🌱 New Community Planning Institute + Power Grid Security Protest

Hey, everybody. It's Friday in Catonsville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Catonsville Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Catonsville long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

A.M. rain; windy and cooler. High: 64 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories today in Catonsville:

1. County Executive Johnny Olszewski and the Baltimore County Department of Planning announced the creation of the Community Planning Institute on Feb. 13. The Community Planning Institute's (CPI) goal is to "increase engagement with community members and stakeholders regarding planning, land use, and development." Starting in May 2023, the inaugural session will include five weekly evening in-person sessions on topics including Planning 101, Understanding Zoning, and the Baltimore County Development Process. Baltimore County Department of Planning Director Steve Lafferty said, "The Department is excited to bring another resource to communities so they can better understand and be engaged in the County’s planning and development processes." (Conduit Street)
2. After Sarah Beth Clendaniel of Catonsville and Brandon C. Russell of Florida planned to attack Baltimore’s power grid, about six men gathered at Baltimore City Hall to demand better security and protection for the power grid. At the rally on Tuesday, Feb. 14, the protestors asked the government to provide funding for 24-hour security from the Army National Guard. The offices of Mayor Brandon Scott and Governor Wes Moore did not respond. (Subscription: Baltimore Sun)
3. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the basketball system replacement project, which will replace old basketball equipment in 178 outdoor sites across Baltimore County. The project will use $500,000 in federal ARPA funds to install new poles, backboards, and rims in 168 county-managed basketball courts and ten recreation activity centers, formerly known as PAL. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023. (WMAR 2 News)

Today in Catonsville:

• Weekly Food Pantry At Women of Valor Office (12:30 PM)
• Teen Time At Catonsville Branch (3:00 PM)
• TK Blue Live with Eric Kennedy and Abasi Akoto At Clubhouse in Catonsville (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations Comets! Colin Harshman scored 31 points and had 12 rebounds, leading the Catonsville High School boy's basketball team to a 73 to 60 victory over Woodlawn on the Comets' senior night. (Catonsville Times via Twitter)
• The Baltimore County Police Department is investigating the motive and circumstances of a first-degree assault in nearby Towson. On Feb. 12, police found an adult victim suffering from apparent trauma to the upper body on East Chesapeake Avenue. The victim is currently listed in stable condition in an area hospital. Please contact 410-887-2361 with any information that may help detectives in their investigation. (Catonsville Patch)
• This is a reminder that the Catonsville Branch is closing for renovations at the end of business on Saturday, Feb. 18! Construction is expected to last through at least March 2024. Learn more about the renovation here. (Baltimore County Public Library via Twitter)

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• Patapsco Crossing's 5-Star Soiree (February 18)
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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!