Tuscany-Canterbury

The Stony Run (Lower Reach) Restoration Project is about to begin.  The Environmental Specialist from the Baltimore City Department of Planning has toured the area. He tells us that the area of disturbance--South of Overhill to the pedestrian bridge between Meadow Ln. and Linkwood Rd.--is smaller than expected, and few large trees will need to be removed. Most notably: about half way between Overhill and the pedestrian bridge to the south, on the west bank, 4 or 5 large trees will have to be removed. To compensate, a variety of tree species and sizes will be planted, including a 3" diameter large transplanted tree.

The project will include a great deal of necessary, invasive removal, but the City Planner is favorably impressed with the contractor (ERQ).

The job should take 2-3 months, after which the project workers will move to the area South of University.

Please note two important items:

1. Bamboo
There is a fair amount of bamboo South of Overhill, including 2 patches to the left of the stream. In accordance with the 2 year plan for invasive control this will all be removed. The Rose of Sharon--said to have been planted by a community member who is now deceased--will be saved, and the area will be replanted with native trees and other native plants.

2. Safety of Joggers
The contractor, ERQ, and the City of Baltimore are collectively concerned about the safety of joggers and other pedestrians traveling through the area of Stoney Run park along Linkwood. The current plan is to attempt to route all pedestrian traffic from Overhill to the alley West of Meadow Ln. and back West-to-East along the pedestrian bridge. Please remember that this detour, made solely for the safety of our neighbors, is expected to be in place for 2-3 months. The ground will be uneven where bamboo is removed, and soon the entire area will be wood chipped. This is a perfect scenario for twisting one's ankle or worse. If you have the time, please go to the 2 sections of Stony Run North of Cold Spring to see the work that has already been completed- it looks great, and you will have an idea of what is coming for our area!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. In a short time we can look forward to clean water, fish and frogs returning to the Lower Stony Run.

Please distribute this information to your communities as appropriate.

Thanks,
Cindy Leahy
Office of Mary Pat Clarke
Baltimore City Council
100 N. Holliday Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-396-4814 office
410-948-6707 mobile