NO CREMATORY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD! WHITE MARSH, MD
Contact the author of the petition
IT'S NOT OVER YET!
2024-12-12 02:01:40Hello Concerned Citizens,
White Marsh Cowenton Improvement Association's efforts to advocate for the health and well being of our residents and local businesses. Here is a brief update -
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) made a tentative decision to grant Evans Funeral Chapel a permit to construct a crematory. A public hearing was held on November 12, 2024. Information may be reviewed at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Permits/AirManagementPermits/Pages/index.aspx by scrolling down to Scheduled Public Hearings, and choosing Docket 0573 Updated.
During this public hearing, one of the lead engineers from MDE, Matt Hafner, was overhead telling Charles Evans that the current hearing taking place was "a formality," that "a few things might need to be tweaked," and that Mr. Evans could anticipate his permit approval in the Spring of 2025. When approached by several residents who'd overheard Mr. Hafner's comment, he confirmed his statement. Mr. Hafner has since been removed from the Evans permit process by the Secretary of MDE.
Formal comments in opposition to the proposed Evans crematory operating within the White Marsh community may be sent to Shannon Heafey c/o MDE - shannon.heafey@maryland.gov with reference to Docket 0523. Comments will be accepted through Jan 21, 2025.
Next, we have a hearing scheduled with the Baltimore County Board of Appeals on March 5, 2025. In this hearing we are appealing the Office of Adminmistrative Hearing's decision to extend the time limit for Evans' zoning exception. It should have expired on May 22, 2024 but has been extended by Judge Murphy, who refused to hear of the many changes surrounding the property in question - changes that would have impacted the granting of the zoning exception.
We have an attorney agreeable to represent us but thus far we've been unable to pay the retainer required - $7500. We have a GoFundMe page set up for donations toward our legal fees. The odds are very much in our favor that we will win the appeal, but we need attorney representation. Please consider a donation to help us help our community!
Updates will be made here periodically, but if you'd like to be added to our mailing list, please send an email to - wmcca (dot) info (at) gmail (dot) com with your request and contact information.
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
Friendly Reminder - MDE Informational Meeting Wed 5/24/23 - Please RSVP
2023-05-22 23:15:28The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will be hosting an Informational Meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 beginning at 6 pm, to be held at the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Department, located at 10331 Philadelphia Road. This meeting is in reference to the application submitted to MDE Air & Radiation to construct a crematorium at 11543 Philadelphia in White Marsh. This informational meeting provides an opportunity for communication between the company, the MDE and the citizens of White Marsh. It is ESSENTIAL that you attend this meeting - We cannot stress this enough.
We have been interviewed by The Baltimore Banner, as well as The Baltimore Sun regarding this issue; there will be media coverage at this informational meeting. We encourage all residents and business owners in the affected area to attend. We have heard your concerns and the community association has been working very hard to protect your best interest by opposing the crematorium in a residential area, but we cannot do this alone - we NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION. Please plan to join us! We need to have as many people in attendance as the room permits! Bring your questions! Bring your concerns!
The White Marsh Cowenton Community is already overburdened with environmental damage from the surrounding industrial destruction of resources, along with ongoing harm from Honeygo Reclamation Center and Days Cove Landfill, the highly contaminated 30 acres of property of the former Vince's Junk Yard, and polluted waterways of The Gunpowder River and The Bird River. Additionally, we are also underserved by an unfair political and permitting process which continually attempts to quiet our voices.
There is NO Community Benefit to having a Crematory in our neighborhood, as Charles Evans suggests. Rather, "Community Benefits" include such things as: CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, GREEN OPEN SPACES - None of which we have in White Marsh-Cowenton!
WE MUST JOIN TOGETHER AS ONE STRONG VOICE AND SPEAK UP FOR ONE ANOTHER! PLEASE JOIN US!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2023 6 PM 10331 PHILADELPHIA ROAD, WHITE MARSH 21162
Please RSVP to wmcca.info "at" gmail "dot" com before midnight 5/23/23
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
Evans Crematorium in White Marsh UPDATE
2023-05-11 17:10:34Baltimore County Council Bill 23-25 failed.
The FINAL step is the MDE informational meeting.
