By Madison Haller
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Residents in Baltimore County’s first council district told County Executive Johnny Olszewski that they would like to see more money spent on parks, recreational facilities and improvements to school buildings.
The town hall meeting, one in a series Olszewski is holding as he prepares to release his proposed 2022 budget in April, was held virtually with Councilman Tom Quirk, who helped answer questions and concerns from residents.
Nine residents who spoke said they would like to see more funding for upkeep and expansion of open spaces and sidewalks. They requested a paved 12-mile multi-use recreation path within Baltimore County so residents would not have to travel outside of the county for access to trails.
“We have noticed a 224 percent increase in park usage during COVID within the last year, and that’s based on the Google Mobility COVID-19 data,” said Roslyn Johnson, the county director of parks and recreation.
The parks and recreation department is working with D’Andrea Walker from the Pedestrian and Trail Committee, and the Department of Public Works to assess the land that is available in the county for future planning on this type of trail to keep up with the increase in park usage, Johnson said.
Other residents who spoke said there are currently no specific criteria outlined in the budget regarding measurable upgrades to the county’s public schools. Some speakers said they do not feel heard in their demands for necessities such as online services that could provide updates on school facility conditions.
Jennifer Lynch, the director of Educational Partnerships, said the multiyear improvement plan for all schools is working to create a roadmap for future capital projects and planning.
There will be more opportunities for input from the community in forums that will launch in June, and preliminary information is expected to be released in July, Lynch said.
Stacy Rodgers, Baltimore County administrative officer, said the county is moving towards outcome-based budgeting by looking at the dollars it allocates and comparing that with the desired outcome.
Another town hall will be conducted on Tuesday by Olszewski with Councilman Todd Crandell for 7th District residents to voice their comments and questions on the upcoming budget proposal.