory and Dares Beach roads in Prince Frederick is expected to move into its second phase by the end of April.
  
The project will change the name of Armory Road between Dares Beach Road and Main Street to Chesapeake Boulevard and will provide a number of   improvements, including new sidewalks, wider shoulders, roadway lighting and a traffic circle at the intersection of Chesapeake Boulevard and Dares Beach Road. The project is part of the Prince Frederick loop road. This winter's inclement weather has significantly delayed progress.
  
The first phase is nearly complete and included building the first half of a traffic circle at the intersection. In the second phase, traffic on Armory Road north of Dares Beach Road will be opened to allow right turns from Dares Beach Road onto Armory Road and right turns from Armory Road onto Dares Beach Road.
  
Construction on the second half of the traffic circle and the new portion of Chesapeake Boulevard and Monnett Court is slated for the second phase. Monnett Court is a portion of existing Armory Road that will intersect with Chesapeake Boulevard and serve the cluster of businesses just to the south of Dares Beach Road. During this phase Fairground Road will become a detour route for traffic between Dares Beach Road and Main Street.
    
Maps plotting the project by phase and additional information are available on the county website. To learn more, email Karl Deugwillo or call or 410-535-1600, ext. 2546. A Facebook page has been established and will offer updates on the project as it progresses.
  
  
Calvert County Information is at
Your Fingertips with MyCalvertMaps

  
Take a virtual tour of Calvert County's natural resources, plan a weekend hiking trip or see how the county has changed over the last 100 years using MyCalvertMaps, a new online, interactive geographic information system featuring powerful maps that easily run on any desktop computer, tablet or mobile device.
  
MyCalvertMaps include a wealth of information available at the click of a mouse or tap of a mobile device screen. Users can find historic sites, demographics, flood plain information and even the locations of recreation areas like boat launch sites, sports fields and parks.

Calvert County's rich history is a click away with the Historic Sites Map. From designated historical sites to roadside signs, driving tour info and more, this interactive map brings history alive.

View county properties, tax assessment information and regional topography with the Property and Topography Map. Whether you are looking to buy a property     or are just curious, this interactive map gives you a new perspective on the county.

If you are new to the county or just need to find something new to you, the Facilities Guide Map is a great resource. Find schools, libraries, community centers, local government buildings and more, including links to additional information.

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area was established to help protect our local waterways. Do you live near the Critical Area? The county's Critical Area Map can show you and help you comply with Critical Area regulations.
 
Calvert County is surrounded by water and local property owners need to know their flood risk. The county's Flood Hazard Map can help. It shows flood zones adopted in 2011 as well as the 2013 preliminary update.

From sites for hiking, fishing and horseback riding to public boat launches, sports fields and more, the county Recreational Facilities Map can help you get out and get active.

Check out the county's Census and Demographics Map for details on population distribution, demographic profiles, housing information and much more.
 
With the county's Voter Map you will find the boundaries of congressional, state and county election districts, along with your precinct and polling place.

For information on MyCalvertMaps, call the Calvert County Department of Technology Services at 410-535-1600, ext. 2511, or visit the Calvert County website
  

War of 1812 Remembered with Southern Maryland's Star-Spangled Celebration 

 

The War of 1812, which lasted from June 18, 1812, to Feb. 16, 1815, had a major impact on Calvert County. This summer marks the 200th anniversary of   the war's pivotal Southern Maryland battles. Calvert County's Star-Spangled Celebration, with generous support from The Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, commemorates the anniversary with a host of exhibits and events, culminating in a stirring Tall Ship Invasion and the thrilling 1812 Fair and Re-enactment June 21-22. 

 

Visit the event website for details and like the Facebook page to stay up to date on details.

Showing Appreciation for Businesses
For the ninth year, the Calvert County Department of Economic Development is facilitating Business Appreciation Week, (BAW) BAW logo - new showcasing and celebrating local businesses. This year, BAW is May 5-9 and will feature a host of special events and activities to thank businesses of all sizes for their contributions to the county's economy and quality of life.
  
The 2014 theme is "Celebrating the Spirit of Entrepreneurship" and recognizes companies that show the grit, determination, perseverance and passion to succeed. Check out the BAW website for details on free workshops, seminars and networking events.
In This Issue
Road Project Moves Into Phase Two
Calvert County Information is at Your Fingertips with MyCalvertMaps
War of 1812 Remembered with Southern Maryland's Star-Spangled Celebration
Showing Appreciation for Businesses
What's Happening in Calvert County
Property Maintenance Code Amended
Spring Can Mean Severe Weather
Quick Links
What's Happening
in Calvert County

 

We are finally starting to move into spring, and with the warmer weather comes a calendar full of all the wonderful things there are to see and do in Calvert County.

  

Check out the local events calendar.

 

Property Maintenance
Code Amended

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners on March 25 approved text amendments to the County Code that will change the property maintenance rules in the county.  The amendments became effective April 4, 2014.

 

Chapter 92, the property maintenance chapter of the County Code, states that the owner of property cannot allow the accumulation of debris, decayed vegetable matter, filth, dangerous trees, rubbish or trash, abandoned vehicles, refrigerators or other household articles. It also states that grass, weeds and underbrush cannot be allowed to grow more than 12 inches high within 100 feet of a residence.


The previous code allowed enforcement of property maintenance only in areas of the county that were zoned residential. The revisions to the code expand the areas of enforcement to Rural Community District, Rural Commercial, Farm and Forest District and within any town center. Enforcement has been changed to be consistent with the enforcement regulations of the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance. 

 

This includes issuing a written notice that the property owner is violating property maintenance rules, followed by a citation and possible fine of up to $500 if the problem is not fixed within 30 days. If the property owner does not fix the problem, the case is sent to the county attorney to schedule a date with Calvert County District Court where the property owner can contest the citation. If the District Court finds the property owner guilty of the violation, the property owner will be liable for the costs of the court proceedings and each day that the violation continues a separate fine and citation will be enforced.

 

The court action is not a criminal conviction.   

 

The purpose of the change is to preserve and protect the property values of the county's residents.
Details of the text amendment can be found on the county website.

 

  

Spring Can Mean Severe Weather

With spring in full swing, the region can experience extreme weather that can include high winds, heavy rains, lightning, hail and the formation of tornadoes. The Calvert County Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management encourages all residents to be prepared.
  
April 1 marked the beginning of tornado season. Residents are urged to follow these tips on preparing for severe weather and taking action if a tornado develops.

Before the Storm
Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school, when outdoors and especially when boating.
Purchase an NOAA weather radio with battery back-up to receive weather warnings. Listen to radio and television for information.
Prepare an emergency supply kit that includes a NOAA weather radio with a battery backup to receive warnings.

If a Tornado Warning is Issued
Take shelter immediately. If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows.
Abandon mobile homes; they offer little protection, even if tied down.
Get out of automobiles. If you are caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge.
Be aware of the potential for flooding.
  
To learn more about emergency preparedness, contact the Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638, or visit us online. This time of year is a good time to sign up for Calvert ALERT, a notification system that can send messages by text, email, fax, land line and pager.

 

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Thanks for reading Calvert Currents. We want to hear from you. Click the feedback link to send us your questions or story ideas.

Sincerely,
Pat Nutter, President
Steven R. Weems, Vice President
Gerald W. "Jerry" Clark
Susan Shaw
Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr.
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners