Author: Chao Wu

Chao Wu Maryland State Delegate, D9 ( Howard and Montgomery Counties)

Proposed 199 ft Monopole Tower along Grace Drive at River Hill

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From: Barb Pivec [mailto:bpivec]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 12:41 PM
To: Barb Pivec <bpivec>
Subject: Fwd: WR Grace – Proposed 199 ft Monopole Tower

RE: WR Grace – Proposed 199 ft Monopole Tower

Dear, Email Recipient the maps did not go through the 1st time resending

Over the last several years Verizon (VZ) has recognized a deficiency in its existing coverage along Route 32 and the River Hill Community Area. In order to manage this deficiency, a design was released to add a communication installation to its local network in that area.

The first step was to evaluate any opportunities to use existing infrastructure in the area, including the water tower on the WR Grace Business Campus where other carriers have wireless installations. Inquiries and studies were performed on the water tower, and it was determined that it was not possible to utilize this existing infrastructure due to structural capacity concerns. At that time and through ongoing evaluations it was also determined that future communications upgrades, by existing carriers on the water tower, to maximize the service in the area, may be limited on this structure as well. There is strong indication that sometime in the future the property owners may remove the Water Tower.

With no other options to collocate on an existing structure in the area, a proposal is being set forth to construct a new 199’ monopole tower next to the water tower. Once constructed Verizon would locate on the structure and the existing carriers on the water tower, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint, would then move over as well.

Our company Calvert Crossland has a long term relationship with Verizon and has a pending agreement with WR Grace and Verizon to develop this necessary infrastructure. To learn more about Calvert Crossland please visit our website at www.calvertcrossland.com

The proposed communication facility will be located within the WR Grace Campus, right next to the water tower. The approximately 1,500 sq ft of disturbance to construct the tower is surrounded by buildings on three sides and a mature forest. This is an unmanned commutation facility that is intended to serve as a replacement for the existing water tower, currently being used as infrastructure for wireless carriers.

Please accept this letter as formal written Notice; in compliance with Sec. 16.128 for of Howard County, Maryland Code of Ordinances.

Please join us for a Pre-submission Community Meeting – February 16th, 2016.

The Meeting Room at River Hill

6330 Trotter Road

Clarksville, Maryland 21093.
6:00PM to 8:00PM

Informational Contacts and Project Detail

· Barb Pivec – Calvert Crossland, LLC bpivec 443-994-7505

· https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Planning-and-zoning >Quick Links – Resubmission Meetings >Search Sign Code – N09

· For Development Process in formation go to: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Zoning/Land-Development/Development-Process-and-Procedures

· Type of initial plan to be submitted: Site Development Plan (SDP) with or without redline changes

· Project Request: unmanned telecommunications tower

· Parcel Zoning Classification: Planned Employment Center (PEC)

· Parcel Use: Industrial

· Residential Units: 0

· Parcel Acres: 54.8 Acre +-

· Development Impact: approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of disturbance

· Council District: 4

· Property ID Number: 05-351251

· Tax Map: 35 Grid: 22 Parcel: 145

· Property Address: Grace Tech Park, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21044

Please find below a location map of the property presented as a web link, attachment or enclosure.

Industry and project representatives will be in attendance to discuss the details of the project and to be available for questions. A sign-in sheet will be available at the meeting for Meeting Minutes and for further notifications. If any community association, person, or organization registered with the county is unable to attend and would like to receive an emailed version of the Minutes to the aforementioned meeting please contact Barb Pivec at bpivec

Sincerely,

Barb Pivec – Partner

Calvert Crossland, LLC

https://www.google.com/maps/place/7500+Grace+Dr,+Columbia,+MD+21044/@39.1903192,-76.9053447,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b7ded084bb72b9:0x311bafb4f880f985!8m2!3d39.1903151!4d-76.903156?hl=en&authuser

Regards,

Barb Pivec – Partner

Calvert Crossland, LLC

904 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231

410-827-4132 – Office 443-994-7505 – Wireless

bpivec

River Hill Board working session with SHA 2017-2-6

Our guests:

  • Cornelius Barmer, PE Assistant Division Chief (Office of Highway Development)
  • John Concannon, Assistant District Engineer (District 7 Traffic)
  • Teri Soos, PE Assistant District Engineer (District 7 Project Development)
  • Kenneth Polcak, Highway Noise Team Leader (Office of Planning and Preliminary Engineering)
  • George Miller, Transportation Manager (District 7 Traffic)

Talking points

1) Ken Polcak: Highway noise team leader.