THE MDE INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING THE EVANS FUNERAL CHAPEL'S CREMATORIUM IN WHITE MARSH HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED. DETAILS BELOW.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 @ 6 pm, to be held at the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Department, located at 10331 Philadelphia Rd in White Marsh.
Public participation and comments are encouraged! Bring your children! Bring signs! Do your research!
We are highly disappointed that the county council tabled bill 23-25, neglecting clear evidence from the EPA that mercury is a known neurotoxin which causes neurological conditions. Mercury has a higher molecular weight than oxygen so it falls to the ground quickly, settling into the soil and water.
The MDE annual report from Evans Crematorium in Harford Co shows 1.99 lbs of mercury emitted for 2022. The closest residence to this crematorium is almost 600 ft away, while the proposed crematorium in White Marsh will be approximately 200 ft from the nearest residence. This is unacceptable.
Other states, municipalities and even countries have set standards on mandatory distances between crematoriums and residential areas. The Baltimore County Council has refused to do this, stating that it's a Planning Board decision, although Councilman Wade Kach has himself written legislation regarding crematorium regulations as a State Delegate in 2010. His legislation clearly defined funeral home and crematorium as two separate entities, which disputes The Evans Funeral Chapel claims that they are at the "end of the process." Rather, they are at the beginning of the process, since they recently filed for their MDE permit for construction.
We are looking at obtaining legal counsel to represent the community. If you are serious and don't want invisible, odorless, toxic mercury in the air in our community - WE NEED YOU AT THIS MEETING!!!!
If you would like more information, or would like to offer any assistance please send an email to wmcca.info "at" gmail.com
Thank you
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
Evans Crematorium in White Marsh UPDATE
2023-05-11 17:10:24The FINAL step is the MDE informational meeting.
THE MDE INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING THE EVANS FUNERAL CHAPEL'S CREMATORIUM IN WHITE MARSH HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED. DETAILS BELOW.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 @ 6 pm, to be held at the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Department, located at 10331 Philadelphia Rd in White Marsh.
Public participation and comments are encouraged! Bring your children! Bring signs! Do your research!
We are highly disappointed that the county council tabled bill 23-25, neglecting clear evidence from the EPA that mercury is a known neurotoxin which causes neurological conditions. Mercury has a higher molecular weight than oxygen so it falls to the ground quickly, settling into the soil and water.
The MDE annual report from Evans Crematorium in Harford Co shows 1.99 lbs of mercury emitted for 2022. The closest residence to this crematorium is almost 600 ft away, while the proposed crematorium in White Marsh will be approximately 200 ft from the nearest residence. This is unacceptable.
Other states, municipalities and even countries have set standards on mandatory distances between crematoriums and residential areas. The Baltimore County Council has refused to do this, stating that it's a Planning Board decision, although Councilman Wade Kach has himself written legislation regarding crematorium regulations as a State Delegate in 2010. His legislation clearly defined funeral home and crematorium as two separate entities, which disputes The Evans Funeral Chapel claims that they are at the "end of the process." Rather, they are at the beginning of the process, since they recently filed for their MDE permit for construction.
We are looking at obtaining legal counsel to represent the community. If you are serious and don't want invisible, odorless, toxic mercury in the air in our community - WE NEED YOU AT THIS MEETING!!!!
If you would like more information, or would like to offer any assistance please send an email to wmcca.info "at" gmail.com
Thank you
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
LAST MINUTE UPDATES, INFORMATION, AND SAMPLE EMAIL TO COUNTY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF BILL 25-23
2023-04-22 21:29:26THIS IS IT! WE'RE IN THE HOME STRETCH... ONE FINAL UPDATE BEFORE THE COUNTY COUNCIL WORK SESSION ON TUESDAY REGARDING THE "ZONING REGULATIONS - FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENTS & CREMATORIUMS" BILL 25-23" IS DISCUSSED PRIOR TO VOTING.
1. The MDE Informational Meeting that was arranged for Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 6:00 pm to be held at the White Marsh Fire Department has been POSTPONED. It will be rescheduled for sometime toward the end of May. 2. Councilman Marks has introduced legislation - Bill 25-23, which mandates that crematoriums not be built any closer than 500 feet from residential areas. The opportunity for public comment/testimony is Tuesday, April 25, 2023 during the Baltimore County Council Work Session which begins at 4 pm. There are opportunities to attend in person or virtually. All of the details are included below. 3. At the very least, if you could please send an email to the Baltimore County Council expressing your a)support for Bill 23-25 and b)opposition for the proposed crematorium in White Marsh, it would help the cause tremendously! (There is a SAMPLE EMAIL at the end of this message which you may copy & paste)Remember - Bill 25-23 protects all of Baltimore County from having a crematory built within 500 feet of a residential area.
