UDAT Members Swim in River of IdeasRichard Berkow East County Times 10/28/2004 An audience of community association leaders deluged the Essex-Middle River Urban Design Assistance Team (UDAT) with ideas and recommendations at Friday night's session held in the local library. The visiting professional planners listened attentively as spokespersons outlined their neighborhood's aspirations before a giant aerial photograph of Essex-Middle River.  | Jack Schultz explains to the team that Wilson Point developed a streetscape plan for their "main street" two years ago. |
Jack Schultz kicked off the proceedings with a review of Wilson Point's top priority. "We suffered mightily from Hurricane Isabel," he said, "due to poor drainage and flooding. We need to find ways to assist runoff, such as curb and gutter, because the roads flood every time there's a heavy rain." Doug Tomecek picked up the cudgel next, and outlined a tantalizing plan set forth by the Hawthorne Community. "We'd like to see a bi-directional walking trail around the community's perimeter, with lighting and room for joggers and bikers. Hawthorne is changing from a low-income blue collar population to a younger, upwardly mobile professional neighborhood and we need to develop more parks." "We did a mini-UDAT two years ago," he continued. "A new walking pier around certain green spots would create an environmental wetlands tour, which would be educational, especially when combined with a learning-oriented action playground for kids."  | Doug Tomecek, points out Hawthorne to the UDAT on the large aerial photo taped to the workshop wall. |
Tomecek also suggested building a bridge over Cowpens Creek to expand the walking trail and to link the neighboring communities. He described the current main entrance at Kingston Road as an eyesore, and proposed building a flower box center strip to cut the visual plane and create a boulevard-like effect. "We could incorporate a new welcome sign to Hawthorne in this and achieve a real economic benefit too." Speaking on behalf of the Middleborough Community, Bill Balch listed flooding as the chief concern, and inadequacy of the drainage system. "The County does not maintain the pipes. They're clogged, undersized, broken, deteriorating, and antiquated. In one section, there are even three pipes with 90-degree turns! Poor ditch lines have undermined sidewalks, and the County can only say they have no money, no manpower, and no plans for a storm water infrastructure." UDAT Chairman Steve Gaddis reminded the audience that the collection and disposal of large amounts of water was inherently difficult in such a peninsular area, atop a high water table. "Mr. Waterfront" Bob Palmer informed the UDAT members that the vast majority of County marinas and boat slips were along Back River and Middle River, and that water services wer a key to any futuristic vision. "Dreams of eco-tourism must include land and water transportation issues, water taxis, Route 43 shuttles, hiking and biking trails, and above all good signage," explained the Marine Trades Association leader. "Only 10 percent of the needed signage exists, and 90 percent of the waterfronts do not have easy access."  | The UDAT found much of their inspiration from the artwork of local school children. |
Shawn Meyer suggested that the planning of a regional bike trail network could neatly dovetail its signage requirements with those of boaters and tourists. E-MR Civic Council President Rocky Jones noted the shortage of Essex community associations as compared to Middle River, and that from his vantage point, the overriding imperative was a balanced housing stock with and improved infrastructure. "We are currently working with the County to improve capacities, but you should realize that most of our schools here are more than 30 years old." Back River Neck's Jackie Nickel added that many small communities were entirely private properties with no desire for strangers. Gaddis said that access to the waterfronts had quickly emerged as a common theme, and that his team would look for appropriate and adequate public entrances. He also suggested that as in Beaufort, NC, sites for boardwalks would enhance the area. UDAT architect Jessica Hindman added the trick was to transpose the area's hidden charm to the public view along the Essex-Middle River spinal cord, Eastern Avenue. Other issues raised included jurisdictional disputes between State and County agencies, short-term planning versus long-term effects, and the culture of privacy pitted against growth. Waiting on the sideline, the future use of the GSA Depot stands pregnant with possibilities. The UDAT Steering Committee wishes to publicly acknowledge its deep gratitude to its scores of sponsors, and most particularly, Skye Hospitality, Skytech Inc., Baltimore County Savings Bank, Cogar Printing, Eastern Boulevard Associates, WaterView, and the Marine Trades Associations. Linda Meyer's cuisine also comes in for exceptional praise.
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