2) Cornelius Barmer, Assistant division chief. Managing capital program. 300 inquiry a year

3) John Concannon, (District 7), traffic study, lighting, etc

4) Teri Soos, Assistant District Engineer, construction inspection, etc

5) George Miller, Transportation manager , Howard County, Carrol County, Fredirick County,

Traffic noise

1: Noise complaint online, 24-48 hours’ response, 4 weeks many be needed

How to prioritize ? Case by case.

2) Noise mitigation program, how funding is decided? A rigorous procedure

3) 66 decibel threshold

4) more noisy project are allowed in Maryland than other states

5) Associated capital budget will be needed to trigger a noise mitigation response

6) 32 north expansion will NOT affect 32 south noise by the state high way.

7) retrofit look at other areas if needed

8) predictive model for noise study, future traffic study. 20 years plan.

9) Double the traffic, will increase 2 decibel.

10) SHA tried to find a way to qualify the noise mitigation program. Increased traffic does not qualify for this program.

11) Pre-dayed noise study in the south of 32 may be possible.

12) SHA is not only factor contributing to the noise. 80-20 between SHA and county on Type II project.

13) around 29, type I noise barrier. Some residents were even not sure why their build the wall.

Traffic through the neighborhood

1) traffic control device, collecting data, 13 continuous hour (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), crashed data ( from police department, 5 years),

Linden Linthicum Lane studied in2015. Not qualifying for a traffic light.  Putting a traffic light may increase accidents (rear-end).

2)  County has done 108 corrida study before. SHA did not consider 108 new commercial constructions (River Hill Garden Center, River Hill xxx).

3) Any comprehensive study on 108 with so many new constructions? 108 design plan is only advisory, no legal effect.

4) County executive send a list of priority of projects for the county to SHA by May each year.  108 project was on the 7,8 of the list.

5) If developer’s development make changes which affect the road, it is both SHA and county’s responsibility.

6) Even SHA say the traffic study is invalid (for example, funeral home along 108 did traffic study during summer. SHA would flag this traffic study), the county can still approve the traffic study.

7) SHA give comments to developer when the developer comes to them. The developer needs to submit the application to the county first.

8) SHA could not say no to a developer in general.

9) Sheppard lane signal. Realign better to garden center. Extra cost will not from SHA. It will be developer only, or developer plus county.

10) SHA stated expansion of 32 may decrease left turn traffic into the Sheppard Lane.  Counter arguments on this point.

11) SHA does not provide continuous lighting along state high way. SHA does provide lighting all traffic signal.

12) Howard County last year asked residents to rate the traffic/road projects. Not sure they will do the same this year. County government is the initializer of road projects proposed to SHA.

 

13) J-Brake on truck ( help to stop the break) is allowed. Modified exhaust in not allowed in Maryland.

 

14) Bike route. SHA is encouraged to have a bike route. Check consistency with the master plan in the area.

 

 

 

Traffic Study by developers

Traffic study provided by developers should not be accepted for land development. It should be the county who provides a much more independent traffic study. The traffic study a developer presents is another form a bribery. From all I have seen, no traffic study has been a factor rejecting a land development project.

Basically State Highway Agency(SHA) has few power to disapprove a project. Even SHA does not approve the traffic study, the county government can still approve the project. This is what they told us face to face at our board meeting.

The county council should propose a law to fix this issue as soon as possible since there are many more developments facing us. ZRA (Zoning regulation amendment) may be the possible solution.

2016 Year End Review (The Villager 2017-1)

Year End Review (The Villager 2017-1)

The other Columbia Association (CA) board members and I attended the organization’s Year End Celebration party on Dec. 16 2016. I was pleased to learn that so many employees have longevity with the association. We are fortunate to have such dedicated service to the organization and the community.