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The text of the Bill is available below:https://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/CountyCouncil/Bills%202023/b02523.pdf
This Bill was introduced by the County Council at its April 3, 2023 meeting and will be discussed at the Work Session on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 4 p.m. Final Reading and Vote will occur at the Legislative Session on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6 p.m.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT?!
You can attend the County Council Work Session in person at 400 Washington Avenue, Towson MD 21204. Here you can not only observe the proceedings but register to testify in opposition to the crematorium, and in support of Bill 23-25. (3 minute limit to speak)
You may also attend virtually: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Work Session - 4 p.m.*THE PUBLIC MAY JOIN THE WORK SESSION IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY*The Work Session can joined by the public in-person in the County Council Chambers, online here (Webinar Password - TBD) or by phone at +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Event number (access code): TBD Webinar Password: TBDUse this link to check Baltimore County’s website for the webinar password & event number a few days before the Work Session, as this information was not available at the time of this writing.https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/countycouncil/virtualmeetings.html
CAN I COMMENT AND/OR PROVIDE TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL? (The Bill prevents a crematorium from being constructed less than 500 feet from a residential area.)The public is invited to provide testimony at the Work Session. Anyone wishing to testify shall register in advance using our online Speaker Registration Form (Registration Form will be available on the day of the Work Session). This will enable the Council staff to recognize and permit the person to speak during the WebEx Work Session.Speaker registration will commence on the date of the Work Session at 9:00 a.m. and registration will close at 3:00 p.m. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. In order to testify, a person must join the WebEx event with an internet-capable device (i.e., smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer). Each person testifying at the Work Session will be given three (3) minutes to speak, unless otherwise stated by the Chair.
WHAT IF I CAN’T ATTEND THE WORK SESSION OR AM UNABLE TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY? How can I show my support?
Persons who do not wish to speak at the Work Session but want to convey their thoughts are encouraged to provide written testimony or comment by email or traditional mail. Please send all emails to countycouncil@baltimorecountymd.gov
PLEASE HELP US KEEP ALL BALTIMORE COUNTY RESIDENTS SAFE FROM THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF MERCURY BY SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT FOR BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCIL BILL 25-23!
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SAMPLE EMAIL (YOU CAN COPY & PASTE - just be sure to fill in the highlighted areas!)
EMAIL -- You may copy & paste; please be sure to enter your information in the appropriate areas!
Councilman Pat Young, District 1
Councilman Israel “Izzy” Patoka, District 2
Councilman Wade Kach, District 3
Councilman Julian Jones, Jr, District 4
Councilman David Marks, District 5
Councilman Mike Ertel, District 6
Councilman Todd Crandell, District 7
RE: BILL 25-23 – Zoning Regulations – Funeral Establishments & Crematories
Dear Councilmen,
With this email, I would like to express my support for Bill 25-23 which will prevent any new crematoriums from being built within 500 feet of a residential area.
I am/have been a resident of Baltimore County for years and live in the district.
I don’t think a crematorium belongs near any residence in Baltimore County because there is not enough recent data to prove without a doubt that crematory emissions pose no health effects to those living in the immediate vicinity. Mercury and carbon monoxide are odorless and invisible, so when we are told “You won’t see or smell anything,” it’s not very comforting. When mercury is released into the air it eventually ends up in the soil and water, which will eventually contaminate our neighborhood’s land and streams. Mercury is a known neurotoxin and studies have shown a correlation between mercury exposure and neurological conditions, some severe and affecting pregnant women, infants and children under age 14 the most seriously.
Additionally, it has been reported that on occasion thick, black smoke has been seen coming from various crematorium stacks in the past. According to MDE this is not supposed to occur, but it does from time to time for various reasons. In my opinion, one time is too many times for this to happen in a residential area.
Lastly, there are many other states and counties in the United States that have already acted upon these concerns and passed legislation requiring crematoriums be 500 feet or more from residential areas. I am asking for the same equity and fairness for the health and safety of all citizens of Baltimore County.
