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07/07
Walkability Charrette and Volunteer Recognition
Cynthia W. Bledsoe, Executive Director
Greater Towson Committee,
Inc.
The June Walkability Charrette started with a bang as over
150 Towson area residents and business people turned out
for the kick off event. That demonstration of interest
shows the level of desire among all of us for Towson to become
a more walkable destination.
The studio, a 24-7 operation, became a hub of activity throughout
the week as the multi-disciplinary design team cranked out
plans as fast as the community could provide feedback. Although
it is recognized that parts of the recommendations, if adopted,
may not play out for years to come, there are certainly short
term recommendations that may serve Towson well.
Some of the short term solutions being considered include
the conversion of Pennsylvania and Chesapeake Avenues to
two way traffic and the addition of on street parking along
York Road. And, whether you love it or hate it,
most agreed the Towson Roundabout could use some enhancements. The
modifications being considered include an extension of the
center island and certain sections of the curb line along
points of entry and exit in order to calm traffic and make
for a safer pedestrian experience.
The public can expect future collaboration as the plan is
fully evaluated. The final report being prepared
by the consultants is expected some time in the early fall.
GTC Annual Meeting
The GTC is pleased to announce Barbara B. Kernan of Daft
McCune Walker was installed as the organization’s President
for the 2007-2008 year at our Annual Meeting on June 13,
2007. Ms. Kernan has been active in Towson and with
the GTC for a number of years, serving in various leadership
positions. With this election, the GTC welcomes its
first woman President in the 28 year history of the organization. Kernan
will be joined by Charles J. Fleury, IV of Bay National Bank
as Treasurer and Lawrence Taubman of Taubman Properties/Dulaney
Plaza as Secretary.
County Executive Jim Smith was on hand to address guests
and expressed his appreciation for the positive momentum
being shown for the revitalization of Towson. However, he
further charged the group to keep up the charge and dedicate
themselves to the real work ahead. The County Executive
continues to maintain his commitment to making Towson’s
revitalization a priority of the local county government.
Also during the event, the GTC awarded Lawrence Taubman of
Taubman Properties/Dulaney Plaza as the 2007 GTC Volunteer
of the Year. Taubman was recognized for exemplifying
the time, passion and focus of the GTC’s mission. For
many years, whenever people have gathered in the name of Towson,
Larry Taubman has been present. Leadership can take on
many profiles. Some times the greatest leaders are not
those who sit at the helm, but those who show us by action
why our work has value and importance. Larry Taubman
has been helping to mold and shape Towson’s revitalization
for many years and we are sure you will see him continuing
to do so in the years to come. The GTC is both
proud and grateful for the service Larry provides to our organization
and to the greater Towson community.
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