CA will send a strong letter to our state delegation to discuss lowering the sound level at Merriweather Post Pavilion (MPP). The CA board has been hearing from residents, near and far, young and old, complaining about the excessive noise from MPP since I joined the board. I have been baffled by the notion of “the loudest few and the silent majority” to describe those that protest about the MPP noise issue. The noise may sound trivial to some, but it can be life-threatening for others. Hopefully MPP, under the new leadership team of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission, will begin to address the issue and reconcile itself with the neighbors.

CA is supporting the Horizon Foundation’s Bikeway initiative. The Horizon Foundation, Bicycling Advocates of Howard County and other community organizations are asking the county to fund a 50 mile, networked bicycle and pedestrian route. More than half of county residents, schools and parks are located within 1 mile of the proposed bikeway. 4 MARC stations (Laurel, Savage, Jessup, Dorsey) are within 2.5 miles of the bikeway. We believe the bikeway’s construction will benefit all county residents.

Finally, the unknown suspect who slashed my tire and another 50 tires on an additional 25 cars, placed graffiti, including swastikas on sidewalks, footpaths, playgrounds, mailboxes, cars, etc., and threw “Molotov Cocktails” onto a field at River Hill School was arrested by the Howard County police. I hope this young man will be penalized, get treatment, and have a chance to turn his life around. At the same time, I wish each family will take the opportunity to talk with kids about our diverse community and shared interest.
In 2017, CA will celebrate Columbia’s 50th birthday and continue to improve customer service and community outreach.

Chao Wu, Ph.D.
River Hill Representative to Columbia Council and Columbia Association Board of Directors
Email: chaowu2016@gmail.com Website: http://chaowu.org
Disclaimer: This letter only represents Dr. Chao Wu’s personal opinion. It does not represent River Hill Board of Directors nor Columbia Association’s Board.

Inside and Outside(The Villager 2017-2)

Inside and Outside

Dr. Chao Wu

Inside Columbia Association

The Columbia Association’s (CA) Board is discussing the 2018 capital budget. As usual, the budget is separated into three categories: Capital I, Capital II and Capital III.

As part of the Capital Budget, we are considering several multi-million dollar projects for improvements at the following facilities: Columbia Swim Center ($2.7 million), Athletic Club ($2.5 million), Ice Rink ($2.0 million). The total budget for capital projects is $17 million. The proposed total income for FY 2018 is $72 million.

The Board is discussing a $75K grant in the 2018 operating budget for the Inner Arbor Trust (IAT). This expense was proposed by CA board chair Andy Stack. The Chrysalis will be ready by the end of March 2017 and IAT is running out of money to operate it.

Implementing a comprehensive pond management plan requires a total of $3.8 million from now on. Because such a large amount of money is required, we need to phase the repair plan over several years based on priority. Some money has been put in FY 2018 budget for high priority project. CA tried to return some ponds back to the county government for maintenance and they would not take them. This pond management needs to occur every 10 years.

The staff is proposing a dashboard to keep track how CA is doing quarterly. The dashboard will indicate how and where operational, programmatic and financial changes need to be made for organizational improvement. This will help the board and our residents understand CA better.

Outside Columbia Association

There are important things happening locally. The County Council is debating a Sanctuary Howard bill (CB9-2017) to declare “sanctuary” status in Howard County. The purpose is to shield undocumented immigrants from deportation. The bill was proposed by council members Dr. Calvin Ball (District 3) and’ Ms. Jen Terrasa (District 2). You can email councilmail@howardcountymd.gov to reach all council members to express your support or opposition to this bill. The bill is schedule on a vote on Feb. 6, 2017.

There is controversy within the Howard County Public School System, The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Foose, is suing the Board of Education (BOE) as a whole and the members individually. CA board member Reg Avery was mentioned in the report and he was also the president of Parent Teacher Association Council of Howard County (PTAC of HoCo). I am not sure how this lawsuit will unfold and hope our kids’ education will not be impacted negatively.

I am sitting on the reinstated BOE Operating Budget Review committee. The committee will provide some useful feedback to the BOE on the 2018 operating budget. This time an additional $65 million in HCPSS operating budget was proposed over last year’s last year’s approved budget.

I am looking forward to your feedback on all issues discussed here.

Chao Wu, Ph.D.

