Information and opinions on local issues. Responses encouraged. No
anonymous material will be published!
Views from Your Neighbors
(The authors of the following have asked to have their names
withheld. I am grateful for their kind words.) It's a crucial and important advantage to the community when
someone who has grown up and lived in Pine Valley has served on the
Board of Governers and as the neighborhood Association President.
Because of his tenure on the
Board (1995-2000) as as President (2000-2002) I feel we are indebted to
Mr.
Mike Martin for his insight, commitment and courage in championing the
causes of Pine Valley - Valleywood.
In addition, his independent website is of great value to the
community. Not
only with the wonderful historical documents he gathered and presented
beginning with the neighborhood's 40th anniversary tribute, but in the
way
the website focuses attention on issues such as the West Timonium Road
development, traffic concerns on Timonium Road and providing easy
access to
the neighborhood covenants.
However, his leadership on these issues went well beyond the bounds of
the
website with his tireless focus on the Kindercare debacle when an
unscrupulous developer acquired 206 West Timonium Road. It was Mike who
researched the issue and brought it to the attention of community
members
despite those who attempted to downplay the significance of the
developement
virtually in the backyards of some of our residents.
Mr. Martin has also championed open meetings held with the intent to
inform
the community about every decision that would affect their quality of
life.
For his efforts he received attacks from some who would have preferred
to go
about dealing with the development issues more covertly.
He was also key in the establishment of the Architectural Review
Committee
as new residents began adding additions which threatened to reduce
property
values.
Mr. Martin fought for the traffic changes that have made the Pine
Valley and
Timonium Road intersection far less dangerous than it was before. He
even
took the time to do the first actual traffic speed study on our main
neighborhood roads and publish the results in the Pine Log (which he
has
also pushed to have more substance and less frivolity).
I feel that we in the community have a great deal for which to thank
Mr.
Martin.
The new traffic island has made it a bit easier to turn. At least
you know which lane the cars are driving in and which ones will turn.
But there is still too much traffic and still hard to get out at
Timonium road. I believe that there will have to be a light at
Jennifer road and that will help if they can coordinate it with the
new light at Timonium at the exit. [Traffic Island Poll Respondent]
(Update October 2004: Still no sign of a traffic light at Jenifer and
Timonium)
Hi, I have been a resident at Pinevalley going on 4 years. Most
may know me - I have the 2 sable German Shepherds which I walk
through the community. I also work at Pinewood School I do recess so
all the children know me. I would like to bring to the attention of
all pet owners that walk their dogs in the community and also on the
grounds of Pinewood Elementary School. You need to clean up after
your dogs. I carry the plastic bags on me while walking my dogs. At
times I have found dog walkers that are allowing their dogs do their
business on neighbors lawns. The school playground is another sore
spot for people not cleaning up after their dogs. There is nothing like
having a child fall in dog mess. You know there is a fine for not
cleaning up after your dog, it should be enforced. If a few people
have to pay this fine maybe they'll wake up. It only takes a few to
ruin it for responsible dog owners. Thanks Ray Gegner
Cheers and Jeers
Cheers to local businesses like Office Depot and The Maryland
Athletic Club. These businesses have taken older buildings and
converted them to new uses with a minimal impact on the community.
Update: Jeers to the MAC for the
cheesy too-bright parking lot lights that glare in the eyes of
Timonium Road traffic. Let's see some classier, less obnoxious lights
there.
Submit your views to the PVVW site at
All views on this page
are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of
other residents
of the community.
