  
Legislative 12A Map
Baltimore County Crime Rates Down
The final 2009 crime stats are in and Baltimore County saw a decrease in crime rates again. Six of the 8 categories of serious crime decreased in 2009 and, just as importantly, Baltimore County continues to maintain a 75% clearance rate for violent crime. As a retired police officer, Delegate DeBoy knows what it takes to keep our communities safe and strong. An effective police force and active citizens send a strong message that Baltimore County is not the place to commit crimes.
 Delegate DeBoy Participates in Catonsville Middle School Addition Ribbon Cutting
Delegate DeBoy joined with County Executive Jim Smith, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Joe Hairston, Principal Thorne, faculty, students and other invited guests to "officially" dedicate the new addition at Catonsville Middle School. The new addition provides 8 classrooms and a science lab. The $3 million plus project helped to alleviate overcrowding at the school. During the ribbon cutting and tour, Delegate DeBoy got to see how much students and teachers like the new addition.
Howard County School Board Approves Fiscal Year 2010 Budget
Last week, the HCPS Board approved a $675 million school budget for next year. The budget includes $205 million from the State. The proposed budget now moves to County Executive Ken Ulman's office for review. In the proposed budget, no layoffs are planned and more teacher positions would be added.
Maryland Public Schools ranked #1 in the Nation
Education Week has again ranked Maryland Public Schools as #1 in the nation. According to the report, Maryland schools consistently placed at the top of its class in the 6 determining categories and scored no lower than a “B” in any given area. Education Week is the nations leading education newspaper.
Hillcrest Elementary School Improvements Moving Forward
The $4 million addition for Hillcrest Elementary School continues to proceed with plans to finish up this Spring or Summer. The parking lot expansion and loop improvements have been completed.
Howard County Community College Library Dedicated
Recently, officials dedicated the new, $19 million state-of-the-art library at Howard Community College. The 75,000 square foot building will include a library, with 12 classrooms, computer labs and wellness center and cultural arts center. Enrollment at HCC is up 18% this year and over a quarter of Howard County high school graduates have enrolled.
Relay/Richardson Mews Sound Barrier Project Underway
The State has started the $4.8 million dollar sound barrier project along I-195 near I-95 and Washington Boulevard. The project, which calls for 7,100 feet of sound walls to protect residents in Relay and Richardson Mews, will run about 18-20 months depending on the weather and work related issues
Arbutus Library, Senior Center, and Gymnasium Slated for Fall 2010
Late last year, Baltimore County broke ground for a new Library and Senior Center for Arbutus. The project also calls for a gymnasium run by Baltimore County Recreation and Parks. The new library will include a kid’s area, computers, community meeting space, drop-off/return and more floor space than the existing rented space. The senior center, will include a kitchen, activity room, exercise area and craft area. The gym and extra space will take up 9000 square feet. Both buildings will be LEED certified.
State Supporting Maryland School for the Deaf in Howard County
Delegate Steve DeBoy worked hard to providing $1.5 million in state funding this year to help the Maryland School for the Deaf construct a new parking lot and athletic field on the Columbia campus. The parking lot will be centrally located and accommodate more visitors. The field, which is currently undersized and underused will be brought up to standards and be closer to the school’s gymnasium.
State Providing $1 Million for Renovations at Elkridge Elementary School
Catonsville Middle School Addition almost complete
The $3.3 million dollar County/State project, with 8 new classrooms and a new outdoor learning area should be ready to go by the Spring. The project, designed to alleviate overcrowding at the Catonsville Middle School, comes after almost $14 million in systemic renovations to the entire school.
Arbutus Middle School Lights Finished
Baltimore County has finished upgrading and expanding the lights at the Arbutus Middle School playing fields. The County, with financial assistance from the State, provided additional lighting for the football fields and providing lighting for the upper fields. Baseball, soccer and football programs will now have more flexibility and space for practice and games.
Troy Hill Regional Park Dollars Secured
Delegate DeBoy, working closely with County Executive Ulman and the Howard County delegation was able to secure $150,000 for upgrades at Troy Hill Regional Park in Elkridge. Troy Hill Regional, a 106 acre open space, serves as major recreation space for Howard County Recreation and Parks and the citizens of Howard County.
Catonsville High School Renovations Underway
BCPS has begun a State and County funded project to renovate Catonsville High School. Improvements will include a new activity room, additional classrooms, an enlarged cafeteria, a new roof and systemic renovations for the school. This long awaited project will create some short-term inconveniences (limited parking and rec council scheduling issues, but the finished project will create a positive, student oriented learning environment.
Affordable Housing Opportunities in Howard County
Officials from the State and Howard County joined together to officially open Ellicott Gardens, Howard County's newest affordable housing opportunity. Ellicott Gardens, a $17.4 million state/county partnership, is located in Ellicott City. The project also touts a first for Howard County. Wind turbines on the building allow Ellicott Gardens to create its own power.
Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus Library
Delegate DeBoy joined State and County officials during a groundbreaking ceremony this past Spring for the $28 million campus library project. The state-of-art facility includes 7 classrooms, 100 computers, several study rooms, wireless technology and the newest research technology. The 75,000 square foot facility will be LEED certified.
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