River Hill Representative to Columbia Council and Columbia Association Board of Directors

Email: chaowu2016@gmail.com  Website: http://chaowu.org

Disclaimer: This letter only represents Dr. Chao Wu’s personal opinion. It does not represent River Hill Board of Directors nor Columbia Association’s Board.

First Boy cubs/Scout experience

This Wednesday night (2017-2-1), I attended a local boy’s scout meeting to share my experience how I immigrated here and make River Hill my new home, how I get involved in local affairs on both River Hill board, Columbia Association board , HCPSS School Operating Budget Review Committee and others, how important for people get involved and get their voices heard.

Thank you, Craig George and those wonderful kids who trusted me and asked so many questions.  I really enjoyed it.

CA’s New Membership Structure as of May 2017

The membership type and price was posted earlier  https://chaowu.org/2017/02/02/new-ca-membership-and-new-price/

Note: for new members (whether monthly or yearly), there will be an upfront one time fee to set up an account ($99 or 149$, I forget the exact number). The old several year contract ( which causes huge price jump after three years) will be discontinued.

For current member who transit to the new accounts, there will be no fee. That is the fine print. I don’t like it, but CA staff told me that was how it works everywhere and I have to take it. 

CA’s website for this information is located at : https://www.columbiaassociation.org/membership/cas-new-membership-structure/

2017-ca-new-membership-structure

Update from Howard County Police Website

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Recently, there have been several targeted burglary into Asian American houses.  Then I went to Howard County police department website and noticed burglary happens every day.

FYI.

https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Police/Police-Newsroom/Crime-Bulletin

Fortunately, there are not so many violent crimes in our county. I read news that three men(store owners and managers) was killed overnight in a Bowie restaurant where I worked very closely. What a tragedy!

River Hill Pond improvement notice

Media Contacts:

Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022

Michele Monde, Project Manager, Department of Public Works, 410-313-0844

Velvet Path stormwater quality improvements to begin

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County construction project to improve a stormwater management retention pond in the vicinity of Velvet Path and Summer Sunrise Drive in the Village of River Hill in Columbia, is expected to begin on or about Monday, February 6. This project, funded through the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee, will replace the existing pond infrastructure, stabilize the downstream outfall and provide additional water quality treatment. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late April.

Signs will be posted near the site to advise motorists and pedestrians of the construction. While the project is not expected to impact the flow of vehicular traffic, the walking path from Summer Sunrise Drive to the playground may be closed during construction hours, Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays as needed, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For questions or concerns about Capital Project D-1159, contact Lisa Brightwell, Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov

Immigration and American Values

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Committee of 100 Urges Immigration Policy Consistent with American Values

Contact: Holly Chang, Executive Director
media@committee100.org or 212-371-6565
(New York, NY, January 30, 2017) — The Committee of 100 affirms the greatest ideal of this nation of immigrants: that we welcome all individuals who believe as we do, in freedom and opportunity. As an organization consisting of Chinese Americans, from those who have arrived only recently and then naturalized to join this community, to those whose families came more than a century ago to establish new roots in the new world, we celebrate immigration even as we understand the painful history that affected our ancestors. Chinese Americans in particular, and Asian Americans more generally, have had a defining experience through exclusion and expulsion, before achieving acceptance and equality. Our unique past offers insights for our shared future.

America’s immigrant tradition is not a partisan issue. Many of every political persuasion are themselves proud to be descended from those who came for freedom and liberty. Every nation draws a line between those who are citizens and those who are not. The United States of America, however, does not draw lines based on race or religion. It has extended citizenship over time, regardless of skin color or faith. It has constantly improved itself by doing so. Chinese Americans know this story only too well. We owe it to ourselves to remember the progress we have made.

In 1882, Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act. It did so following agitation in California and throughout the country that portrayed Chinese in racial and ethnic terms as “obnoxious” and undesirable. Chinese in America were attacked, including physically, for every vice. They also were attacked for their virtues, said to work so hard as to constitute “unfair competition.” In essence, they were a “yellow peril”, threatening the American way of life. They were turned away and barred from entry.

The Chinese Exclusion Act marked the first time the federal government enacted a ban on a specific community based on their identity. It was later expanded to cover an “Asiatic Barred Zone.” There were only a few exceptions. Even those already here, who had arrived legally, were forbidden from naturalization. They were deemed not to be “free white persons”.