Therefore I am asking that you please vote YES for Bill 25-23.
Thank you,
Your NameAddress
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
APRIL 25TH MDE MEETING POSTPONED DUE TO COUNTY COUNCIL WORK SESSION (BILL 23-25) CREMATORY BILL (PLEASE COMMENT)
2023-04-18 23:10:54ATTENTION!
The MDE Informational Meeting scheduled for April 25th @ 6 pm to discuss the Crematorium proposed for 11543 Philadelphia in White Marsh, MD (Evans Funeral Home) has been POSTPONED.
The reason for the Postponement is because the Baltimore County Council introduced legislation (Bill 23-25) which will limit the distance that a crematorium may be constructed in relationship to a residential area. (No future crematorium will be permitted within 500 feet of any residential area if the Bill passes.)
The text of the Bill is available below: https://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/CountyCouncil/Bills%202023/b02523.pdf
This Bill was introduced by the County Council at its April 3, 2023 meeting and will be discussed at the Work Session on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 4 p.m. Final Reading and Vote will occur at the Legislative Session on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6 p.m.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT?!
1. You can attend the County Council Work Session in person at 400 Washington Avenue, Towson MD 21204. Here you can not only observe the proceedings but register to testify in opposition to the crematorium, and in support of Bill 23-25. (3 minute limit to speak)
2. You may also attend virtually: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Work Session - 4 p.m. *THE PUBLIC MAY JOIN THE WORK SESSION IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY* The Work Session can joined by the public in-person in the County Council Chambers, online here (Webinar Password - TBD) or by phone at +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Event number (access code): TBD Webinar Password: TBD
Use this link to check Baltimore County’s website for the webinar password & event number a few days before the Work Session, as this information was not available at the time of this writing. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/countycouncil/virtualmeetings.html
CAN I COMMENT AND/OR PROVIDE TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL? (The Bill prevents a crematorium from being constructed less than 500 feet from a residential area.) The public is invited to provide testimony at the Work Session. Anyone wishing to testify shall register in advance using our online Speaker Registration Form (Registration Form will be available on the day of the Work Session). This will enable the Council staff to recognize and permit the person to speak during the WebEx Work Session. Speaker registration will commence on the date of the Work Session at 9:00 a.m. and registration will close at 3:00 p.m. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. In order to testify, a person must join the WebEx event with an internet-capable device (i.e., smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer). Each person testifying at the Work Session will be given three (3) minutes to speak, unless otherwise stated by the Chair.
WHAT IF I CAN’T ATTEND THE WORK SESSION OR AM UNABLE TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY? How can I show my support? Persons who do not wish to speak at the Work Session but want to convey their thoughts are encouraged to provide written testimony or comment by email or traditional mail. Please send all emails to countycouncil@baltimorecountymd.gov
PLEASE HELP US KEEP ALL BALTIMORE COUNTY RESIDENTS SAFE FROM THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF MERCURY BY SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT FOR BILL 23-25!!
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
INFORMATIONAL MEETING DATE & TIME ANNOUNCEMENT
2023-04-13 17:05:46ATTENTION:
INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING EVANS CREMATORIUM
Tuesday April 25 at 6 pm to be held @ the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Department, 10331 Philadelphia Rd. Please see attached for details.
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
INFORMATIONAL MEETING DATE & TIME ANNOUNCEMENT
2023-04-13 17:05:43ATTENTION:
INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING EVANS CREMATORIUM
Tuesday April 25 at 6 pm to be held @ the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Department, 10331 Philadelphia Rd. Please see attached for details.
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
INFORMATIONAL MEETING DATE & TIME ANNOUNCEMENT
2023-04-13 17:05:43ATTENTION:
INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING EVANS CREMATORIUM
Tuesday April 25 at 6 pm to be held @ the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Department, 10331 Philadelphia Rd. Please see attached for details.
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association
INFORMATIONAL MEETING DATE & TIME ANNOUNCEMENT
2023-04-13 17:05:43ATTENTION:
INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING EVANS CREMATORIUM
Tuesday April 25 at 6 pm to be held @ the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Department, 10331 Philadelphia Rd. Please see attached for details.
Heather Patti, White Marsh Cowenton Community Association