Yet over time, thanks in part to the contributions of the few Chinese immigrants there were, and the alliance between China and the United States, these restrictions were repealed. In 2011 and 2012, the United States Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, passed formal statements of regret for their earlier actions.

They realized that Chinese Americans are patriots. They have succeeded and integrated themselves. In every field of achievement, from science and technology to arts and athletics to business and politics, Chinese Americans are to be found, loyal to this nation, adding to its diversity, and contributing to its distinction. Chinese Americans, like other Americans proud of their ethnic heritage, guarantee America’s paramount position leading and innovating for the world.

Because of that history, we give pause when America considers any public policies akin to the Chinese Exclusion Act to stop immigration from unwelcome countries. We understand the need to protect national security and the ongoing debate about immigration reform. As the nation considers how to define itself, the Committee of 100 urges our leaders to make good on our profound experiment in self-governance that continues to inspire peoples the world over. The best sign of our strength is that others wish to join us. Let us demonstrate that we are the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

HCPSS Student Enrollment Numbers and Trend Over 5 Years

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2017 HCPSS Enrollment Trend P1.JPG

2017-hcpss-enrollment-trend-p2

2017-hcpss-enrollment-trend-p3

With an increased number of students, less students buy lunch at regular price and more students buy lunch at a reduced price.

  1. My first impression is that the lunch is not good and students do not like it. This number could not cheat, right?
  2. My second impression is that we have more and more poor families now. How can we ensure those kids get the right education?

I have been hearing from parents who are complaining the lunch quality over years.  However, when I see the awards HCPSS is receiving for their great lunch program, I am not sure what I should say.

Possible 2018 HCPSS funding crisis

2 Comments

Some parents sent me emails about canceled programs at our public school. While I am sitting at the HCPSS 2018 Operating Budget Review Committee, I feel there is a school funding crisis coming soon. The approved budget from the county for FY 2017 is 562 millions,  however, the proposed FY 2018 request from the county is 622 millions, which is  10.7% increase, a total of 60 million dollars.

I heard the county government will not be able to fund all 60 million extra dollars over FY 2017, probably at most 7-8 million dollars(hope I am wrong here !). Maybe the zero-based budgeting process should be revisited. Or more programs will but cut, the class size keeps growing, etc.

What is a good budget process and reasonable spending growth? I would like to hear your comments. Or it is how it works: you ask for a huge number and expect you will not get all.

 

CA board meeting summary 2017-1-26

Resident speakout

  1. T.J Blend talked about a need for water retention facility near Lake Elkhorn.
  2. Greg Pipher , near Cradle Circle,  brokenland parkway, traffic noise increased.  Requesting to plant some natural buffer.

IAT funding is discussed. IAT is not requesting 1.5 million dollars from Howard County for Phase II development. Senator Guy Guzzone asked for 250K Bond Bill for IAT, which is primarily for special architectural lighting for Chrysalis.

Councilwomen Mary K. Sigaty (district 4) discussed “Overview of the legislation approving the TIF and Affordable Housing”.

  1. One point Ms. Sigaty made tonight : The county can make changes which the 30-year DRRA should follow for the sake for the health, safety, welfare of Howard County. That is new to me.

2. She regretted to have only 5500 units to be built and felt more could be built. And she feel not enough affordable housing.

CA Ethics codes are discussed.

CA is inviting some other stakeholders for a dinner.

 

 

 

fill out your W9 form

W1:What am I offering? What am I pitching, recommending, trying to sell?

W2: What problem does my idea or offering solve?

W3: Why is it worth trying and buying?

W4: Who is my target audience?

W5: Who am I and what are credentials?

W6: Who are my competitors and how am I different from them?

W7: What resistance or objections will people have to this?

W8: What is the purpose of my pitch?

W9:WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW do I want people to take action?

From the book “POP”, by Sam Horn

EZ Pass problem

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EZ pass is eating our money illegally, a little bit by bit. I just don’t have time to sue them for the moment.

However, their system is not reliable and occasionally could not scan the EZ pass. They put the blame on the user and use the video image to charge extra money. Each year, I got several of the video toll tickets ,which charges twice of the original price.

Considering their huge user base, one extra charge from each user will get them extra revenue, huge revenue, probably billions dollars across the country. It is unethical.